Full transcript, 1,279,997 characters — every turn. Summarised passages are
highlighted: 1,552 passages across 138 turns, covering
18.9% of what was said. The rest is the record itself.
Open on 1,574 sentences (18.9%
of the characters). 9,320 sentences in 1,236 stretches are folded
inline — tap a [+N sentences] to read them where they sit.
2 further highlights held back as procedure or repetition (2 restatement) — collapsed, not removed. Every topic below is closed until you open it.
[+15 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "that the following Address in reply to the Speech of the President be agreed to: 'We, the Parliament of the Republic of Singapore, express our thanks to the President for the Speech which she delivered on behalf of the Government at the Opening of the First Session of this Parliament'." I thank the President for highlighting in her speech the need to address the potentially divisive issue of competition for jobs from work pass holders and that we will work to further strengthen the capabilities of our workforce in every field and ensure that firms treat Singaporeans fairly when they recruit or retrench workers. In her words: “In all that we do, the interests of Singaporeans are always paramount.” Strengthening the Singaporean Core is an important tenet in nation-building. It is important during good times when our economy is growing rapidly and doubly important during bad times such as during this recession where we see numerous layoffs and where many Singaporeans, especially Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs), are impacted. Over the past few decades, our economy has grown from third world to first world. Accordingly, the expansion of business needs has generated demand for workers with specialised skills such as in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. As Singaporeans may require time to be trained with the relevant skills, we should not close our doors, but instead, complement our local workforce with specific-skilled foreign PMEs to maintain Singapore’s economic competitiveness. In fact, the COVID-19 crisis has shed light on certain critical sectors, which could be the forerunners in calibrating our nation’s reliance on foreign PMEs. For example, the development of rapid virus test-kits is testament to the complementarity between local and foreign expertise in the biomedical sector. Sir, the disruption brought about by COVID-19 and the resulting economic recession has surfaced ground concerns on the increased competition for jobs and employment. In this regard, we must uphold our pillar of meritocracy. There must be fairness and equal treatment and assessment of workers, which is also a fundamental International Labour Organization commitment. Today, our Singaporean PMEs are well-educated, skilled and seek more in life – meaningful work in line with our values, including meritocracy, equality and progress. However, PMEs I have spoken to say that this is not their universal experience. At least 20 PMEs have written to me in the past month, sharing with me their loss of opportunities at taking on jobs and at our workplaces, to the extent of feeling somewhat discriminated against.[+2 sentences] I cannot help but wonder if, as a result of unchecked conscious and unconscious bias, there may still be instances of nationality bias in hiring and promotion and in today’s context, retrenchments? The reality is, left unchecked, this would exacerbate the glass-ceiling effect and issues relating to job opportunity for our Singaporean PMEs. In that same vein, I welcome the policy announcements last Thursday by MOM in (a) adjusting the Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass qualifying salaries, (b) imposing new Fair Consideration Framework Requirements, and (c) applying greater scrutiny on EP and S Pass applicants.[+10 sentences] This will go some way in levelling the playing field for our Singaporean PMEs and providing our Singaporean PMEs fair hiring opportunities. I am equally glad that Minister Chan Chun Sing, in his capacity as Minister of Trade and Industry, has emphasised – over the weekend – three very important points. First, that there must be fairness and zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind and tough action has to be taken on firms with hiring bias. Second, the importance of diversity and inclusion, something that I submit is crucial for a developed country and democracy like ours. Third, the efforts of localisation by transferring of skills to develop a pipeline of local talent. I therefore submit that Strengthening our Singaporean Core requires a two-fold approach: First, the hiring of foreign PMEs must be based on merit – on their contribution to Singapore and how they complement our local workforce. Second, we must equip and enable our local workers through relevant and timely reskilling and upskilling to help them remain gainfully employed and employable. To augment our efforts to further strengthen the Singaporean Core, I have five suggestions. First, ensuring Singaporean PMETs are not left behind by the raising of EP and S Pass qualifying salaries. Raising the salary criteria for EP and S Pass is timely. Although the EP salary minimum was just raised in May 2020, I am heartened that MOM has raised the qualifying salaries of both Employment Pass and S Pass holders to further level the playing field for our Singaporean PMETs. While we raise the qualifying salary of EP holders, I am glad that MOM has put in a place a differentiation of the EP qualifying salaries for sectors such as the financial services sector.[+1 sentence] In the same vein, MOM should also consider raising the bar for sectors such as Infocomm Technology and Professional Services, where there are generally more companies on the Fair Consideration Framework watchlist. Since the announcement of these changes last Thursday, union leaders and PMEs I have spoken to have raised concerns that employers would merely raise the salaries or repackage the compensation and benefits of their foreign PMETs, to keep within the boundaries of the rules and retain them – something that is easily done in sectors which traditionally have higher-earning EP holders.[+16 sentences] To compound matters further, our Singaporean PMETs working alongside these foreign PMETs performing similar or same jobs may not get a similar pay hike, thereby resulting in serious parity issues. It does not help that many of our PMETs are now confronted with wage freezes, restraints and cuts. For unionised companies, our unions will closely watch the actions of the employers. For workers in non-unionised companies, I strongly urge them to join as union members and organise themselves, so that we can protect them and ensure that they are fairly treated. Second, strengthening the Singaporean Core at all Levels through strengthening hiring culture, practices and changing mindsets. Strengthening the Singaporean Core of PMETs must be at all levels of the hierarchy and not merely addressing entry or lower level PMETs. In large corporations with deep pockets, hiring more Singaporeans at the bottom balloons the denominator to make them look less culpable in actual percentages and numbers. Our efforts must be to address this at all levels and have a tiered approach in our policies and laws, according to different sectors’ needs and circumstances. While we introduce new policies to further tighten the various levers, strengthening the hiring culture, practices and changing mindsets across the various organisations which hire foreign PMEs must be at the backbone of these efforts. HR leaders I speak to say they may be supportive of the Singaporean Core but in some cases, the hiring managers may have the final say in the eventual choice of the candidate. In many of these organisations, complex reporting structures and matrix reporting mean that the HR sometimes have little or no say. In short, it is imperative for not just a change of mindset for the CEO or CHRO but also the mindsets of hiring managers and everyone from end to end in the value chain that are involved in the various HR processes. While foreign PMEs are employed in Singapore, there needs to be more intentional reciprocity by multi-national corporations (MNCs) to offer similar regional and global opportunities to our Singaporean PMEs. In this way, our Singaporean PMEs will be able to gain international experience and in turn, add to the calibre of our Singaporean workforce. I urge the management within MNCs to groom our Singaporean PMEs as part of their leadership identification and development processes. By the same token, our Singaporean PMEs must step up, step forward and readily accept these opportunities to take lead and uproot to remote parts of the globe for regional and international exposure and opportunities. Increasingly, all Singaporean PMEs must embrace overseas opportunities as possible opportunities and be open to them regardless of where they are at, in their career life-stage.[+1 sentence] Third, augmenting the Fair Consideration Framework. I am glad that MOM has heeded my call to enhance the FCF to include S Pass and doubled the duration of the mandatory job advertisement. I am encouraged to also see MOM and TAFEP taking firm action against companies who treat the FCF as mere window dressing.[+1 sentence] However, more needs to be done to review the current exemptions of the FCF. On the intra-corporate transfers or ICTs exemption, I take cognisance that ICTs make up less than 5% of EPs in Singapore and that this exemption is necessary in view of our obligations vis-à-vis our Free Trade Agreements’ obligations.[+2 sentences] However, I urge for more transparency on who are these PMEs who fall within this ICT exemption for greater transparency and accountability. I particularly like the fact that MOM, through its FCF website, encourages all employers, even if they fall within the exemptions, to post their job advertisements on the national jobs portal. I am not sure if this moral suasion approach has paid off, but it is certainly the right way to go for companies who fall within the size of company and salary point exemptions to the FCF.[+1 sentence] Fourth, strengthening enforcement against Triple Weak companies. We can further safeguard the Singaporean Core through stricter enforcement against companies that treat the Fair Consideration Framework as mere window dressing or who continue to be "triple weak" – in other words, companies with highly disproportionate number of foreign PMEs, weak commitment to nurture and strengthen Singaporean Core, and weak relevance to Singapore’s economy and society. Besides administrative and penal sanctions that are already in place and can be enhanced, enforcement can come in the form of revealing or publishing the "triple weak" watchlist which MOM and TAFEP maintains, so that the potential reputational loss would serve as a deterrence.[+10 sentences] As a pilot, this can be applied to companies that remain on the watchlist after a period of time, such as one year, and have failed to improve or show concerted efforts to strengthen the Singaporean Core. Similarly, we can also impose mandatory audits and penalties such as removing preferential tax and other benefits including curtailment of the award of public sector contracts on companies with discriminatory hiring practices and high proportion of grievance cases if no improvement is made within a stipulated period of time. Many of our economic incentives appear to be granted based on total headcount created in Singapore, with little mention of support for proactive and sustained local hiring. Likewise, there should be proactive and sustained knowledge and skills transfer to Singaporeans by the foreign PMEs. A structured mentoring must be put in place to ensure that skills are transferred from foreign PMEs to our local PMEs. Potential abuse can arise without a tiered approach, for example, economic incentives to expire without more senior Singaporean PME hires within a certain period of time or when there is a failure to transfer skills and knowledge. Though a very sharp tool, MOM should review if there is a need to legislate areas of the FCF, including providing TAFEP with more legal powers. Pure frameworks, perhaps developed with a fear of losing investments and over-regulation, provide an environment ripe for corporations to circumvent rules. We need to re-consider the long-held notion of being regarded as "not investment friendly" with legislation. The world has moved on to embrace sustainability and related environmental, social and governance legislation, which encompass fair employment. Similarly, Fair employment legislation has not stopped the likes of London and New York from being vibrant financial centres. I submit that we should explore and consider the utility and feasibility of a Fair Employment or Anti-discrimination legislation in Singapore.[+3 sentences] Fifth, possible tougher measures such as EP quota. With the current added measures and above suggestions, I expect to see an eradication of nationality bias and a shrinking watchlist. Should the above measures still fail and does not bear fruit, the Labour Movement has previously floated the idea to look at relevant quotas, as a response to possible interventions to curb the problem and also address problem sectors that have a notably higher proportion of foreign PMEs. The quota could have two tiers: the first tier consisting of "higher skilled PMEs" with significantly higher salaries and the second tier consisting of "mid-skilled PMEs" who are at the median salary range of the sector or industry.[+5 sentences] With these two-tier quota, companies will still be able to hire foreign PMEs with specialised skillsets to drive technology-based initiatives. The implementation of the quota can be gradual to address the concern by companies that our local PMEs do not have the requisite skills and experience. The Labour Movement has consistently advocated for a strong Singaporean Core at the heart of our workforce – a Core that keeps us united as a country, even as we welcome those who contribute to our growth, employed based on merit while equipping our local workers to the best of our abilities. Against current weak economic conditions and employment outlook, strengthening the Singaporean Core is a critical mission for the Labour Movement and an area that needs to be watched carefully and conscientiously. To that end, the Labour Movement will continue to work with MOM, employers and professional associations in the fair hiring and continuous reskilling of local workers. NTUC has also just announced the formation of a PME Task Force in partnership with the Singapore National Employers' Federation and will look into inducting major employer groups and the extended labour movement family, to explore how we can better protect and enable our PMEs, especially those in their 40s, 50s to 60s.[+7 sentences] Sir, Singapore is in a unique position. In many areas such as education, logistics, air and sea transport, biomedical, we aspire and peg ourselves to "best in class" standards – researching and understanding what works well for other countries and positioning ourselves as leaders pushing frontiers. Indeed, it is imperative to introduce the right policies in the face of an evolving economic and domestic environment. We must be mindful of our uniqueness as a city-state and balance our national interests such as the employability of our workers. Both methodology and technology adopted in Singapore must be contextualised for our local workforce and for different groups of workers in their various areas of work and at their respective pace of digital acceptance. We need employers from both MNCs and SMEs, business federations and associations, union leaders who understand the ground, and also academic institutions to actively collaborate – to ensure that current workers and new entrants to the workforce are able, agile and adaptable to changing technology and demands. The first iteration of the Industry Transformation Maps launched four years ago, in September 2016, articulated these strategies to sustain growth and competitiveness for our industries with a three to five-year horizon. With rapid disruption, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the next normal, I suggest we embark on an ITM 2.0; to refresh and relook these strategies so that both workers and companies can transform in tandem to meet the challenges ahead.[+5 sentences] In that journey, we should evaluate the reasons why Singaporeans are unable to fulfil these existing and future PMET jobs and roles and develop an action plan that combines both a sectoral and functional approach, to rectify this for the longer term. To better enable our local PMEs to take on roles and handle tasks in line with industry transformation, there needs to be continuous reskilling and upskilling and intentional career and salary mapping, through formalised set ups such as NTUC's Company Training Committees as well as the efforts by the National Jobs Council and NTUC Job Security Council. This would help equip our workers to take up roles, especially in industries that have a disproportionate number of foreign PMEs. Such training would be particularly relevant for PMEs in their 40s to 60s, who tend to be more vulnerable and at risk from technological disruption and during economic downturns. I verily believe that our intention is not to advocate for closed-door policies. We agree that as an open trade economy with low birth rates, importing foreign labour is necessary to address true labour resource gaps. However, as we have seen, there are still some 1,200 firms on MOM's Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) watchlist.[+7 sentences] Clearly, market failure exists in our current employment framework. We can, and must, improve this – by knowing where to flex and where to tighten measures. We need to guard against abuse of our system, by giving Singaporean PMEs a fair chance at local job opportunities, which will also mitigate any potential brain drain. A healthy dose of market intervention is essential to ensure fair play. This also instils loyalty and fosters a sense of belonging and identity amongst Singaporeans. This is not diametrically opposed to ensuring economic survival for Singapore. It is time to pivot and supplement our first-class hard infrastructure with an upgraded soft infrastructure. Proper safeguards for our Singaporean PMETs must be put in place to allow our tribe, the Singaporean Core, to flourish and uplift future generations of Singaporeans.[+1 sentence] In conclusion, a "Singapore, United as One" requires all who have a stake in Singapore – all of us – to play our part. With our community as the bedrock, strengthening our Singaporean Core, and enhancing collaboration between tripartite partners, academic institutions, society and individuals – each coming together to contribute their unique role to Singapore's success, so that together, we can become more than the sum of our individual parts. COVID19 has brought about a great reset and the next normal will forever transform our lives in more ways than one. From the health of our people, to the health of work and the economy, in the pursuit of fairness, justice and equality, we will ensure that no man is left behind, so that we can come out of the storm together, stronger than ever.[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move.
Mr Speaker6 words
[+1 sentence]Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Heng Swee Keat)4428 words
[+10 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Motion. In my maiden speech in Parliament in 2011, I said all debates in this House will always be guided by one question: how can we best ensure the survival and success of Singapore and improve the lives of Singaporeans? We have over the years examined this question in different ways, in and out of this House. The question has now become more critical than ever. We begin 2020, full of hope, having just commemorated our Bicentennial last year. None of us could have foreseen what was to come: the whole of humanity locked in by a virus; millions of people infected and lives upended; the global economy plunged into the worst recession since the Great Depression; and the way we earn a living, go about our lives and interact with one another, turned on its head. In Singapore, we mounted a swift and robust response. To protect lives, we imposed the circuit breaker. Our healthcare and frontline workers responded vailently, keeping our fatalities very low and bringing down the number of new infections. Our people observe strict discipline to keep each other safe. To protect livelihoods, we are doing all that we can to keep our workers in jobs, preserve the core capabilities and our businesses, and support households during this difficult period. We committed around $100 billion to fight at the pandemic and safeguard our people and businesses from the fallout.[+2 sentences] But as a small open economy, we cannot defy the full force of this global crisis. The risk of new waves of infection persists, threatening to derail the gradual reopening of our economy. The global economy is projected to contract by around 5% and will remain weak and fragile for years to come. Our resident unemployment rate has climbed to 3.9% in the second quarter of this year and we can expect more job losses.[+22 sentences] Many who have held on to their jobs has seen significant falls in income. For those in the most affected sectors like aviation and tourism, recovery will be long-drawn. We have to tackle these challenges admist the underlying shifts that predated COVID-19. There is a backlash against free trade and sharpening nativist instincts because the constant benefits of globalisation have been unevenly distributed. Technology and innovation are reshaping the nature of work, disrupting jobs and businesses. Distresses have, in turn, caused societies to be polarised exacerbated by the proliferation of echo chambers on social media. The uncertainties created by COVID-19 have only accelerated this shifts. The compound matters, governments around the world have financed massive stimulus packages through borrowing, putting an even greater burden on future generations. It is against this sombre backdrop that we open our Fourteenth Parliament. As the President said in her speech, we are at an inflection point in our history. Now, more than ever, we must ask – how can we best ensure the survival and success of Singapore and improves the lives of Singaporeans in this unprecedented time? We can answer this in one line. Adapt to change but stay true to our values. Change will leave us behind if we stand still. That we must adapt is a given. What would define this term of Government, is how we will adapt that will build a better life for our people. Even as we keep pace with change, we must stay true to the values that have enabled us to progress all these years. By embracing change with courage and confidence, we build our capacity to adapt. By staying true to our values, we strengthen our sense of common purpose. By working in close partnership, we advance as Singapore together. I will speak about how we need to adapt as an economy, a society and a people. Singapore's economic history over the decades has been one of constant adaptation, restructuring and transformation. Our latest refresh started in 2016 with Industry Transformation Maps to spur sector-specific adaptation throughout our economy.[+1 sentence] The efforts have borne fruit. Productivity and wages were going up before COVID-19.[+19 sentences] Industry players have also found new ways of working together to raise the competitiveness of their industries. Indeed, bearing fruit is not just a metaphor here. I met a fruit seller, Jun Sheng, better known as "Ah Boy" at Block 58, market place in Bedok. In addition to operating a physical store, he sells fruits online and even takes orders via WhatsApp. Many hawkers and small businesses islandwide are also going digital. We must do all we can to support our workers and businesses, big or small and make such innovations pervasive. While we have made progress in industries' transformation, we must look ahead and prepare ourselves for even faster change and more disruptive change. To emerge stronger as an economy, we must strengthen our capacity in four areas. First, you must take an even more integrated and coordinated approach to economic transformation. In our system, tripartism, the Government, businesses and the Labour Movement, working together has been a tremendous source of strength. Two years back, as chairman of the National Research Foundation, I visited the Netherlands to learn more about their triple helix model of innovation, where government businesses and academia work together to build knowledge, test prototypes and scale innovation. Like some research triangles in the US, the Dutch have done well. This model is being expanded to incorporate other dimensions, such as societal responsibility and environmental protection. In essence, the economy is very complex in how allocates resources, generates innovative ideas and in how returns are distributed across multiple stakeholders. While there is a competitive element in this, there are also benefits to be gained from working together for shared prosperity. Singapore can build on our tripartite partnership to be a test bed that creates deeper linkages with an expanded list of stakeholders, including our education and research institutions, our community groups and interested partners from around the world. By doing so, we can create good jobs for our people and new opportunities for our entrepreneurs. Second, we must redouble our efforts to develop everyone to their fullest potential. In this way, our people can take on new opportunities and flourish in their chosen fields. We need a holistic approach for this that spans the lifetime of individuals from birth to pre-schools to schools, all the way to lifelong learning as part of SkillsFuture. I am glad that our workers are embracing upskilling, with about half a million taking part in SkillsFuture programmes last year.[+5 sentences] And we have to explore new possibilities for developing our people fully. Studies in Singapore by Prof Chong Yap Seng show that the physical and mental health of women during pregnancy affects the brain development and behaviours of their babies. On-going clinical studies will assess if nutrition and other measures taken during pregnancy and early childhood are associated with better outcomes in both mothers and their children. The National Research Foundation is expanding on this by supporting research programmes that address the broader goal of enhancing human potential through measures during pregnancy and childhood, including nutrition, parenting and learning and, later, in our studies on how people learn. Third, we must strengthen our path-finding capacity to find new bright spots amid economic disruption. Four months ago, we set up the Emerging Stronger Task Force to identify and seize new opportunities in emerging trends. The task force has made good progress and commissioned seven alliances for action. These industry-led coalitions to pilot ideas quickly represent the new action-oriented approach to pursue specific growth areas.[+14 sentences] The ideas being explored are promising. They range from environmental sustainability to smart commerce, supply chain digitalisation and the use of robotics. This can create new growth markets for our businesses and good jobs for Singaporeans. We will invest in incubating and accelerating start-ups and supporting established companies to expand their R&D to build competitive strengths. Such a vibrant innovation eco-system will build up our path-finding capabilities. Fourth, we must find new ways to be a vital node with rich and deep interconnections with the rest of the world. As a small city-state, being open is our strength and opportunity. Unlike other major cities, we do not have domestic hinterlands that buffer us against shocks. We cannot take for granted that, in a post-COVID-19 world, we can continue to be the same kind of hub that we used to be. We must, therefore, forge new forms of connections, such as digital economy agreements, while deepening our linkages with regional markets to ride on Asia's potential. We must also remain open to investment and talents from around the world. In this economic climate, we understand that many Singaporeans are anxious about their livelihoods. Our starting point is that our economic strategies must serve the interests of Singaporeans. The foreign investments we attract must create meaningful jobs for our people and strengthen our corporate eco-system. Singaporeans must receive fair consideration at the workplace – a point which Mr Patrick Tay has just emphasised. We are, therefore, adapting our manpower policies, including our employment and S Pass policies, to the changing circumstances to ensure the Singaporeans' interests are upheld.[+21 sentences] But to emerge stronger, we must resist any temptation to turn inwards. We cannot close ourselves to the world or make foreigners unwelcome in our society. We must always serve the interest of Singaporeans. The best way to ensure that this little red dot, with no natural resources of any kind but with a determined, hard-working, forward-looking people, is to remain useful and relevant to the world. We do this by keeping our economy vibrant and competitive so that Singaporeans and other people choose to be here to invest and do business, thereby creating good jobs and opportunities for all of us. Mr Patrick Tay just spoke about ITM 2.0 – and I thank Mr Tay for mentioning about the ITM efforts. In fact, even in ITM 1.0, there is an explicit linkage between the various components of what we do in developing our people and in job creation. But Mr Tay is right that we should enhance this to create an even stronger linkage in the form of skills maps and in the form of job redesign and job retraining, re-skilling of our workers to take on those jobs. And, in particular, we must also make a deliberate effort to develop Singaporeans for leadership roles in companies so that they can take Singapore forward and that Singapore, as an operational and regional headquarters, has what it takes – that it has people, Singaporeans who grow up in a multiracial, multi-religious and multi-cultural environment can connect with people all around us easily and build deep linkages with our friends in the region. And this is something that we will pursue. But the same time, we must not undermine the essence of what has made us successful. Even as we adapt to the changing world, we must stay true to our values, our sense of unity as a people, our composition as a multi-cultural society. We must stay true to our value to the world as an oasis of harmony in this fractious world. Let me now speak on adapting as a society. Even as we evolve our economic strategies, our society, too, is facing new challenges and needs to continue to adapt to sustain the promise of progress for every Singaporean. We must not let change lead to polarisation. In the early days of our development, our economy was growing strongly. A rising tide lifted all boats and most Singaporeans saw their lives improved by leaps and bounds. We invested in our people so that they could adapt and grow with our economy. High home ownership also gives Singaporeans a share in the fruits of our progress. As our economy matured, we also strengthened our social safety nets. For example, we improved healthcare affordability through MediShield Life and CHAS and provided extra support for the Pioneer in Merdeka Generations. We uplifted the wages of our lower wage workers through Workfare and the Progressive Wage Model. Our social spending has tripled over the last 15 years and this is set to rise further as our population ages.[+20 sentences] Looking ahead, our economy will change at a much more rapid pace. Disruption to jobs will be more common with greater adoption of technology, such as automation and remote work. We must, therefore, take an integrated view of our economic and social policies. As our Labour Movement puts it, "A job is the best form of welfare for our people". The Government will continue to invest in our people, match them to new opportunities and bring out the best in all Singaporeans. This way, we will keep social mobility alive. At the same time, with major changes in the economy and labour market, will need to adapt our social safety nets and keep inequality in check. More workers will fall on hard times and we need to enable them to adjust and bounce back through this crisis and beyond. Some Singaporeans are taking part in the gig economy, taking on a wide range of jobs, either part-time or full-time. So, our support for self-employed persons will have to evolve accordingly. We must continue to uplift our lower wage workers and enable our older workers to continue working if they wish to. Various ideas have been proposed on how we can do this, such as minimum wage, universal basic income and unemployment insurance. The Government will keep an open mind to all these ideas. But we must also recognise that there are no magic bullets. Each of these ideas has its merits as well as unintended effects. We have to consider the trade-offs and be clear about what works for our context and our time. Demands on our social safety nets are increasing at a time when our revenue base is growing more slowly and with sharper competition for tax revenues across countries. So, I must caution against looking for what may appear to be cost-less solutions. Somehow, someone else will have to pay for these schemes. There are trade-offs. If we want higher social spending, taxes will have to go up, or it will mean spending more at the expense of future generations by what many countries are doing – by raising their debt. We must never forget that we have provided almost $100 billion of support for our people and businesses this year without incurring a single cent of debt because we are able to fund over half of this using past reserves.[+17 sentences] At the same time, while we must strengthen our social safety nets, we must do so in a way that reinforces and not undermine an individual's efforts. A strong compact maintains a balance between the roles of the individual, family, community and the Government and helps us better cope with change together. Indeed, social safety nets cannot become a set of shackles. It should not hold down those we started with less. It should not create a dependency such that people who get fish for today never learn how to fish for food tomorrow. It should not breed an entitled class who ask, "What more can you do for me?" A well-designed social safety net protects the vulnerable, invests in human and societal capital and provides a means for those who fall down to bounce back. It gives hope and builds confidence. It believes in people and lifts the human spirit. It supports every generation to have aspirations and dreams and for everyone to ask, "What more can we do for one another?" As Members debate on how we can strengthen our support for Singaporeans, let us keep in mind how new enhancements can be funded equitably and sustainably over time and strengthen our people's capacity to not only succeed throughout life but to help others succeed, too. These are the values that we must strengthen even as we adapt. How can we best ensure the survival and success of Singapore and improve the lives of Singaporeans depends on how well we adapt to change. And I will now speak on affirming our values as a people. As we adapt – and, in some cases, make major adjustments because the circumstances we face have changed significantly – we must stay rooted to our values and identity and, above all, our unity as one people. I have been encouraged to see how COVID-19 has strengthened our sense of common purpose and brought out the best in us. Many have stepped up to support others. One example is the Masks Sewn With Love project, a community effort that has sewn more than 100,000 masks for vulnerable families, which some of our Members of Parliament were very deeply involved in.[+11 sentences] This sense of unity, through both good times and bad, is rooted in the values enshrined in our Pledge and the distinct Singaporean identity we have evolved through the years. During SG50, we honoured those who have brought us this far, in our journey since independence. In our Bicentennial last year, we explored how we progressed from Singapore to Singaporeans by holding true to our values of openness, multi-culturalism and self-determination and sharing the conviction to stand united and defy the odds as one people. It will take more effort to maintain this sense of common purpose as our society becomes more diverse. Our society will face new differences along the lines of identity, socio-economic status and political beliefs. There will always be different perspectives on subjects like race, language and religion and the rights and obligations of citizenship. It is essential that we rise above our differences and find common ground. Occasional setbacks need not trip us in our perseverance to continue to make progress. Harmony in diversity will always be a work in progress. We may not always agree, but we cannot afford to let our disagreement turn into division. Otherwise, change will cause a rupture in society as we have seen elsewhere. We launched the Singapore Together Movement in June last year, precisely to harness diversity as a strength and create a shared future for everyone.[+8 sentences] We wanted to build on our experience from our Singapore Conversation to engender deep understanding and partnerships among Singaporeans and between our people and the Government. We know many Singaporeans are keen to play their part and to make a difference. Two weeks ago, I met Samantha and a group of volunteers who clean up our beach at East Coast Park regularly. Kiat How, Desmond Tan and I had a follow-up discussion with them via Zoom on Saturday to discuss how we can create a more sustainable Singapore. I was very impressed by the passion and commitment. We agreed to work together to turn their good ideas into action. The process of working together will help to foster a culture of respect and expand our common space. This strengthens our capacity to adapt and change together, and will take time to build up. We want to build on these efforts too, as we recover from COVID-19. So, we have convened the Emerging Stronger conversations, which give Singaporeans a shared opportunity to reflect on the COVID-19 experiences and articulate how we can take Singapore forward together. These conversations are on-going and will lead to action through our Singapore Together Action Network and other partnerships.[+14 sentences] The better we adapt to change and stay true to our values, the stronger we can emerge from this and future crises. The stronger we are at home the more confidence we can be to stick our place in the world and create value with others. This has been our formula for success and survival. We are determined to whole a rules-based global order which has taken us to where we are today. As a small nation that threatens no country, we want to be friends with all and to work with all. We are both a city-state and a global metropolis. Maintaining this dual identity will not be easy. But as long as we are clear about our values and what holds us together, it will be a source of strength that opens up new opportunities. This is our Singapore premium. Let us continue to work with like-minded partners to build a better world for Singaporeans for people around the world and for our future generations. Since our Independence, we have weathered one crisis after another – from the withdrawal of British forces and the ensuing massive unemployment, to the 1973 oil crisis, the Asian Financial Crisis, SARS, the 2001 IT bubble collapse and the Global Financial Crisis. All of us in our 50s and older would have lived through these turbulent periods. Each time, Singaporeans would have been called upon to show fortitude and resilience, and work in unity with our fellow citizens. And each time, we have risen to the challenge, adapted and emerged stronger. The COVID-19 pandemic could be our most severe test so far.[+10 sentences] To overcome this crisis, we have to once again draw upon and build on this capacity to adapt and remain united, and stand true to our values. We can navigate this period of great uncertainty and change, but our policies must set the right tone for the rest of society. This House must fulfill its duty to articulate and debate policy options to build a better life for our people and to advance Singapore's place in the world. This is the mandate that has been entrusted to us by Singaporeans. I trust that all of us, whether in Government or the Opposition, will share this common sense of mission – to serve in the best interests of Singaporeans and Singapore. My colleagues and I in Government, have listened to the voices of our people. We have heard and share our people's anxieties. We acknowledge the concerns and unhappiness that some have voiced. As the world and our society changes, there will be greater divergence of views. We will continue to understand our people's concerns and improve your lives. We will have to adapt to these changes, but stay true to our values – the same values that have enabled us to stay united and succeed against the odds. We welcome the 31 newly-elected Members of Parliament in this Parliament and look forward to hearing from them in this debate.[+4 sentences] For those who are office holders, I encourage them not just to speak about their Ministries' work, but also to share more about their personal convictions and beliefs. They are giving their maiden speeches and I believe Singaporeans would want to know who they are and what they stand for. Let me also express my appreciation to the Members of Parliament who have retired and the Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) who have stepped down. The longest serving is Mr Goh Chok Tong who served for nearly 45 years, including almost 14 years as our Prime Minister. Mr Goh's years as a Prime Minister, from 1990 to 2004, are remembered as a time of stability, peace and growth during which we became a kinder, gentler society and a more confident people. He steered us through two major crises – the Asian Financial Crisis and SARS.[+4 sentences] He continued to contribute in many areas, even after stepping down as Prime Minister. Over the years, I had the privilege of working closely with Mr Goh, including on many trips at ASEAN, ASEM and APEC, where his easy rapport with leaders around the world enabled us to forge many new agreements and many new partnerships. It has expanded our external space. I remember vividly his advice to meet during the Global Financial Crisis when I was Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Emeritus Senior Minister Goh was then our Chairman and banks around the world were in trouble. So, when we had to make a momentous decision on whether to seek the approval from the President for $150 billion guarantee on all bank deposits, backed by our past reserves, I was very glad to have his wise counsel and his support for us to take difficult decisions head-on.[+16 sentences] It was a lesson that stayed with me and continued to guide much of my work, especially during this crisis. After I entered politics in 2001, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh continues to be a good mentor, with his signature mix of humour and wisdom. Mr Goh has left an indelible mark on many Singaporeans, especially those of us in this House. When I last met him, Mr Goh told me he was spending more time with Mrs Goh and their children and grandchildren. Let us all thank Mrs Goh and their family for being Mr Goh's staunchest and closest supporters all these years. And I wish our beloved Emeritus Senior Minister a happy retirement. I also wish to pay tribute to other long-serving parliamentarians, including Boon Wan, Hng Kiang, Swee Say, Yaacob, Charles,Lily, Ho Pin and Cedric. They entered Parliament many years ago. Mr Goh in 1976, I recall.Boon Wan and Hng Kiang were my bosses at MTI. I learned a lot from them and they have done much to advance our standing in the world and create new opportunities for our people. They may all have left Parliament, but I am confident that they will continue to contribute to nation-building in other ways. Let me also thank Mr Low Thia Khiang who has served an Opposition Member of Parliament since 1991. He is a fiery speaker at election rallies, but when it comes to the crunch, when our national interest is at stake, he stands together with the Government. He has deep conviction about language, culture and heritage, and the long-term success of Singapore. When I last spoke to him, he told me he was very happy playing with his grandchild. I am also glad he has recovered from his fall and wish him good health. Mr Pritam Singh has taken over as Secretary-General of the Workers' Party and has been appointed Leader of the Opposition.[+3 sentences] I trust Mr Singh will, like Mr Low, put our national interests first. As we face the months and years ahead, let us stand united to weather this crisis. Even though we were sworn in at two different physical Parliament Houses – the old and the new – we must always be Members of one House. Singaporeans have elected us to be their representatives. We must put our minds and efforts together, resolve to do our best, to serve Singaporeans in Singapore so that we can emerge stronger from this test of a generation.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Pritam Singh.
Mr Pritam Singh (Aljunied)5483 words
[+7 sentences]Mr Speaker, I rise in support of the Motion, thanking the President for her Address. My speech will cover a variety of topics, organised into three main areas. First, I will speak about certain things that have changed in Singapore. Second, I will talk about things that must not change. And third, I will suggest some things that should change. First, let me speak about a few things that have changed in Singapore in the aftermath of the last election. I will speak about the Government's recognition of the office of the Leader of the Opposition, about how Workers' Party Members of Parliament will be organised in Parliament and finally, I will share some thoughts on the presence of our parliamentary colleagues from the Progress Singapore Party. Immediately after the results of the General Election were known, the Prime Minister announced the position of Leader of the Opposition and that this would come with support and resources. It would be an understatement to say that this announcement came as a surprise to the Workers' Party and to members of the public.[+15 sentences] My view is to take the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition and the motives behind it positively. The Prime Minister has signalled a change in the narrative and culture of how politics and government is to be conducted, and I thank him for that. We look forward to a different tone of political engagement and the Workers' Party accepts the changes as another step towards a First World Parliament. The appointment has created expectations. The Government, the Workers' Party and the people of Singapore all believe that politics in Singapore is changing and in some ways changing rapidly. My personal expectation is that my Workers' Party colleagues and I will have to work extra hard. We will have to ask ourselves tough questions before critiquing Government policy – the chief of which is, what would we do if we were in charge. Singaporeans in general would be unfamiliar with the concept of an Opposition in Parliament and as an official part of our political system, let alone the office of the Leader of the Opposition. In the past, popular reference to the Opposition was almost always pejorative, usually centred around the points that the Opposition was out of Government, did not have a mandate, could only talk and as such was ultimately irrelevant. There was a lacuna in appreciating the value of a parliamentary Opposition as a part of Singapore's parliamentary democracy. With the new changes, it needs to be clear what the Opposition can and cannot do. The appointment of the Leader of the Opposition is an opportunity for citizens and indeed, politicians, to educate ourselves and understand better what exactly it is that the Opposition does and what its purpose is. What does it mean to be a check and balance on the Government and how exactly can the Opposition propose alternative policies? My assessment is that the public expects the Workers' Party and the Opposition in general to play a constructive role in Singapore politics. It should advance the interests of all Singaporeans, whether they may be in the majority or minority on any particular issue without fear or favour. The office of the Leader of the Opposition goes a long way to institutionalising an Opposition in Parliament and in our political system.[+12 sentences] For Opposition parties to make greater headway in Parliament, we have to understand that today's political context necessitates the development of a rational and responsible approach to opposition politics that places not just the Singapore Citizen, but Singapore at its core. Mr Speaker, my Workers' Party colleagues and I will set our own standards and chart an independent course, just as my predecessor, Mr Low Thia Khiang did in the face of much resistance including from many personalities in the Opposition camp as he sought to build a credible Workers' Party. The road ahead will not be easy, but anything worthwhile never is. We will do our best by Singapore and Singaporeans. But how much we can do and how much the political conversation evolves for the better will be driven by three things. One, by the quantity and the quality of information that is shared by the Government in Parliament, and separately, released to the public more generally. Two, by the resources given by the Government to analyse and use that information for the benefit of the public. And three, by the willingness of the Government to listen to and implement the alternative ideas suggested. As far as information is concerned, the Opposition's output will depend very much on whether we can get the input we ask for. We intend to make targeted inquiries of Government departments and public agencies as such information is essential for crafting alternative policies. On its part, the Government should consider how it can put out more information without being asked to, particularly information and indicators benchmarked against other countries. In early 2018, I asked a Parliamentary Question about the number of Permanent Residents (PRs) who remained PRs for more than 10, 15, 20 and 25 years respectively, and the common reasons cited by these individuals for not taking up Singapore Citizenship. The information provided was far narrower, specifically that about 15% of PRs have been PRs for 20 or more years.[+4 sentences] Sir, the additional details that were not provided are important so the Opposition can consider and put forward alternative approaches to population and immigration policies. The data will also put into stark relief the relevance of referring to someone as a local in our statistical data when it is clear that some PRs do not want to become Singapore Citizens or the state has no plans to extend citizenship to them. Mr Speaker, I accept that such matters are sensitive and the Government's unwillingness to provide the data in the format or detail requested, may arise not because of an unwillingness to disclose information. Instead, there could be genuine concerns about how information will be used or perhaps misused to rile pockets of the population since the PR policy is closely tied to immigration and jobs. But it is my case, Mr Speaker, that the Government will have to find a new way of dealing with such difficult matters. And I strongly believe Parliament is an important safety valve and a potential moderator of extreme conversations found offline and online on immigration and population issues.[+3 sentences] To that end, later in my speech, I will suggest some alternative approaches for the Government's consideration. As for resources, I would like to share my understanding of the resources that will be provided to the Leader of the Opposition. This is important for the public to know in formulating their expectations. Every elected Member of Parliament is given a budget to hire a Legislative Assistant and Secretarial Assistant. The Legislative Assistant is paid an allowance of $1,300 per month and the Secretarial Assistant is paid an allowance of $500 a month.[+5 sentences] Based on these sums, these positions are of necessity, part-time ones. I should highlight that these are the same resources depended on by PAP Members of Parliament (MPs) who are not political office-holders. Each PAP backbencher also has only one Legislative Assistant and one Secretarial Assistant, although I should add that they can avail themselves of the additional resources of the People's Association, including the staff at Community Clubs for their grassroots work. For completeness, let me say that neither Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) nor Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs) are given these resources. This would be an opportune time to thank the Legislative Assistants or LAs, both of the PAP and Opposition parties, who have over the years supported Members of Parliament. For the office of the Leader of the Opposition, the Government has allocated a budget for three more LAs. Applying the standard allowance for LAs, each of the three additional LAs for the Leader of the Opposition will be paid $1,300 a month.[+18 sentences] Again, these have to be part-time positions. An administrative assistant has also been made available to the office of the Leader of the Opposition by Parliament. By contrast, it is useful to remember that a sitting Government has at its disposal the resources of a Singapore Public Service, a very good one – I might add – of 146,000 full-time officers. Of these, 85,000 are members of the Civil Service. The Leader of the Opposition's office will not have the breadth and depth of the Party in Government in coming up with alternative policies. Nonetheless, the Workers' Party will continue pursuing alternatives we feel are important for Singapore, an example being the proposal for redundancy insurance for workers as put forth in the last term of Parliament. We will continue to advance meaningful alternatives for deliberation and debate, and will strive to improve on the quality of the alternatives suggested. Another change that has happened that led to the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition is that there are more Opposition MPs in Parliament than at any time since the years following our Independence in 1965. Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament are vox populi – the voice of the people. To raise in Parliament what the people cannot do directly is the duty of the Government ruling party and the Opposition. The Workers' Party intends to raise matters in Parliament that are important to the people of Singapore that the Government and PAP backbenchers may not. We intend to scrutinise policies to the best of our abilities. To that end, let me set out how the Workers' Party's Members of Parliament will be organised. With just 10 Members of Parliament – far from the more than one-third necessary to check the PAP's supermajority – it is not feasible for the Workers' Party to set up a shadow Cabinet in the tradition of Westminster parliaments. There are 16 Ministries in Singapore, including the Prime Minister's Office. These 16 Ministries have the resources of 37 political office-holders from Parliamentary Secretary upwards. Of these 37, 20 are full Ministers. Despite not being able to shadow each Ministry, we intend to organise our MPs to look into five areas that are critical for Singapore and of huge importance to Singaporeans. The five areas are: (a) health, ageing and retirement adequacy; (b) jobs, businesses and the economy; (c) education, inequality and the cost of living; (d) housing, transport and infrastructure; (e) national sustainability – a broad-ranging area that looks at policies and proposals to ensure we leave behind a thriving Singapore that lasts far into the future for successive generations.[+13 sentences] The next change that has happened is the first-time presence in Parliament of the Progress Singapore Party. I wish to welcome their two Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs), Mr Leong Mun Wai and Ms Hazel Poa. What is the relationship of other Opposition parties to the Leader of the Opposition? In other Westminster parliaments, the Leader of the Opposition is not considered a the leader of all Opposition parties in Parliament. This must be so in Singapore as well. The Progress Singapore Party has its own principles and ideology, that are distinct from the Workers' Party. Mr Leong and Ms Poa may propose policies and promote ideas very different from, and even in disagreement to those of the Workers' Party. It is possible that they may support Government policies that we disagree with or vice versa. However, where our positions match and are in the best interests of Singapore, I look forward to collaborating with the Progress Singapore Party's NCMPs. Taken together, this would make for healthy debate in this House where policies are debated on their merits and principles, rather than in support or opposition to the Government. Before I leave the subject of the Opposition, I would add that in the United Kingdom, the Leader of the Opposition is sometimes styled as the Leader of Her Majesty's Most Loyal Opposition. The term "Loyal Opposition" was coined in the Nineteenth century to make clear that opposing the Government was not considered disloyalty to the monarch, or to the state. I note the Prime Minister also used this term in the aftermath of the last election. The Workers' Party has always taken the position that when it is in the Opposition, it owes its loyalty to the President, the Republic of Singapore and the people.[+22 sentences] We have proven that we do not oppose the Government for the sake of opposing. We back the Government when national interests are at stake. Shortly after COVID struck in January, I said to the House from this very Table: "Workers' Party Members of Parliament agree with the Government when we have to, disagree where we must, in the knowledge that we endeavour for the best outcomes for Singapore and for a unity of purpose when politics must take a back seat, like during the current COVID-19 crisis." That position made in the context of the debate on the Unity Budget is a convenient point for me to transition to the second area I will speak on. That is, things that must not change in Singapore. First, Singapore's historical position as a trading nation. Second, the Government's policies and actions on defence and foreign policy. And finally, certain things that are now synonymous with Singapore – multiracialism, the greening of Singapore, the quality of our public libraries and our culture of abhorring corruption. Sir, Singapore has always been a trading nation and open borders are a fact of our lives. Investors should know that Singapore will never close for business, no matter how many Workers' Party MPs there are in Parliament. We make a living by being relevant to the world and separately as a trustworthy and reliable interlocutor. Our Police and security agencies keep our country safe. Our teachers are excellent educators. Our doctors and nurses staff a healthcare system that provides quality care. These are but some of the reasons why foreign investors put their trust in Singapore. Opposition politics and advocacy for Singaporeans cannot ignore Singapore's place in the world and what we offer to the world. We must still look outward, even as we continually search for a lasting modus vivendi which accommodates the domestic pressures of being economically open, and the reality of a Singapore identity that evolves and crystallises as our nation matures. Singaporeans do feel patriotic, nationalistic and protectionist even. These are forces that are not intrinsically negative, but they have to be empathised with and understood by this House. In turn, Singaporeans should consider Singapore's relevance to the world from a broad perspective. After all, all of us, no matter what our political preferences, want our country to be thriving and successful and with a big heart. Moving on to the second thing that must not change. The Workers' Party supports the Government's positions on defence and foreign policy.[+3 sentences] These must continue as they are. These policies are well-considered and they place primacy on Singapore's interest while seeking long-term mutual cooperation with other countries and international organisations. They also take into account the realism of international politics and the reality of not just a small state, but our peculiar circumstances too. The Workers' Party backs the Government in involving Singapore in United Nations initiatives, and those of the World Health Organization, the World Bank, UNESCO, the International Labour Organization and other multilateral initiatives.[+2 sentences] We support the Government's efforts in working with our neighbours to bolster ASEAN. We believe that a successful ASEAN boosts regional security through economic, political and security cooperation. In particular, we support Singapore's efforts to work with ASEAN and other countries to finalise the South China Sea Code of Conduct.[+15 sentences] As a small maritime nation and separately, a trading nation, the sanctity of international agreements and adherence to the rule of law is necessary to discourage arbitrary behaviour by more powerful states. Next, we support the Government's work in continuing various things that have become a part of Singapore's DNA. Singapore's position on corruption must not change. Our founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew was able to lead the achievement of something that many thought impossible at the time – the rooting out of endemic corruption from Singapore society. We are proud of Singapore's success in doing so and support the Government's continuing work in this area. If anything, Singapore's position on stamping out corruption should be strengthened so that extra-territorial corruption by Singaporeans is discouraged with as much diligence as domestic corruption. Equally important is Singapore's emphasis on racial and religious harmony. These words are almost a cliche in Singapore, and we should be grateful for that, because in many other countries, it is a source of intractable problems. The Workers' Party strongly believes in Singapore's multiracial, multi-religious and multi-cultural community. It is important that all communities support, respect and accommodate each other. Sir, my Workers' Party colleagues and I look at Singapore as a glass half-full or one that can be topped-up. There is much that is right and which should remain the same. But there is also much that can and should change. This brings me to my third area – things that should change in Singapore. It is my conviction that these changes would improve governance and better look after the needs of Singaporeans. First, to leverage an independent Organ of State, namely Parliament, the Workers' Party proposes the formation of more Select Committees.[+7 sentences] Some conversations in Singapore can continue to be divisive unless we decisively create a framework for reasoned conversation. Parliament, using the platform of Select Committees, can operate as an important safety valve and an agent of positive conversations that ought to have a direct impact on policies and laws. More significantly, in the information ecology of today's world, misinformation and disinformation campaigns are run online and offline, usually in combination, to manipulate content and hijack narratives. This House and the Government need to reframe the public narrative on our more pressing issues. In many countries today, even the mainstream media cannot moderate the conversation without significant public funding. A recent headline from the magazine Current Affairs put it starkly – the truth is paywalled and the lies are free. An apt description of the dilemma facing the mainstream media in the face of some aspects of social media. By forming Select Committees that meet regularly on the most sensitive and difficult issues for Singapore, Parliament can play a bigger role in leading the conversation and championing the truth.[+11 sentences] There are two possibilities for Select Committees. One possibility is for more Standing Select Committees to be set up to scrutinise the spending, policies and administration of each Ministry. The members of these committees would be drawn from a mix of Members in this House, including PAP backbenchers, elected Opposition MPs and NCMPs. Such committees are part of the normal political fabric of other democracies. The UK parliament has cross-party Commons Select Committees that check on each government department, also in the areas of spending, policies and administration. Those who follow American politics would also be familiar with the various Senate and House committees that are drawn from both Democrats and Republicans. This suggestion is not meant to be a blind copying of the British and American systems, but is made because such committees are an example of parliamentary institutions our democracy can benefit from. Such Standing Select Committees are not to be confused with Government Parliamentary Committees (GPCs). GPCs are partisan – only PAP Members of Parliament sit on them. GPCs were conceived in 1987 when Mr Chiam See Tong was the only Opposition MP left after the removal of Mr J B Jeyaretnam in 1986. There were no NMPs at the time, nor NCMPs. Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong introduced them as a method of PAP self-checking. Now, with the presence of 10 elected Opposition Members of Parliament, Standing Select Committees are feasible and indeed desirable for greater accountability.[+9 sentences] If not for all Ministries, then perhaps for some of them. Of course, certain Ministries such as MINDEF and MHA may require the discussion of classified information. In such cases, cross-party committees could review matters at closed door hearings. A second possibility for Select Committees would be the formation of more ad hoc committees. Such committees are already a part of Singapore’s Parliamentary processes, but the Workers' Party recommends that more of them be empanelled. The purpose of ad hoc Select Committees is to investigate a specific issue and report back to Parliament. In time, and given their importance, they can be repurposed into permanent Standing Select Committees. These Select Committees must function as investigators, with no pre-determined agenda, hidden or otherwise. They must go where the evidence, obtained through submissions and witnesses, leads them. The Select Committee on Deliberate Online Falsehoods, of which I was a member in the last term of Parliament, was a good start.[+9 sentences] But there is scope for further improvement. For example, by giving a longer lead time for submissions to be made; publishing written submissions at least two weeks before the hearings; scheduling hearings over more days; and releasing an interim report for public scrutiny that can prompt more written submissions and additional hearings. To this end, the President in her Address alluded to potentially difficult conversations that Government would need to have with Singaporeans. Parliament in committee – rather than in session like it is today – is an excellent platform to hear and truly listen to the voices of Singaporeans in an open way. The next thing we need to change in Singapore is how we manage and accommodate foreigners in our economy. Their presence gives Singapore a vitality that keeps us economically relevant and also provides jobs and opportunities to our fellow Singaporeans. Many of us count the foreigners in our midst, regardless of race, language or religion as our friends. That openness and friendly attitude must continue as a manifestation of the Singapore spirit and the Singapore we leave behind for future generations of Singaporeans. But it is precisely because we need foreigners to help power our economy that we need to pay more attention to Singapore workers, some of whom feel excluded, some of whom feel excluded from opportunities created in their homeland. In recent weeks, letters in The Straits Times Forum have been published, one by a retired senior Singaporean banker and another by the Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore or MAS, in reply. These appeared after MOM placed 47 companies on the Fair Consideration Framework watchlist.[+1 sentence] Of the 47 companies, 30 were financial and professional services institutions. On the MOM’s website, examples are given of one wealth management firm where almost three-quarters of their PMET or professional, manager, executive and technician jobs are held by persons of the same nationality.[+11 sentences] Another example is given of a bank where almost two-thirds are of the same nationality. The obvious question is: how did those two companies get to those stages without MOM taking action before this? MOM’s website states at one point and I quote, “MOM does not tolerate unfair hiring practices and employers who do not give locals a fair chance in hiring and promotion will face scrutiny and stiff penalties if found to have unfair hiring practices.” However, for three-quarters and two-thirds of the PMETs of two companies to be non-Singaporeans of the same nationality, Singaporeans may be justified in asking if MOM has tolerated their unfair hiring practices for some time. To be fair, this is a complex issue. For example, there may be some justification if the bank’s customers are not in Singapore, but are from the same country as the PMETs, and if these customers do not speak any of the languages widely used in Singapore. Some have argued that this is what it takes for Singapore to be a global financial hub. The problem is that we simply do not know enough. And the vacuum has given space for a more toxic conversation to ferment. We should nip this forthwith and some details earlier this week from MTI about inter-corporate transferees and remarks by the Minister for MTI have been important. To this end, more information, and not less, is certainly most helpful. One way for us in Parliament and for the public to know, is for MOM to publish the names of recalcitrant employers.[+3 sentences] We can then understand the operating paradigm of such businesses and understand how they intend to make the transition to fair hiring practices. The Government also needs to raise its signature in this regard, especially since this is such a hot-button issue, one generating a lot of heat but very little light. To assist, a Parliamentary Select Committee can investigate the limitations of the workforce and the needs of the economy on the one hand, and the reality of the Singaporean worker in the face of competition and the constraints faced by employers on the other. Beyond this, a far more purposeful way to prevent companies from hiring unfairly would be for Parliament to pass anti-discrimination legislation and impose penalties for discriminatory practices by egregious offenders.[+1 sentence] This should be considered alongside a more activist approach by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices (TAFEP) in the immediate term. At the moment, the penalty for employers who breach TAFEP’s fair hiring requirements is a debarment of up to two years from hiring or renewing foreign workers, including work pass renewals – and that is for the most serious offenders. There are no criminal penalties for individuals who are responsible for unfair hiring practices.[+10 sentences] Surely this tempts recalcitrant employers into trying their luck. If they practise unfair hiring, all that happens is that they are stopped from hiring unfairly for two years. Employers only face criminal prosecution if they make false declarations on fair consideration. And somehow, truthful declarations on fair consideration have allowed two companies to hire up to two-thirds and three-quarters of PMETs of the same nationality. Needless to say, prosecution only for false declarations is simply not enough. In tandem with a stronger regime of deterrence, there should be an educational credential assessment for all Employment Pass and S Pass applicants, the cost of which should be borne by the applicant. This will ensure that only objectively qualified foreigners may work in Singapore. Tied closely to the issue of the hiring of foreigners is whether the education system is adequately preparing our citizens for the jobs that are available. The big banks – OCBC, UOB and DBS – all have workforces that are made up of at least 90% Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. It is unclear what proportion are Singapore Citizens. Standard Chartered has said that 70% of its local subsidiary’s staff are Singapore Citizens.[+14 sentences] Are these really high numbers? What are the reasons why these banks cannot be staffed by even more Singaporeans? The two main justifications given for the hiring of foreigners are first, that they are unable to find Singaporeans with the expertise; and second, that foreigners do jobs that are undesired by Singaporeans. As it is unlikely that well-paying banking jobs are undesired by Singaporeans, the justification of these banks in hiring foreigners must be that they are unable to find enough Singaporeans with the needed expertise. If that is true, then we need to ask where the gaps are in our education and lifelong learning training systems. These gaps must be found and plugged as soon as possible. Last Friday, MAS responded to The Straits Times queries on the issue of foreign professionals at financial institutions. I agree with MAS that falsehoods on fair hiring are unhelpful and unfair. On the point of the number of Singaporeans at financial institutions, however, MAS did say that there are some functions and some firms where there is scope to increase the proportion of Singaporeans. MAS has also said that it would like to see more Singaporeans move into the senior ranks of the financial sector. MAS added that there is an urgent need to build the local talent pool in technology-related areas to meet increasing demand. I was glad to see that MAS made the same points I have made above – that a greater proportion of Singaporeans can be employed at financial institutions and that Singaporeans need to be appropriately educated and trained to take up jobs in the financial sector. Mr Speaker, I have spent some time on these matters which are on the lips of many Singaporeans because I believe that in spite of COVID-19 and the changes taking place in the world, opportunities are arising that Singapore can take advantage of. For example, the seismic political changes in Hong Kong may prompt some international businesses to move to other jurisdictions. We should aim to welcome those looking to move. But if we do not move purposefully to consolidate and position the Singaporean PMET in a competitive position vis-a-vis the work pass holder, the Government will not be able to secure support or adequate support for its economic agenda and take advantage of opportunities while maintaining social harmony.[+2 sentences] Let me now move away from foreign professionals to discuss local tradesmen. Another thing that we should change in Singapore is raising the value of the work of the Singapore tradesmen. In places like Australia, New Zealand and Germany, tradesmen make good wages that match or even outstrip those of university graduates.[+1 sentence] In Singapore, although our educational institutions train our citizens for such vocations, not enough is done to protect their trades. The way to protect our tradesmen is to regulate who can practice each trade.[+7 sentences] Medical professionals, accountants, quantity surveyors, insurance practitioners and even real estate sales professionals have to be properly qualified and certified. This enables them to earn a wage that is protected from undercutting by the unqualified. For example, for trades such as air-conditioner servicing and plumbing, anyone can offer such services. Uplifting our tradesmen will require a paradigm shift in how workers are viewed and trained. If it succeeds, it will raise the self-esteem and incomes of Singaporeans who may not be academically inclined but who have acquired valuable skills that many of us in this House would not be able to fully master. It is my view that such a decisive shift will fundamentally alter our understanding of meritocracy. The final point I would like to make on things that should change is on greater help for those who need it most. The Workers' Party believes that the Pioneer and Merdeka generation schemes, for example, are good ones.[+20 sentences] Indeed, we ourselves proposed policies along these lines, years ago. However, we believe more can be done. We know that there are trade-offs. Extending more health and other social benefits comes with a cost. Could this result in higher income taxes for many Singaporeans and those who work here, for example? Yes. But the benefits will go beyond mere financial help for those who need it. Will there be a price to pay in terms of higher costs for the end-consumer? This must be expected. Increasingly, there will be a price to pay if we wish to be "One United People" and move beyond the phrase as an aspiration or worse, a platitude. Many Scandinavians are content to pay higher taxes because they know this would mean that others in their society will be able to live with greater dignity. For those who earn higher incomes, to pay higher taxes is a point of pride for many of them. The Singaporean identity which sees community as a central pillar of its DNA should imbibe such thinking with those better-off paying more. Let us build a kinder and gentler Singapore. In conclusion, Sir, those are the three things I wanted to speak on today: first, things that have changed since the General Election; second, things that must not change; and third, things that should change. As history tells us, change can be for the better or for the worse. Around 50 years ago, some Asian countries were prosperous and thriving. Fast forward to today, as a direct result of bad choices and in spite of the best intentions, things have gone awry there. However Singapore pivots or evolves in the years to come, I believe a reasoned conversation before choices and decisions are made, or not made, will be critical. These will take time and consume much energy, and we will have to guard against conversations which are hijacked to advance sectional interests that demonise those who have reservations or a different perspective. The Workers' Party will seek to play a positive role in the national conversation both in and out of Parliament to leave behind a Singapore our children and future generations can be proud of.[+2 sentences] There is much to do. I support the Motion in the name of Mr Patrick Tay which gives thanks to the President for her Address delivered on behalf of the Government.
Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo (East Coast)1939 words
[+19 sentences]Mr Speaker, I rise in support of the Motion of thanks to the President for her Address on behalf of the Government. Sir, Mdm President in her opening address to Parliament last week spoke about “Securing our Future in a Different World”. We are indeed facing a different world. Prior to COVID-19, companies in Singapore have started digitalising to improve productivity, build new capability to access new markets and opportunities. COVID-19 has accelerated the pace of digitalisation. The way we work, live and interact has significantly changed. I never thought I would see a day where our borders are closed, people not able to interact freely physically and businesses having to limit their staff from working in the office. Virtual meetings, e-commerce, digital payments, deliveries, safe distancing and digital tracking have become a way of life. I will speak on three areas. First, the concern over jobs and the need to ensure economic growth to support quality jobs. Second, building the Singapore Core and why Singapore must stay open. And third, working together to emerge stronger. Let me now touch on my first point on concerns about jobs. Conversations have shifted. From my house-to-house engagements with residents, many expressed their anxiety over their jobs. Mid-career residents shared that its harder to find equivalent job opportunities when they lose their jobs, that is, quality jobs. I am also hearing from younger residents – their concerns of finding employment. I met several young residents last week who had recently lost their jobs or had their pay or job scopes reduced due to COVID. Many are concerned about losing their jobs and livelihoods as the companies they work for are not seeing the same demand for their services and hence need to cut back. With the sudden and severe impact of the COVID pandemic on businesses, support like the Jobs Support Scheme or JSS, has helped companies manage manpower costs and keep jobs.[+8 sentences] This is, however, not sustainable on a long term. Companies need support to recover and create jobs for Singaporeans to have good and meaningful work. This COVID pandemic has forced organisations to rethink how and where they do business to stay resilient. This pandemic has demonstrated the need for deep capabilities, diversification of markets and supply chains, and the importance of digital capabilities of our companies and workforce. While no company is spared the impact of this pandemic, we did see that companies with sound business continuity plans, and those who had invested in building capability and digitalisation, were better able to adapt quickly to keep operations and business going. For small businesses, the ability to adapt and adopt digitalisation has accelerated virtual connectivity and access to new business. A simple example is how stalls in our wet markets and hawkers have overcome the physical access restrictions by adapting and selling online. With access to new customers, some of these businesses are doing better than pre-COVID-19 times. With the importance of digitalisation, tech and tech-related jobs in data analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, network and software engineering are up and will be in demand. These are quality jobs, but we do not have enough Singaporeans equipped with the requisite skills.[+10 sentences] We must train our younger Singaporeans and reskill our mid-career workers to be ready for the recovery. Programmes such as traineeship, placements and various skills upgrading initiatives in the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package allows learning beyond just knowledge to real experience and learning from others to prepare and develop people for these roles. Effective execution of these programmes is key. We must also continue to invest in an innovation and learning ecosystem to build deep local capabilities enabled by a world-class infrastructure. While helping our SMEs go digital and building digital capabilities are important, I am also glad that in its Addendum to the President’s Address, MCI has outlined how efforts will be made to promote the ecosystem, having the eco-system to support digital transformation. International connectivity, growth of local digital champions, progressive regulations and public private partnerships – these are key to building capability and growth of SMEs, who provide 70% of employment in Singapore, as well as markets outside of Singapore which are key for growth. Now, let me now move on to my second point on why Singapore must stay open. With job losses and as more jobs are impacted, many Singaporeans are hurting, and many of my residents are questioning if we have too many foreigners working in Singapore and competing for jobs. There is no easy answer to this, but it is a topic that we must discuss. While they are not the majority of companies, there are companies hiring a higher proportion of foreign PMETs than their industry peers. Just earlier this month, it was reported in the Straits Times that MOM has placed another 47 employers (on top of the current 1,200) on the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) watch list for potentially discriminatory hiring practices. MOM has also announced last week that higher qualifying salaries for S Pass and EP will be effective 1 September 2020.[+19 sentences] With the reduction in the number of jobs available due to COVID, as well as the changes that were seen in the economy to encourage companies to give Singaporeans a fair chance and to ensure foreigners do not undercut Singaporean wages, it is important to have this. I want to share a little bit about my experience. Although I currently work for a Singapore company, a large part of my commercial career was with two foreign MNCs in Singapore. My tenure with these two companies was for almost 30 years. During my time with both these companies, I worked closely with Singaporeans and foreigners from many countries. I and many of my Singaporean colleagues had development and many good job opportunities. Working with a diverse group of colleagues enabled me to learn and develop both in Singapore and in other markets overseas. Having access to a network of expert talent in and outside of Singapore gave us the ability to compete effectively, build centres of competencies in Singapore or quickly scale up for large projects. We would otherwise not have been able if these specific skills required had not been available, or we just had not had them available in sufficient numbers. So, I asked myself what is different from the experience many are feeling today? One factor could be that despite some periods of challenging business climates, most times the economy was growing. The other factor which I did not think much about even though it was there was the deliberate People Strategy and Plans that both these MNCs I had worked for had. Even when there were foreigners in key skilled or leadership positions, and I worked for many of them, there were clear development plans and identified succession plans or pipeline for local talent to fill these roles over time, and that was deliberated every single year. I myself held many key leadership positions managing business in Singapore and in the region taking over from predecessors who were foreigners and managing both local and foreign teams across the world. With clear succession planning in place, when I left my last role in the MNC that I was with to pursue new opportunities, the successor to my role is also Singaporean. I believe that many companies still have such people practices in place. However, it could be that the speed and the scale of growth in the last few years, coupled with the disruptions that we have seen, some of these practices may have been sidelined to meet the demands of business. I believe that while we do have policies in place, we must have, to ensure fair employment practices, more importantly employers must have People Plans to grow and strengthen the Singapore Core. This requires commitment, not just of the Government, but of the companies both Singapore and foreign to invest and develop skills of Singaporeans, and with a balance of Government policies and enforcement, I think we will get to that balance. At the sector level, a good programme is the launch of MAS’ $125-million support package launched in April this year. Apart from all the subsidies for training and for manpower cost which everybody talks about in the FinTech sectors and the financial services, what is important is the package has structured talent development programmes for more than 900 Singaporeans amongst the newly hired in the financial institutions (FIs) over the next three years. To prepare local mid-career workers as well for new or transformed roles, MAS is closely working with the Institute of Banking and Finance and Workforce Singapore to train and redeploy workers.[+2 sentences] Having jobs is not good enough; we need to have the right support for our workers so that they are ready for the recovery. I think that is the thing that worries all of us, not just for Singapore, but for the opportunities outside of Singapore. While we must continue to grow the Singapore Core, I must say that we must not lock ourselves out as foreigners are required to complement the Singapore workforce. Singapore cannot become a place that is difficult for companies both Singaporean and foreign to operate as Singapore is a small market and dependent on external demand as well as resources to grow and to scale.[+23 sentences] COVID-19 has shown us what happens to many of our businesses and jobs when demand and supply of both products and manpower is shut off. It is just so stark. It is frightening. During circuit breaker time, that was experiment that I think nobody wanted to see. But that is a big reminder for all of us – shutting ourselves out is not a solution. The third point want to make is about staying stronger together. The challenge we face in the post-COVID-19 world is not about how in Singapore we become better, but how as Singapore we become better. While there are still risks, this pandemic as with previous crises has once again shown us that together, Singapore, we can overcome difficulties. What it takes is all of us working together. The Multi-Ministry Taskforce, our businesses and people working together, with each playing our part, has allowed us to keep transmissions low and our people safe while slowing opening up our economy. We should not wait for a crisis to happen to bring us together. We need to look at how we come together, tap ideas, expertise across Government and across Government agencies, businesses and our citizenry. We should build communities of learning. Singapore continues to be an attractive place for doing business and we have a strong talent base. Together, I am confident that we can and will build a stronger Singapore to meet the aspirations and give Singaporeans hope today and for the future. In conclusion, Mr Speaker, the three areas I spoke about highlight areas I feel important for Singapore to secure our future, and most importantly, to give hope to Singaporeans in an ever uncertain world. First, the need to accelerate the building of capabilities in our industries, companies and, most importantly, our workforce. Without such capabilities, our companies cannot respond to opportunities or provide quality jobs, and our people cannot be ready. Second, Singapore must be connected and stay open. It allows for access not only for wider market opportunities but also diverse talent and experience which in turn helps to build the Singapore Core. And finally, we must do it together, whole-of-Government, businesses and citizens. We will learn, innovate and adapt faster to respond and create opportunities as the uncertain world unfolds before us. I support the Motion.
Mr Christopher de Souza (Holland-Bukit Timah)1814 words
[+10 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, the COVID-19 crisis has accelerated change. It is bringing about a new normal. In these unprecedented times, Singapore needs to keep what is good and build on it, refine what can be improved and continue navigating toward a better future. My speech will cover three broad themes – first, financial support for Singaporeans; second, foreign workers’ dormitories and, third, riding the wave of a post-COVID-19 world. Since the beginning of this year, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Heng Swee Keat has rolled out four formidable Budgets. These have gone some way to ease the pain felt by people as a result of the pandemic. However, there are some Singaporeans who may not stand to benefit from all these schemes but are, nevertheless, adversely affected by the pandemic’s disruption. For instance, because some of the current schemes assess eligibility based on place of residence rather than whether the Singaporean actually owns the property he or she is residing in, some people may have difficulty tapping on the support they need. For example, less well-to-do adult children who may be staying with parents; large extended families living together in the same house; Singaporeans who have recently divorced or single parents returning to stay with their elderly parents; unmarried children or grandchildren waiting to move into BTO flats under construction; or families who recently sold their homes under difficult financial circumstances and who have moved back in with siblings or parents. Sometimes, the consequence is that Singaporeans are excluded from the Self-Employed Persons Relief Scheme. In light of the above, my suggestion is that support schemes assess home ownership rather than mere residence.[+8 sentences] My second suggestion on broadening support for Singaporeans is to assess personal income as an alternative to income on the household per capita basis. Sometimes, people living in the same "household" do not contribute financially towards each other. For example, siblings who are still living in their parents' home but do not subsidise each other’s finances. Others include situations I have previously described earlier on in my speech. Members of households could draw substantially different wages. In such situations, the person drawing a lower income is disqualified from receiving financial support from the Government even though he or she may not have access to those resources that the income on a household per capita basis attributes to him or her. It also excludes applicants from resources that were supposed to help him or her during the pandemic and, in some instances, prejudices families who are willing to shelter them during this crisis. Some of the schemes affected are the COVID-19 Support Grant, The Courage Fund for lower income households affected by COVID-19 and the Temporary Relief Fund. To address this, Mr Speaker, Sir, my suggestion is to take personal income as an alternative basis of assessment whenever the income household per capita disqualifies an adult Singaporean from financial support. My third suggestion on broadening support for Singaporeans is to consider removing the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) for Singaporeans.[+7 sentences] The Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) already helps to ensure that a Singaporean will not overextend himself or herself but will only get a credit line within his or her means. Revenue can still be raised by retaining ABSD for foreigners. There looks to be demand for Singapore properties by overseas investors due to Singapore being seen as a stable environment. Hence, demand from foreigners may not diminish even if ABSD is removed only for Singaporeans. This means that the property market is kept somewhat stable. The first broad theme of suggestions in my speech, Sir, was related to support available to Singaporeans. The second theme of suggestions are those relating to foreign worker dormitories. About 20 purpose-built dormitories for foreign workers breach dormitory licence conditions each year, almost half of the 43 dormitories regulated under the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act Each year, there is an average of 1,200 employers taken to task for unacceptable accommodation under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.[+4 sentences] To put this number in context, it is the same number of inspections conducted by MOM last year on foreign worker housing, slightly more than a quarter of inspections and investigations combined. The high proportion of contraventions is concerning to me and we need to carefully examine whether the system is being abused by operators and whether punitive measures in the relevant legislation are sufficiently deterrent. Under the Foreign Employees Dormitories Act, the Commissioner may give a compliance directive if the operations are carried out in a careless or incompetent manner, or to avoid a serious and imminent threat to safety and health of residents. Failure to comply with requirements imposed by a compliance directive is an offence with penalty of a fine not exceeding $50,000 or to imprisonment not exceeding 12 months or to both. My suggestion is to introduce penalties that disgorge a certain percentage of profits to deter repeat offenders and the kind of harm caused by contraventions.[+5 sentences] To be fair and encourage responsibility on the part of all parties involved, we could take a balanced approach. For example, if the occupier of a dormitory, that is the one in charge of the premises, can prove that he or she had taken all reasonable steps to achieve the criteria on a checklist, it would be prima facie evidence that they had fulfilled their obligations. On the other hand, foreign workers themselves staying in the dormitory would also have a similar checklist listing out their own responsibilities. Allow me, Sir, to move on to the third broad theme of my speech – suggestions on how to capitalise on the disruption presented by COVID-19. The first is in the arena of tertiary education. Many Singaporean students have had to return from universities overseas due to COVID-19 and want to make their first few years done overseas count towards a degree in Singapore. Singapore can use this opportunity to attract an even larger talent pool through Singapore Universities, both with Singaporean students and international students. Through online tutorials, students not in Singapore can participate in courses that count towards a Singapore university degree.[+13 sentences] The supply of students is no longer limited to geography. This can enhance Singapore’s reputation around the world and ensure the collection of ideas through the enhanced tapestry of students – Singaporeans and overseas students alike. In this way, we could look to becoming a global thought-leader in online pedagogy. In this time of disruption, a second area that Singapore could advance in is in industries that produce virtual products. These include not only biotech and biosciences but also media and technology, for example, animation or film. Firstly, we have a strong infrastructure to support these industries. For example, we have Biopolis which is specially built as a research and development hub at One-North, situated in a place that fosters collaboration between private companies and public scientific and educational bodies. Fusionopolis was designed to create an environment conducive to growth in information and communications technologies, media, physical sciences and engineering industries. The Metropolis in Buona Vista was meant to be a gateway to One-North with research facilities and business parks situated there and designed to be the headquarters for multinational companies. From what I have listed, Sir, we have custom-built state-of-the-art facilities for these sectors situated in places that promote collaboration and generate innovation. Hence, we have a sturdy foundation to ride the waves of biosciences, biotechnology, animation, film and virtual technology. Secondly, we have a strong Intellectual Property or IP framework that supports the development of virtual products. We have accelerated and robust application-to-grant pathways for certain IP rights. For dispute resolution, the Intellectual Property (Dispute Resolution) Act passed in 2019 will streamline IP dispute resolution in the Court system and has clarified the arbitrability of IP rights in Singapore.[+2 sentences] At this stage, Sir, I should declare that I am a practising lawyer at the Singapore Bar. Internationally, Singapore is known as an IP hub, with a strong IP office and enforcement working closely with other countries to enable smoother and faster IP protection globally. Indeed, IPOS’ strong reputation likely had a positive impact on Mr Daren Tang’s candidature as Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), which he will commence on 1 October.[+23 sentences] Having a strong IP framework is important to encourage innovation in Singapore as it helps generate and protect income from virtual products. Hence, the point that I am getting at, Mr Speaker, is that there is a regulatory framework to protect inventions squeezed out during the COVID-19 pandemic period. This makes Singapore attractive and exceedingly relevant to the region and the world. So, we have got good foundational structures to ride the post-COVID-19 wave. Our Bicentennial exhibition last year and especially the five excellent Acts performed at Fort Canning, reflected how Singapore has always been at the crossroads of history and was always enveloped by a time of change in a changing world. But, even as we are ever surrounded by change, one thing must remain constant and, that is, unity. Will Singapore remain exceptional? Will we, as legislators, lay aside our differences to forge a stronger and brighter future for Singapore together? How can we forge a better and stronger Singapore together? As legislators, we come together to debate and refine policy, to lead constructive conversations on what is best for Singapore. The policies and the shaping of them – both the result and the process are important. Often times, especially for fiscal policies, neither extremes are the best, with pitfalls for both. We cannot pigeonhole ourselves or others as "right-" or "left-leaning” but must have the flexibility to be politically ambidextrous, not being a slave to rigid ideology but always with an eye for doing what is best for Singapore and making sure it works for Singapore. Furthermore, we should also be cautious about divisive politics. That, in my view, is not beneficial for Singapore. Divisive politics occurs when we are so entrenched in our position that there is no negotiation for middle ground. I do not think this would work in Singapore nor would it be beneficial for Singapore. We need to resolve disputes for the best of our country – even if we agree to disagree, the process and the debate allows for a fine-tuning of the points of view. And if a way around can be found, it places Singapore in good stead. The ideas proposed earlier regarding foreign worker dormitories, how to engage the seismic shift in tertiary education or ride the waves of a post-COVID-19 world with an excellent IP regime are all aimed at bettering Singapore. What is essential, if we are to ride this storm, is that Singapore’s best interests must always be our goal when advancing our points of view as legislators. If we are united in that cause, then Singapore wins. I support the Motion.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Saktiandi Supaat.
Mr Saktiandi Supaat (Bishan-Toa Payoh)2141 words
[+11 sentences]Mr Speaker, I thank Mdm President for her Address and I stand in support of the Motion. The COVID-19 crisis has affected societies and economies around the world. As the situation continues to unfold, many try to make sense of what a post-COVID-19 world will be like. Mr Speaker, I will share three imperatives for change and my concerns on three medium to long-term challenges in my speech. The first would be in English and the latter three will be in Malay. First, long-term unemployment concerns and possible need for workforce reallocation. Change is never easy, we fight to hold on and we fight to let go. In letting go, we also struggle with making sense of the new norm. Making a mid-career change, especially to a new industry, will not be easy. For many of us, it will be one of the most challenging times in our careers. Today, we face the possibility of another large-scale job reallocation. The pandemic has a significant impact on our economy. We are facing our worst recession in 55 years. Our economy has shrunk 13.2% in the second quarter, retrenchments have doubled and resident unemployment rate has risen to 3.9%.[+2 sentences] However, the impact is highly disproportionate across different industries. For now, finance and technology sectors are still doing well, and essential services like healthcare and education are always in demand. Through SGUnited, the Government seeks to help divert those who are seeking employment to the industries that are in high demand.[+17 sentences] Yet learning new skills for a new industry is time-consuming and challenging, more so for those that require specialised skills, such as in healthcare and technology. To continue for the long-term or make a switch to move on to a more fulfilling role, further investment in upskilling and education would have to be required. Would the Government consider more incentives for the acquirement of deeper knowledge, including subsidies for full-time degree courses, for example? And in sectors like healthcare, would the Government look into modified courses so that more people could be quickly trained to get into the jobs and be allowed to upgrade their skills as they serve in the various institutions? The lower income groups are bearing the brunt of the pandemic. Many of them have lost their jobs and we may expect more job losses to come in the near future. Does the Government intend to conduct any form of structured job reallocation beyond nudging towards the Professional Conversion Programmes or PCPs? Can we take this opportunity to direct them to sectors that have been conventionally less popular among Singaporeans and more heavily reliant on foreigners, such as early childhood education, nursing, construction, skilled trades and so on? Also, what is the Government doing to weed out employers who offer higher pay to foreigners to qualify them for workpass but yet clawback the salary once they get into Singapore? This malpractice must be stopped. I am told the employers would make this clawback clause as part of the terms of employment and often, they are verbally negotiated. F&B businesses run by foreigners are one of the culprits. Second, coping with the challenges of rising prevalence in remote working and protectionism. Rising prevalence in remote working and protectionism threatens our survivability as an open economy. In the most recent issue of Harvard Business Review, American economist Willy Shih shared his projection on the state of global supply chains in a post-pandemic world. Manufacturers worldwide will be under greater political and competitive pressure to increase domestic production and grown employment in their home countries. They will have to reduce or even eliminate their dependence on sources that are perceived as risky and re-think their use of lean manufacturing strategies to minimise inventory held in global supply chains. The Japanese government, for example, has set aside S$2.2 billion of funding to encourage companies to shift their production out of China. With the need to diversify, and rising tensions between US and China, firms are shifting to a "China plus one" strategy of spreading production between China and a Southeast Asian country.[+13 sentences] Our affordable tax regimes, fair and corruption-free business practices and political stability make us an attractive location for start-up companies, and regional headquarters to oversee new supply chains in the region. I note that Mr Shih also mentioned Singapore's efficient and high-capacity trans-shipment hub as part of the recommended Southeast Asian strategy for moving goods to the major markets. As part of a longer term strategy, we should continue to build on our manufacturing capabilities, particularly in high-tech and healthcare and biomedical industries. Moving forward, the demand for comprehensive logistics strategies will be necessary for companies to make sense of post-pandemic production and movement of goods and services. The question next is, what plans does the Government have to nurture local talents in logistics and even in the maritime industry? In the meantime, we must continue to remain attractive to global corporations. It remains uncertain if remote working will reduce the need for MNCs to hire locals, but MNCs stimulate the economy through taxes and creating opportunities for SMEs. I wish to record my appreciation to our Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and A*STAR for ensuring the availability and continued review of effective and efficient COVID-19 test kits, which would facilitate business travel without the need for prolonged quarantine measures across the board. Third, Mr Speaker, is building a Singapore Core in a tight labour market. Remaining open to global talent is not mutually exclusive to building a local core. We now have a tight job market with an oversupply of workers chasing too few jobs. It becomes more urgent and imperative than ever to strengthen the Singapore Core and enhance our fair consideration framework as mentioned by many speakers before me. I have raised this in my maiden speech five years ago, focusing on job discrimination practices and had requested for more teeth for TAFEP and also anti-discrimination legislation, five years ago. Back in November last year, I had also raised a Motion on the importance of building our Singaporean Core and tightening our job hiring and employment practices for older workers and minorities. I urge MOM to consider my suggestion to expand the Capability Transfer Programme (CTP) to support companies to set localisation targets.[+5 sentences] Now is a good time to focus on transferring capabilities from currently employed foreign employees to local workers, with the aim of localising jobs. Mr Speaker, in Malay, please. (In Malay): Three long-term challenges. First, tackling rising household economic insecurity due to job losses and rising inflation. With mounting retrenchments and job losses comes rising household economic insecurity. Adding on to these challenges is the possibility of rising inflation. It is true that there is little concern about the risk of inflation, but market strategist and financial historian Prof Russell Napier projects that inflation in the next 10 years will be between 4% and 8%.[+20 sentences] Singapore has no net debt and would have no need to engage in financial repression, but we are an open economy and a price taker, and so we will certainly be impacted by global policies. For young couples who are planning to start or grow their families, how will this rising household economic insecurity influence their decisions? Additionally, what will all these mean for our plans to raise the GST and other economic policies? Many young couples cite the cost of living in Singapore as a deterrence from having children. So, how can Singapore be an affordable and conducive place to build a family? Second, housing costs and healthcare. Housing costs remain a key concern for young Singaporean couples who want to remain in Singapore and settle down. With inflation, the cost of raw materials will only go up. How will the Government ensure housing remains affordable for young Singaporeans? Third, economic implications. I will speak a bit more on this issue. A key question in the minds of many economists is: what would be the long-term costs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic? Even if a vaccine, or more than one vaccine, is developed, and everyone is back at work, but what would be the impact on the nature of economic activity? There is certainly widespread discussion whether the discovery would lead to a U-shaped, V-shaped or L-shaped economic recovery. The key thing is whether companies and consumers would be able to regain their confidence to embark on a spending pattern. Or would they hesitate, hold back and become risk-averse? And this would become the so-called “scarring effect” that would leave a lasting impact on the economy. It is like a person who, after going through a trauma, recovers but suffers from a scarring effect on his personality and loses self-confidence. We would never know which sector of the economy would be more scarred than others, perhaps it is the travel industry (air and cruise) and the entertainment sector, and many other sectors. Small businesses and households are reeling from the pain of closures and bankruptcies. More than 8,600 businesses have already ceased and filed to cease operations in April and I am worried that this is only a forewarning of an unforgivably harsh and prolonged pandemic.[+5 sentences] Over the last six months, I have met and listened to residents either in-person or virtually, ranging from professional photographers, media professionals and Grab drivers, who sought help, and the Government has provided SIRS and COVID-19 support for them. All these measures are good. More recently, I have seen residents, who are currently restaurant and now karaoke owners, coming to obtain assistance as well as regulatory changes to allow them to utilise their business spaces for more productive purposes. So far, in the short term, our multiple Budget measures provided the interventions and a kind of insurance to help protect the most vulnerable sections of society and help businesses survive. But what about the long-term effects of such measures? A study by the Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis recently showed that policies that help prevent capital depreciation or obsolescence, even if it has only modest immediate effects on output, can have substantial long-term effects.[+2 sentences] Although Government policies cannot prevent people from believing that future pandemics are more likely to occur compared to what they thought previously, good policies can, however, affect how long the on-going crisis will drag on. The important thing is that we should mitigate the costs of what is known as “belief scarring”. For example, widespread bankruptcies can lead to destruction of specific investments and a permanent erosion in the value of certain types of capital.[+6 sentences] I hope that the Government will not just view the prevention of bankruptcies as important, but also place importance on the method of prevention and not underestimate its long-term effects on businesses and families. However, we may see more investments in the safe industries like healthcare, food and groceries, and technology. Health and safety regulations will likely remain. Global health experts have warned of more possible pandemics to come and we want to stay prepared. So, we will more than likely see less efficient use of commercial space in malls, F&B establishments, tourist attractions, on public transport and planes and so on. That brings me back to my earlier point on risk-taking behaviour. Would firms and businesses be willing to take risks, if they fear that another pandemic may wipe out their hard work and even livelihoods? How can we ensure that this fear does not lead to further decline in investments and, therefore, jobs in the long term?[+2 sentences] (In English): Mr Speaker, this scarring effect was seen previously before the 2007/2008 Financial Crisis, few would think of the possibility of a financial collapse. Today, the fear of a financial collapse has always lingered at the back of the minds of many. It is not uncommon to hear or people talking about nothing is too big to collapse after the debacle. So, policy planners would need to address how businesses will be making decisions with the added element of what is the risk to them, should there be another pandemic, not necessarily the COVID-19 pandemic, and how this will impact the appetite for investments for venturing into new businesses for expansion and how to grab opportunities now if possible.[+1 sentence] In conclusion, Mr Speaker, as the saying goes, where there is life, there is hope. While other modern economies are battered by high infections and death rates, we have been able to keep these numbers low in the community here in Singapore.[+1 sentence] We must resist from the temptation of making comparisons, but take charge of what we can control, such as our own lives and our own health. In the meantime, the Government must look beyond labour issues and take steps to cushion the potential impact of future inflation and sectoral issues, as we pick ourselves up in a post-pandemic world.
Ms Foo Mee Har (West Coast)1802 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Speaker, I rise in support of the Motion to thank our President for her Address. The Fourteenth Parliament is opening in exceptional times. Despite the injection of almost $100 billion into the economy, the pain and frustrations that our people and businesses are experiencing continue.[+11 sentences] The road to recovery will be harsh and bumpy. The President spoke about COVID-19 reshuffling the deck – revealing new threats alongside fresh opportunities. Sir, I would like to focus my speech on the new strategies Singapore must embrace on jobs and employment policies to cope in a different world, joining many Members who spoke before me. This must be the priority for this new term of Government. Sir, I have spoken on many previous occasions in this House on the need to review employment policies to ensure we build a strong Singaporean Core of talent and asked that Singaporeans be given opportunities for the best jobs. COVID-19 has exposed significant risks in Singapore’s over-dependence on foreign manpower. Now, more than ever, in an increasingly protectionist world, our employment policies must tilt towards giving priority to Singaporeans for jobs they can do, and put in place proactive development plans to nurture Singaporeans for the skills and experience they lack. I have met many middle income Singaporeans, working as PMEs, who do not feel secure in their jobs. They feel intense competition from the influx of foreign talent and describe incidents of unfair employment practices by employers who display a clear preference for foreigners. Why? Many Singaporeans believe that they are being passed over for jobs that they can do because foreigners come cheaper, without the employer having to pay for CPF contributions and deal with National Service obligations, or simply because employers prefer to bring their own friends and families from overseas to fill vacancies. The Government has announced a set of new measures to raise the bar on the hiring of Employment Pass holders.[+3 sentences] The focus so far has been on giving Singaporeans fair consideration. Whilst these represent steps in the right direction, I do not think the new measures go far enough. First, I would like to reiterate the call I have made repeatedly in past sittings, that Singaporeans should be given priority, and not just be fairly considered, for jobs they can do. In other words, between two equally qualified candidates, employers should be obliged – obliged – to pick the Singaporean over the foreigner.[+11 sentences] Such a “Singaporean first” employment policy is consistent with other Singapore Government policies where we accord significant benefits and priorities to citizens, whether it be housing, Primary school balloting, school fees or healthcare subsidies. We must move from a neutral position, where we are content with having employers give Singaporeans "fair consideration" to an assertive position where we expect employers to positively favour – and I repeat, positively favour – the hiring and developing of Singaporeans if they have the skills and experience. During my 20 years as an international banker, I have seen how various jurisdictions around the world enforce employment policies that promote the hiring of local talent even as they recognised the need to judiciously tap the international talent pool. Similarly, even as Singapore continues to welcome the brightest and best from around the world to help our country reach our standards of excellence in every field, we must promote the hiring and training of locals. Both objectives can be achieved concurrently. To ensure our economy is undergirded by our strong Singaporean Core, our manpower policies must ensure it happens. I urge the Government to put in place four key measures. First, enforce transparency of selection requirements. Apart from requiring that the job vacancy be posted for 28 days, the selection criteria must be completely transparent. The employer’s final hiring decision must stand up to the scrutiny of others – including the firms’ own employees as well as the authorities. Hiring based on transparent and objective selection criteria is good for business as it fosters a sense of fair play at the workplace. Two, implement dependency ratio or quota for Employment Passes, with differentiated ceilings and salary levels for different sectors.[+4 sentences] This will certainly galvanise the necessary action on the part of employers to reduce reliance on foreigners. Three, ensure capabilities and skills transfer to local employees. For selected sectors, there may be a need to require employers to systematically develop succession plans and capability transfers to locals and have these linked to EP approvals. Sectors with high concentrations of foreigners should then have their renewals of work passes be contingent on the firms meeting local succession and capability transfer KPIs. Four, hold senior management accountable – require the most senior executive to sign off on employment offers to EP holders, including a declaration that the firm has complied with the above-mentioned requirements.[+10 sentences] False declarations should carry penalty under Singapore’s laws. The current negative sentiment against foreigners will ease when Singaporeans believe that the system takes care of their interests and it means something to be a Singaporean when applying for a job. They will be more amenable to hosting international expertise in their midst when they believe that they will benefit from a systematic transfer of skills and knowledge from foreign colleagues. Singaporeans’ attitudes toward foreigners will be more welcoming and the Government can aid this effort by putting the right systems in place. Sir, during one of my international assignments to Canada 25 years ago, for a recruitment drive to source for bankers of Asian origin to return to Asia, I chanced upon Canada’s Equal Employment Opportunities framework. Even then, 25 years ago, it was against Canadian law to ask candidates about their age, gender, race, maritial status and disabilities – all things we do routinely in Singapore, as part of our employment process. To comply with Canadian laws, HR changed the application forms, removing all reference to these factors and focused the selection completely on job-related skills and experience. This experience left a deep impression on me – that candidates should indeed be assessed purely on their competencies, skills and experience to do the job – and nothing else. In Singapore, despite numerous Government schemes encouraging the employment of older workers and mid-career Singaporeans, I often hear our citizens’ frustrations that their age and previous pay act as barriers to securing new career opportunities. This, despite genuine effort on their part to lower their expectations of rank and pay. We have also often heard of discriminatory practices against mothers and minorities. I call on the Government to consider implementing an Equal Employment Opportunities framework to stem discrimination in employment practices.[+4 sentences] Employers should institute hiring practices that engender blindness in the workplace towards age, gender, race, disability and everything else that they may discriminate against – for a more diverse representation across all groups. Employment equity is a matter of dignity – everyone should have an equal opportunity to work and contribute to society. At the same time, employers stand to gain from a diversified and competent workforce, one that promotes inclusion in the workplace. Sir, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat announced the further extension of the Job Support Scheme or JSS, to help keep companies afloat and save jobs. Whilst I support the need to preserve our core capabilities in key sectors such as aviation, I question the sustainability of extending JSS indefinitely. It is about time that the Government transition to a much more differentiated level of support for companies.[+11 sentences] Well-intended assistance to prop up firms who are not viable in a post-COVID-19 world, may inadvertently provide them with artificial life-support to extend their decline, thus hindering the reallocation of labour and resources. Instead, we should pivot our assistance programmes to help workers find new careers and learn new skills. As much as we think JSS will help to save jobs, many citizens shared about their struggles of being "stuck" with employers whose businesses are no longer viable, whilst they experience significant reductions in pay and prospects. Instead of sinking millions into JSS for these companies, why not help affected workers from distressed firms directly? These workers could benefit from the Government’s direct financial assistance – start afresh to seek new careers and undergo training to move to more promising sectors and occupations. Their future should not have to be so inextricably linked to their companies’ ability to rebound. Empower the workers to seek a better future for themselves. Sir, the poor and vulnerable have been the hardest hit by the pandemic. When lower- income residents lose their jobs or experience salary cuts, they have little savings to fall back on. Every week, I witness the hardship endured by self-employed gig workers, first-hand. I see the difficulty of many laid-off residents to secure employment and feel their frustration. The introduction of COVID-19 Support Grant to help the unemployed and SIRS to help the self-employed are steps in the right direction. At this time of great uncertainty and disruption, we owe it to our people to provide some universal safety net in the form of support for basic income, medical coverage and retirement adequacy, so that families can cope.[+12 sentences] In years past, Singapore has managed to avoid implementing these safety nets– but the world has changed and we should reconsider our position on some of these "sacred cows". Sir, as Singapore faces a challenging fiscal environment given the poor economic outlook, I would like to repeat my call to the Government to consider an even more progressive personal income tax and consider introducing wealth taxes and estate duties – all aimed at building a fairer and more equal society. In the past, reluctance to do so has been down to the fear of driving away wealthy investors. But I believe that, in a world made more turbulent and uncertain by COVID-19, Singapore’s unmatched proposition of a world class infrastructure, rule of law, financial and political stability and now, best-in-class healthcare, is made even stronger. As a destination for global wealth assets, Singapore offers peace of mind and will continue to be attractive even if our well-structured tax regime imposes higher rates. The effects of the pandemic, which have recently included surging stock prices alongside mass unemployment, risk bringing about a more unequal society, more disparate incomes, a wider gulf between rich and poor. To be sure, COVID-19 affects everyone, but for lower income citizens, the impact could be devastating. Our people are frightened and worried – they need our help and they need our assurance. We, in this House, must lead with compassion, wisdom and courage. During the recent General Election, many of us promised our residents that, as they faced the struggles of this pandemic, they would not walk their journey alone. It is time we kept our promise to them. Mr Speaker, I support the Motion.
Mr Lim Biow Chuan (Mountbatten)1327 words
[+9 sentences]Mr Speaker, I joined the workforce 32 years ago as a lawyer. Throughout my life, I had known the PAP as the Government in charge of Singapore. My assessment at that time was that PAP is a capable Government. The values expounded by the PAP Government resonate with me – meritocracy, no cronyism, diligence and hard work, a firm stand against corruption. It is a Government that had performed over the years and gave Singaporeans progress and a better life. It is a Government which I can support. Today, life has become more complicated. By all measures, we had done well. Our living standard is still one of the best in the world. If you look at healthcare, housing, public transport, education opportunities, security and public order, they are all of a very high standard. But Singaporeans face challenges of higher cost of living, more stress, stiff competition and income inequality. We also live in a more inter-connected and complicating world order where governments in other countries have become protectionists and more inward looking.[+6 sentences] As President Halimah said in her speech, "countries are fighting to meet their own needs, fueling a new wave of protectionism". I believe that many Singaporeans understand the challenges facing us as a small trading nation. Singaporeans, myself included, also acknowledge that the PAP Government is still a capable government and that it will be able to deliver. There will always be policy gaps which I think most of us acknowledge. There is no perfect government in the world. Over the past 14 years as a Member of Parliament, I have met and had many discussions with Government Ministers and senior civil servants. I have come to acknowledge that almost all policies are about trade-offs.[+1 sentence] Take workers, for example. We all want a Singaporean Core; we want Singaporeans to be employed first and to get the best jobs.[+2 sentences] But yet, if we do not open our doors to allow skilled and talented foreign workers to Singapore, we risk losing out to international competition for foreign investment. If foreign investors face severe manpower restrictions and they cannot get the best workers to work here and to grow their companies, why would they come to Singapore? Why not invest in another country where manpower cost is lower and there are less restrictions? Thus, the solution is not to close the door to skilled foreign workers but to ensure that we have policies which do not discriminate against Singaporeans, that we have policies which will help Singaporeans to get better jobs. So, I urge the Government to continue ensuring that Singaporeans remain at the centre of all that we do, and for the Government to do a better job of explaining in very simple terms the trade-offs faced by us as a small nation.[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker, Sir, my concern about Singapore’s future is not only about COVID-19 and about job losses. This is a pandemic that has caused the worst recession in Singapore since Independence.[+30 sentences] But Singapore had overcome the Asian Financial Crisis in 1996; we had defeated SARS in 2003 and we survived the collapse of major financial institutions due to the failure of Lehman Brothers. We are a resilient country and together as one people, we will be able to overcome all challenges. My other concern is about our politics. The People’s Association had done a wonderful job in promoting social harmony and integration, racial and religious harmony. But come election time, as a people, we are no longer united and instead have become divided. Debate on policies is supposed to result in better policies for Singapore. But instead of debate on policies, the social media goes on a frenzy as political personalities are attacked during the election. Just as in many other countries, politics seem to have divided Singapore and this is not good for us as a nation. The amount of vitriol and hate which I read about in the social media during the election campaign saddens me. During the election, the frequent feedback which I have received is that the Government is arrogant; it is not willing to listen; our leaders are out of touch; the leaders are not humble. Rightly or wrongly, there is also the perception that there is bullying and unfair treatment of people who do not agree with our policies. So, I am glad that the President had devoted an entire section in her speech about "Evolving our Politics". I also applaud the Government for recognising the Leader of the Opposition. I urge the Government to be more open to constructive criticisms and rational debate. I would submit that the Government must not treat politicians from other parties as enemies. They too are fellow Singaporeans. We must assume that they want the best for Singapore even if they do not agree with all our Government policies. And where politicians from other parties and even backbenchers from PAP have good ideas, I urge the Government to acknowledge and consider these ideas. After the 2015 election, in my speech to thank the President in 2016, I said that: "Many residents spoke to me about the rejection of confrontational politics. They want a government that can work with different organisations which are committed to building Singapore to become a stronger and better nation." Two years later after Parliament prorogued, I again called on the Government to "be a more receptive and kinder government when dealing with people of differing views." I repeat this call for a less confrontational political system, so that Singaporeans can be more united. If we do not get our politics right, there will be continued distrust in the Government and we will not stand united. We will not be able to overcome crises together. I also urge the leaders of other political parties to condemn the destructive criticisms which push falsehood and twist facts out of context. Constructive suggestions build up Singapore. Destructive untruths will bring down our country because it instils hatred against fair and decent leaders. Mr Speaker, I just have one additional comment on the President’s Address. When we talk about building a fair and just society, my hope is that this means fairness for all Singaporeans regardless of housing type. In the past budgetary provisions, we have dug deep into our reserves to help those adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. I agree that those who are low-income and need more help should get more help. But for those who need help but live in homes above a certain annual value, why should they be deemed to be self-sufficient?[+1 sentence] I do not agree with this policy. When a Singaporean suffers loss of income, then regardless of his house type, he needs help.[+6 sentences] He may have family expenses like medical bills, mortgage instalments, school fees to settle. He may have to look after sick elderly parents or look after children with special needs. He may not be able to sell his home during a financial crisis. During good times, he pays all his taxes dutifully. But when times are hard, should the Government decline to help these people just because they have a house with a higher value? Is the COVID-19 crisis something that they could have predicted? Some of these residents are mere tenants of the homes with higher annual value; some are children of actual owners of the property; and some have inherited the homes from their parents.[+3 sentences] Our reserves are built on the hard work contributed by all tax payers. Why do we have the expectation that people do not deserve help simply because they have bigger homes of a higher annual value? Should we not look at their loss of income? Should we always insist that these people must sell their homes before they get the short-term help specifically targeted at those affected by COVID-19? So, I urge the Government to review this policy of pegging our assistance to annual values of properties.[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker, I support the Motion.
Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui (Holland-Bukit Timah)2052 words
[+6 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, it is a privilege to deliver my maiden speech at the Fourteenth Parliament of Singapore. I would like to declare that I am the Managing Director of the Timbre group of companies, Director of placeM One Pte Ltd, Feed The World Pte Ltd, SMU Enterprise, NP Enterprise, Assistant Honorary Secretary of the Restaurant Association of Singapore and the Treasurer of the Singapore Nightlife Business Association. I rise to thank the President for her speech. I fully concur with her that we must engage and harness the aspirations and creative energies of all Singaporeans. Our lives have changed so much in the past eight months. This COVID-19 pandemic is providing unprecedented challenges for both our people and society. 2020 has revealed two major realities. First, even well managed companies have been adversely affected due to external factors.[+1 sentence] For instance, the companies in our tourism ecosystem such as SIA, hotels and F&Bs. Second, the desire of our electorate for a more inclusive society on matters pertaining to race, community and employment.[+21 sentences] I strongly believe that these challenges provide new opportunities for us to work together as one community, to evolve to meet new realities. As a fellow Singaporean entrepreneur myself, I stand here to represent and be a strong voice for our companies, especially SMEs, during such extraordinary times. We need to broaden our view of enterprises and entrepreneurs as having not only economic value but deep social value at our core. Our enterprises are agents of social changes. We need more companies to be created with missions that value adds to our society and improves our societal well-being. Therefore, it is crucial that we shift our perspective from looking at an enterprise as an economic entity but also see it as a unit for our society’s progress. This will mean that at a societal level, each enterprise must reflect our national narrative of "against the odds", "regardless of race, language or religion" and "inclusivity". We must be prepared to "learn, unlearn, and relearn". We need to support our companies trying to revive and transform their businesses. I agree that this requires a significant change in our mindset, but we must do so quickly in such difficult and unusual times. We need to question existing assumptions and recalibrate our thinking about enterprises. Looking at entrepreneurs and enterprises as having both economic as well as societal value at the national level will inspire more entrepreneurs to establish more companies in Singapore, especially young people in their 20s to 30s who want to do more than simply make money. With more companies on board, we can offer more quality jobs which attract more Singaporeans who desire to work for these companies because it resonates with their aspirations. In addition, we should not compartmentalise that Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR is separate from entrepreneurship development. In fact, the concept of CSR is fast becoming nothing more than a "Public Relations". Doing well and doing good comes hand in hand. Authenticity is much talked about and less often reflected. Today, we must think even beyond delivering double bottom lines and instead build businesses out of a core that integrates societal well-being into its operations. Every enterprise is an organic entity that evolves over time. Those that did not begin in high growth sectors can pivot into it over time. Some successful companies today come from very humble beginnings. We must not assess the success of an enterprise at a single point in time but instead adopt an iterative perspective where all enterprises evolve over time and therefore will have many highs and lows as part of its development. This means that we need to reframe our belief of letting failing companies die to enabling failing companies to rebound and restart.[+5 sentences] We must support every entrepreneur or business owner in all sectors because society needs them rather than the belief of spotting unicorn winners and only supporting high-tech entrepreneurs. We need to build into the DNA of the entrepreneur and the enterprise their ability to contribute meaningfully to Singapore society at large. We need to value the individual entrepreneur more than the business and walk this journey of evolution alongside them. Our approach with our workers is that we cannot save every job, but we will look after every worker. Our approach for our SMEs and entrepreneurs should be the same. While we cannot save every business, we should partner every entrepreneur to evolve, help them with a soft landing, provide them a longer runway and help them re-start.[+9 sentences] A good example of a start-up that evolved over time is Alchemy Foodtech. Alan and his wife, Verleen started Alchemy Foodtech to fight our societal battle on diabetes. Together, they invented Alchemy Fibre, a patented ingredient that is gluten-free and made from plant crops such as corn, pea and tapioca, to lower the glycaemic index of refined carbohydrates such as rice, bread and noodles while raising their overall fibre content. When COVID-19 required restaurants to be closed, and more people began to prepare their own meals at home, the Alchemy team created complementary consumer-friendly products that could be easily used for healthier home-cooked meals. Today, Alchemy fibre is found in established brands like Boon Tong Kee and working with food manufacturers like Gardenia. I have known Alan before Alchemy when he and his wife started a company selling soy-based ice cream. They have evolved from serving desserts to transforming everyday staples. They are a good example of how an enterprise is an organic entity which evolves through time with a mission of improving our societal well-being. I deeply hope that we can and will do more to help our entrepreneurs and enterprises. As such, I call upon the following five policy moves.[+12 sentences] Firstly, we need to enlarge our Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) when we support Singaporean enterprises and assess their broader contribution to Singapore society. Increasingly, the world of investing and corporate reporting is shifting towards the ESG model. Government support measures for our enterprises needs to evolve towards this lens – the way we support and shape enterprises, focus and outcomes. Secondly, we need to expand our current grant schemes to also include areas to revive, rejuvenate and restart entrepreneurs and enterprises as we need to make "hope" a tangible value in our economic DNA. In this climate of COVID-19 pandemic, we expect to see more business disruptions. Some entrepreneurs will fail because their business models have been destructed if not disrupted by COVID-19. We need to help these entrepreneurs restart much like how we help budding entrepreneurs to start up. Seasoned entrepreneurs have years of experience, knowledge and networks that can be potentially wasted if they are unable to restart fast. We need to help them with a tangible rebound by assisting them with seed capital and public financing to restart. With this approach, they can contribute to our economy and society quickly, thereby creating new jobs and benefiting Singapore to emerge faster and stronger. To help our entrepreneurs restart quickly, our regulatory agencies will need to process new applications faster as it is important to consider the opportunity cost to our society. To help our entrepreneurs rejuvenate, we need to be more targeted in manpower policies towards different industries. MOM's recent announcement of raising EP and S Pass minimum salary impacts industries unevenly.[+3 sentences] Industries, such as offshore and marine, travel and hospitality, construction, retail and F&B are already reeling from the impact of COVID-19. The additional cost levied on these industries are hard to bare. We need companies to survive and thrive. In this way, we continue to help our Singaporeans by preserving their jobs and their livelihood as SMEs employ close to 70% of our workforce.[+8 sentences] Thirdly, we need to further enhance support for businesses who face financial challenges. The reality is this: as many businesses re- start, they face a mountain of old debt, be it rental arrears or owing to suppliers. Cashflow remains a challenge. The COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act and the new rental relief framework for SMEs have been beneficial and provided some peace of mind for our entrepreneurs. However, it is temporary and the hard reality kicks in after the COVID-19 measures are lifted. Some businesses may want to restart but they have a problem of getting fresh credit. Many also worry about their old debts having snowballed. In the case of rental arrears, these businesses must now cope with repayments due under the rental relief on top of their already strained cashflow situation. As such, I would like to propose that: (a) a repayment scheme be extended for more categories of debts.[+1 sentence] This can be patterned along the lines of the COVID-19 re-payment scheme for rent arrears. The new categories can include other obligations, such as liabilities under personal guarantees or insurance bonds, trade financing and term loans. There should be an instalment plan outlining a clear debts repayment schedule with capped interest rates; and (b) we should make it clear that Directors should not be liable for insolvency trading if the insolvency period arises from 1 February 2020.[+9 sentences] Currently, this relief is only temporary. These additional moves would provide entrepreneurs more runway to pay their debts, ensuring their mental wellness while attempting to restart their businesses. Fourth, more innovation can take place when companies look beyond its specific vertical and sector. Cross sectoral collaborations provide opportunities where skillsets can be combined synergistically to create new business products and services. To enable more of such cross-industry collaborations, we need to add horizontal layers in our current way of structuring industry verticals. Government officers will need to have horizontal exposure and skill sets to better support our companies. We will need to promote more networking opportunities and collaborations between trade associations. We need to promote more Joint Venture opportunities. Let us keep finding more ways to integrate all our efforts further so that there is more collaboration between partners so that we achieve higher network effect for our enterprises. And, last but not the least, beyond support measures, the Government needs to also foster the best environment for our SMEs and entrepreneurs to succeed. I am heartened that MTI has convened a Fair Tenancy ProTem committee.[+7 sentences] COVID-19 brought structural imbalances of the landlord-tenant relationship to bare. For many SMEs who are tenants, they rely on an equitable partnership with their landlords to thrive. Those who are fortunate to have landlords who adopt a partnership mindset have a higher chance to thrive and as they grow, their landlords benefit too as they take up more space. As with all types of relationships, there needs to be trust and trust is built on transparency. We need to ensure a fair and transparent relationship between landlords and tenants so that both can grow in a sustainable manner with the end goal of providing societal well-being. In a nutshell, we need to: (a) view our Singapore enterprises as having both economic and societal value. As such, we need to broaden and recalibrate our performance indicators when supporting them; (b) we need to enhance our existing grant schemes to enable our entrepreneurs and their enterprises to revive, rejuvenate and re-start; (c) we need to provide an assured legal framework on insolvency and debts repayment for targeted companies and entrepreneurs to enable them to restart now and after COVID-19; (d) we need to develop an eco-system to enable more cross sector collaborations; and (e) through a Fair Tenancy Framework, provide a conducive and fair environment for our SMEs to thrive in Singapore. Through the above five policy advancements, we can leverage our inherent capacities of our enterprises and entrepreneurs who continue contributing to the overall Singapore economic and social footprint, creating good jobs for Singaporeans and thereby securing their livelihoods. We must provide more hope and heart for greater value to emerge.[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker, Sir, I am confident that our entrepreneurs and enterprises has the grit and gumption to overcome current disruptions and challenges. Let us walk this journey of "revive", "rejuvenate" and "restart" and with our entrepreneurs. Let us partner them as societal agents of change, facing each challenge with the conviction of carving out opportunities for sustainable good. I believe together we can evolve Singapore Inc which will ultimately not just provide good jobs but great livelihoods for the families of Singapore.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Minister Tan See Leng.
The Minister, Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Manpower and Trade and Industry (Dr Tan See Leng)4149 words
[+8 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, good afternoon. First off, I would like to thank all Singaporeans for the opportunity to be part of the team entrusted with the responsibility to help steer Singapore and Singaporeans through COVID-19. This is unquestionably the worst crisis in a generation. We have had to strike a fine and delicate balance between protecting Singaporean lives and preserving their livelihoods. This pandemic has presented an unprecedented threat to our society and economy, as it has been more virulent and widespread than any other outbreak that we have dealt with in the past. As such, we have had to constantly calibrate our responses based on the evolving global and local situation, and the attendant risks and complexities of the various scenarios. One very good example is the whole-of-Government effort to manage the COVID-19 outbreak in our migrant worker dormitories. In early April, we convened a Joint Task Force comprising officers from MOM, MOH, MCI, SAF, the Home Team and other agencies, to provide support to migrant workers and dormitory operators in the fight against COVID-19. After close to five months of intensive effort, the Joint Task Force has completed the mammoth task of screening migrant workers in all dormitories, and the vast majority of them have been cleared to go back to work.[+1 sentence] Now, we are transitioning towards a more sustainable approach of maintaining and preserving the health of our migrant workers for the longer term. The Joint Task Force has passed the baton to the newly-formed MOM Assurance, Care and Engagement Group, or ACE Group for short.[+4 sentences] The ACE Group will continue to maintain the discipline as well as the cadence of screening, containment, isolation and active contact tracing of cases. Beyond that, they will also play a larger role in the assurance and engagement by ensuring safe working, safe living, and safe rest days for migrant workers, as well as reach out to at-risk workers to provide additional medical and mental health support. To engender a strong support network for migrant workers, the ACE Group will also partner representatives from amongst the workers, the dormitory operators, employers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). And even as we plan ahead, we will not let our guard down. We will make sure that we reduce the risks of a resurgence of the outbreak in the dormitories. We will provide comprehensive and accessible healthcare services to migrant workers through three main channels: first, they can visit one of our 12 medical centres providing primary care services island-wide; second, they can also seek medical attention via telemedicine anytime on their smartphones, through a mobile application; and third, mobile clinical teams will be activated in the event of an emerging cluster, so that we can mitigate any outbreaks.[+6 sentences] Other than the physical health, we are also focusing on the mental health and well-being of our migrant workers. Our Forward Assurance and Support Teams, or FAST Teams for short, work closely with NGOs, the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), MOH officers and the migrant worker community to identify and assist workers who are in need of mental health support. We have also been regularly disseminating mental health materials in the native language of migrant workers, to teach them how to identify symptoms of distress, practise relaxation techniques, to look out for one another, and also provide information on how and where to seek help, if needed. This includes general helplines and tele-counselling services run by NGOs, such as the Migrant Workers' Centre and HealthServe. We are also actively engaging dormitory operators and owners to make infrastructural changes to purpose-built dormitories, so as to enable our dormitories to become more resilient and to prevent new public health threats to our migrant workers. For example, we are looking to improve ventilation and spacing of the living areas and communal facilities. In addition, we will make available 25,000 beds in Quick Build Dormitories by early next year, with another 100,000 beds coming onboard within the next few years. These are temporary structures, the 25,000 beds in the Quick Build Dormitories.[+27 sentences] The 100,000 beds, they are in more permanent structures. These temporary structures can be constructed quickly, so that we can put in place measures soon to house workers further apart for better social distancing. The situation is complex. It will continue to evolve but our mission will also evolve alongside with it. We will remain ready, we will remain responsive to tackle the new challenges that COVID-19 will bring to us and we will ensure that our migrant workers and our Singaporean community continues to remain safe and healthy. Turning back to the present, our economy continues to be battered by the storm and difficult days remain ahead. We need to strike the right balance between saving lives and saving livelihoods. This is a constant daily challenge for all of us, as we methodically reopen the economy to our varied trading partners and foreign visitors, whilst ensuring that Singaporeans remain protected from successive waves of infection. As a small country reliant on external trade, we are susceptible to rising nationalism worldwide as well as growing tensions between our major trading partners. We will need to remain resilient to the very real possibility of disruptions to our global supply chains, which depend heavily on the modern-day business concepts of just-in-time delivery. As most of you would have known, I have spent all of my working life in the private sector, so I can closely relate and resonate with what businesses are going through right now. There is a Chinese idiom: “创业难，守业更难”, which means “to start a business is already not easy, but sustaining a business is even harder”. Indeed, the challenges that face our businesses today are significant. This is regardless of whether you are a start-up, a small, medium enterprise (SME) or a large multi-national company (MNC). Even in normal times, there were no past precedents or protocols that you can refer to when you get curve balls thrown at you. And this happens frequently, sometimes, even on a daily basis. Just like during this current COVID-19 crisis, one, our teams at MOM and MND, our Multi-Ministerial Task Force chaired by Minister Gan and Minister Lawrence Wong on a daily basis, they have to constantly think on their feet, to adapt and to adjust as the situation evolves, as more information comes onstream. The only way we can stay ahead is to continually keep ourselves engaged with the situation as it evovles. 我们要随机应变。 Competition is also relentless for smaller firms. It does not stop when you survive and become larger, because then you face even more capable competition not just locally but regionally. Those that make it to the big leagues, internationally, they then have to pit themselves against other large conglomerates with a wealth of resources and expertise to compete with you, and contend sometimes with protectionist rules and regulations in foreign jurisdictions that curtail the ability to compete in a fair and equitable manner. To expand on the sentiment in the Chinese idiom, I would add: “创业难，守业更难! 要改革企业更是难上难!” While sustaining a business is harder than starting a business, when you finally have to pivot your business, or even an entire country's mindset, to be ready for new challenges is even more complex and is infinitely difficult. Even before COVID-19, our businesses and workers were already transforming themselves to prepare for the future economy and the future of work. This crisis has accelerated the changes to our economy and has highlighted the fact that we must be flexible, we must be nimble in pivoting to new areas of opportunity and different ways of operating even after this pandemic recedes. This will not be an easy feat, but our Government will walk with workers and with our businesses to forge ahead on this path, even as we tackle the immediate challenges presented by the crisis. We want to walk with our workers to secure good employment outcomes for every generation. As we navigate through this crisis, we must always remember that our workers are at the heart of our economy and we must help our workforce to emerge stronger from this crisis. We will make every effort to come together and ensure that we do not have a “lost generation” of workers. We will support our workforce by securing “Fairness at Work” – upholding fair opportunities, fair hiring, fair competition and fair support for everyone to progress at every stage of their working lives. We promise to walk with every worker, even if we cannot preserve every job. Our national effort to do so will be through the National Jobs Council, led by Senior Minister Tharman. We will ensure that our jobseekers have fair opportunities and equitable ones at a good job by bringing together 100,000 such opportunities through the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package.[+6 sentences] I am particularly concerned about the growing concentration of disengaged Singaporeans in two key groups: one, the young graduates; and two, mature workers. Walking with our young graduates. Firstly, I have heard feedback from residents on how their children who have recently graduated are worried about securing a job in the current challenging labour market and how this may affect their aspirations, their ambitions and their career trajectories. We are working very hard. We are working very hard to keep our young workers engaged and inspired as they embark on their journeys into the working world amidst this crisis. I want to assure all of our young Singaporeans that although you may seem to have been dealt with a difficult starting hand, we will do all we can to ensure that your generation will still flourish and fulfil your potential. Even though some of our young workers may find it challenging to secure a job opportunity during this period, we are committed to helping them to build their professional skillsets, experience and networks, through the SGUnited Traineeships Programme.[+13 sentences] As an example, one such young graduate is Mr Foo Sek Eng, he is a 26-year-old who graduated from the Nanyang Technological University in July 2019 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Sek Eng was looking out for suitable opportunities that would allow him to pursue his interest in technology and product management, and was attracted to the wide range of traineeships on offer. He has since joined Singtel as a trainee in July 2020. As part of his traineeship, Sek Eng has been applying his engineering background to address product innovation and data analytics issues. He aims to develop a well-rounded skillset through his traineeship, honing not just his technical competencies, but also his project management, business development and interpersonal skills. We are very heartened by Sek Eng’s positive attitude and his enthusiasm in learning and growing through his traineeship opportunity. Even though it is a traineeship role, it has been a meaningful experience for him to build up industry-relevant skills, as well as networks and this will stand him in better stead to secure a good full-time job and I hope, perhaps, spur him off on this entrepreneurship journey to do a start-up in his own field of interest, especially when the economy recovers and I hope his example inspires many others in his generation, and this will give our young workers confidence that there are opportunities to flourish in spite of this crisis. We also want to foster the grit and innovative spirit of our young entrepreneurs, whose companies will be a key part of our strong Singaporean core of enterprises that can compete internationally and offer high-end quality jobs locally. One such other enterprise is Lucence, which was founded by Dr Tan Min-Han in 2016. He chose to set up his own company to build world-class medical technology in a very highly competitive industry. Why did he do this? Because he wanted to strike out on his own, he wanted to put his name and Singapore’s name on the world map, and successfully compete with global conglomerates. In doing so, his company has achieved outside as the only US federally-licensed medical diagnostic lab in Southeast Asia. Lucence has also developed the world’s first blood test that detects both cancer-causing genes and viruses in order to identify the best treatment for cancer patients, and it has been used for thousands of patients across the US and Asia.[+1 sentence] The company has also pivoted in this COVID-19 crisis to developing a more sensitive saliva test kit using this deep-throat saliva and we are now doing studies to see how we can adapt it for use locally. On top of that, the company has also established laboratories in Silicon Valley and Suzhou Industrial Park and continues to expand their operations amidst the global pandemic, and they have plans to hire more research and medtech professionals in Singapore.[+7 sentences] Walking with our mature workers. This group – mature workers – is near and dear to my heart, because I am in the age group. Our mature workers in their 40s and 50s have contributed a good part of their lives to our economy so far. Most of them continue to be willing, and they are able to contribute to our economy for many, mnay more years to come, but even before the pandemic struck, many were already concerned about their job securities and the challenges of how they can adapt to the new technology and how this new technology has transformed their job scope and their work. With the current weak labour market conditions, many are worried about losing their jobs, having to compete with younger counterparts or even foreign workers for limited job opportunities. The reality is that many sectors and many jobs that have been worst-hit by this crisis may take a long time to bounce back, and some of them may never, never come back. So, these companies would have to pivot their operations or ride on new opportunities that arise. These permanent job opportunities will change in scope, they may remain scarce until the economy picks up again. We have thus designed opportunities for mid-career individuals under the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package, to allow our middle-aged mature workers to seize this opportunity to upskill and reskill for quality job roles and good future careers.[+12 sentences] As our mature workers strive to prepare themselves for new job roles, we must also make sure that employers consider them fairly and offer them good opportunities for improvement and progression. Meritocracy is the foundational principle of Singapore society and we must demonstrate this to the world by taking a stand against employers that discriminate against workers based on nationality, age, gender or any other factors that are irrelevant to the job. Mature workers possess a significant treasure trove of experiential knowledge and practice wisdom. This experiential knowledge and practice wisdom cannot be replaced by or gleaned from academic pursuits or qualifications. Like what they say in Chinese: 姜是越老越辣 – the older the ginger, the spicier it gets. There is significant value for companies to leverage on that expertise, and the skills sets of our mature and experienced Singaporeans. I want to also reassure our businesses that we are neither inward-looking nor are we turning away global talents and investments. We will continue to welcome those who bring in valuable skills in short supply. Such top-tier workers allow our businesses to build the best teams in our country so that we remain globally competitive, while also helping, at the same time, to attract high-value investments and anchor high-value activities in Singapore. Our local workers can also learn from the expertise of such skilled foreign workers. And to this end, I am glad that Mr Pritam Singh and the Workers' Party also agree and align with us on the need to support the growth of our Singapore Core, infusing it with global talent. The two examples that Mr Singh cited with regards to MOM, these two companies amongst the 47 companies being added to the Fair Competition Framework Watchlist and asked why we had allowed them to hire as many as they did before deciding to put them on the watchlist. What is important was that if you read from the same media release, the companies actually hired 2,800 local PMETs, more than the 2,000 E Passes than they had given out.[+2 sentences] And the universe that we are looking at, there are more than 35,000 companies in Singapore that hire these EPs. Some of them will have problems of higher concentrations of foreigners compared to their peers, even though prima facie the EP applications have met qualifications and salary criteria. Regardless, we will not allow companies to practise wanton discrimination against our local talent.[+10 sentences] MOM has been enhancing these frameworks. We have been stepping up the surveillance and enforcement. In fact, we expect businesses operating in Singapore to invest more effort in strengthening the Singaporean Core. In the current difficult economic climate, it is all the more important that our workers are given fair opportunities to find meaningful work. And rest assured, we at MOM, not only have we been working doubly hard to monitor compliance amongst these companies, we have continued to step up surveillance and enforcement action against egregious offenders. In the long run, curtailment of work pass priviledges is not an adequate measure. I have come from the private sector all my life. I have run a sizeable, global conglomerate in healthcare. I think that if we think we can choke off key manpower supply by curtailing Employment Passes or establishing a quota, I think this is going to be infinitely more painful for the companies than any other penalties that you can think of imposing. So, I would seriously and crucially advise against that kind of thinking. At MOM, we will give Singaporean jobseekers a stronger boost by working with businesses to give more serious consideration to Singaporeans when hiring, especially those who are willing to adjust their expectations and adapt.[+6 sentences] We will also scale up our proactive efforts to increase our Singaporean jobseekers' chances of landing a suitable job. At the same time, I would also like to make an appeal to all of our jobseekers, regardless of age and background – in this difficult economic climate, we may have to be a bit more realistic in your expectations. We have to keep an open mind on the available opportunities. With support from the Government, this will give us the chance to embark on a new career path in a sector or role that some of us may not have considered before. We also want to walk with employers, to emerge stronger. The Government will also support businesses through a variety of targeted steps. First, for businesses that are seeing new opportunities, such as those in the ICT, biopharma, agritech, advanced manufacturing sectors and those developing low carbon technologies, we will help them grow.[+11 sentences] We will create a more attractive environment for co-opetition, which is for businesses to compete and to also cooperate with one another for new opportunities. One recent example of this cooperation was between FormLabs, TÜV-SÜD, NUS, NUH and companies with 3D-printing capabilities, to rapidly develop swabs used in COVID-19 test kits. They formed a consortium to leverage on digital manufacturing, and took only seven weeks to reach product readiness. Local companies Structo, Eye2Eye, and Forefront Medical, they were involved in the conceptualisation and the entire production development cycle, and seized the opportunity to repurpose their available 3D printers to mass produce 3D-printed nasopharyngeal swabs; there was a massive run on this particular item, this is key to doing that swab in our nasopharyngeal to pick up the virus so that we can send it for PCR testing. So, there was a huge shortage in global supply due to demand surge and supply chain disruptions. The ability of our private sector, our research institutions and our Government agencies to come together quickly to meet new needs and to seize new opportunities, puts us in good stead for co-opetition – to compete globally and also to cooperate globally. Secondly, for those businesses that are facing lower demand now but will eventually recover, we will help them preserve their core competencies, their core capabilities. This continues to put them in the best position to seize new opportunities when the economy recovers. For businesses in industries that have permanently changed, we will help them reinvent themselves and help them pivot into new markets with new products. Many of the mass market tourism and social entertainment companies are already thinking along these lines. In fact, there are opportunities within these industries for Singapore to lead the way in the development of new business models that can be adopted globally. For example, to prepare for the safe resumption of meetings, conferences and other business-oriented events, STB has developed a Safe Business Event Risk Management Framework in consultation with the industry and in alignment with international best practices.[+1 sentence] STB is trialling this framework with two pilot events before scaling up to other events. The first event, the IEEE International Conference on Computational Electromagnetics, was held successfully just a week ago, from 24 to 26 August 2020.[+4 sentences] So, to stay ahead, Mr Speaker, Sir, it is also crucial that we develop a strong Singapore Core of enterprises that can grow and compete internationally, and offer high-end, quality job opportunities to our workforce. This is not going to be an easy feat, given the fact that our domestic market is too small to sustain them. To succeed, we must find new ways to transform and innovate; not just incubate these ideas, but developing generations of Singaporeans that can put these ideas into action and commercialise them with strong intellectual property protection and validation by our Government agencies. We have started to do this with business leaders through Singapore Together Alliances for Action, set up by the Emerging Stronger Taskforce. The Alliances are industry-led coalitions that will rapidly prototype and execute ideas in key growth areas for Singapore, such as robotics and supply chain digitalisation.[+8 sentences] We have launched National Innovation Challenges to develop industry-led solutions to the challenges faced by businesses. For example, the Safe-Reopening: Construction challenge led by BCA and Kajima Group seeks to establish a system that enables construction-site continuity planning. This will allow project development activities to resume safely and sustainably. We must also continue to encourage partnerships with internationally renowned institutions, share and learn their best practices, and cooperate and invest to expand our talent base and our repertoire of ideas and innovations. This is something I hope I can contribute to and achieve in MTI. To conclude, we must never waste a crisis, because in every crisis, there are also opportunities : 危机—有危险就有机会。Together as a nation, we must overcome our differences in ideologies, beliefs and personalities and we must unite together in constructive feedback, in constructive engagement and we have to work together to overcome this pandemic and the pains that it has brought us. I hope, and it is my sincere and earnest disire, that all parties can come and work together to develop a new spirit of resilience, fortitude and unity that reflects the same tenacity and grit of our forefathers. Then, hopefully, years from now, we can look back and say that we overcomed the crisis of a generation and we have continued to live long and prosper. Already, many of our agencies in the biomedical ICT sectors are making significant inroads in the development of novel test kits for COVID-19. Several of these areas include the use of automation and robotics to improve turn-around times in the processing of these tests, whilst improving the safety and protection of our lab technicians and bolstering the contact tracing applications. Given the huge amount of creative and intellectual capital in our country, we have the means and the resources to transform many of our industries and services and to come out ahead.[+1 sentence] Every country dreams big. In Singapore, we not only dream big, we also make it happen and we bring our dreams to reality – think about Jurong Island, think about Changi Airport – because we work hard together, because we have a collective desire to build a better and brighter future for Singapore together, not just for ourselves, but for our children, our grandchildren and hopefully, our great grandchildren.[+3 sentences] To continue to do well and thrive in the brave new world, we must be exceptional. Exceptional in the way we dream, in the way we hope, in the way we aspire, exceptional in the way we implement, in the way we execute. But most important of all, I hope that we can be exceptional in the way we care for one another and in a way we carry one another. Because this is the only way I know that our country, of less than 4 million fellow citizens, can transform, leapfrog, thrive and prosper in this brave new world.[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you very much, I support the Motion.
Mr Speaker45 words
[+5 sentences]Order. I propose to take a break now. I suspend the Sitting and will take the Chair at 4.00 pm. Sitting accordingly suspended at 3.39 pm until 4.00 pm. Sitting resumed at 4.00 pm.
Mr Speaker16 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Pritam Singh. Apologies, I missed your hand earlier; must have been too hungry just now.
Mr Pritam Singh241 words
[+5 sentences]It is okay, Mr Speaker, thank you. Sir, I have a clarification for Second Minister for Manpower, Minister Tan. This pertains to his reference to my speech and specifically the bit on fair hiring. I would like to refer, for that purpose, to an article that was in The Straits Times on 21 October 2019, entitled "Ensuring Level Playing Field for Singaporean Job Applicants". And reference was made there to a local IT firm found to be unfairly favouring job applicants who are foreigners. The firm was barred in mid-2017 from hiring foreign staff until it improved its practices – which is the standard form of what happens to employers of who practise unfair hiring.[+6 sentences] The next line is interesting: "But it was uncooperative until six months later when a TAFEP officer received a call from their CEO". My question pertains to the point that the Minister made in his speech about stepped-up surveillance and enforcement. Can the Minister share what really this entails, going forward, in light of unfair hiring practices, how is the system going to change from what it is, what it has been? FCF was introduced in 2014 – it has been five over years. Is the Ministry still seeing employers who are errant and who essentially do not cooperate? And if the Minister's approach is, "We have to engage them more", can the Minister please outline how would this be done to improve the status quo?
Dr Tan See Leng171 words
[+1 sentence]I thank Mr Pritam Singh for the question. What we have started is an increase in terms of the surveillance with regard to the Fair Consideration Framework. Where we have started is, first and foremost, the Fair Consideration Framework or FCF where we are monitoring all these companies that have problems in terms of over-concentration.[+5 sentences] On top of that, we also work with these companies, with the HR directors, to see where the problem is. Sometimes, it could be, for instance, concentration in one particular sector industry. In other instances, it could be because of the skillsets, whether they are lacking or whether it could be the fact that Singaporeans do not want those jobs. That is the kind of engagement that I was alluding to. So, suffice to say, today, we have stepped up, we are all working very hard to make sure that the companies work with the relevant authorities to ensure that this fair hiring, non-discriminatory type of practices is more prevalent across all the companies in Singapore.
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Singh.
Mr Pritam Singh72 words
[+4 sentences]I thank the Minister, for that clarification. Just a quick follow-up. Does stepped-up surveillance and enforcement also entail increasing the budget for TAFEP, for example, or increasing manpower for surveillance purposes? Because there are thousands of these companies in Singapore and across an incredible number of industries. How will TAFEP be able to have an effective handle over some of the discriminatory or unfair hiring practices and improve the situation from yesteryear?
Dr Tan See Leng78 words
We certainly will look at beefing up the resources. At this particular point in time, given where we are in terms of dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, we have also stepped up resources in terms of taking over from the JTF, morphing it into the ACE Group, as I have alluded to earlier on.[+2 sentences] Together with that, with the TAFEP part, that actually takes care of the rest of the industry. We certainly are beefing up the resources.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Dennis Tan.
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong (Hougang)2305 words
[+12 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to start by thanking the residents of Hougang for giving me the chance to serve them as their elected Member of Parliament. God willing, I would certainly do my best to serve each and every constituent and to perform all my duties as their Member of Parliament in these difficult and uncertain times that our nation is facing. Even as we are battling the crisis of a generation, it is vital that we do not lose sight of the opportunities that is before us today, and I rise today to speak of seizing the opportunities for our politics, our social safety nets, our manpower policies and our transport policies. Mr Speaker, Sir, 2020 is a watershed year in Singapore politics for many reasons. We have been through a General Election that has many firsts in our political history. A GE with many restrictions and additions imposed on campaigning and a polling process including the first GE without physical rallies. A deeper focus on online campaigns, a much more vocal electorate willing and able to make their voices heard online and not letting the ruling party to impose its narrative on certain election issues. It was notable that many voters rejected gutter politics and embraced the need for a diversity of viewpoints. The President talked about evolving politics in her speech, adding on to the discussion of good politics by her predecessor in his speech in the Opening of the Thirteenth Parliament. Good politics must entail mutual respect between members of the ruling party and other parties, whether in Parliament or back in our constituencies. I myself had some experience with petty and bad politics in this election, which makes me wonder whether the ruling party has gone backwards in time in the in the way its campaign had been conducted in Hougang. During the GE, two complaints were made to ELD about our election posters. Part of the first complaint included 13 allegations of my election posters being below the requisite height of 2.2 m.[+3 sentences] With respect, my experienced volunteers were puzzled as they were all very sure that they had installed the posters at the right height. The complaints were made two days apart. After the first complaint, my volunteers inspected and made the necessary rectifications. Two days later, a second complaint was made which comprised, among other things, a repeat of 12 of the 13 allegations made earlier.[+1 sentence] This was even more puzzling. During the election, one resident told me that she had witnessed the PAP team pulling down our posters from the original height.[+17 sentences] She showed me where they allegedly took place and I have no reason to doubt what she said. Separately in the middle of the campaign, the PAP team planted their flags in front of some of my banners, effectively blocking a clean sighting of the contents of my banners. The PAP team also planted many flags around some of our Hougang coffee shops. Back in 2015, I remembered I had a much different experience contesting at Fengshan SMC with the hon Miss Cheryl Chan. I did not have these negative experiences with Miss Chan; it was a fair and honourable fight, full credit to Miss Chan and her team. Given what has happened, will that mean that the PAP should now also expect and allow Workers' Party to do likewise in constituencies where PAP are the incumbents? I should think not, lest a tit-for-tat culture manifests itself and create a divisive political culture that only hurts Singaporeans. Instead, we in this House have a golden opportunity to evolve our politics positively. Even as we contest our ideas in this Chamber, we can do so in the spirit of mutual respect and understanding, knowing that even if we differ in our ideas, we are in the end One Singapore. I hope the ruling party can start to accept that. Mr Speaker, Sir, 2020 is also the first year in our nation's history where we had not just one Budget but four Budgets. While many businesses and individuals have received assistance through the above, times are still tough for many Singaporeans. Many have lost their jobs in the last few months. Individuals that are still employed see the slow business and fear they will lose their jobs. The self-employed, poor business conditions continue to put a strain on their financial situation. Jobseekers have difficulty securing jobs, be it the fresh graduate looking for their first job or the middle age workers seeking to find a replacement position. Many residents have sought help to appeal for assistance under the various schemes set up by the four Budgets after the GE, for example, COVID-19 grant and SIRS. Not all have succeeded as they fall foul of the criteria.[+9 sentences] Many have been doing well until early this year earning incomes as either employees or self-employed. They have also been sensible with their financial commitments. However, many of them are now with considerably less income and, in some cases, zero income. Paying for the same financial commitments becomes an issue as they dig deeper into their savings. They get into trouble if their savings are relatively limited and selling their property may not be an option. As a resident told me last week, unsubsidised childcare fees and even the cost of diapers and infant formula all add up to the pressure when one has no income. While I understand the Government has drawn a line when dispensing assistance, the challenge remains as to how to help more of such people in this sandwiched class, especially if the crisis is going to go on for longer. While efforts at retraining may be helpful in the medium or long term, many still need help to tide them over until they find new jobs. They need the breathing room to pick themselves up to overcome the fall they have just experienced. Can the present schemes be extended to help more such people, especially if these difficult times are here to stay for some time?[+8 sentences] Mr Speaker, Sir, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, firstly, I would like to thank the Hougang residents for giving me the opportunity to be their Member of Parliament. I will serve each resident to the best of my ability. Mr Speaker, this is the first time in our history that four Budgets were passed. A large number of businesses and Singaporeans have received help, but many are still facing difficulties. Many have lost their jobs in recent months, and those who still have their jobs worry about losing their job due to declining business in the company they work for. For self-employed persons, the current situation has put pressure on their finances. Jobseekers of all levels and age groups are finding it difficult to get a job. Many residents have sought help under the relief measures, such as the COVID-19 Support Grant and Self-employed Income Relief Scheme (SIRS), which were rolled out under the four Budgets. However, some have fallen through the cracks as they do not meet the criteria for receiving the assistance.[+9 sentences] Many of these residents, up until early this year, had income as an employee or a self-employed person and they have also been prudent in meeting their financial commitments. But now, many of them have seen their income dropped significantly and some even have no income at all. If their savings could only last them for a few months, servicing their financial commitments would be a big problem. Just as what one resident told me last week, when one has no income, the cost of unsubsidised childcare fees and even the cost of diapers and milk powder would add to their burden. The Government has set out the criteria and drawn a clear boundary when distributing assistance resources to the people. However, it remains our biggest challenge to find ways to help the sandwich class more, especially if the crisis may last for an extended period. From a mid- to long-term perspective, retraining Singaporeans may be helpful. But many of these people will still need some help to tide over the difficult time before they can land a new job. They need a breathing space to allow them to rebound and overcome the plight that they find themselves in now. We know that the difficult times may persist for some period to come. Therefore, is there a possibility to extend the existing schemes and measures to assist more Singaporeans?[+1 sentence] (In English): Sir, as retrenchment and unemployment increase, we must not be afraid to seize this opportunity to ask ourselves whether the Government should take greater steps to ensure Singaporeans are given fair share in the workplace. As the competition for scarce jobs heats up, re-looking at our Employment Pass policy is necessary. I therefore welcome the announcement revising the minimum salary requirements for Employment Passes and S Passes. However, are the new revised salary requirements sufficient to address the concerns of Singaporean PMETs and other workers losing their places to EP and SP holders?[+16 sentences] We have heard much anecdotal discussion online or in the coffeeshops about the notoriety of the finance or IT industry having a relatively higher number of foreign workers or how many managers have recruited people from their own countries. By way of an example, I know a small to medium size insurance outfit with a UK Head Office and international ownership. It has established its Asian office in Singapore more than 10 years ago, dealing with largely Singaporean and Asian customers. From the beginning a large number of employees were expatriates from its UK Head Office who variously ran the office and took charge of various business functions such as claims in underwriting. These expats were on expatriate packages. The people who ran the office heading the various business functions here, were mid-level executives with qualifications and experiences comparable to their Singapore PMET counterparts. In my view, there is no lack of local talent in Singapore who can run this outfit and its various business functions. However, the manpower situation in this company has not changed much till today. I am perplexed to learn that businesses like this can continue to operate in Singapore for such a long time without making any serious effort to have or to increase the Singaporean component at its management and senior levels. Should we not challenge ourselves to take advantage of this opportunity to re-examine our assumptions behind employment and economic policies more holistically so as to better encourage or incentivise, or if necessary, ensure that companies make a greater effort to engage the Singaporean core at different levels of their company. Mr Speaker, Sir, even as we deal with the pressing needs on COVID, there remains the need to relook at policy areas and ensure sustainability in the medium term. With lighter loads on our public transport system now, there is an opportunity to review our public transport policy to better serve Singaporeans. Singaporeans are highly dependent on our public transport system as we seek to build a car-lite society. Our starting point must then be, to put our commuters first over other stakeholders and be world-class leaders in areas such as reliability, affordability and quality, a point I made before in the previous term of Parliament. However, the furrow that has erupted over an announcement by LTA on planned changes to certain bus services in Bukit Panjang has illustrated the underlying tension between what the authorities perceive as prudent fiscal spending and the proper provision of public transportation to our commuters. The Minister for Transport has mentioned on social media the subsidies needed for maintaining the affected MRT and bus services. While I see the need to ensure a degree of sustainability of our public transport, without those subsidies to build the connectivity require for a car-lite society, how can Singapore achieve the goals to reduce the reliance on cars and properly connect Singaporeans to the places they want to go in a reasonable and efficient manner? We should also not forget that Singaporeans have underwritten through their tax dollars over the years, the necessary improvements in expansion to our public transportation system. Singapore should rightly expected that the public transportation system must serve the public good without the need for excessive profit-seeking behaviour after the improvements that Singaporeans had paid for and maintain that high level of performance.[+1 sentence] We, in the Workers' Party will support Singaporeans in demanding the high standard they should expect for our public transport system. Can there be more buses servicing areas in (need?) that are not yet connected by our MRT? Is the bus contracting model able to cater for sufficiently flexible deployment of bus services in growing estates as they look to be less short-term pains for public transport?[+1 sentence] We must review the medium term vision of our public transport system. Maintaining the sustainability of our public transport system must not be viewed in isolation, line by line, but as a holistic policy objectives to ensure the society at large is well served. And if the Government's position is that taxpayers and commuters must contribute more to achieve this, it should provide detailed figures and arguments for better public debate and understanding so that the public can decide where they wish to draw the line.[+3 sentences] Mr Speaker, Sir, former US President John F Kennedy, famously said in his speeches that when written in Chinese, the word "crisis" or "危机" represents both danger and opportunity as Minister Dr Tan has also mentioned. There is wisdom about our crisis using unique opportunities that we can seize. We must be aware of the danger, but recognise the opportunities in this crisis so that we do not just overcome the crisis, but truly emerge a Singapore we can all be proud of.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Murali Pillai.
Mr Murali Pillai (Bukit Batok)110 words
[+5 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, may I ask a clarification from the hon Member of Hougang, Mr Dennis Tan. If I heard him correctly, he mentioned of his unhappy experience in GE2020, something to do with the height of posters and the direction by the Elections Department or ELD. He juxtaposed it with the experience in an earlier election against hon Member, Miss Cheryl Chan. May I ask him whether he would accept that ELD would really deal with all these complaints in an even-handed way? And if he accepts that, what is the basis of him suggesting that PAP would use the power of incumbency against opponents in an unfair way?
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong327 words
[+2 sentences]I thank the hon Member for asking the question. I think his question is too general. Yes, in terms of the poster height, ELD informed us of a complaint being made and asked us to rectify.[+2 sentences] So, as I said in my speech, my volunteers went to rectify it and they informed ELD that after the first complaint, the rectification had been made. Two days later, another complaint was made to ELD and we were told about it. Our volunteers went to inspect the complaints directly and made the necessary rectification. And that was when they discovered that actually 12 of the 13 complaints made were actually similar to the previous ones.[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker, Sir, I am actually repeating myself. I also mentioned about the flags, planting of the flags. So, my point at the end of that section of my speech is really this – that the PAP team at Hougang has planted flags all over, around coffeeshops, a lot of flags around the coffeeshops.[+7 sentences] And this is something that I think back in 2015, I would never envisage planting Workers' Party flags around the Fengshan Block 85 market or around the coffeeshops in Fengshan. I mean, that was unthinkable to me. My point really is that having seen what happened recently, if this is going to be a precedent that is going to be set by the PAP, perhaps the team in Hougang maybe, then really it raises the wider question of where do you want to draw the line with this kind of behaviour. Because certainly for me, my own standard is, certainly as I said in 2015, I find it unthinkable that I would have gone to Fengshan and plant the Workers' Party flags around the market. So, I made that point, but I think I also ended that on a different note. I said that we have to move beyond this. We cannot do a tit-for-tat in that sense and certainly –
Mr Speaker23 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Dennis Tan. Mr Murali was asking you about ELD and if you believe it was even-handed; and you have not quite answered.
Mr Murali Pillai4 words
[+1 sentence]I am grateful, Sir.
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong64 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for reminding me. Yes, to answer the question, yes, ELD was even-handed in handling the complaints.[+4 sentences] But what ELD did was, basically, it received a complaint and it asked us to go and rectify it, right? This is what it did. This is specifically referring to the incident about the poster height. I think I have answered the question.
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Pillai.
Mr Murali Pillai67 words
[+3 sentences]Sir, just a very short response. Firstly, I am grateful to my hon friend, Mr Dennis Tan, for clarifying. I respectfully suggest that my question still remains unanswered. It is my hon friend's view that ELD has not been even-handed in its dealings during GE2020; and what is the basis of suggesting that the PAP would use the power of incumbency against opponents in an unfair way?
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong68 words
[+1 sentence]I thank the hon friend for repeating his question. I am not suggesting the PAP is using the power of incumbency to do those things.[+3 sentences] But I have raised various incidents that have happened as a result of the actions of certain people. And my point really is that these are all very petty and bad politics, and we should not encourage it. Have I answered your question?
Mr Speaker6 words
[+2 sentences]Let us proceed. Mr Henry Kwek.
Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry (Kebun Baru)2456 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to speak about three things today. One, rethinking our social compact with our private estate residents; two, strengthen our Singaporean Core in the private sector through fine-tuning our Employment Pass (EP) policy; and three, co-creating our Climate Change policies with Singaporeans.[+14 sentences] Let me start with rethinking our social compact with the private estate residents, this is especially so, since I have five private estates within my constituency. Mr Speaker, Sir, for decades, our policies has created ample opportunities for Singaporeans, including private estate residents. They fund the lion share of our tax revenue while consuming a limited amount of Government assistance. This is the right balance. As economic winners of our society, it is appropriate that they contribute to help the rest of Singapore move along. And the majority of them have benefited from Government assistance during COVID-19. Business owners and professionals benefited from Government support such as the Job Support Scheme or JSS, and corporate tax rebates. However, a number of my private estate residents feel there it is time to review the social compact. This group include: (a) retired seniors who are asset-rich but cash poor; (b) residents above 50 facing greater career uncertainty; (c) residents who do not own the home they stay in; and (d) residents who are deeply impacted by COVID-19. As such, I believe we should review our policies in at least three ways. One, the Government must create more ways to help asset rich, cash poor, private estate residents better tap on their housing equity. Of course, residents can selling their houses and downgrade. But this will mean they are uprooted from the neighbourhoods they so cherish, especially in their golden years. Seniors who are financially savvy can also make adequate financial planning to make sure that they can benefit from annuities and dividends. But not all seniors, especially our Pioneer Generation seniors, are financially savvy to navigate the tricky global economic waters. Therefore, I believe the Government must actively work with the banking and insurance sectors to create reverse mortgage options for the private estates.[+7 sentences] I spoke about this several years ago. With the pressing economic conditions, this issue has become more urgent. Our Government can also work with our banks to remove barriers for our people to borrow against their housing equities at a feasible age, even beyond the age of 70. I understand the banks' current reservations in lending to seniors. Perhaps we can mandate the banks to lend against housing equity if that senior, who is Singaporean, have a Lasting Power of Attorney, so that the banks have somebody they can work with, without involving expensive legal remedies, should their clients fall ill and are mentally incapacitated. If our people can tap on their housing equity effectively, I believe most Singaporeans in the private estates would prefer to stand on their own two feet, instead of relying on the Government assistance. Second, we can look at our means testing framework for those without much assets or income. Instead of using annual value of houses as a key determinant of means testing, we can look at a combination of non-housing assets, income, and most importantly, per capital housing equity of the occupants.[+12 sentences] Beyond using a different yardstick, we can also consider tiering Government benefits, so as to remove the big difference of benefits between public and private housing residents. We also could review our policies on housing grants for seniors and their next generation who want to move from private housing to public estates, especially if they do not have a lot of net worth. We can add pathways for downgrading hospitalisation ward class and therefore, cost of healthcare. We can also review our criteria on COVID related assistance programmes such as Self-employed Person Income Relief or SIRS, and the COVID-19 Support Grant or CSG. The Government can also communicate a clear and consistent whole-of-Government approach towards means-testing for private estates. Several years ago, I recall Minister Edwin Tong, in his capacity as a backbencher, giving an eloquent speech on the subject of reviewing means testing with regards to private estate residents. During the debate, I noted that while various Ministries exercise discretions in helping specific cases, the level of discretion varies from Ministry to Ministry. Now, it is a good time for the Government to do a thorough review and to spell out the core principles of means-testing for private estate, which can form the basis of a new social compact with our private estate residents. Thirdly, I think there is more we can do regarding infrastructure and accessibility for private estates. As our seniors age, there are some estates with unique terrain that require some infrastructure upgrading. A good example is the Teachers' Housing Estate within my constituency, which is nested within a valley. Many of the seniors struggle to walk up two storeys of steep stairs, just to access the bus stop. As such, I hope that MND and MOT can work together to form a task force to come up with a masterplan for liveability and accessibility for the seniors and frail living within the private estates.[+1 sentence] This task force can at issues such as identifying low cost outdoor lift and escalators options to promote accessibility; promoting more power-assisted devices with shelters or roofs for seniors, and to prioritise cycling and walking paths construction in private estates with challenging terrains and a high density of seniors so that they can use PADs to get around. We can also consider building more rain shelters and sheltered linkways to serve private estate residents in some selected areas. We can also beef up the budget allocated to MSO for private estate upgrading projects, so that decent-sized projects can be implemented outside the EUP when the situation calls for it.[+1 sentence] Next, let me speak about strengthening the Singapore Core in our private sector. The Government has made some excellent moves to preserve and build on the Singapore Core in our private sector. This includes JSS, strengthening the Fair Consideration Framework or FCF, creating 100,000 jobs and training opportunities, and the recent increase in EP and S Pass salary thresholds.[+11 sentences] But while much has been done, there is one particular area that I think we should also closely examine, and that is preserving and growing the base of middle and senior Singapore management and professionals, especially within international companies. Compared to say a decade or two ago, Singapore professionals have gained significant experiences in some of the world’s most competitive areas, including areas like asset management, investment banking, management consulting, urban solutions, architecture and engineering services. A number of Singapore outfits, staffed by largely Singaporeans, can hold their own against the best in the world. This includes DBS, Dymon Asia, Quantedge, Surbana Jurong, Ong and Ong Architect, Woh Hup, just to name a few. Yet, there are also many international companies that have yet to build a strong Singapore Core in their middle and senior management ranks. In fact, as many international companies look to downsize during this pandemic, many worry that whether we will regress, rather than progress, in building our Singapore Core. Building a Singapore Core among amongst middle and senior positions is not an easy task – I fully admit to that. But there is urgency for us to take a fundamental relook at this approach. And we must start by asking ourselves: are these companies making a genuine effort? I am the first one to acknowledge the difficulty in measuring sincerity of effort. However, we can explore different ways of identifying tell-tail signs of systematic issues, starting with the diversity of their workforce. One way is to mandate all companies with more than 200 staff and with more than 25% EP holders to declare the country of origin of their EP holders along four annual renumeration bands: one, from $60,000 to $120,000 a year; two, from $120,000 to $250,000; from $250,000 to $500,000; and beyond $500,000. After all, if the EP holders are dominated by one particular country, despite our very diverse expatriate workforce, how can Singaporeans be persuaded that there is diversity in these companies’ hiring and renumeration policy, and how can Singaporeans trust that they have a genuine intention to build up a Singapore Core?[+17 sentences] There are, of course, legitimate reasons why high paying EP jobs go to expatriates from a particular country. For example, an international company like Samsung, with their regional headquarters in Singapore, would likely have a high number of Koreans nationals in their management. The IT consulting and implementation arm of Deloitte would likely have many Indian nationals because Indian IT professionals form the bulk of available IT talent in our region, and because IT capabilities are critical for our industry transformation. Also, a company from an emerging and promising industry might also need to bring in specialist talents at the start to get a new industry moving, and these talents are available in some specific countries. But short of these selected circumstances, given the talent and ability of our Singaporeans, I do not see why we cannot build up a stronger Singapore Core. I strongly believe that majority of international and large Singapore companies are responsible and the vast majority of Singaporeans I speak to do understand the need to stay open to foreign talent even in middle and senior positions. But we must do everything we can to call out irresponsible employers so as to maintain broad public support for manpower policy during this challenging period. My final point is on how we can co-create climate change policies with our people in the spirit of SG Together. As Singapore matures as a society, our society’s definition of good governance evolves. Talking to my residents, I get the sense that most Singaporeans think of good governance not just in terms of quality of outcome, but also in terms of transparency over process, as well as empathy and simplicity in communications. And I believe that this Government is committed to doing exactly that. Some time back, when Deputy Prime Minister Heng launched SG Together, he highlighted that there are many policy areas that the Government can co-create with our people. I cannot agree more. In areas of defence and foreign policy, foreign and domestic intelligence matters, and reserve management, we must maintain confidentiality, as we are living in an increasingly dangerous world. But in most other areas, we can do more to open up the processes, empower our people with facts, so that Singaporeans can make tough choices together. One particular area for co-creating with Singaporeans is climate change. There is this African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” And the longest term challenge that Singaporeans must face together is climate change. Therefore, I propose that our Government open up the hoods of the Government workings on Climate Change to Singaporeans, so that our citizens have the information and incentive to co-create policy, including making difficult policy trade-offs. As a start, we can level up our environmental groups and our youths with the latest policy research and technology innovation through high-powered forums.[+2 sentences] By that, I mean going beyond the occasional consultation exercise. It means ensuring that all stakeholders have access to the same set of core facts. The Government can also publicise, apart from a white paper spelling out the details of our emission tracking framework, the mechanism for regulating emissions including administrative measures and on how we arrive at carbon taxation.[+2 sentences] We can also regularly share how are we faring, at a programme level, not just at the whole national level, against our ambitious targets. Having spoken to various Government officials, I am aware of the tremendous efforts and resources that our Government is pouring into this area. Our Government is actively pursuing changing our energy imports for power generation away from natural gas and towards cleaner sources of energy, not just solar energy, but also green hydrogen. We are also examining how to reduce and transform industrial emissions through carbon sequestration, and through mineralisation of carbon so as to transform emissions into sand or ammonia.[+10 sentences] We are also adopting electric vehicles. These are concrete and exciting plans. I am proud to say that Singapore is one of the few countries in the world that has real political will and resources to meet our climate change obligations. Therefore, why not we share the nuts and bolts of these exciting plans, including the implementation cost and expected emissions reduction, with our people? Despite our Government’s best efforts, however, it is likely that our current plan can only allow us to meet a bulk of our long-term emission targets. This is where we have ample round room to co-create policy. I hope the Government can share the gaps openly and transparently, and then work, in the spirit of SG Together, with our environmental groups, industry, and our people to close these gaps. This could also include putting up more calls for industrial collaboration and to elicit solid proposals from our environmental groups and our youths. But whatever ideas that we gather must hold up to the highest standards. We must make sure that these ideas are implementable and cost effective. In fact, I further believe that Singapore should set up an independent environmental impact assessment and audit outfit, perhaps in collaboration with the UN Secretariat for Climate Change, or with a think-tank with deep expertise such as the McKinsey Global Institute.[+1 sentence] This outfit can assess the cost and benefit of emission reduction efforts from not just the Government, but also the proposals from the industries, environmental groups and Singaporeans. Having an independent body to evaluate the impact will allow us to make the trade-offs so that we can decide how to best meet emission targets while preserving economic opportunities and quality of life.[+5 sentences] And also, we must also give our environmental groups, the industries and Singaporeans who have come up with these ideas the opportunity to see them through because they care. Indeed, there are ample opportunities on how our Government bring passionate people to deliver on Government objectives. This includes getting our VWOs to deliver Government-funded social services, and also getting rights groups including ACRES to run the Government’s wildlife rescue service. If we can achieve all that, I am confident that the vast majority of Singaporeans, including our youths, will be proud of not just achieving our Climate Change obligations to the world, but also how we can do so together as one Singapore. With that, Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of both the long-term Government plans as outlined by the Presidential address, as well as the Motion of thanks from the hon Member Mr Patrick Tay.
Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye (Radin Mas)1506 words
[+18 sentences]Mr Speaker, I stand in support of the Motion. I would like to thank Mdm President for laying out the key priorities for this new term of Government, which will help to see Singapore safely through the current COVID-19 crisis and secure our immediate future in the post-pandemic world. Prior to the crisis, our economy was already facing immense structural challenges and shifts. Examples include an ageing population, the shift towards the gig economy and the increasing use of automation driven by Industry 4.0. COVID-19 has merely accelerated the pace of this transformation, at an unprecedented pace, causing our future workplace, which many had thought would happen in decades to come, to become a reality much sooner. All jobs and all workers will have to transform, or risk becoming obsolete. No job is safe. In recent years, much of the work traditionally done by accountants, lawyers and even doctors have been automated and accomplished with greater accuracy. Real estate agents and financial planners are already starting to be phased out by digital apps. Our work and our workplaces are transforming. But are our companies, our workers and the Government ready? Let me first start with the shape and form of the future workplace. In my view, it will be smarter, leaner and more connected. In the manufacturing sector, artificial intelligence and automation will mean that mundane jobs will be phased out. As technology redefines existing job roles into smaller tasks, more jobs will be increasingly taken over by robots. As Minister Ong Ye Kung once aptly put it, “If you work like a robot, you will be replaced by a robot”. Our workers of tomorrow will need to learn the latest technologies and be able to work with them. One example is how autonomous vehicles (AV) will drastically redefine our land transport industry. Locally, AV technology is already being trialled in areas with complex traffic conditions and we will soon see large-scale trials in Punggol, Tengah and the Jurong Innovation District. What will happen to the livelihoods of more than 10,000 bus drivers? What about the 100,000 Singaporeans who hold a Taxi or Private Hire Car vocational licence, many of whom rely on driving today as their source of income?[+4 sentences] Since 2016, I have been highlighting in this House the impact of autonomous technology on the livelihoods of our transport workers. Every year, we get closer to this reality. Mr Speaker, transforming our workforce for the future of work will require a whole-of-nation effort, from the private sector, to the Government as well as our workers. I am glad to see that some forward-looking companies are already taking steps to gear up their workforce for the future. DBS, for example, has partnered with Amazon Web Services to equip 3,000 employees with basic knowledge in artificial intelligence and machine learning.[+6 sentences] The bank, which was one of the first to embrace digital banking, has also invested significantly in its digital learning tools to enable their employees to upgrade their skills and acquire new knowledge, even while they work from home. While big companies like DBS have the resources to plan for the future, our small and medium enterprises or SMEs are faced with a different reality. The impact of COVID-19 on SMEs has been more pronounced and many SMEs are currently operating in the survival mode. Some are so focused on their day-to-day business that they neglect to plan for tomorrow. I urge the Government to do more to support our SMEs in adopting technology and at the same time upskilling their workers. We would also need to move upstream to prepare our future workforce. Data literacy and coding will be important skills that our young will need to be familiar with. We should make Computer Science a compulsory subject in Secondary schools.[+20 sentences] I am not suggesting that we train every Singaporean child to be a coder or an IT expert, but to understand computers and to be able to work with robots in the future workplace. Countries, such as Japan, South Korea and the UK, have already taken steps in this direction, with coding and programming incorporated into the mandatory education for students. The low latency provided by 5G technology means that working from home will become the default and remote working possibilities are endless. Competition for jobs will truly become globalised, blurring the divide between local and foreign workforce. So, while I welcome the recent announcement by MOM to further adjust the Employment Pass and S Pass qualifying salaries, my question is: will our work pass and Employment Pass system continue to be relevant when companies no longer need employees to be physically based in one location to perform the work? Can Singapore continue to compete for investments and bring in the best companies? Can Singaporeans continue to compete for good jobs? As Mdm President noted in her Address, we will need to be more resilient and more nimble than others when responding to change in order to thrive in this global world. But how can we better support our fellow Singaporeans to compete in this new world, especially when they are already facing many challenges? PMETs, particularly in their 40s and 50s, tell me that it is not easy to juggle between the many responsibilities that they must shoulder every day – looking after their young children, managing the healthcare needs of their elderly parents and trying to set aside funds for their own retirement needs. With this overwhelming "sandwiched" feeling, many are unable to think beyond their daily struggles. I hope that the Government will recognise this and look into how we can better support and alleviate these burdens. Mr Speaker, I have spoken about how technology has the potential to significantly transform our work and our workplaces in the years to come. But can we tap on technology to make our future workplace safer and healthier? With technology, dangerous work at the worksite can be done remotely, in a safe and comfortable location. Smart PPEs and wearable technologies will also reduce fatalities and the severity of injuries if an accident happens. Smarter workplaces must lead to safer workplaces. And I hope that the Government can accelerate the implementation of these technologies at our worksites, starting with the high-risk sectors such as construction and manufacturing. As we improve workplace safety, we must not neglect workplace health. These past six months have taught us that blurring the lines between home and office has its challenges. A recent study by the National University of Singapore found that those who work from home faced higher levels of stress than our frontline workers. I hope that the Government could expand the list of Occupational Diseases under the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA), to include mental health illnesses related to work stress. I also hope that the Tripartite Advisory on Mental Health can be expedited, so that those who are currently struggling with mental health issues related to work can get the necessary support that they need. With more working from home, is it also time that we consider a "Right to Disconnect" legislation, which was pioneered in France, where employees can negotiate with their employers on answering work calls and emails outside of office hours?[+3 sentences] Similar laws have been implemented in other countries like Italy and the Philippines. I am sure having a dedicated break will help reduce employee fatigue and burnout. Sir, we also need to pay special attention to our freelancers, who are inadequately protected under existing WSH legislation. Freelancers do not enjoy the same WSH statutory benefits as employees, such as coverage under WICA, medical group insurance and medical leave.[+14 sentences] The lack of adequate WSH protection effectively means that freelancers are cheaper to hire, which pushes more companies to adopt such self-employed arrangements to avoid costs. This is a gap that needs to be plugged! Finally, I hope that the Government could revisit my numerous proposals for a mandatory WSH representative in every company. We are already half a step towards achieving this, as companies are now required to appoint Safe Management Officers or SMOs, as they re-open for work. Let us expand the role of these mandatory SMOs beyond the pandemic so that we can work towards creating a safer and healthier workplace for our workers, today. Mr Speaker, COVID-19 has accelerated the transformation of many industries at an unprecedented pace. The future workplace may be upon us sooner than many of us expect. In my maiden Parliamentary speech in 2016, I spoke at length about the importance of tripartism – the crucial ingredient of Singapore's success story. Five years on, tripartism is even more critical now, as we deal with this immense scale and unprecedented pace of change that is coming our way. The Government will need to support the transformation of our businesses and our workers. Working together, let us turn this crisis into an opportunity. COVID-19 will pass. With united resolve, we can emerge stronger and secure a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. Mr Speaker, I support the Motion.
Mr Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade)1941 words
[+18 sentences]Sir, I rise in support of the Motion. But first, Mr Speaker, Sir, let me thank you for your inspirational speech for all of us to come together and to stand against polarisation. This indeed reflects the President's call towards unity and common purpose. And if I can be frank, Mr Speaker, Sir, this is an aspiration, but it is one that may not be politically possible. Let us not be naive and pretend that the drama of politics and disagreement is something that cannot be constructed. There is no "common purpose" to be found unless there is a will to do so. Our hope, therefore, must be that here is not just a common purpose, but a will for this common purpose to be found. But while this commonality may be hard in politics, it can be easy and abundant in public life. Mr Speaker, Sir, you, Mr Pritam Singh, and I – we all love football although we support different teams. And having played football with both of you, I can say that Pritam is the best player amongst the three of us, by far. But we all love football. And, of course, we all served in the SAF. And Mr Speaker, Sir, you were a Brigadier-General. And both Pritam and I, I think we are many ranks below that, but you are certainly a better soldier amongst the three of us. So, we all have different vocations, but in our own ways, we all love our country and we want to make lives better for all. So too my aspiration for Singapore. Our unity must lie in the small things – care for each other, love for the family, fighting for the person next to you. And in difficult times, to help, to be kind and perhaps harder than it sounds, to cut one another some slack. This is the bedrock and the simple philosophy behind two suggestions I would like to make for this new term.[+1 sentence] The first concerns discretion in Civil Service. There is a rising culture of blame, finger pointing and moral panic in our society. As a result, there is a corresponding increase in risk aversion among our public servants.[+8 sentences] This is not a criticism but a vote of sympathy on my part. If you do not make an exception for a case, you are hard-hearted and ruthless. If you do, and you are taken in by a fake application, you are a simpleton being duped and lax with public monies. The pain is real. Let me give you an example. Suppose you had a case, an appeal for subsidies for a sheltered home for an old man. He is already in a home and under the care of a social worker. You speak with the man's wife and his daughter. One of the eligibility criteria for a subsidised sheltered home is that the senior is living alone and does not have any family or care-giver.[+8 sentences] This man has family support and is therefore not a suitable candidate for a subsidised sheltered home. You discuss with the case officer some more and decide that day care services would be the best option for the old man at the moment. And this is how it appears to a busy officer, who probably has quite a lot of cases on his desk. And for him to deny subsidies is entirely sensible. But this is not how it appears to me. I come to this case via a resident of mine – actually, it is a very recent case – who had a fall and she was then admitted to hospital. And during her stay there, the doctor found that her condition was bad due to overwork, advised her to stop working and rest so as to let her body recover. But she needs to support the family. So, after discussing with her supervisor and employer, they arranged her to work for four hours a day instead of working full-time. And so, her pay dropped to about $1,200 per month.[+24 sentences] After she was discharged, she still has to take care of her husband in his daily needs with her daughter's help. Yes, this resident is the old man’s wife. The old man had had a fall and was admitted to a hospital and later a community hospital. To be allowed to go home, he needed someone who can take care of him at home. But she cannot take care of herself, let alone her husband. So, they have to put him in a home. What about the daughter? She unfortunately also had major surgery and a serious illness. But she did not want to tell her mother and add on to her worries. She works as a freelancer but does not have many jobs now because of the current pandemic. Looking at this family from the outside, the social worker may think that they want to push away their responsibilities and put the old man in a nursing home. The fact is that they have no ability and no money to take care of him. What follows is a heartfelt note from my Residents Committee (RC) Chair who knows the family well and has been helping them for a while. She wrote to me and this was just a few days ago and I quote her, "I feel for them, can understand how helpless they are now. They wanted to take care of their father and husband but their own health does not allow them. They felt sad sending him to a home but they are left with no choice." I read this email over and over again, especially the last line. And I quote her again, "I really don't know how to move forward to help them after trying all I can; Mr Seah, you are our only hope now. So sorry you need to read this; it is like an essay with so many words. Thank You. Stay Safe." All of us on both sides of the House would have read or seen cases like these – so many words, but still, not enough to write out a solution. This is the emotional labour which defines our days and nights as Members of Parliament. It is our mission to bear what cannot be borne alone and to be the "only hope" for our residents, so that they do not lose hope nor the will to carry on. It is an honourable purpose and I ask for the Civil Service to join us in one very specific way. I ask for civil servants and officers in Statutory Boards to be given more authority to exercise discretion.[+4 sentences] I also ask that they be given some leeway to "make mistakes" that is, to err on the side of being kind. I also urge for all of us, members of the public, everyone, well to put it bluntly, to calm down! Every couple of days, there is a moral panic – someone showing how virtuous, how right, how generous they are and how hard they fight for the underdog. Often, there is a villain of the piece – the rich driver of the big car, someone who is the wrong place, said the wrong things, the heartless, hapless civil servant, or the politician. Politicians signed up for this and we must be tough enough to take whatever criticism whenever we are called to account. But for agencies and officers, if they are to exercise greater discretion, it might perhaps be useful to have and rely on groups of volunteers and social workers who visit and assess hard cases, so that those who fall through the cracks will receive the help they need in an expeditious manner.[+7 sentences] These cracks they fall through are not wide. Indeed, over the years, MCYS and, now, MSF and many other parts of the Civil Service, they have already covered many holes and made any cracks a lot very narrow. However, the current cracks are not just narrow but they are very now specifically shaped. We cannot address these by ever increasing the number of rules. President Halimah herself said this in her Address and I quote, “We are entering an era of volatility, uncertainty and disruption in people’s lives. Individuals will need greater social support than before.” The temptation is to construct this support by having yet more schemes, yet more rules. What I am arguing for is the reverse of rules – fewer rules, more discretion and kindness.[+5 sentences] Next, I want to talk about SMEs and how we can look out for each other. So, this same philosophy of kindness and looking out for each other can also apply in the world of business. If I now put on my hat as the Group CEO of NTUC Enterprise, let me just share how, in our own little ways, we have done so through our various NTUC entities: Orange Aid, which is part of NTUC Income, works with community partners through social investment in programmes that contribute to empowering youth-in-need through education. Orange Aid’s flagship, Future Development Programme (FDP), supports tertiary students from ITE and Polytechnics from the lowest income households in Singapore. Beyond providing financial assistance for their school fees and living expenses, Orange Aid also equips them with financial literacy skills and giving them personalised career guidance. For this year, Orange Aid will be giving out bursary awards amounting to over $1 million. Moving to education, our NTUC First Campus’ Bright Horizons Fund, they give out about $1.75 million this year, 50% higher than last year and, in the process, this will help some 4,700 children from the lower income households. For NTUC Fairprice Foundation, we will be increasing our donations this year to the tune of over $6 million.[+15 sentences] But it is more than money which, no doubt, is useful and will complement the various support schemes that the Government is extending to help the many different groups of individuals. Beyond this, I would also call out to companies and organisations which are doing well to also help others, especially the SMEs, to do well, too. So, again, if I can use Fairprice as an example, we have in place the SME Suppliers Support and Development Programme primarily to help small local SMEs. First introduced in 2009, the programme gives more favourable trading terms to some 485 SMEs, such as paying them earlier than normal. Here, I would like to make a shout-out to all to, where possible, support local firms, local producers and local products. This, in part, is to help our local economy, create jobs, strengthen our local products' resiliency plans and more. So, again, as you know, I am also the Group CEO of NTUC Fairprice, we, too, try to play our part. As an example, whilst Singapore imports some 75% of its eggs from overseas, mostly from Malaysia, at Fairprice, about 55% of all eggs sold are from local farms. An egg is an egg. But I feel proud each time I eat one from our local farms. And I do love eggs. President Halimah said, “Singapore can endure and secure her place in history, only if Singaporeans feel passionately about our country and put our hearts and souls into making this a better home.” This feeling for Singapore is not something abstract. It lies in the friends we play football with, the eggs we eat, the trust we have in our public servants; it is that feeling of when we are being kind to one another and, perhaps, most of all, when we are proud of the “Made in Singapore” brand. Sir, I support the Motion.
Mr Gan Thiam Poh (Ang Mo Kio)1394 words
[+17 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Motion of Thanks to the President for her Address to the nation. We are going through the most trying period of our generation and we must unite in our effort to overcome this crisis. People with different backgrounds and experience will naturally have different outlooks and opinions. We should listen respectfully to one another and try to understand different perspectives. We must not allow our society to become polarised. Let us seek common ground, agree to disagree and be willing to cooperate on solutions acceptable to all and do what is in the best interest of our people and our country. Today, I would like to speak on how adjustments to our employment policies are needed to help older workers and employees and how we can help the sandwich class. Mr Speaker, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): During this difficult period, workers and employees are increasingly worried about their livelihoods, even more so than the COVID-19 virus. To-date, we have managed to contain the spread within the community and we look forward to snuffing out the virus in the workers’ dormitories. Singaporeans, especially older workers and employees, are worried about jobs and competition for jobs from foreigners, especially in the financial and ICT industry. Singapore is a very open nation and welcomes foreigners who can contribute. The employment situation in some other countries is bleak and it is not surprising that there are quite a number of foreigners who are keen to work here. Our citizens are our priority. We need to ensure that the Singaporean Core is strong in our workforce. My concern is the difficulty of monitoring how companies recruit and whether they adhere to fair hiring practices, especially if the companies are foreign firms or have foreigners in charge of their hiring. It is possible that a minority of such firms or hiring professionals would prefer their fellow countrymen over Singaporeans because of cultural affinity or familiarity or just patriotism, resulting in a bias against Singaporeans. Hence, the controls over the number of foreigners working in Singapore have to be tightened.[+1 sentence] I would like to urge MOM to consider introducing quotas and levies for Employment Passes (EPs). I welcome the higher qualifying salaries for EPs and S Passes.[+27 sentences] However, I heard that there are also ways around this system. I have heard about how some employers collect monthly fees from their staff. Both parties benefit from this practice – the bosses can receive additional incomes and the employees qualify for the jobs. We must also monitor the number of foreigners in each sector and job function to ensure that we have a strong Singaporean Core to retain industry knowledge and competencies. There is a social cost to having too many foreign employees in our workforce. More resources will be needed, such as accommodation. Their presence has an impact on our environment, transportation and medical resources. We are just a small country. There is a limit to our space. There is an opportunity cost to the influx of foreign workers to Singapore. We need to weigh the benefit and the cost. We must not overlook the cost to our society that may prove too much to pay. For the sake of social stability, we must pay attention to the number of foreign nationals working and living in our country, taking into account their background details and their impact on the fabric of our society. Balance is key. But the most important thing is to confirm, to ensure whether that company is really recruiting qualified Singaporean employees, rather than just going through perfunctory processes, "putting on a show", ostensibly to toe the line for MOM's Fair Consideration Framework but, in reality, using "a thousand gestures and poses" to come up with reasons to justify the applications to hire some foreign employees. Of course, we still welcome foreign talents who can genuinely fill the gaps and really contribute to our economy in special technical areas, as well as visitors to our country for holidays and exhibitions. In truth, during the Circuit Breaker period, many jobs could be performed at home. As such, is it necessary for companies to insist on bringing in foreign PMETs to work here? We need to accelerate the increase in productivity and methodologies in the construction industry to reduce the reliance on foreign workers, allowing our construction sector to retain experienced, skilled, trained and disciplined foreign workers in the continued efforts to increase the productivity of our construction industry. The Government should lead in the use of methodologies that will help contractors boost productivity. On the other hand, Singaporeans must not have the misconception that the competition is only local. We need to remember that we are facing global competition. We need to be able to produce better products than our peers globally. As consumers ourselves, we also want value for money. Likewise, if we cannot offer value for money, others will not be buying from us either. If we lose our competitive edge, we will lose our incomes and jobs. Therefore, we must make sure that we continue to upskill ourselves to stay relevant and employable. One of the challenges facing employers is their difficulty in getting insurance cover for their older workers, especially those aged above 60 years old. With longer lifespans and a non-replacement birth rate, this is a problem and could be one of the factors driving some employers to retrench older workers, even if they are good at their jobs. I hope that MOM will look into this and work out a feasible and sustainable solution between employers and insurance companies. I would also like to request that MOM consider the grant of a $1,000 Wage Income Supplement each month for the lower income workers. A boost in their take-home pay will make a significant impact and improve their families’ lives.[+7 sentences] The retention of the newly implemented wage support for employers to employ and retain senior workers and a higher proportional foreign worker quota will reward employers for employing and supporting senior workers with periodical skills upgrading. (In English): Mr Speaker, Sir, amongst our sandwich class are young families, mid-career workers, middle and lower income families. Quite a number of PMETs have been affected during this pandemic as well. I would like to request for a more holistic social assistance framework to help them during this crisis. Do we have enough family counsellors to guide them through the array of schemes which they can tap into for help? I would like to appeal for the income ceiling for first-time buyers to be removed. For the young families, getting married and bringing up children pose a unique challenge during this crisis. Let each and every Singaporean have a chance to get their own BTO flat if they so desire.[+3 sentences] BTO flats are an integral part of the Singapore Dream. Some young couples shared with me that they are frustrated they could not qualify for the BTO flats they had been attempting to apply; their salaries had increased beyond the income cap over time. Even though they can afford resale flats and private apartments, they still prefer BTOs. In today's environment with less job security and more market uncertainty, their desire to be more thrifty is commendable and should be supported. I would also like to suggest that HDB build more bigger flats, which are increasingly popular among our young families.[+6 sentences] Four- and 5-room flats are often their first pick. With more people working from home, they need the additional space. Working from home looks set to become a permanent feature. Our flats need to be re-designed and enlarged to be relevant and useful. HDB had often cited land constraints as a limiting factor but we can build upwards. Forty-storey blocks are becoming common, the norm. The Government should also consider providing free childcare for all children under age of seven, before they enter Primary school.[+1 sentence] Nowadays, both parents are working and more seniors are retiring later. Providing free, reliable and good quality childcare services is necessary to encourage couples to have more children, in view of our declining fertility rate. We are in the midst of a crisis but life must go on – supporting procreation, making it easier to have and raise children in Singapore.[+1 sentence] I look forward to the Ministries' support.
Mr Ang Wei Neng (West Coast)2184 words
[+7 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Motion. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I had a chance to visit the Changi Business Park. When I stepped into a lift, there were many well-dressed people, apparently foreigners, and were speaking in a language that was foreign to me. For the first time, I felt like a foreigner in my own country. However, Minister Josephine Teo in MOM's Addendum to the President's address last week, stated that nearly six in 10 locals in the workforce today are employed in professional, managerial, executive and technician (PMET) jobs, which is among the highest in the world. This sounds impressive. But then why some Singaporeans feel like a foreigner in our own country? When I checked the MOM's statistics, I noted that there were 193,700 Employment Pass or E Pass holders and 200,000 S Pass holders as of December 2019.[+9 sentences] Why are there so many? I reckon that this is due to the low Total Fertility Rate or TFR in Singapore. Thirty years ago, Singapore's TFR was 1.8 babies per female. Today, it is only 1.1. This means that for every one local employee, we need to supplement it by almost one foreign worker in Singapore, so as to maintain the existing size of the Singapore workforce; otherwise, our labour force will shrink and Singapore will be in trouble. That is well and good, and something which many people probably accept in good times when their jobs and incomes are secure. However, Singapore is experiencing deep recession now. Make no mistake about it. Retrenchment is on the rise. Unemployment rate hits a record high of 3.9% in the last quarter, the highest in 10 years. When Singaporeans lose their jobs and foreigners are still holding on to PMET jobs, many will be unhappy. Thus, it was timely, important and pertinent that the President spoke about securing jobs for Singaporeans, and this is the top national priority.[+19 sentences] On this note, I am glad that my parliamentary colleague, Mr Patrick Tay, will co-chair the task force to protect local PMEs in Singapore. However, we need to do more than that. Protecting the Singaporean Core of PMETs is not something that should end once the economy recovers. We must continue to safeguard this, across all industries and not just pay attention to the financial sector. As the CEO of a private company, I often have to collaborate with technology companies, banks, financial institutions and other MNCs. Through these interactions, I have had my fair share of instances where I think to myself, "This is not right". In one such instance, I had the opportunity to have lunch with a Head of a delivery company in Singapore before the circuit breaker. The delivery company is a subsidiary of a MNC with headquarter in Germany and the country Head in Singapore is a Frenchman in his early 30s. He admitted that it would be very difficult for him to find a similar opportunity in France given its high unemployment rate. He added that many of his expatriate friends had the same experience, that is, it is easier for them to look for good jobs in Singapore. Have we made it too easy for foreign "talent" to work in Singapore? Especially those in the middle to top management level? In my admittedly anecdotal experience, I feel that Singaporeans can fill many regional or senior management positions, which are filled by foreigners right now and it is not that they are lacking in any way. Just recently, I caught up with an acquaintance who used to work as a regional CEO of a start-up company. Unfortunately, the said company was forced to shut down and he became jobless. There are many similar regional roles, in big companies, which he may be suitably qualified. But he is having trouble getting these opportunities. Why is that so? Let us look at what other countries are doing to protect their citizens. In Australia, the government had tried to improve "social cohesion" by abolishing a 457 visa in March 2018, which was often used by skilled migrants to work in Australia, including middle and top-management level executives like CEOs and CIOs.[+2 sentences] The 457 visa was replaced with a more restrictive visa. The government also required employers to first try, to try very hard to find an Australian citizen or permanent resident for a job, and only bring in foreign talent when there is no local talent available. On this, a South China Morning Post article stated in its headline, "The Australians first policy that ban 457 visa scheme for skilled migrants will only hurt the economy." Most recently in June 2020, US President Donald Trump suspended foreign worker visas, including the H-1B visa used by the tech industry to hire highly skilled workers.[+11 sentences] The move was obviously to protect jobs for the Americans. In a world which is increasingly nationalistic and inward-looking, this is probably not what we want. Fundamentally, Singapore needs to stay competitive. Preferential treatment can be detrimental to a country's prospects, especially in Singapore which is international in nature. There are many complex reasons why a person is promoted or retained, or why a foreigner is brought in. But at a basic level, Singaporeans should be given the opportunities to compete. The critics may ask is there a need to intervene at all? At the base level of zero intervention, strong believers of market forces might argue that natural attrition and adaptability would gradually toughen up Singaporeans who would naturally evolve to compete. In other words, do nothing and let Singaporeans rise to the challenge. At the other extreme, policies could be tweaked to strongly encourage or penalise companies, with the intention of forcefully creating a Singaporean Core. There is a middle ground of "soft power" and gentle persuasion, where the Government can work together with businesses and unions to jointly seed the appeal of developing a Singaporean Core and explore together how this can best be done. My suggestion is to set up a National Human Resource Committee, working through the Industry Transformation Maps or ITMs which have been developed in great detail for 23 industries.[+11 sentences] This National HR Committee could work through the six sub-committees under the Future Economy Council, which oversee ITM developments, to take into account the development of a Singaporean Core. They would ensure that Singaporeans are a part of the ITM transformation on a meaningful level so that Singaporeans are not left behind. There are three main objectives of setting up the National HR committee. One is sending a strong signal. The National HR Committee can have regular meetings with the Head of HR of the major companies in Singapore to understand their manpower concerns and their commitment in building a Singaporean Core in the management team. By the way, whether the head of HR of the major companies is helmed by a Singaporean could be a reflection of their dedication to build a Singaporean Core. Whether the company is "major" would be defined in terms of specific turnover, profit and/or number of staff in Singapore. Second, the gathering and sharing of data gives us an effective platform to discuss meaningful strategies moving forward. It is said, "We don't know what we don't know." By gathering data on PMET workforce composition in major companies will give us an early warning indicators before the situation gets out of hand. After all, just like when it comes to disease management, it is much easier to prevent, than to rectify. We do not want a situation where MOM starts to place employers on the watch list for possible discriminatory hiring practices after discovering that they have many Employment Pass and S Pass holders, outnumbering local PMEs. I am referring to the news in early August where 47 employers were blacklisted by MOM and majority were from the financial and professional services sectors.[+10 sentences] The third objective is the active dissemination of best practices. The Committee could work with these companies to share best practices that develop Singaporean core at the middle and top management levels. The sharing of data and best practices could push companies to level up. For instance, knowing that a company in a particular sector hires 60% to 70% of Singaporeans for its mid and top management levels, might compel other companies in the sector to do some soul-searching. Over time, the National HR Committee could develop guidelines and blueprint based on the best practices across the industries. For instance, if a company has a regional HQ in Singapore, it should have a plan to give their Singaporean executives regional exposure, which might open up opportunities for promotion later on. This is important because I realise that Singaporeans sometimes lack regional or global exposure, as they are not given opportunities to get it. As a result, they are side-lined. The same committee can also receive feedback from these companies and work with institutions of higher learning or training providers, to train Singaporeans who can take on higher level jobs in the near future. In short, we do not want to impose a strict quota on recruiting foreigners in leadership positions for companies based in Singapore as that will stifle Singapore’s competitiveness. Neither can we remain status quo where we allow more than 1,200 companies to flout the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF), because they might have bad discriminatory hiring practices.[+15 sentences] We need to take the bull by its horns. We do not want major companies in Singapore to be able to hire foreigners in leadership positions too easily. We want these companies to nurture and grow the Singaporean Core. On this note, I am heartened that Deputy Prime Minister Heng has just reiterated that we need to do all things possible for the benefit of Singaporeans. We cannot leave things to chance. We need a fine balance and this could be maintained by a National HR committee led by a Minister. As we move forward, with our focus on getting good jobs for Singaporeans, this is an aspect which must become part of our conversation. Mr Speaker, Sir, let me continue in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): Our current employment situation is very challenging, with frequent retrenchments. A few days ago, when I was making house visits, a resident lamented that several of her foreign colleagues had been sent home after their contracts expired. Some have even been laid off. She felt sad about it. I comforted her that, at least, her Singaporean colleagues and herself were able to keep their jobs. Indeed, we must try to keep Singaporeans employed. However, our birth rate is low: an average of only 1.1 for each female. If we cannot increase the birth rate in the long run, we will still need immigrants or foreign workers to supplement our labour force.[+5 sentences] Of course, we must maintain a fine balance between the two. I suggest that we set up a National HR Committee to have regular meetings with the Heads of HR of major companies in Singapore so that we can more effectively build a Singaporean Core in every major company. There are three main objectives for setting up the National HR Committee. Firstly, we want to send a strong signal to all major enterprises in Singapore that every company must treat their local employees fairly and give them opportunities for promotion. When the National HR Committee discovers that some of these major companies do not even have a Singaporean as the Head of HR, this would be a reflection of their weak dedication towards building a Singaporean Core. On discovery of such things, the Committee may issue proper guidance to the companies. However, we should not simply copy other countries by legislating how many local employees a company must have.[+2 sentences] This will scare off foreign companies from investing in Singapore and, hence, reduce local employment opportunities. Secondly, the Committee can release data on the average number of foreign employees in major sectors on a regular basis, including data on the number of local employees among the senior executives. If a company finds out that the number of its foreign employees are disproportionately higher than the sector average, it will feel some pressure indirectly and might make the adjustment accordingly. Thirdly, the Committee may also encourage major companies to share best practices to build a Singaporean Core and learn from one another. Based on these best practices, the Committee can give some guidelines so that foreign companies that have set up operations in Singapore can quickly build up a Singaporean Core.[+2 sentences] (In English): Mr Speaker, Sir, foreign investment and foreign companies setting up regional headquarters in Singapore have created jobs for Singaporeans and benefited Singapore. We welcome them. At the same time, these foreign companies have also benefited from Singapore’s eco-system, Singapore’s strategic locations and Singapore’s business-friendly infrastructure. Thus, they also have the obligation to grow the Singaporean Core in their workforce and their management team in Singapore. The National HR Committee, working closely with the National Jobs Council, can help to accelerate that and I hope MOM can consider the proposal positively.
Mr Don Wee (Chua Chu Kang)1848 words
[+10 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Motion of Thanks to the President for her Address. The President spoke about securing Singapore's future. I would like to begin by sharing my thoughts on matters close to my heart, whose vitality and success are necessary for the prosperity of our nation. They are our small and medium-sized enterprises and our youths. As we progress, we must not forget the disadvantaged ones. Sir, I shall be speaking in Mandarin. Before that, I would like to declare that I am an employee of a Singaporean bank, a council member of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants administering a supporting small medium audit practices, Chairman of an Institution of Public Character, as well as a member of the Institute of Mental Health's visitors' board. (In Mandarin): The past few months have been challenging for many of us as we battle against COVID-19. There have been profound changes in so many areas of our lives here in Singapore and around the world. None has been spared, particularly the business community. This year, the Government has provided a number of useful loans to our SMEs. These include SME Working Captial Loan, Productivty Solutions Grants, Loan Insurance Scheme, the Enterprise Financing Scheme or the Enterprise Development Grant.[+12 sentences] The Government has shown its support. If more banks and financial institutions participate in these schemes, I am sure that SMEs who need cash flow will be able to receive the loans more quickly and enjoy lower interest rates as well. The job situation for our young graduates today is also not ideal. There are layoffs in a number of industries and the situation looks uncertain. Allow me to share a little about Kwang Jun De, a youth volunteer from Brickland in my constituency. His aspiration is to become a business owner who is able to make time to help and serve the community. Jun De is a business graduate and former President of the NTU Rotaract Club which organises charitable activities. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it was harder for him to secure interviews with companies he was interested to work in. He has taken up a traineeship and is looking forward to picking up new skills and finding out more about the industry that he intends to venture into. He hopes that the experience would be useful in the future should he proceed to set up his own business. The traditional model of work may not be sustainable for youths like Jun De. Over the next few years, we should focus on building a pipeline of fresh talent and support our youths who aspire to become entrepreneurs. Yet, a poll in 2019 showed that young people in Singapore are far less keen on being entrepreneurs than their peers across the region. The poll questioned 56,000 people aged 15 to 35 from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. It found that just 17% of those polled said they wanted to work for themselves in the future.[+4 sentences] This was in contrast to five other nations in the poll by the World Economic Forum and an International Internet company. Across ASEAN, working for SMEs is viewed less favourably by youths. Traditional SMEs could face challenges in recruiting and retaining the right talents. How do we ensure that more youths continue new modes of learning by working in SMEs or starting SMEs of their own? Could we build a pipeline by allowing youths under the age of 25 to use SkillsFuture to learn more about entrepreneurship? I am glad that first-time entrepreneurs will be able to access a higher start-up capital grant of $50,000 to help them launch their business ideas.[+10 sentences] I am optimistic that this will boost local start-ups and create jobs during the pandemic. Could more initiatives like the "Youth Action Challenge" be organised with Government grants so that more students and youths might step forward? Participants were asked to pitch their ideas to four judges, outlining their projects, its social impact and how they would implement it before being judged on project feasibility, impact and validation of problem and idea. This is good training for the real world. The Government adopts a "kueh lapis" style of diversified approaches to help the underprivileged. The Government uses similar approaches to help our SMEs through several Government agencies, such as ESG and IMDA, to launch many financing schemes, industry-led training programmes and SME Go Digital programmes to help SMEs. I hope that we will have better inter-agency programmes to combine all these projects into a “set-meal” with more synergy, so that the "kueh lapis" can melt easily in their mouth. In addition to helping SMEs, we also have to remember to support the less privileged in our midst. I shall be speaking in English to elaborate my points. (In English): There has been a marked increase in anxiety and stress among employees in Singapore since the COVID-19 outbreak. Our overall unemployment rate of the Singaporean Citizens has risen to more than 3% in 2020.[+7 sentences] Those who have lost their jobs would be stressed. Those who are still employed worry over the likelihood of losing their jobs. Fresh graduates are anxious about getting suitable jobs in the sector that they desire. It is a difficult time for everyone. Before COVID-19, Singapore’s social compact was predicated on good economic growth, high employment rate, own responsibility and, as I had said earlier in my Mandarin speech, the "kueh lapis" style social security system. Post-COVID-19, this new compact needs to be practical and yet creative to ensure there is affordability, availability and quality in the key areas of social security, housing, healthcare, education, public infrastructure and the environment. The Government has a critical role not only in ensuring socially desirable outcomes, but also in pursuing outcomes that are consistent with Singaporeans’ dreams, while not compromising fiscal means and maintaining work incentives. The bottom rung of the blue-collar households has difficulty making basic ends meet, while the sandwiched class have fewer discretionary savings and therefore may be more vulnerable to ad hoc occurrences of unemployment and illnesses.[+15 sentences] These scenarios impede social mobility. The construction of this new social compact requires the Government to review and discard long-held beliefs and rigid policy mindsets which are the hurdle and can no longer leave it to market forces to help the less privileged ones. To me, meritocracy is the key principle which is crucial to Singapore's success. I spent the first few years of my life living in a rental flat. I was brought up by my maternal grandparents while my parents took on various odd jobs to support me and my younger sister. My father worked as a delivery man and later on as a taxi driver while my mother assembled electronic parts at home and later on, she became a part-time cashier when we were older. Through perseverance, bursaries and opportunities given to me, I would say that I am doing fine today and hope to give back to the larger Singaporean community. Ultimately, it instilled in me the idea that, in Singapore, no one will be denied of opportunities if he or she works hard and has the courage to fight on. When I was serving in the School Advisory Committee of a neighborhood Secondary school, I came across cases whereby the students skipped classes because they had to take care of their young siblings or sick grandparents as the parents were either in prison or were working long hours. Their poor academic results are only symptoms and their family issues are the root causes. Therefore, we must still ensure that everyone has a similar playing field to start from. And that should start from as young as pre-school. No system should stop parents from investing in their own children, but any system should attempt to minimise inequalities. It is heartening that we have more Allied Educators now and I would suggest that this be moved upstream to MOE Kindergartens and the ones operate by the anchor operators. We can formalise the tripartite partnership between the schools, Social Service Offices (SSOs) and Family Service Centres (FSCs) so that the pipeline of cases can be reviewed regularly. More budget can be set aside to scale up the KidSTART programme. Despite the KidSTART programme's success, it remains very costly to sustain. I also urge the Government to allow medical records stored in the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) be shared with the Social Service Offices (SSOs) in a secured manner after been authorised by the client so that the deserving cases can be helped expediently. In the same vein, SSOs' records should also be shared with schools so that the Financial Assistance Scheme and the School Pocket Money fund which are administered by MOE does not need to be applied separately.[+14 sentences] I also urge new Family Service Centres (FSCs) to be housed together with the SSOs so that there is a better handshake process as clients do not need to repeat their circumstances. The above-mentioned suggestions illustrate different ways on how we can help the deserving underprivileged Singaporeans. Finally, let me now share what I have experienced so far as a Member for Parliament for the Brickland division of the Chua Chu Kang GRC. It is a precinct with many BTO flats and executive condominium units. There are many young families concerned with unemployment as a result of the economic downturn. Some have young children and are concerned about their future. I had met many residents who had lost their jobs or had suffered pay cuts. For one particular case, his nine years old daughter had contracted a rare disease. I had also met a single mother with two special needs children. She suffers from depression as she is constantly worried about her kids and the tight financial situation. Her former husband has gone missing so she has no alimony to rely upon. Besides financial assistance, I hope the Government can invest in providing respite care for this group of care-givers just like what we have done for the care-givers of the dementia patients. It is extremely stressful when disadvantaged families have family members who suffer from chronic illnesses, mental illness or have special needs kids. Financial distress is often intertwined with mental stress. We must have an awareness of mental health and aim to reduce stigmatisation at a very young age so that mental health patients will have more confidence in themselves and have fewer challenges navigating their life in Singapore. I propose for the Government to incentivise employers to recruit mental health patients so that they also have the financial means to take care of themselves.[+3 sentences] The United Nations highlighted in May 2020 the need to prioritise mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that whilst it is a physical health crisis, it has the seeds of a major mental health crisis as well. I hope that everyone has the opportunities that I had. A whole-of-Singapore inclusive approach, where all Singaporeans matter, is key in ensuring that we will continue to maintain a cohesive society while recovering from the pandemic.
Mr Speaker6 words
[+1 sentence]Minister of State Gan Siow Huang.
The Minister of State for Education and Manpower (Ms Gan Siow Huang)2318 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Speaker, Sir, much has been said about how COVID-19 has impacted the world, claiming lives, disrupting economic activities and changing our way of life. In Singapore, the Government has acted decisively to contain the spread of the virus and is injecting close to $100 billion to contain the impact of COVID-19.[+7 sentences] This has helped many Singaporeans and has cushioned the impact on our GDP and employment. I would like to speak on how we can use this crisis to strengthen the Singaporean Core. These include urging employers to hire fairly and retain Singaporeans over foreigners when both can do the job. I also like to urge Singaporeans to build up their skills so that they can enhance their suitability for the jobs that are being made available. I will also share my perspective on the hard truths confronting our nation as we strive to maintain a strong Singaporean Core in the long term. Today, excluding foreign domestic workers, two-thirds of the workforce in Singapore are Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents, while the remaining one-third are foreigners. Prior to COVID-19, our economy was growing steadily and we were able to attract foreign investments as well as a sizeable foreign workforce to complement our local workforce. Due to the impact of COVID-19 on businesses, our resident unemployment rate rose from 3.3% in March to 3.9% in June this year, based on preliminary estimates.[+12 sentences] Although the rise in unemployment rate is lower than what we have seen in advanced economies, such as the United States, we should still be concerned because, unlike many other countries, Singapore has no natural resources to give us buffer. Our people are our only asset and every Singaporean counts. How should we strengthen the Singaporean Core through this crisis? Some may say that it is about increasing the proportion of Singaporeans in the labour force and reducing our reliance on foreigners. This is necessary when there is slack in the job market, as we are experiencing in this crisis. However, if we want to reduce our reliance on foreigners in a sustained way, we would need to increase our work productivity to bring down our overall demand for labour. We have made some progress in raising productivity in the last 10 years, but it takes much effort to keep up the momentum. And while we have a highly educated population and dynamic workforce, our local labour force is ageing. Last year, the median age of residents in our labour force was 44 years old. The median age will gradually creep upwards. At the same time, the proportion of Singapore citizens between 20 and 64 years old will decline. This is the group that forms the bulk of our labour force. In 2019, around 63% of our citizen population were between 20 and 64 years old. Ten years from now, this is projected to drop to around 56%.[+1 sentence] To stay competitive against a younger global talent pool, we would have to keep upgrading ourselves or risk being squeezed out in the global competition for good jobs as we strive to grow our economy. With our low birth rate, our local workforce will peak in the next 10 years.[+24 sentences] We will need to improve our Total Fertility Rate (TFR) so as to maintain a critical mass of Singaporeans in the labour force and not overly rely on foreigners to sustain our economy. Increasing our work productivity and "life productivity", which means having more babies, are both not easy to achieve, but we must keep trying. In the more immediate term, there are two other areas that we should address to strengthen the Singaporean Core. First, employers need to be fair in hiring, retrenchment and developing local talent. Second, we need to ensure that Singaporeans have relevant skills and are adaptive. With growing unemployment this year, there is a heightened sense of anxiety among Singaporeans about job security. Some people have expressed strong sentiments about foreigners here, especially if they have been retrenched and see that other foreign workers remain in employment. This is compounded if the Singaporean's job search journey has been unsuccessful and companies are still hiring new foreign workers. In Marymount, residents have similarly shared with me their anxieties about finding jobs. Many have families to support and expenses to upkeep. I can understand the immense pressure that they are facing. In trying to make sense of the continued presence of foreign workforce in Singapore, I find it helpful to look at three categories of jobs that we require foreigners to do. The first category are jobs in essential services that are not so popular with locals, such as construction workers and cleaners. For this category, the reality is that locals may not want these jobs even though we try very hard to transform them. We will need the foreign workforce to complement locals. Having said that, we ought to move towards a reduced reliance on foreign workers. How then do we "upgrade" these jobs to make them more appealing to Singaporeans? A good example is in the construction sector. The adoption of new technologies and digitalisation in construction has created new and higher skilled jobs in the sector. With the push for Design for Manufacturing and Assembly, more construction work has shifted off-site to automated production facilities that require production managers and quality assurance personnel, as well as logistics and supply chain planners. These jobs offer better work environment for our local PMETs. We should push for similar transformation and job re-design in other sectors, so that we can create good jobs for Singaporeans while reducing our reliance on foreign workers for essential services. The second category of jobs are those that locals want and can do, such as engineers and IT professionals, but for which there are not enough Singaporeans to meet the demand during periods when our economy is growing. We have foreigners working alongside us in these roles so that jointly, we expand the economic pie which all Singaporeans can benefit from. In the current crisis where there are not enough jobs for locals, we need to work with employers so that Singaporean jobseekers will be viewed favourably when applying for jobs, especially given the Government incentives such as Jobs Support Scheme, Jobs Growth Incentive, SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit and career conversion programmes. In circumstances where retrenchment is unavoidable and employers have to choose between foreigners and Singaporeans, I urge employers to lean towards keeping the Singaporean. In short, if employers must retrench, retain the Singaporean over foreigner.[+21 sentences] A strong presence of locals in your company not only improves the support for your business in Singapore, but also enhances the resilience of your business in times of border controls that could impact the supply of foreign workers for your company. And most importantly, by showing due consideration to the Singaporean Core in this difficult time, the trust that is forged between your Singaporean employees and you will be further strengthened. This will augur well for you when your business picks up in the future and you need the support of your local workforce. The third category of jobs are those in global and regional companies that require global teams and certain professionals with highly specialised skills. Our goal is to get Singaporeans to be part of these global teams comprising diverse foreign and local talent. We also want companies to contribute to grooming our local talent so that Singaporeans have a fair chance at senior and top management positions. One company that has done well in this area is Shell. Ms Tan Chee Wei, a 46-year old Singaporean, is Shell's Vice President of Human Resources for the Asia region. In her 18 years of career with Shell, she rose through the ranks from a HR generalist to a global HR Leader. She spent a few years in London as a Global HR Advisor and also took on regional roles in organisational development and talent management, before being promoted to Vice President this year. Shell is an employer that values and invests in our local talents. I hope that more companies would do likewise. Our foreign workforce policy has largely been driven by the need to support economic growth, so as to create good jobs for Singaporeans. We need to continue to stay open and provide businesses with access to global expertise and talent. But with rising unemployment in this crisis, we had to tighten work passes for foreigners, and work more closely with employers and unions to uphold fair hiring and retrenchment. Ultimately, for every additional Employment Pass or S Pass that is issued to a foreigner today, we need to be clear that it is so that even more job opportunities will be available to Singaporeans in the future. While we ask employers to be fair in hiring and retrenchment, our local workforce needs to be adaptive and skilled in diverse fields, to remain highly employable even as the nature of work changes. COVID-19 has caused major disruptions to our work and lives. Some people have lost their jobs as a result. Some are waiting for the economy to recover before they go back to their previous occupations. Unfortunately, it is hard to tell whether some of these jobs will come back again or will disappear in the new normal. The National Jobs Council is creating close to 100,000 jobs and training opportunities. As at July, we have helped place 25,000 jobseekers into new opportunities.[+12 sentences] Amongst the remaining places available, there are over 47,000 jobs, 16,000 traineeships with different companies, and more than 10,000 training places in various Institutes of Higher Learning and other training providers such as NTUC LearningHub. I have been encouraging my residents and friends who are looking for jobs to seriously consider the SGUnited training and skills programmes. I cannot guarantee that they will be able to get a job immediately after going through one of these courses, but they will certainly be more employable if they pick up new skills and knowledge. Thirty-two-year-old Muhammad Iskandar Bin Ismail is one example. Iskandar was an operations officer in the tourism and aviation sector when his job was affected due to COVID-19. To enhance his employability, he took charge of his own upskilling journey and completed a series of courses. These included service-related Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) courses, as well as supervisory-level courses on problem solving and decision-making. Iskandar used his SkillsFuture Credit to defray part of the course fees. Equipped with new skills, Iskandar successfully found a job as a full-time customer service officer in the retail sector. Under normal circumstances, we would have preferred Place and Train programmes where a job seeker goes for training as required by his employer after he has secured a job. As many businesses have been hit by COVID-19, there are now fewer companies that are prepared to hire in advance now. As such, we are pushing for more Train and Place programmes with the hope that Singaporeans who attend these courses will stand a better chance of getting a job when the economy recovers. For employers who are concerned about finding Singaporean workers with relevant skills to fill your business requirements, you can consider partnering with our Institutes of Higher Learning to offer Work-Study programmes and provide structured on-the-job training for potential hires. These programmes are modelled after the vocational training and apprenticeship track in Germany, where about a third of upper- and post-Secondary students pursue an apprenticeship programme.[+18 sentences] COVID-19 has presented us with both challenges and opportunities. We should take this time to re-invest in building our skills. The best course of action that we can take now is to add to our skills, and remain open to available jobs and training opportunities. Deepening this culture and spirit of lifelong learning will position our local workforce better in the long term. Mr Speaker, Sir, Iast year’s SG Bicentennial events affirmed three fundamental values that underpinned Singapore’s history – openness, multi-culturalism, and self-determination. Openness – our forefathers came from different lands to pursue their dreams on this island that is open to the world. Multi-culturalism – despite differences of race, language and religion, our forefathers worked together to build thriving communities here. Self-determination – our people knew that we had to take our fates in our own hands. So, we fought for the right to chart our own destiny. These values are still very much within us and alive today. I met some Secondary 2 students from Catholic High School recently and they shared with me their reflections on “The Singapore Identity – What makes a Singaporean?” The students had studied the history of different towns in Singapore and conducted surveys to understand what brings Singaporeans together. I was heartened that elements of openness, multi-culturalism and self-determination surfaced in their independent analysis of what makes us Singaporean. Our Singaporean Core may be limited by the size of our citizen population, but we can be mighty if we differentiate ourselves from others by being identified with the values of openness, multi-culturalism and self-determination. As a society, we will chart our own destiny, overcome adversity and find opportunities in this crisis. We must stand together and take care of one another so that no one is left behind in the storm. When we have fought together as a people in the battle against COVID-19, the Singapore identity will become even stronger than before. Finally, I would like to share something that one of my residents in Marymount reminded me about the duty of the Government: “为人民遮风挡雨”, which means protect our people from wind and rain. The Government will do our best to ensure fair opportunities for Singaporeans to get jobs and to support Singaporeans in acquiring skills. We will spare no effort to strengthen the Singaporean Core and walk the journey with every Singaporean. Because our people are our only asset and every Singaporean counts.[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Motion.
Ms Mariam Jaafar (Sembawang)2348 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to declare my interests as Managing Director and Partner of a consulting firm that does work in the area of skills development. As we work together to emerge from this crisis of a generation, it is with a glad heart that I support the President’s call to strengthen our social safety nets and social mobility. Today, I would like to talk about a necessary pre-requisite – Singapore must continue to remain competitive. This year, Singapore was again ranked the world’s most competitive economy in the annual IMD World Competitiveness ranking.[+15 sentences] But we cannot take this for granted. As an executive from a big automative MNC told me: “Many years ago, Singapore was the only place in the region our expats wanted to live. But now other cities are pretty nice and when we think about where we want to set up, Singapore doesn’t have what we call the 'halo effect' because the domestic market is so small”. Sir, in the race to attract and retain our investments, our neighbours are not standing still. Technological, social, economic and political forces are reshaping the world, along with Singapore’s place in it. I think Prime Minister Trudeau put it so well at Davos in 2018: "the pace of change has never been this fast, yet it will never be this slow again." In such a world, the winners will be those who learn faster than others and adapt to change. I believe Singapore can build a lasting competitive advantage by being the nation that learns the fastest. Today, I will focus on two things we must prioritise to do that: one, investing in our people; and two, giving them opportunities. Investing in our people and giving them opportunities. Since 2015, Singapore has embarked on a bold experiment to get our people to embrace lifelong learning. This is of course SkillsFuture. It is still early days, but I think it is an experiment so bold in its intent and approach, that I think we owe it to ourselves to continue. Nonetheless, with the fallout from COVID-19, more and more Singaporeans will hope, will want, will demand the courses they attend to lead to a job. In the late 19th century, the German psychologist, Hermann Ebbinghaus, was among the first to perform experiments to understand how memory works. The result of his experiments was the Forgetting Curve, which shows that learners will forget 75% of what they learnt within six days, 90% within the first month, if they do not apply what they have learnt.[+19 sentences] So, while we talk about steep learning curves, let us not forget about steep forgetting curves. Mr Speaker, I believe it is time to go full throttle to help our people quickly acquire job-oriented skills, and, crucially, to provide them with immediate opportunities to use those skills in meaningful work. For this to happen, employers must be a bigger part of the solution. First, they must take greater accountability for their employees’ learning. Second, they must be willing to give more Singaporeans a chance, and look beyond paper and past experience, instead making their hiring and career progression and retention decisions based on skills. One of my residents in Woodlands in Sembawang GRC, I will call him Mr Lee, he is in his 50s. He wrote to me a few weeks back. He had just been retrenched, and wanted my help to support his application for a role in a Government agency. Reading his resume, I was impressed – he had good technical competencies and he had been promoted several times in his company. So, I thought why settle for the role that he was thinking of. So, I asked a friend with a big data start-up to run it through this fancy matching algorithm that his company had built, that matches people with available job openings, based on the skills on their resume. I got a list of job openings that had a high match for Mr Lee. When I sent the list to Mr Lee, he wrote back to say he appreciated the list, but he did not meet the educational qualifications required. Sure enough, when I checked the job profiles, they all specified Degree holder. Mr Lee has a Diploma. Mr Speaker, I did not sleep well that night – it bothered me because I know how to read resumes and I know Mr Lee’s experiences suggested he could definitely do all those roles. The next morning, I emailed him, to suggest he try and apply anyway. He has yet to get a single interview. Can his story be different? Last month, Google launched its new Google Career Certificates programme, a collection of six-month long courses designed to help participants get qualifications in high-paying, high-growth job fields without attending university. Google said, I quote, “We will consider our new career certificates as the equivalent of a four-year Degree for related roles”.[+3 sentences] After completion, Google promises support in the job search as well, with over 50 companies signed up to participate on exclusive job boards and interview days. Google has also announced 100,000 apprenticeships. The cost of this programme? For example, the IT support certificate costs US$49 a month, or US$300 for six months.[+14 sentences] It is less than what you and I get in SkillsFuture credits. Whether you are a millennial eager to climb the corporate ladder as quickly as possible, or a mid-career professional looking to make a career change, that probably made you sit up. And if you are a university, you would probably sit up faster than you can say technology disruption. Of course, we do not know how many of those who complete the Google Certificate programme will actually get jobs as a result, but it does paint what the future could be like: employers developing their own or collaborating with higher learning institutes and other partners to offer pre-skilling, up-skilling and re-skilling opportunities, from apprenticeships and traineeships, to short courses, to re-skilling bootcamps, along a lifelong learning path where they are able to quickly apply what they learn. Here is the thing. For most employers, it actually makes business sense to do this. You see, all businesses need to transform; yet, the skills required for transformation – hard digital skills, transformation skills and soft skills – are all in short supply. A company can buy, borrow or outsource these skills to people like myself, but I believe building them by investing in our people, has the biggest payoff in the long term, and is even more relevant today given the global pandemic that restricts movement, and the increased scrutiny on the contribution of business to society. Ultimately, being known as an employer that invests in and develops its people will help companies attract and retain the best talent. To increase opportunities for jobseekers, in particular, we also ask companies to consider if they can hire a little ahead of demand, or to loosen their screening criteria and take a chance on Singaporeans who may not look like the perfect fit in terms of paper qualifications and past industry experience, but have sufficient relevant skills to get in the door and the attitude to learn the rest on the job if they are just given the opportunity. Some companies will require support to do all this. For example, for SMEs, Government can play a bigger role, creating platforms to train their employees at scale and at speed, while simultaneously helping the SMEs to transform and redesign their jobs where necessary. And of course, the Government is already helping. Adapt and Grow, SGUnited Skills Programme, SGUnited Trainerships are all great schemes, offering much needed hope to our jobseekers. Since the SGUnited Traineeships Programme started on June 1, more than 16,500 vacancies have been approved and 1,000 trainees placed on the programme.[+5 sentences] According to media reports, they are converting the sceptics. We need to have more of them and make them sharper. Today, big data and AI give us insights into the supply and demand for a multitude of skills and using machine learning allows us to be much more surgical in our learning interventions and give us a better shot at landing a job for our people who can use the skills that they have. But even while we turn to AI, I hope we will always stay open to new possibilities to make our schemes more human. Take the SGUnited Skills Programme. With a training stipend of $1,200 a month, for the mid-career worker with children and ageing parents, it is quite a difficult sell. "We are paying you to learn", they are told.[+6 sentences] Yes, but let us not forget, they also need to survive. So, we must find ways to make it easier for our people to take the pathway of learning. A good policy, in itself, is not enough. People must also trust the implementation – trust that they will be given a fair chance. But we all know the best schemes do not always work out for everyone. We have all met them among our residents, our friends – Singaporeans who do not feel they are being given a fair chance. The 50-something PMET who was retrenched when his company was acquired and has gone for countless interviews, only to be told he is “overqualified” for the roles; the 40-something banker who was first put on no-pay leave and then let go because he was told there was no business need, only to see a foreigner take his place two months later while he himself is unable to get back into an industry that is supposed to be still growing; the 30-something Malay accounts clerk who goes through countless job advertisements and interviews only to find that many of the jobs are for Mandarin speakers only, as if computers and ledgers can only speak Chinese; the 20-something graduate, a few years out of school, who goes for interviews for jobs that ask for experience, only to be offered a salary that he believes can only be called a low-ball offer, lower than what a fresh graduate should be making.[+2 sentences] If people get a bad taste that, no matter how hard they work, the system is stacked against them, it leads to cynicism. And because we Singaporeans actually have a strong sense of fairness and rooting for the underdog, if people see too many people around them like that, it can lead to polarisation, which only hurts our competitiveness. We have seen that efforts are being made with the recent interventions already highlighted by many of our colleagues today. But perhaps we can do more to ensure fair employment is ingrained in the legal and regulatory framework and strongly enforced with TAFEP and other relevant agencies stepping in to intervene on behalf of Singaporeans of all walks of life.[+7 sentences] We must continue to address prejudices and correct negative stereotypes and to encourage inclusive workplaces and be willing to have sensible dialogue on these issues. If we all – Government, employers and citizens – step up to the plate, our Singaporean workforce will surely be well-positioned to be the fastest in getting the right skills and the most adaptable, able to hold our own against anyone in a competitive and rapidly changing market. Mr Speaker, in Malay, please. (In Malay): I have spoken today about how the Government and, especially companies, can do more to help our people acquire skills and to give them opportunities, looking beyond paper qualifications and past experience. Many efforts are already underway. But we know that the best schemes do not always work for everyone. We all know friends and family members, who do not feel they are being given a fair chance. The Government has committed to address discrimination and prejudices through enforcement, education and dialogue.[+14 sentences] At the same time, we need to focus our energies on taking advantage of the schemes available for us to learn and progress. If we all – the Government, employers and citizens – step up to the plate, I strongly believe we can be the nation that learns the fastest, which will give us a unique advantage, allowing us to remain one of the most competitive economies in the world. (In English): Mr Speaker, I would like to conclude by addressing two distinguished groups I now have the incredible privilege to belong to – our Members of Parliament and our business leaders. As Members of Parliament, we are the ones that people turn to for help when they are at their lowest. “You are my last resort" – I have heard this too many times. How we lead during the coming years could make or break their spirit. This is what I think about a lot as I try to comfort, encourage, guide and help my residents through these challenging times. I am sure we all do. We are used to the Government telling us we have to be better, faster, work harder. Do excuse my use of a Hokkien word: "mo chai". How do we also provide support and inspiration? How do we open doors for them to ease their way through this world? Call it social capital, call it the human touch. The battle for hearts and minds can only be won on the ground and we must lead the way. As business leaders, this is our chance to lead a renewal of the economy through working together with the Government, unions and our employees on thorny issues of labour market practices, costs, regulation and discrimination. It is time for us to ask ourselves how the organisations we lead can be better corporate statesmen and women, and proactively contribute to addressing critical societal issues in order to strengthen our social contract with society in order to earn the social licence to operate. Today, in this House, we must answer the President’s call for the Government, Singaporeans and, I will add, companies, to work together, learn faster and to create a better and stronger Singapore on the other side of this crisis.[+1 sentence] I support the Motion.
[+2 sentences]. (proc text)] [(proc text) 'We, the Parliament of the Republic of Singapore, express our thanks to the President for the Speech which she delivered on behalf of the Government at the Opening of the First Session of this Parliament.'." – (proc text)]
Ms Sylvia Lim (Aljunied)2363 words
[+10 sentences]Mr Speaker, the President's Opening Address carried a paragraph on how Singapore may finally be at the point where the parameters of discussion about race may be widened. She said and I quote, "Our multiracialism is still work in progress. Each successive generation will bring different life experiences and perspectives. In each generation, some will want to discuss sensitive issues afresh. Younger Singaporeans prefer talking about these issues more candidly and openly, which is a positive development. But the conversation needs to be conducted with restraint and mutual respect, because race, language and religion will always be visceral subjects." Sir, as I embark on my fourth term in this House, I recall my generation's unique experience of multiracialism in Singapore, growing up in the 1960s and 1970s. It was the era of Mr S Rajaratnam, who's mantra was that we were all Singaporeans, regardless of race, language or religion. In the 1980s and 1990s, when the self-help groups such as MENDAKI and CDAC were set up along ethnic lines, it was reported that Mr Rajaratnam disagreed as he saw these as running counter to the vision of having a Singaporean identity, where race, religion and language did not matter. Speaking personally, my own experience is that of a distinct shift between my childhood where talk of race was discouraged, to today's reality of heightened race consciousness. Four years ago, in 2016, a constitutional commission chaired by the Chief Justice was set up to make recommendations on how to ensure multiracial representation in the office of the Elected President. In its report, the commission noted as follows and I quote, "The ultimate destination for our society should be a race-blind community where no safeguards are required to ensure that candidates from different ethnic groups and periodically elected into presidential office.[+2 sentences] Equally, it seems to be common ground that Singapore as a society cannot affirmatively say that she has already arrived. The question, then, is whether it would be prudent for safeguards to be put in place to ensure minority representation in the office, even as Singapore continues on the journey towards that destination. The commission is of the view that it would be, especially since it is uncertain how long the journey will take." It seems to me that there is no real quarrel that we want to arrive at the destination of being a race-blind state.[+19 sentences] If this is our desire, it is only logical that we take concrete steps to move in this direction. We have had painful experiences of raicial stife in the past. But as the President acknowledges, society's experiences and aspirations are not static and each successive generation may yearn for, and even demand, a different approach. To that end, I see some encouraging signs from the recent General Election. Several political parties fielded GRC teams consisting of a majority of non-Chinese candidates and polled well. I should particularly mention and thank the voters of Aljunied GRC who re-elected the Workers' Party team with three minority candidates out of five. I believe that Singaporean voters are not fixated with race and there is cause for optimism for the future. In choosing to speak on this topic, I am acutely aware that there are different perspectives on matters of race, as Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat acknowledged in this House yesterday. Nevertheless, I believe it is essential for us to move this conversation along so that we inch ever closer towards the ultimate destination of being a race-blind society. Some may consider that we will never arrive at this destination. But we must ask ourselves how much closer we can be. I also acknowledge at the outset that the Government's management of these matters arises from legitimate concerns. The Government is responsible for law and order, and fostering the building of a Singaporean identity in a population that is heterogeneous. It is a difficult task. However, as society evolves, all of us need to keep an open mind to listen and understand the perspectives of fellow Singaporeans whose aspirations for Singapore may differ from our own. Let me now move on to three areas which I think need to be addressed to move towards being a more race-blind society. These are: first, ethnic classifications and data; second, elections along ethnic lines; and third, the HDB Ethnic Integration Policy. I will call for an open review of these matters to move us along in this journey towards being a race-blind society. First, ethnic classifications and data. The Government continues to classify the population based on the CMIO or Chinese, Malay, Indian and Others, first used in colonial Singapore in 1824, nearly 200 years ago.[+1 sentence] Fast forward to today. To the Government's credit, it has recognised the increasingly numbers of mixed marriages and in 2011, enabled children of mixed marriages to be registered with double-barrelled ethnicity.[+25 sentences] The Government has defended the CMIO classification as necessary to ensure that minority rights are safeguarded. The concept of minority rights itself is problematic as it would be better if we could simply talk about citizenship rights. Furthermore, with more and more inter-ethnic marriages, where the bride and groom are themselves are of mixed parentage, I wonder how the CMIO classifications can withstand the test of time. CMIO also informs the self-help groups such as the CDAC, Sinda, Mendaki and the Eurasian Association. Over the years, these self-help groups have made significant contributions to uplift the less privileged, especially children. Notwithstanding the good work they have done, the fact is that they reinforce racial consciousness. I suspect that the different sizes of the ethnic pools contributing to these organisations would affect the resources available, with CDAC probably having the most resources. To this end, CDAC has opened up some of its programmes on a race-blind basis. There is an opportunity here to come together as Singaporeans and contribute to a national pool, helping the less privileged on a race-blind basis. I am aware of an effort to collaborate in this direction in Yishun called the Self-help Groups Centre and hope we can go much further. Sir, data on race is collected on many forms we complete. For all the race data the Government collects, it is selective on what it chooses to release. It probably has its reasons for this. Though my point today is to move towards being race-blind, it is also true that data is needed to understand issues that may affect particular communities, with a view to narrowing the differences. Let me give an example. As a Member of Parliament (MP), I filed a Parliamentary Question 13 years ago to ascertain the composition of the prison inmate population by ethnic groups. This is information that other governments release as a matter of course. The answer given to my question was that the Prisons Department was unable to share the statistics. No explanation was given. Sir, society at large should have an interest in whether those serving jail sentences are a microcosm of society or whether certain ethnicities are disproportionately being imprisoned. Why people land in jail is often related to the state of their lives such as whether they have stable income and family relationships. Such serious matters deserve wider study by persons outside the Government such as researchers. There should be public awareness of any challenges faced by particular communities and a whole-of-society approach should be encouraged. We should strive to foster a national culture where every Singaporean is a stakeholder in the lives of fellow citizens. Next, elections along ethnic lines. Since 1988, the Government decided to run parliamentary elections with requirements for GRC teams to field candidates from designated minority communities. Constitutional amendments in the last term of Parliament have introduced an ethnic requirement for presidential elections, based on a hiatus-triggered mechanism.[+17 sentences] As stated by the constitutional commission in 2016, there should ideally be no need for safeguards to ensure that candidates from different ethnic groups are elected into presidential office. This would be ideal for parliamentary elections as well, when we are so race-blind that candidates of different ethnicities are elected naturally. These issues have been debated in the past with arguments for and against ethnic requirements. However, that does not mean that these issues should remain as they are over time and forever. Such requirements tend to focus on minority representation which can put an uncomfortable spotlight on minority candidates. To qualify for parliamentary elections, a minority candidate has to file an application to a committee to determine if the candidate is Malay enough or Indian enough. Indeed, the committee may come back to ask for evidence to be satisfied that the candidate meets the "kosher" test. I always wondered how I would fair if one day, I had to pass a test of Chinese-ness. Being brought up in an English-speaking family and attending a mission school, I find myself constantly feeling inadequate about the state of my Mandarin. Before I entered politics, my knowledge of Chinese customs and practices was focused on celebrating Chinese New Year. I am not proud of my limitations. But being classified as part of the majority Chinese population, I am not required to prove who I am to stand in the GE. But it is not so for minorities. Sir, we all value that our Parliament has cultural diversity and that political parties do not campaign along racial lines. Indeed, there are penal laws against sedition and exciting disaffection between different communities. Whether having a multiracial Parliament needs to be maintained through the existing laws on minority candidates or whether there are other ways to ensure candidates of diverse backgrounds are fielded can be an area for review. Next, HDB Ethnic Integration Policy or EIP. The EIP was introduced in 1989, "to ensure a balanced mix of ethnic groups in HDB estates and to prevent the formation of racial enclaves".[+4 sentences] There is no such requirement for private estate such as landed houses and condominiums. After 30 years of EIP, how well is it working? From the Parliamentary Questions filed by MPs from both sides of the House, it is clear that the EIP has caused economic hardship over the years. When the quotas are reached, residents from minority communities can only buy or sell HDB flats from someone in the same community. For sellers, this can significantly reduce the numbers of offers available. It can also affect the transaction price by as much as $100,000 in one case I came across.[+16 sentences] Such a price differential could make all the difference to a family in financial need. Being stuck due to the ethnic quota can leave residents in limbo for months. I know HDB has allowed appeals on a case-by-case basis. But the default is that the quotas apply. As the EIP was introduced only in 1989, it is useful to look at HDB estates where families moved in prior to 1989 when there was no EIP. For instance, areas like Bedok have clusters where the Malay population exceeded the EIP quotas. We should note that there did not appear to be extraordinary tensions or disorder there. It does appear to me that some relaxation of the EIP is possible. Fourteen years ago when the Workers' Party suggested removing the EIP, it was met with a robust response from the ruling party. The suggestion was labelled "a time bomb". We are also aware that some Singaporeans did not agree with our suggestion. Today, half a generation later, I hope we can have a more progressive discussion on the issue. While the Government's position is that the EIP was instituted for a noble purpose, its effect in particular cases has been discriminatory and needs to be addressed. Sir, matters of race are no doubt sensitive issues that must be carefully handled. I do not pretend to have the answers that we need. However, what I am convinced of is that our discourse about issues of race has to go forward. To this end, I suggest we take the time to have a wide national conversation about how we can move forward on race issues. Way back in 1967, the then-Chief Justice Wee Chong Jin chaired a constitutional commission on minority rights. The time is ripe for us to have a national exercise to study what progress has been made by society since then towards multiracialism and what further steps may be taken to move towards being a more race-blind society.[+3 sentences] Sir, I am agnostic about the exact form of the review I am asking for. We should include academics with relevant expertise and also ensure there is fair representation of citizens across different age groups. The scope of the review should involve a wide collective reflection of where society is today on multiracialism, and what steps we can take towards this journey of being race-blind. As for the scope of such a review, I can suggest that the following be considered: one, the relevance of existing ethnic classifications such as CMIO; two, the scope for more public disclosure of race-based data; three, how not to reinforce tribal instincts in public policies and surveys; four, whether the current self-help groups should be amalgamated within a unifying national body to pool national resources on a race-blind basis; five, whether multiracialism in elections should be preserved under the current framework or can less intrusive methods be used; and six, whether HDB’s Ethnic Integration Policy should be retained and if so, how it can be modified for fairness.[+4 sentences] Sir, by naming these areas, it is not my intention to be prescriptive or exhaustive, but we must start talking about these matters to move our racial discourse forward. Please let me make some concluding observations. I have spoken about Singapore’s continuing journey towards the destination of a race-blind society. I have also suggested a national exercise to review how this can be taken forward, with specific areas that could be reviewed. When will Singaporeans be ready for a non-Chinese Prime Minister?[+2 sentences] Many would argue that we already are. Is a race-blind Singapore a fantasy? Singaporeans have already risen above tribal instincts on many occasions. We can go further, with the right policies and signalling at the official level.
Mr Desmond Choo (Tampines)1344 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Speaker, thank you for allowing me to join in today’s debate on the Motion. I will like to speak on the issues confronting young Singaporeans and self-employed persons. The graduating classes of 2019, 2020 and 2021 have it tough.[+10 sentences] They are certain to find jobs difficult to come by in the next 12 to 18 months. They are uncertain on what their future might hold beyond that. With no end in sight to COVID-19, most companies have already put off hiring, if they have not already let go excess manpower. Thus, there are three concerns. First, some younger Singaporeans would take much longer to find a job. The traineeships have helped but are also highly competitive. Second, there is a much larger mismatch of skills and jobs. In adapting to the new job market, many young workers had to take on jobs that they were neither trained nor studied for. Third, their medium term prospects are tenuous because they would also have to compete with later graduating classes. We might possibly have a generation of younger Singaporeans confronted with the most difficult of financial and social circumstances. According to overseas studies on previous recessions, graduates entering the job market in a recession year, experience negative impact on wages for three to eight years compared to their peers who entered in a normal year. According to a MTI study in 2011, the negative impact can be as short as three years if job mobility is high.[+5 sentences] Job mobility will require them to deepen or acquire new skills. Because the COVID-19-induced recession is unprecedented in scale, depth and duration, we might reasonably expect the negative impact to last longer. This makes improving job mobility paramount. We have to invest significantly to safeguard the future of the COVID-19 generation of young Singaporeans. Many of our younger Singaporeans are understandably anxious. The Resilience Budget’s student loan repayment relief is a huge relief for our students.[+27 sentences] I hope that the Government can also work with the private education institutions or PEI, and banks to provide similar relief for our PEI students. Their tuition fees are unsubsidised and the amount owed can be substantial. We also hope that MOM would allow students to be given a longer moratorium to pay back their parents’ CPF monies used for their education. We need to help the COVID-19 generation with greater job mobility. For example, companies should be encouraged to convert traineeships into permanent positions after the current nine months. Government can also customise incentives via the Jobs Growth Incentive to employers to hire these trainees on a permanent basis. NTUC would extend its assistance to help younger Singaporeans to navigate the tough job environment and provide protection accordingly. If the economy has yet to turn around after nine months, we can also consider giving the option to extend the scheme. It would also give our younger Singaporeans more time to pick up and deepen their new skills. We could then consider providing basic employee benefits such as mandatory annual leave if such arrangements are longer. For some younger Singaporeans, it might be better to stay in school or go back to school, further their studies or pick up new skills. For others, a second diploma or degree over the next 12 to 24 months might be needed for greater job mobility. I suggest that we can help to provide subsidies and loans for their second diplomas or degrees. This generation will require a career booster more so than other generations. COVID-19 will probably manifest a resilient generation. But they would need a helping hand to emerge stronger. Next, I will like to speak about self-employed workers. COVID-19 has put into sharper focus their lack of protection and income security. Of course, these are not new issues. There are broadly two groups of workers. First, the dependent contractors who depend predominantly on platform companies for their livelihoods. They are the workers whose lives are dictated by a couple of apps, whether it is ride-hailing or delivery. They are affected directly by platform companies’ policies such as incentive schemes or meeting service standards. They usually have little recourse if they disagree with the policies except to quit and go without their livelihoods. Second, the freelancers. They are the coaches and artists, and depend largely on service buyers. During this crisis, both groups suffered sharp drops in income because mass events and consumption have dropped dramatically. The Self-employed Persons Income Relief Scheme (SIRS) proved important to help them tide over this period.[+11 sentences] In fact, many Self-employed Persons or SEPs are grateful to be afforded support previously only available to employees. Beyond this year’s of support, it is likely that many of them will continue to be in dire financial situation because COVID-19 will continue to shutter events and reduce consumption. I hope that Government can consider to extend targeted support to them. On a longer term, we will need to examine closely and protect their income security. There are two areas that require closer examination. One, because existing laws do not allow them to be collectively represented, their voices might not be heard and interests not advanced. Thus, the divide in bargaining powers is vast, especially for the dependent contractors. We need to establish if they are actually contractors or employees. And subsequently, the roles and responsibilities of the platform companies. Only when we can strike an equitable balance can these industries or mode of obtaining services continue to thrive. Second, for the freelancers, it is also critical to establish the responsibilities of the service-buyers. The current mechanism to manage the fairness of contract terms is via the Small Claims Tribunal or a civil court process.[+1 sentence] Both difficult and tenuous for freelancers. We perhaps require legislation on unfair contract terms to protect freelancers.[+1 sentence] These are naturally difficult and market-altering changes and would take time to study carefully. In the interim, we need to, perhaps, have tripartite standards set in place that guides service buyers and freelancers.[+13 sentences] Mr Speaker, please allow me to continue in Chinese. (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, for self-employed persons (SEPs), the lack of work and income security have always been a problem. The pandemic has aggravated these problems and made us become aware that we must strengthen their protection. During the outbreak, the income of SEPs are affected severely. The Government should provide what people need urgently. I am pleased to see that the Government has recognised the fact that SEPs are not able to receive support from employers, hence the previous Budgets have provided support such as SIRS to this group of people. This has alleviated their income worries to a certain degree. Some SEPs' incomes have also been affected but they are not qualified to receive the subsidies. As our economy shrinks, SEPs will face further difficulties in terms of work and income. Therefore, I sincerely hope that Government can strengthen the support to SEPs as the situation evolves. Of course, providing support such as subsidies can only solve the immediate problems. In the long run, we must examine how to better protect SEPs in terms of career and income. I would like to make two suggestions here. First, according to existing laws, SEPs cannot form unions, resulting in their rights and voices not being heard. This is especially the case with SEPs who rely on contracts. There is a big gap in the bargaining power between them and the major platform companies.[+5 sentences] Hence, we must be clear in definitions: are they contractors or employees? Then we can clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the platform companies. Only by doing this can we ensure that these industries and their operation mode are sustainable. Second, for SEPs, we must also establish the responsibility of the service buyers. Currently, the way to manage fairness of contract terms is through the Small Claims Tribunal or a civil court. Perhaps, we should consider legislation on unfair contract terms to protect the interest of freelancers.[+1 sentence] (In English): Mr Speaker, notwithstanding these suggestions and comments, I support the Motion.
Mr Leong Mun Wai (Non-Constituency Member)1929 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Speaker, Sir, I am glad for this opportunity to thank the President for her speech which was "a breath of fresh air", and I hope to add value to the debate on two pressing issues of the day – immigration and jobs – which many hon Members have already spoken on. The President’s speech has highlighted many of the concerns of the Singaporeans who generally feel that the current socio-economic policies are not in their favour and are looking for change. In particular, they wish to know, why there are seemingly fewer good jobs for Singaporeans while the immigrant workforce has grown rapidly over the last two decades.[+3 sentences] Does it mean there is discrimination against Singaporeans? Why are there not enough skilled Singaporeans to take up the good jobs in the new industries as claimed, despite having our "world-ranking" Universities? Are there no corrective actions taken to increase the number of suitably qualified Singaporeans in areas where we are lacking? Why are Singaporeans paying higher and higher taxes when there are 40% of immigrants in our workforce whose taxes should have helped to reduce the tax burden?[+31 sentences] Do we have a net gain in tax revenue after deducting all the infrastructural and social costs incurred in supporting these foreigners? Unable to get satisfactory answers to the above, many Singaporeans have chosen to believe that the current immigration policy is a bad deal for them and for Singapore. I credit the Government for responding promptly to the Singaporeans' message. Acknowledging the people's wish for this Parliament to work together for better solutions, the Prime Minister has installed my esteemed colleague, Mr Pritam Singh, as the Leader of Opposition. Over the course of the next few years, we look forward to more information and resources provided to the Opposition for it to function as an effective voice and idea-generator. Mr Speaker, Sir, Progress Singapore Party, PSP, is a pro-Singaporean, pro-Singapore party. Noting the widespread resentment and objections of our countrymen, we recommend immediate actions be taken to restore the balance of interests between the Singaporeans and the foreigners in our country. We think that our Government might have overlooked the fact that our country is a global city-state and not a global city within a larger state. New Yorkers, for example, can choose to sell their properties, pocket the gains and move to another city in the US. But Singaporeans have nowhere to go without leaving the country. It is disconcerting to have many of our countrymen live outside Singapore in Johor and Batam while we are housing more than two million foreigners on our island at the same time. Surely, more consideration can be given to Singaporeans who are citizens of our sovereign city-state. We are not being xenophobic or nativist because we have a long tradition of accepting foreigners into our society. In fact, many of us have fond memories of the old foreign talents who have trained and helped us to "eat other people's lunch" and "not to take away our lunch". Many of them have contributed significantly to our nation-building. From Dr Albert Winsemius, the Dutch economic consultant who worked closely with Dr Goh Keng Swee to develop our economy, to the many unsung heroes like Mr Peter John Bowyer, a British citizen who set up the computer centre at the Singapore Polytechnic, transferred his skills to the locals and then left quietly after the job was done; and Mr John Kovak, my General Paper teacher from New Zealand who planted the idea "the citizen of the world" in my head and coached my school's rugby team. We are very grateful to those foreign talents from the good old days. The Government, however, had introduced a different brand of foreign talent to us from the turn of the millennium. As a high-profile manifestation of that policy, Mr John Olds was appointed the CEO of DBS Bank in August 1998. At that time, I remembered a senior Japanese banker had called me and commented, "Leong-san, it’s like having a foreigner to run Mitsubishi Bank in Japan. It is unthinkable!". Mr Speaker, Sir, in my heart, I had supported the appointment of John Olds in 1998. However, I am deeply disappointed now because 22 years later after his appointment, DBS is still without a homegrown CEO. The current financial industry is very different from the time I started my career at the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation in 1986 when "localisation" was strongly advocated and supported by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. During those times, common conversations among my senior colleagues were "so and so has taken over or is slated to take over the top job at such and such global bank". Today, my fellow countrymen are not seeing localisation and have to guard their current positions zealously. We all agree that to protect jobs is the top priority. Personally, I regard jobs as the foundation of human dignity. If a breadwinner is unemployed over a prolonged period of time, a multitude of undesirable social outcomes will follow. Dr Ang Yong Guan, the former President of the Singapore Psychiatric Association, has said that "economic problems contribute to much of the mental menace we see in our society today". So many social problems can be solved by organising ourselves differently in our economic relationships with one another and in relation to foreigners. After two decades of rapid immigration growth, the foreigner's share of our population stands at about 40% today.[+1 sentence] As a result, one can expect the group dynamics at the workplace to have changed drastically and we must take the rumblings from the ground about Singaporeans being discriminated against seriously. The recent announcement by MOM that there are now over 1,200 companies on the watch-list of the Fair Consideration Framework is one more confirmation of discrimination taking place at the workplace.[+2 sentences] This phenomenon is hard to swallow because Singaporeans are being discriminated against in our own country. Without stricter regulation, this situation is unlikely to improve as foreigners increase further as a share of our total population. Currently, there are about four foreigners to six Singaporeans in the workforce. But, if the population will to reach 10 million, it is estimated that there will be six foreigners to four Singaporeans.[+16 sentences] While the 10 million population is not a Government's target, it may still be reached eventually unless immigration is slowed down substantially. As we are entering unchartered territory, we should give ourselves more time to assess and ascertain the full impact of an outsized foreigner population. We have just been made to pay very dearly by a black swan event – the COVID-19 pandemic – as we try to stop the widespread infection at the dormitories for foreign workers. In the planning of our country's future, it would be wise not to assume that COVID-19 is the worst possible scenario. There may be other risks related to immigration that we cannot foresee. Mr Speaker, Sir, PSP is a strong supporter of an open economy and society and we believe that the Government must have good reasons to push for the foreign talent model. However, the Government can perform better in its communications. Our foreign talent model is a "free flow of people" model, just like the exporter model, which is based on the "free flow of goods" and the financial centre model, which is based on the "free flow of capital", which we have successfully implemented in the past. These models can help us attain competitive advantages but there is always a need to balance the conflicts of the foreign and domestic interests in each of them. The foreign talent model which involves the competition for jobs in our own territory is especially sensitive. The Government should provide more timely data to obtain the buy-in for the strategy. For example, regular disclosure on PMET statistics broken down into Citizen and Permanent Resident categories and details of the intra-company transfers under the various Free Trade Agreements would be very useful. Without clearer data, Singaporeans cannot have an informed discussion on whether the existing foreign talent model is benefiting us. Mr Speaker, Sir, in the immediate future, we recommend decisive actions to reduce new work pass approvals and renewals in order to channel more existing jobs to Singaporeans. Despite the Government's good efforts, it is difficult to create good jobs in a short period of time and existing jobs are still the best opportunities for employing our people. Going forward, we need to tweak the foreign talent model to improve prospects for Singaporeans while building Singapore's competitive edge. Borrowing from the experience of the Offshore and Onshore Banks in the early 1980s, we propose the designation of a group of Offshore Companies which have products and services that are sold predominantly overseas and Singaporeans do not yet have the skills to produce.[+4 sentences] They should also satisfy minimum capital and business spending requirements. We can allow Offshore Companies a freer hand in attracting talents from all over the world provided they uphold the non-discrimination principle towards Singaporeans and follow the minimum salary requirements for Employment and Social Pass Holders. For all the other companies which we shall categorise as Onshore Companies, we recommend tightening our MOM regulations and procedures to achieve better outcomes for Singaporeans. First and foremost, we stipulate that Singaporeans must be well-represented in the top management and human resource function to ensure that the procedures are followed properly. Second, we apply a foreigner-to-citizen ratio cap to all Onshore companies and their business and functional departments.[+2 sentences] This allows us to strengthen the Singaporean Core in our economy and in all the important professions. An over-presence of foreign PMETs in a particular profession, for example Infotech, may lead to the hollowing out of our locals from that profession in the long run and we will end up lacking crucial skills to run our country and economy in the future. Third, we reinstate localisation as an important key performance indicator. We should stipulate that there is a succession plan to replace each foreign manager at the end of his visa period.[+12 sentences] Further visa extension can only be granted if that manager is due for promotion and his previous position is taken up by a Singaporean. Fourth, we should protect entry-level jobs for our new graduates and give them the opportunities to learn and to acquire the necessary skills. We should require foreign PMETs to have longer working experience before they are allowed to join our workforce. Last but not least, we would like to stress that citizenship is sacrosanct to Singaporeans who are justifiably concerned about the erosion of national identity and the dilution of our citizenship. Since we are talking about economic relationships, there is no need to put citizenship into the equation. Citizenships should only be awarded to Permanent Residents who have stayed here for a long time and have passed a stricter set of naturalisation criteria. We also recommend that a Citizens' Commission be set up to oversee the award of citizenships. Mr Speaker, Sir, in conclusion, all our recommendations above are in support of what the President has said, "As masters of our own land, Singaporeans must have confidence in the rights and privileges of citizenship". The PSP believes that this Parliament must serve the interests and protect the sovereign rights of our people. We will stand-by the Government if it decides to take any decisive action needed to achieve that. We assure you that PSP will uphold this Parliament as a Singaporean Parliament and not a partisan Parliament. Mr Speaker Sir, I support the Motion.
Mr Liang Eng Hwa (Bukit Panjang)2604 words
[+4 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, before my speech proper, I would like to declare my interest as I work in the financial sector and I work in a bank that I am proud to say has a strong Singaporean Core. Sir, I would like to speak on our foreign manpower policy, essentially, in two areas: firstly, jobs that Singaporeans do not want; and, secondly, jobs that Singaporeans want. Let me start with jobs that Singaporeans do not want. We have always depended on foreign migrant labour in sectors like construction, manufacturing and services in jobs that Singaporeans would not want to do, either due to the work conditions, low remunerations or others. In particular, in construction sector, we have something like 341,000 foreign workers out of the workforce of 457,000; or 75% of the construction labour force.[+7 sentences] Similarly, in the cleaning and some manufacturing sectors, there are high numbers of foreign workers. The pleasant reality is that we have always enjoyed very low unemployment in Singapore and that there are always other better jobs available for Singaporeans. Given the limited size of our local workforce and that we are perpetually in a tight labour market situation, especially in the lower wage sectors, companies in these industries would have to look to foreign labour to meet their workforce needed. Our manpower policy facilitated that, but with a series of quotas and foreign workers’ levies to keep demand within tolerable levels, both physically and socially. We have lived with this system for many years and it has helped grow our economy and enabled us to press ahead with the massive infrastructure buildup – the MRT, housing, ports, airports, hospitals, industrial facilities and many others. But two major incidents or events have brought into focus our foreign workers policy – how we take care and manage the workers as well as the numbers and our dependence of foreign labour in Singapore. Firstly, of course, is the little India riot on 8 December 2013. In the aftermath, a Committee of Inquiry (COI) was formed and the COI report recommended a series of measures, such as the provision of self-contained dormitories that come with better amenities on site, tighter regulatory framework, among the many measures.[+1 sentence] The second incident is, of course, the recent major COVID-19 outbreak at the foreign workers’ dormitories. The high transmissibility among the migrant workers at the dormitories led to a massive response and the mobilisation of resources within our system to prevent the further spread of the virus to the rest of the almost 400,000 workers at the dormitories.[+8 sentences] Many of the workers needed to be decanted from their existing dormitories to provide segregation and to reduce density so as to minimise the risk of further spread. The entire response has taken a heavy toll on our system and, of course, exerted a high price. The steep infection rate at the dormitories once again brought to attention the living conditions of the foreign workers and as well calls for Singapore to rethink its reliance and high dependency on migrant manpower. Following the Little India Riot COI report, there were deliberate efforts to site the purpose-built dormitories away from the residential estates so as to minimise any disamenities to the neighbourhoods. In the process, it has also reduced the visibility of the foreign workers to the public. But the recent COVID-19 outbreak has, once again, brought the issue of migrant workers back into the limelight. Many Singaporeans were reminded or some were surprised at the sheer numbers of migrant labour in our workforce. We have, in the past, reviewed our foreign migrant manpower policy on a number of occasions. Besides during the Little India Riot COI, the last major review on the foreign workers policy was in 2010 by the Economic Strategies Committee or ESC. The ESC recommended that we moderate the growth and manage the dependence on the foreign workforce through a phased increase in foreign worker levies and, in tandem, funding support for productivity investments.[+26 sentences] The rationale for this approach was that foreign labour should not be too accessible to companies as the companies would have little incentive to invest in productivity improvements. The outbreak in the dormitories highlighted further unanticipated costs in our reliance of foreign labour. So, the overall real costs of foreign workers may not be as low as we have earlier envisaged, both financial and social. In addition, the outbreak also reminded us that we need to quickly improve the living condition of the dormitories and, of course, these enhancements will also add further costs to businesses. So, how can we reduce our dependence on foreign labour? What is an acceptable number, both physically and socially? Does the cost-benefit analysis still makes sense to have such large numbers? Do not get me wrong. I am not about say let us just cut migrant worker numbers to a certain lower level. It would have far reaching implications and impact on our businesses and industries and also on our efforts to build capabilities and capacities in both the economic and social infrastructures. When I spoke to a number of people in the construction industry to seek views on how we can we reduce our reliance, almost everyone was concerned about what I am about to say or ask the Government to do. For example, would I be asking for a steep cut in the numbers of migrant workers? Well, I am fully cognisant of the realities and that there are no quick fixes. I get it that there is really not much we can do and nothing much can change in the short term. Our industries, especially the construction sector, would not be able to fulfil their contracts if they are unable to get the sufficient workers they need. We continue to need high numbers of migrant labour workers for our current and upcoming projects, such as the MRT, the recently announced RTS, HDB housing projects. Even our climate change mitigation projects will also need workers there to help us build them. So, if we cannot do much in the short term, what can we do in the medium to long term? Let me start with productivity improvements, specifically, the construction sector again. There were a number of attempts in the past to improve productivity. I read the report on construction productivity by the Singapore Contractors Association done in December 2016 which detailed measures to improve productivity performance. In the report, it also highlighted the difficulties for firms to invest long term to enhance productivity, given the nature of the businesses where construction companies would tender competitively for contracts, not knowing whether they would win them. Faced with this unknown of whether they would have work to do ahead of them, contractors would be reluctant to invest in productivity measures in a significant way as they are unsure whether the investment costs can be fully recovered. Large companies can afford to take a longer term view, but not for smaller companies which are just struggling to make ends meet, given the competitive nature of the business. The market would not be able to sort out itself to work towards productivity. So, again, the Government has to come in. The tender system for public construction projects has to change, with greater scores weightage to tenderers who use more productive construction methods and lesser dependence of migrant workers.[+14 sentences] These are not new ideas. We have talked about them before. But it has to be well perpetuated and carried out with great insistence to change contractors’ modus operandi. The other possible radical moves are to identify firms that have invested significantly in productivity improvements and invite them early in the projects to work with planners, architects and engineers on more efficient construction processes that can be less labour intensive. It will require a mindset shift in the way we look at contract tenders and how we overcome the value-for-money governance. We can always start something as a pilot, perhaps via a “sandbox” approach and, thereafter, finetune the process for greater implementation. The tender price may well be higher. But we can take this as a price discovery exercise to know how contractors will actually cost a project that involves less migrant labour. On the demand side, we can also do more to reduce the overall demand for migrant labour. We should be more discerning in evaluating if some of our major construction projects should go ahead. Can we do without it? Is it wasteful on resources and materials? What comes to mind are the collective sales or en bloc developments that we always hear about. It is actually wasteful to demolish a building that is still in good working condition, only to build a replacement one that is quite similar. Besides consuming a significant number of migrant workers, it is also not environmentally friendly from a resource and sustainability standpoint. We should further tighten the criteria for en bloc development and only allow projects to go ahead for buildings that are much older or there are major changes to the land use, such as intensifying its use through the Gross Floor Area (GFA) adjustment.[+5 sentences] We should also scrutinise carefully our public projects and plan more judiciously. For example, in our neighbourhood, we have a Secondary school that went through a major upgrade, only to announce a few years later that the school would be merged with another one and to be relocated. Sir, COVID-19 has substantially changed the world, our way of life, the way we conduct businesses in the future and rebalancing the risk-reward trade-offs and many others. One sector that has been most impacted is aviation. We expect air travel to be much reduced post-COVID-19 and may never recover to its previous levels. Airlines may consolidate and hub at cheaper locations and we may never be able to bring back again the major airlines that have relocated out of Changi Airport hub during this period. So, under this new operating landscape, should we still go ahead with the massive T5 project?[+10 sentences] Are our assumptions and parameters still valid in the new permanently changed setting? Are the risks now too high to go ahead with this massive investment? Can we work within our existing four terminals, regenerate new value propositions and optimise what we already have with the terminals and the set-up? We can perhaps still go ahead with the new runway but do we need another terminal building? I hope the Government will review the decision because such mega projects also consume high numbers of migrant workers and crowd out the more urgent demands by other construction projects. Mr Speaker, Sir, I will now move on to jobs that Singaporeans want. One of the key hallmarks of Singapore’s economic success is our human resource and the availability of skilled manpower and talents to our businesses. Our approach has always been to maximise the potential and opportunities for our local workforce and complement it by allowing some external manpower to strengthen our competitiveness to the extent that it helps create growth and jobs for Singaporeans. Indeed, Singapore is able to seize additional growth opportunities beyond the size potential of our domestic workforce because we are able to leverage on external manpower resource. This makes good sense, especially when we are in a positive growth cycle where demand for manpower is high and the domestic labour market remains tight. However, in a recessionary economic environment like what we are in today where we are increasingly seeing a slack in the labour market, this lever of external foreign manpower can now be used to manage our domestic unemployment and to nudge employers to hire more locally available workers.[+1 sentence] We should never feel apologetic about that. We have done that in past economic downturns, such as during the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 and 2009 where we also reduced the Employment Passes and S Passes. Hence, I welcome the MOM announcements last week to tighten up our Employment Passes and S Passes, in particular, to step up scrutiny on those employers that have not been responsive to Government efforts to recruit more Singaporean PMETs. This can be a more an effective measure than raising the qualifying salaries. These measures are necessary steps in response to the very weak labour market that we are in today and the likelihood of rising local retrenchments in the months ahead as the Jobs Support Scheme tapers off.[+2 sentences] But make no mistake about it. Notwithstanding these adjustments, we are still one of the most open economies in the world where cross-border manpower flows are concerned. About one-third of our labour force are foreigners. We have about 194,000 Employment Pass holders and 200,000 S Pass holders working in Singapore, not a small number at all.[+2 sentences] So, I disagree with The Business Time’s headline last Friday that said MOM's latest announcements may put our financial hub aspirations at risk. Firstly, Singapore will still be among the most open financial centres in the world including in terms of top talent flows and foreign manpower accessibility. Two weeks ago, MAS revealed that non-citizens account for about 30% of our workforce in the financial sector. And for senior management roles, more than half are non-Singaporeans.[+22 sentences] There are not many major financial centres that allow this level of openness. Global institutions choose to set up presence in Singapore not just because of our foreign manpower policy, but also of our many other very compelling attributes. Among others, Singapore is the few remaining Triple-A rated jurisdictions in the world. We are reputed for the excellent global connectivity, the depth and liquidity in our capital markets; sound regulation, integrity and enforceability of our judicial system; and also, importantly political and social stability. We must therefore be self-assured that from time to time we would necessarily need some re-calibration to our manpower flows in response to the cycles in the labour markets. More importantly, we need to focus on the outcomes; and that is – have we been able to develop our local workforce to take on those jobs that are available in these sectors? These are the jobs that Singaporeans want to do. How can we more effectively minimise the inherent frictions or the biasness working against achieving these outcomes? We have the data points from our S Passes and EPs – what are the areas of jobs that the companies are asking for EPs and S Passes? These can serve as our "skills demand leading indicator”, where we can plan and curate training programmes and traineeships to target at helping Singaporeans compete and take on those jobs. Of course, just tightening EP and S Pass alone would not be enough. We need other measures such hiring incentives, training allowances, subsidised traineeships to urge companies to hire more locals. Narrowing the gaps of mismatches and reducing the frictions in job transitions are highly difficult undertakings; we know that. Left to the markets, it may not resolve into the outcomes that we want. We therefore need concerted efforts involving a combination of measures and workarounds to achieve this; and importantly, with proactive intervention by the Government. And this is now the task of the National Jobs Council, led by Senior Minister Tharman. Let us not waste this crisis. Let us use the slack in the labour market today as an impetus to help Singaporeans adapt and take on these jobs. Singaporeans, whether they are young graduates or mid-career PMETs, can be up to the task. We just need to equip them, give them the opportunities and importantly, have faith in them. Let us move the needle this time. Sir, I support the Motion.
Mr Speaker7 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Derrick Goh, do you have clarifications?
Mr Derrick Goh (Nee Soon)104 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like a point of clarification from the hon Member from PSP about his comments about DBS and I want to declare myself, my interest as a member of the DBS management team. I did hear, Mr Speaker, Sir, the PSP Member did say of his disappointment that DBS, since the days of Mr John Olds till now, that the leadership of DBS is not to the level of the Singaporean percentage. I want to say that the DBS leadership of now is where all the top management is Singaporean except for one person, who is Malaysian and a PR.
Mr Speaker6 words
[+2 sentences]Thank you. Ms Tin Pei Ling.
Ms Tin Pei Ling (MacPherson)2884 words
[+15 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, we debate in Parliament today as we face the "challenge of a generation". We face not just the onslaught of a relentless viral outbreak, but must also deal with the disruptions wrought by COVID-19. We will need to respond robustly to this challenge. Beyond the shock of COVID-19, our living environment is also seeing secular changes. It has become an increasingly sophisticated world, with a sophisticated population in Singapore. Parliament too reflects this diversity. As we navigate these changes, I believe that we need to maintain a balanced approach, changing with the times but still holding dear to what we find important as Singaporeans. At this point in time, I can think of three key "balances" that we need to strike. First, balancing between forging ahead versus bringing everyone along. The Wright brothers flew their first flight in 1903, but it took 50 years before air travel became commonplace in the 1950s. Similarly, the steam engine took almost half a century since its invention to disrupt the shipping industry. Today, a single app, if it is the right one, can change the world within a year or two. Grab first launched in Singapore in 2015, and they quickly revolutionised the way we book private hire cars. Grab has also found its way into our daily lexicon, from getting a ride to getting a bite. Similarly, Douyin was first launched in China in 2016 and its international incarnation, TikTok, started building steam in international markets soon after in 2017. By first quarter of 2018, TikTok was the number one most downloaded application on Apple's app store and Google Store globally, with 45.8 million downloads worldwide.[+25 sentences] Clearly, change has been accelerating at breakneck speed. In the past, breakthroughs in technology would take decades to disrupt economies. Now, only a matter of two to three years. Put it differently, our Pioneers might only see one to two major disruptions for the most part of their career, but the young today will see many disruptions in their lifetime. As a nation that must constantly adapt to survive and thrive, agility in our economic strategies and the way we govern is crucial. COVID-19 has certainly accentuated this need. Digital economy, digital Government and a smart nation – these are important and have to pick up speed. But this imperative also comes at a price. Countries like the US and China have huge domestic markets; for example, China's hospitality industry is almost fully recovered with some sectors seeing growth – thanks to domestic consumption. But Singapore is not endowed this way. Therefore, going digital is an important way of helping our businesses to reach markets in the region, if not the world. Going digital will also help our people access a wider pool of international job roles even as they focus on their lives here. But change is tough. Businesses, for instance, may have different reasons for not digitalising fast enough. Unlike MNCs that have vast amounts of resources at their disposal, SMEs may find themselves lacking the capacity to transform and therefore, risk getting left behind. Our seniors and the more vulnerable, including workers who had a tough start in life, may find themselves unable to acquire the digital skills fast enough to catch up. It can be both painful and frustrating for these businesses and individuals, and we risk losing them. Does this mean that we should leave them behind as we "chiong" ahead, or should we abandon the idea of transformation altogether, or is there a better, more balanced, way to press on while still maintaining a safe space that allow the smaller ones amongst us to grow strong? It will be a difficult balance to make. Move too slow, and we risk being overtaken by hungry competitors. Move too fast, and we risk leaving behind a large segment of our population, who face difficulties in adjusting to our rapidly changing society. This is a perennial dilemma that we face, almost cliché to mention. But it will be absolutely critical for us to strike the right balance. Second, balancing across generations. Singapore is in a time of a changing of generations. The Baby Boomers are now between 56-74 years old, Gen X is now between 40-55 years old, and the Millennials are now between 24 to 39 years old – that includes me, Gen Z, the Centennials, are now aged between eight and 23 years old. At the end of this Government’s term, they will be between 13 and 28.[+2 sentences] How do we, as the Government, meet the aspirations of the Millennials and the Centennials? How do we strike the appropriate balance between the wants of the Baby Boomers and Gen X, while making space for the Millennials and Centennials to shape the world which they want to live in? In 2015, Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam told the world before the St Gallen Symposium that our Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew never expected Singapore's model of governance to remain this way forever. We cannot be trapped by our history, and we have to keep evolving.[+17 sentences] He said that the question we have to ask ourselves is how do we evolve in a way that is self-sustaining. How do we do it in a way that protects the liberties that matter most to people? How do we effect change, while safeguarding freedom of religion, and the freedom to aspire in life and achieve what you want through hard work? These, I think, are questions that this Parliament has to ask ourselves. Millennials and Centennials have an idea of the future we want to live in. We have a certain view on climate change and protecting the environment. We have views on social justice and social mobility which cannot be ignored. We have ideas on work-life balance and social security which, in many regards, may not completely align with the views of the earlier generations. As we pass laws and policies, there will be trade-offs. The question is, where should the appropriate balance lie? Let me give an example: if this Government chooses to spend more to advance the welfare of retired seniors, then the younger working taxpayers will have to tighten their belts. Conversely, if we choose to spend more on combating climate change and protecting the environment, for example, then something that is important to us today may have to give. In some instances, it can be a zero-sum game, and there will be trade-offs. This Government has to weigh the different interests, hear the people, and find balanced solutions that care for the older generations, while creating space for the younger generations to shape this nation into one that they can be proud to call home. Third, balancing openness and fairness, as some put it, between the foreign and local. Allow me to share that our workforce has also changed. Singaporeans today enter the corporate world armed with world-class degrees from our tertiary institutions. They graduate with dreams and aspirations and expect opportunities, promotions, and progression in their careers; rightfully so. But many of my residents have also become weary over the perceived injustices at work. Enough Singaporeans have begun to feel that our system does not cultivate our local talent as much as it should. We have all heard anecdotes like this – top managerial positions continue to be filled by foreigners who may not be even as academically qualified as our local graduates.[+33 sentences] A second time voter told me during my campaign visit that her boss, her boss's boss and her boss’s boss’s boss are foreigners in the MNC that she works in. She could not understand why even the middle management positions are held by foreigners. Another mature resident, who is now in a senior management role in another MNC, told me about how a European candidate with no relevant APAC experience was chosen over him for an APAC role in a previous job application. Is this because Singapore's education system is inferior and therefore cannot produce capable mangers, CEOs and other senior staff? It would be strange if so. Our education system is globally recognised. However, this Government must continuously evolve it to prepare it for the future. While paper qualifications and examinations are important, soft skills are invaluable to the working world. Most businesses place considerable value on the ability to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly, to communicate effectively, and demonstrate willingness to collaborate and work as a team. Greater emphasis must be placed on such areas. Let us consider an example. Perhaps, say, we have two equally qualified employees, but there is only one opening for a promotion to a managerial position. Like for like, one can imagine that the candidate who is more willing to work with anyone, more apt at building relationships with clients and more enthusiastic about going out of the way to network, will secure the post. Our education system has to ensure that more often than not, that preferred candidate is a Singaporean candidate. At the same time, the Government should formulate a plan to cultivate young adults in our workforce for potential leadership positions. I firmly believe we have considerable talent in our young adults. We just need to equip them, guide them and mentor them. There are many schemes that focus on building technical knowledge and skills. These include the likes of SkillsFuture and TeSA. There are others that help Singaporeans switch tracks like PCP. These are wonderful schemes that allow Singaporeans to adapt in a fast changing world. But, we also need programmes that help push Singaporeans further along their career path – to become leaders. There is a need for greater transparency to what firms, especially large firms, are expecting of their corporate leaders. Having a framework identifying the key criteria, skills, behaviours and attitude, needed at various levels of management would offer Singaporeans clarity on what they have to do to attain a promotion. The framework could provide a useful roadmap with signposts to better guide younger, high potential Singaporeans. On top of that, to create a network for mentorships, whereby prominent, successful and more experienced professionals or business leaders can guide younger Singaporeans in a similar profession or industry. Some of these mentors could be older Singaporeans who have made it big and now want to give back. Or they could perhaps be specifically headhunted from overseas by our Government. These mentors can guide the younger Singaporeans along in their careers, offer invaluable advice based on their wealth of experience and provide insights into how they can be better. There is, of course, no guarantee that by going through the above, one will certainly land himself or herself in that coveted top position. We need to make clear of this. But, it shows our Government and our nation's determination to develop our young and climb the ladder. If we can find a way to cultivate a critical mass of Singaporean talents who not only are technically skilled but also with leadership skills and acumen, the eco-system will be so much healthier and competitive. Setting stricter quotas and higher minimum wages for Employment Passes are needed to address systemic vulnerabilities. But it is much more meaningful to have employers preferring to hire a Singaporean not just because they are obliged by our laws, but because they believe Singaporeans are worth the premium.[+8 sentences] In Mandarin, please. (In Mandarin): State governance is a complex social task involving many aspects including politics, economy, society, culture and law. The Parliament is a place where laws are made, and an important platform for us to discuss issues affecting Singapore and Singaporeans at present and in the future. One can thus imagine how issues debated in Parliament can be equally complicated. As the world changes and Singapore progresses, Singaporeans' minds have also become more complex. Similarly, this Parliament has also become more diverse and colourful than before. Hence, it is now even more important for us to build a model of governance that is more holistic and balanced, one that can overcome divisions in political ideologies. The new term of Parliament has just begun, and I believe that the Government needs to achieve balance in three areas. First, balance between the present and the future, grasp opportunities and speed up transformation.[+1 sentence] We must maintain the right pace for high speed economic growth, while ensuring that no Singaporeans are left behind, and growth is inclusive. Second, balance the needs of every generation, maintain equity across generations and preserve our social compact. Third, strike a balance between maintaining the openness of our society and safeguarding the interests of citizens.[+15 sentences] While we welcome foreign talents to enhance our competitiveness, we also need to nurture domestic talents, to ensure that Singaporeans are given the fair employment and advancement opportunities that they deserve. Singaporeans should not be considered less favourably. Here, I shall give you an example. Singapore is now actively implementing the Smart Nation initiative to develop the future economy. A digitalised future has become inevitable and our youth can easily adapt to this digitalised environment. Therefore, we need to create an environment where young Singaporeans can maximise their potential. However, there is still a group of Singaporeans amongst us who need help and they include our seniors. Rapid digitalisation has made life difficult for them. For example, when the Safe Entry QR code was first made mandatory, they could not cope. Although they had mobile phones, they did not know how to scan the QR codes, and some of them did not even dare to visit their doctors. We all know the importance of Safe Entry. To the young, it is very simple and straightforward, but to the elderly, it was extremely difficult. Thankfully, within a few months, everyone has become familiar with how Safe Entry works, and is now more at ease. Considering this experience, we should constantly remind ourselves to empathize with the elderly and take care of their needs, even as we charge ahead with full speed. At the same time, I hope the Government can do more to encourage seniors to learn technology in a stress-free way, so that they can make use of technology to aid their daily lives. Besides providing subsidies for senior-centred courses, purchase of devices and mobile data plans, can we also give out a "Digital Conversion Bonus" that is similar to the Digital Resilience Bonus, to encourage seniors to use technology and digital payment?[+18 sentences] Going back to my main point, it is not an easy task to achieve balance in governance, to take care of the needs of all communities, to ensure that all of us can complement each other and progress together harmoniously. (In English): These are questions that we need to answer through community conversations and then translated into legislation in Parliament. I am constantly reminded that as a Parliament, we bear the responsibility of shaping the future for all Singaporeans. We can – and we should – react to the changing tides around us. However, we also need to be deliberate about designing a future that every Singaporean can look forward to and is confident of achieving for himself or herself. As Mdm President observed in her Opening Address, politics today must be conducted in a manner which cultivates conversations and offers opportunities for individual citizens to be heard. I agree. We need to listen and engage our citizens actively; it is a two-way traffic. As a developed nation, our children grow up having dreams they want to fulfil and an idea of the future they desire for themselves, families and children. Many of my residents and volunteers do, and they are willing to put in the effort. They know there is no free pass in life, there are trade-offs. But sometimes, the trade-offs that need to be made for that desired future are not immediately apparent. Hence, we need to have frequent and earnest conversations with each other. We need to discuss and foster an understanding of the trade-offs for each major decision taken. Better still, forge a consensus on the kind of trade-off we are prepared to make. So, in determining the kind of Singapore we want, the future we desire and the path and speed to get there, how can we balance the need for agility and the need for meaningful citizen engagement? I do not have a model answer. But I think being more open to explore difficult issues with Singaporeans is a start. It is one way to show trust in our increasingly sophisticated people. We need to rethink how current citizen feedback platforms are designed and to what extent does it have the power to oblige relevant agencies to review and not just defend policies.[+5 sentences] And of course, we need to make better use of technology so that we can conduct more sessions to reach out to more people. The Fourteenth Parliament has our work cut out for us. But we can enlist ideas and advice of Singaporeans from all walks of life, to help us chart a balanced path forward. Today, as we rise from the shadows of the COVID outbreak, I remain confident that we will overcome this "challenge of a generation" and work together to bring Singapore to the next level. We can do it, so just do it!
Mr Chong Kee Hiong (Bishan-Toa Payoh)1736 words
[+11 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, the President spoke about securing our future in her Address. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fore the importance of careful planning and being prepared for any future shocks and surprises which may hit us. Let me start with jobs and skills. Two is better than one, one is better than none. Diversification is a vital part of resilience planning. With the SkillsFuture programme, Singaporeans are encouraged to pick up new and different skills. However, what good is a skillset that cannot be put to use? A worker would be back to starting from square one if he applies for a totally new type of job. There must be a way for a worker to put learning to use concurrently. Many employers bar their full-time employees from taking on a second job. This thinking should change. For better job security, employees should be allowed to take up two jobs, subject to labour regulations to protect the workers from overwork and also to regulate potential conflict of interests.[+4 sentences] The worker could choose to learn and apply new skills to pursue an additional vocation within the same company or in a second job. Encouraging such a practice would allow the worker to develop a broader set of skills that will allow more flexibility in career switches within a shorter window of time should there be a need to. Companies also need to identify complementary sectors which are sufficiently differentiated to provide resilience through diversification. In doing so, the company could allow their workers take up concurrent positions in different business units. For example, from a layman's point of view, food and beverage or F&B, is always resilient because people need to eat no matter what. But during this pandemic, F&B is one of the most badly affected sectors. However, the supermarkets and online grocers see a jump in orders.[+14 sentences] This is because people are indeed still eating – at home. So, if a company runs a restaurant and also sells and delivers food ingredients, it will be able to ride out this storm better. Stock prices go down, gold prices go up. Brick-and-mortar retail goes down, online retail goes up. A loss here is a gain somewhere else. Maybe conglomerates with diversified businesses can try this first – have their employees take on dual roles in their different companies. Their pay should not be affected. While this dual-job thinking may seem out-of-the-box, we should recognise that there are many Singaporeans who possess multiple skillsets and would be able to contribute at a higher level within the same company or seek a second vocation to diversify their income sources. This approach may not suit certain jobs nor appeal to certain people. What I am proposing is to encourage companies and workers who are willing to try to be allowed to do so, without compromising their productivity and work-life balance. The Government could incentivise companies and workers to adopt this approach. Next, on housing affordability. The President has reaffirmed the Government's commitment to support our young families to own their homes. We discussed the topic of housing affordability in March during the debate in the Committee of Supply for MND. The Minister had reiterated that our HDB flats are accessible, as our flat prices are kept at below five times our median household income.[+9 sentences] The Minister also shared that most applicants could use the Government grants to pay for the down-payment. They do not need to pay any cash upfront and can pay their monthly mortgages with their CPF savings with 25-year housing loans. The employment situation today is less favourable to holding long mortgage tenures, compared to the past. People of my parents' generation used to hold jobs for life. For our generation, most of us would have changed jobs a few times. For the future generations, job cycles will likely get even shorter. More and more people are making a living from the gig economy as well. There is much more uncertainty today. All these new factors, together with the higher macro-economic risk backdrop, should be captured in the analysis of the affordability of HDB flats. With lower employment security and reduced market predictability, HDB flat prices should be lower and the home price to annual income ratio should be adjusted downwards to adequately reflect this new normal. Affordability of HDB flat prices should also be measured based on a tenure that is less than 25 years.[+5 sentences] Should financial circumstances of the buyer change over time, there is then flexibility to structure lower instalment payments by stretching the loan tenure when needed. The next point I would like to make is on financial assistance schemes. All Singaporeans should be entitled to assistance and benefits regardless of the types of residence they stay in. No one should be left behind as all contribute to society. Many of our current assistance schemes are based on housing types, with their annual values determining whether one gets certain assistance or not. We have to reassess this basis as we can already see convergence in the value of some HDB flats with the level of pricing ascribed only to private housing properties in the past. There is a group of asset-rich-cash-poor Singaporeans who have problems monetising their assets during this pandemic.[+5 sentences] They also need assistance to tide them over this difficult period. There is also a "sandwiched" group, including low income earners living with family members in private properties which they do not own, resulting in them not qualifying for some types of assistance. Both groups certainly receive some of the general voucher distributions given to all. But these may not be enough for those who have sunk into financial potholes for various reasons. We should not lump them together into one big group. Within this group, there are those with genuine needs. I join fellow Members – Mr Christopher de Souza, Mr Lim Biow Chuan and Mr Henry Kwek – in asking the Ministry to fine-tune and recalibrate the schemes and criteria, so that they are not completely excluded from assistance programmes.[+42 sentences] We could start by tagging everyone to a category, with or without home ownership. The relevant Committee can also issue cards like it did for CHAS. Once a person is assigned to a category, he gets benefits in that category for two years. The status is reviewed every two years. If there is an immediate change, such as retrenchment or permanent disability, that person can apply for an urgent review. In this way, those with genuine need for help would be moved to an appropriate category which will receive relevant grants and support. Mr Speaker, Sir, in Chinese. (In Mandarin): The President has reaffirmed the Government's commitment to support our young families to own their homes. We discussed the topic of housing affordability just a few months ago in March during the debate in the Committee of Supply for the Ministry of National Development. The Minister had reiterated that our HDB flats are accessible, as our flat prices are kept at below five times our median household income. The Minister also shared that most applicants could use the government grants to pay for the down-payment. They do not need to pay any cash up-front and can pay their monthly mortgages with their CPF savings with 25-year housing loans. The employment situation today is less favourable to holding long mortgage tenures, compared to the past. People of my parents' generation used to hold jobs for life. For our generation, most of us would have changed jobs a few times. For the future generations, job cycles will likely get even shorter. More and more people are making a living from the gig economy as well. There is much more uncertainty today. All these new factors, together with the higher macro-economic risk backdrop, should be captured in the analysis of the affordability of HDB flats. With lower employment security and reduced market predictability, HDB flat prices should be lower and the home price to annual income ratio should be adjusted downwards to adequately reflect this new normal. Affordability of HDB flat prices should also be measured based on a tenure that is less than 25 years. Should financial circumstances of the buyer change over time, there is then flexibility to structure lower instalment payments by stretching the loan tenure when needed. All Singaporeans should be entitled to assistance and benefits regardless of the types of residence they stay in. No one should be left behind as all contribute to society. Many of our current assistance schemes are based on housing types, with their annual values determining whether one gets certain assistance or not. We have to reassess this basis as we can already see convergence in the value of some HDB flats with the level of pricing ascribed only to private housing properties in the past. There is a group of asset-rich-cash-poor Singaporeans who have problems monetising their assets during this pandemic. They also need assistance to tide them over this difficult period. There is also a "sandwiched" group, including low income earners living with family members in private properties which they do not own, resulting in them not qualifying for some types of assistance. Both groups certainly receive some of the general voucher distributions given to all. But these may not be enough for those who have sunk into financial potholes for various reasons. We should not lump them together into one big group. Within this group, there are those with genuine needs. We should start by tagging everyone to a category, with or without home ownership. The relevant Committee can also issue cards like it did for CHAS. Once a person is assigned to a category, he gets benefits in that category for two years. The status is reviewed every two years. If there is an immediate change such as retrenchment or permanent disability, that person can apply for an urgent review. In this way, those with genuine need for help would be moved to an appropriate category which will receive relevant grants and support. (In English): The important thing is to do our best to ensure that no one gets left behind or left out. I am confident that we have the resources and capability to lift everyone up and together, we will emerge stronger from this crisis. I would like to conclude with my support for the Motion of Thanks.
Mr Speaker7 words
[+1 sentence]Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon.
The Senior Minister of State for Health (Dr Koh Poh Koon)2383 words
[+4 sentences]Mr Speaker, I rise in support of the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address. I would like to focus my speech, as Deputy Secretary-General of NTUC, on supporting low-wage workers. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruptions to businesses and impacted workers’ livelihoods in an unprecedented way. In her Address, President Halimah Yacob called on all of us to build a fair and just society and to look after our low-wage workers, especially during this crisis. In Singapore, our way of helping the low-wage workers is via, what I will call, the “Triple Uplift” formula: Progressive Wage Model or PWM, plus Workfare Income Supplement or WIS, and, of course, National Wage Council (NWC) recommendations – using all these three – to uplift their wages.[+2 sentences] The strong interlinkages of these three components in the “Triple Uplift” formula have increased the overall take-home salaries and retirement savings of our low-wage workers. Importantly, this uplifting of wages is significant for our workers, without imposing additional burden on companies, especially during an economic crisis like this. Through this "Triple Uplift" formula, the wages of the lowest 20th percentile have seen a higher annual growth rate of 4.4% from 2014 to 2019, as compared to 2.3% in the preceding five years.[+13 sentences] As a result, the income gap between the low-wage workers and the workers at the 50th percentile has narrowed. The wages of low-wage workers have also been growing faster than those with higher income, hence income inequality in Singapore is at its narrowest in almost 20 years. So, the "Triple Uplift" formula has helped significantly. It is good but it can be better. Despite all this, I thought this would be an opportunity for me to address areas in which we can improve on this "Triple Uplift" formula. I will first start with the Progressive Wage Model. The Progressive Wage Model or PWM, championed by NTUC, was introduced in 2014 and aims to help our low-wage workers to upskill and benefit from higher wages and better work prospects. This is done through a four-ladder approach – skills upgrading, productivity improvements, wage progression and career advancements. In other words, a "wage ladder" is coupled with a "skills ladder". Wages go up as skills and productivity improve. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach. But it is different for different sectors. It looks at raising wages sustainably to match the necessary productivity growth for each different sector, which is beneficial for businesses, workers and the Singapore economy at large in the longer term. Currently mandated in the cleaning, security and landscaping sectors, PWM has helped to substantially raise the wages of workers in these three sectors by around 30% between 2013 and 2018.[+2 sentences] Cleaners saw their real median wages go up by 30%, while the increases were 31% for security sector and 32% for landscape industry. For example, the starting monthly salary for a cleaner in Town Councils after we introduced PWM is $1,442 a month. With overtime pay and AWS or Bonuses, this could actually be higher. However, I must say that these three sectors account for only about 78,000 workers, representing only about 15% of all the workers in the lowest 20th percentile of salary ranges.[+4 sentences] So, we should do more and expand PWM to more sectors to help more low-wage workers. In fact, over the last few years, SkillsFuture Singapore or SSG, has comprehensively mapped out the skills framework for many job roles. Leveraging on these skills ladders, we should now move towards universal PWM across all the low-paying job roles. This is in line with our ITM wants to achieve; some of the objectives of which are upskilling, job redesign, productivity growth and wage progression. Some of our efforts undertaken by the tripartite partners prior to COVID-19 will lead to the lifts and escalator sector having a PWM becoming mandatory by 2022.[+12 sentences] The Labour Movement is also now in discussions with our stakeholders to see how we can implement PWM for the waste management sector. Understandably, it is not the best time to raise wages during a global health and economic crisis when businesses are facing challenges of cashflow and disruption. Timing is important. We do not want to put businesses out of action through escalating wage costs in an economic downturn, nor do we want to deter hiring of workers in a distressed job market with rising unemployment rate. As brother Heng Chee How said before in an earlier commentary speech, even as we endeavour to help low-wage workers, we must make sure a balance is struck, so that "low wage" does not become "no wage". As a doctor, I think it is quite clear that there are no magic bullets and there are actually no magic wonder drug that can heal everything without side effects. So, I think in trying to push for intervention, we need to find the right timing but when the timing is right, we must be bold and move quickly. I hope Tripartite Partners can come together even now to conduct an in-depth study on the universal implementation of PWM across more sectors, so that we can move faster in this aspect when the economy recovers post-COVID-19. If we truly want to build a more inclusive society and narrow the income gap, the pace of PWM implementation across more sectors must quicken. To build a more inclusive society that President Halimah Yacob spoke about, companies must find a way to translate the increased productivity into tangible benefits for our essential service workers, many of them are in the low-wage segment, so that they can see how industry transformation will benefit them. The Government must also be prepared to use more regulatory levers to widely implement PWM. Clearly, waiting for the market to respond on its own will not produce results we hope to see. In moving towards universal PWM, we should explore setting a sectoral wage benchmark for companies as a first step in sectors where there are currently no regulatory levers to mandate a PWM.[+14 sentences] This can be done through leveraging various data sources that we currently have, such as the Occupational Wage Survey data. And inn sectors with a more variegated employment landscape such as food services and retail, sectoral wage benchmarks may help catalyse more companies to embark on uplifting the livelihoods of our low-wage workers. This of course can eventually evolve into a formal PWM. Next, let me talk about Workfare Income Supplement enhancements. To raise the wages of those in the lower paying jobs, society at large must also play a role. Many low-wage workers are in sectors that provide essential services. During this circuit breaker period that we have just emerged from, many Singaporeans appreciated the work that essential services workers do, to keep our estates clean, our utilities functioning and our transportation nodes running. Members would have also read articles and social media commentaries calling for these essential workers to be better paid for the work that they do. I hope service buyers would price the contracts fairly, so that our workers can be paid fair wages. The adoption of Outcomes-based Contracting must also be ramped up at a quicker pace. We need more progressive service buyers to start awarding contracts fairly to companies based on performance and quality, instead of just looking at price alone. In this way, we can truly recognise the importance and value of the work performed by our essential services workers. This means that as consumers we must also be prepared to pay more for essential services. But in reality, there is a limit to how fast we can raise wages and how much the consumers are prepared to absorb price increases, especially during an economic downturn. Hence, to further boost wages across the board for many low-wage workers in Singapore beyond the PWM, the Workfare Income Supplement or WIS scheme is an important one. This was recently enhanced with the qualifying income gap raised to $2,300 a month and the maximum payout increased to $4,000 per year.[+1 sentence] Through this enhancement, our low-wage workers get to experience strong real wage growth. Today, WIS contributes to almost a third of the take-home pay of our low-wage workers.[+6 sentences] This in itself is an expression of social solidarity that Mdm President spoke about in her address where the larger pool of taxpayers, through taxpayers’ money, has helped to uplift the wages of those earnings less. In addition, the Workfare Special Payment of $3,000 announced in the recent Budget was a good measure to tide lower income Singaporeans over this difficult period. This was much welcomed by many of the low-wage workers I met. I hope the Government will continue to strengthen this WIS scheme and ensure that the earnings of the low-wage workers keep pace with the rising cost of living. The third aspect – on the National Wages Council. The broader articulation of this social solidarity is also embodied in the recommendations by the NWC. The NWC recommendations early this year – in March 2020 – have sought to further safeguard the interests of our low-wage workers, particularly those in the front line of our COVID-19 response and earning a basic monthly salary of up to $1,400.[+2 sentences] Some of these recommendations include freezing the wages of workers instead of pay cuts when the company is not doing well. Conversely, increasing the wages by up to $50 if the company is looking at increasing wages across the board. Given the profound impact of COVID-19 on the economy, companies and workers, the tripartite leaders have agreed to reconvene NWC again later this year, much earlier than the usual time frame to review the wage guidelines.[+16 sentences] I hope during this review the NWC will continue to protect the wages of our low-wage workers and recognise their contributions in the essential services sector. Mr Speaker, the "Triple Uplift" formula of PWM, plus WIS and NWC recommendations, has led to higher take-home pay and retirement savings for our low-wage workers, particularly those who perform essential services. To benefit more workers and protect workers from stagnating wages, NTUC calls for PWM to be expanded at a quicker pace and be made universal to cover all sectors. Sectoral wage benchmarking could be explored as a first step towards eventual universal PWM to uplift wages for sectors such as food services and retail industry. WIS should also be strengthened to better provide for low-wage workers. Taking care of our low-wage workers and giving them the dignity of earning a fair wage must be an important and tangible manifestation of the social solidarity that President Halimah has called upon all of us to do as one united Singapore. Mr Speaker, may I have your permission to speak in Mandarin, please? (In Mandarin): The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruptions to Singapore’s economy and the employment market. In her address, President Halimah called on us to look after our low-wage workers, especially during this unprecedented crisis, to demonstrate the spirit of Social Solidarity in Singapore. The pandemic has made us realize the important contributions made by workers in the essential services sector. And there is now more focus on the many low-wage workers in this sector. In Singapore, we uplift low-wage workers' salaries through three complementary measures- Progressive Wage Model (PWM), Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) and National Wages Council (NWC). While these three measures have lifted low-wage workers’ salaries significantly, there are still areas that we can improve on. Hence, I would like to raise these points below to strengthen our support for low-wage workers. First, PWM. Led by NTUC, the Tripartite Partners introduced PWM in 2014 to help our low-wage workers in essential services sector upskill and increase productivity, leading to higher wages and better career progression. From 2013 to 2018, the wages of these low-wage workers have increased by about 30%. However, PWM is only mandated in the cleaning, security and landscape sectors, which benefits 78,000 low-wage workers and represents 15% of all low-wage workers.[+1 sentence] We should expand PWM to more sectors to help more low-wage workers. PWM will be made mandatory for the Lift and Escalator sector in 2022.[+7 sentences] NTUC is also in discussion with stakeholders to implement PWM in the Waste Management sector in the near future. Nonetheless, I hope the Tripartite Partners can quickly conduct an in-depth study on the universal implementation of PWM across all sectors, so that we can move faster in this aspect when the economy recovers post-COVID-19. At the same time, we should explore setting a sectoral wage benchmark as a first step towards PWM. This could help encourage more companies to uplift the wages of our low-wage workers. Second, WIS. In addition to PWM, the Government has also introduced WIS which contributes to almost one-third of the take-home pay of our low-wage workers. This is a demonstration of our Social Solidarity as mentioned by President Halimah. In addition, the Workfare Special Payment of $3,000 will help low-wage workers to tide through this difficult period.[+6 sentences] We do not know how long the pandemic will last. I hope that the Government can increase the WIS assistance to low-wage workers when necessary. Third, NWC. The NWC has recently made recommendations to further protect the interests of our low-wage workers. Amidst economic uncertainties, employers may resort to pay-cuts or retrenchments. NWC recommends that employers in distress should try to maintain the salaries of low-wage workers, or freeze wages temporarily in order to protect jobs. Conversely, if the employer is doing well and able to raise the salaries across the board, NWC recommends up to $50 increase for low-wage workers.[+6 sentences] I hope that when NWC reviews the wage guidelines again in the next few months, it will continue to pay attention to and protect the welfare of low-wage workers. Mr Speaker, the triple uplift formula of PWM +WIS+NWC has effectively uplifted the salaries and retirement savings of our low-wage workers. In order to benefit more workers, NTUC calls for the Government to expand PWM and for it to be made universal to cover all sectors. I also hope that the Government can strengthen WIS to better support low-wage workers. In the face of economic challenges, we can leverage the NWC platform to protect the welfare of our low-wage workers. (In English): With that, Mr Speaker, I support the Motion.
Ms Yeo Wan Ling (Pasir Ris-Punggol)1637 words
[+40 sentences]Mr Speaker, there is indeed a pressing need for solidarity and a shared sense of identity that is crucial to tide us over these uncertain times. The pandemic has posed a threat to Singaporeans in two key spheres – at home and at work. Just as these anxieties have, at a global level, caused governments to turn inwards, it is increasingly tempting for us, as a people, to do the same. This could bring us down the slippery slope of apathy and distrust. Therefore, at every juncture, we must evaluate the lengths to which we go in the name of self-preservation and what it would cost us as a people. I would like to paint a picture from my childhood where I spent much of my days in a row of shophouses along Holland Drive where my father had his clinic. Though I have not been back there in the past decade since his passing, I have fond memories of the sincerity and kindness the community lived by. I remember the neighbourhood and the people living in the neighbourhood as if it was yesterday. Right next to my father's clinic was the neighbourhood hair salon run by aunties. It was the neighbourhood water-cooler where residents came by, not just for the latest fashion tips, but also to find out how they are neighbours were doing. Further down the street was a stationery shop run by Uncle Muhammad, an Indian-Muslim from India. He would affectionately call me Ling Ling every time I came back, and remembered the comics I like to read. And I never left his shop without a sweet in hand that he would give me. At Tat Lee Bank next door, all their businesses ran on the currency of trust. Our neighbourhood sole proprietors and hawkers knew the names of the bank staff and sometimes, even those of their families, their children, their spouses. And all the shopkeepers need to do was to place their day's earnings in cash on the counter and could count on receiving a faultless chit the next time they came around. My father, the neighbourhood doctor, delighted in the service he provided to the community. There were many occasions where he did not take money from patients because they could not afford it. However, without fail, we would receive a gift at our doorsteps from them. If they raise chickens, would get eggs; and if they made sauces, we would a bottle. The kindness and trust I saw in the community were not naive. It did not ignore the challenges and struggles that faced the community but stood strong despite these trials. When times were tough Uncle Muhammad had to sell his business and started selling magazines under the bridge, but it never did break his spirit. It never caused us to turn cold towards each other. The bond that held us together as a community ran deeper and would not tear at the sound of trouble. This was because of the intimate interest we had in each other's lives. My dad knew Uncle Muhammad both as a patient and as his friend. My mom knew his wife, Aunty Gowri, and the troubles she had raising three children. And I knew one of their daughters and chatted with her often when we were growing up. Within the community, we knew the challenges others faced, and we knew the stories behind these faces and, more importantly, the stories behind the challenges. In the same way, my hope for Singaporeans is that we will continue to be champions for kindness in the community, built on understanding and apathy towards the challenges others in our community might face. The incessant shouting you might have been hearing at home could actually be a couple in financial distress. The tired homemaker who has been moving furniture at odd hours could have her hours stretched in the daytime because there has been more people at home. It is on us to open our hearts to the stories that run deep and to extend a helping hand to those in the community who might need it. Sometimes, I wonder: have we been too quick to judge? When I was previously running my company, we had an employee who had been consistently putting in good performance. However, one day, the HR department came to me and raised some serious doubts. The employee had started to make a habit of sleeping on the job and it caused him to miss many calls. That was an issue because he was a call centre operative. But what we decided to do was to give him the benefit of the doubt and asked him about his recent performance. As a result and after quite some digging, we discovered that he had recently become the sole breadwinner in a family of seven, and that was because both his parents had lost their jobs because of COVID-19. In order to support his family, extended family actually, he had to take on extra work as a delivery driver from 10.00 pm to 4.00 am every day. Understanding his story helped me empathise with his situation and allowed us to work out a favourable solution, instead of releasing him on the basis of moonlighting and poor performance, we decided to adjust his working hours to allow him to come in to work later in the day and make up for the lost time over the weekends.[+4 sentences] When we are willing to listen, everyone is a winner. Be it at home or at work, it will go such a long way if we all fostered an interest in each other's lives and uncover the stories that lie beneath. I believe that Singaporeans will only be able to build a rich national identity when we allow ourselves to deep dive into the richness of the lives around us. As many of us spend more time at home than ever before and as we are faced with the anxieties of this age, the bonds we have with our community are exposed. As the saying goes, 远亲不如近邻, better a close neighbour, than a distant relative.[+7 sentences] As much as the Government will work hard to build social safety nets and implement policies to ensure Singaporeans emerge from this pandemic stronger, norm is but a distant relative. When the rubber hits the road, it is our Singaporean community that must band together. It is these communities that Singaporeans can have to hope to be able to lean back on. In this House and in the many households across our Singapore, we must heed our President's call to embrace our plurality and diversity, under girding it with a deep appreciation of the lives of those around us. Then, and only then, can we work out community solutions that will allow us to become greater than the sum of our individual parts. Speaker, Sir, I shall continue in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker Sir, earlier, I shared the challenges faced by our society as a result of COVID-19. While we work to overcome challenges of the outbreak, we must work even harder to resolve the economic crisis brought forth by COVID-19. I feel that while we actively promote training and transformation amongst workers so that they are equipped with future skills, and advocate for diversity at the workplace, we should also relook our definition of a "job".[+17 sentences] Is a "job" considered as one only if we work from nine to five? If an employee needs to take care of his family and wish to break up his work hours, will employers be receptive? This pandemic has prompted some women to return to the workforce to support their family. At the same time, they still have to take care of their family or elderly parents. They would prefer to work on project or freelance basis, so that they can manage their time more flexibly. I know a nurse who provides home nursing care. She is a kind and capable person who chooses to work night shifts. She has almost no rest days and is always toiling over her patients. I often wondered why she did not choose to work in the hospitals instead. We found out later that she worked so hard because she has to support her adult son, who has cerebral palsy. She is her son's only caregiver. She looks after him in the day, and works at night to earn a decent livelihood for her family after her son has gone to sleep. She is a great mother, taking care of her child in the day, and working hard as a home nurse to support the family at night. The situation that the nurse is in, is a common one faced by many. I believe that during this period, more women will become freelancers. Some have chosen to reenter the workforce as freelancers because of the economic hardship brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, while others have chosen to go off the beaten path to pursue multiple career pathways. Whatever the reason, everyone hopes to supplement the family income by making use of pockets of their available time. In the future, the gig economy will become a common trend, and there will be greater needs from freelancers. Therefore, there is now a greater need for us to review the policy framework to safeguard the welfare of freelancers, to ensure they have adequate Medisave and retirement funds. This is why we also need to adjust our human resource policies and change the concept of employment, even as we embark on economic transformations. Only then can we attract more Singaporeans to take on jobs in the emerging industries and to build a more inclusive and diverse workplace with a Singaporean Core.[+1 sentence] (In English): Mr Speaker, I support the Motion.
Mr Derrick Goh (Nee Soon)1394 words
[+4 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Motion to thank the President for her Address. I am heartened by her encouragement to new politicians, like myself, to continue the good work done by those before us, in shaping an effective and sound Government. Globally, this year, economies have been paralysed, businesses decimated and livelihoods impacted. The virus has altered the way we live, work and play. Our resident unemployment rate is at 3.9% in the second quarter, faring better than many countries.[+5 sentences] But, this pandemic is not going away anytime soon. The CEO of renowned pharma giant Merck has said that a vaccine is at least a year away. So, dealing with this crisis will be like running a marathon – there is a finishing line but the run will be long, exhausting and painful. Today, I wish to talk about some of the lessons we can draw and how good policies must be complemented with good execution for us to emerge from this pandemic, a stronger Singapore. Let me cite two examples. The Self-employed Person Income Relief Scheme or SIRS was announced in March to support self-employed workers affected by COVID-19. Over 100,000 were identified as eligible for cash payouts of $3,000 for three quarters.[+9 sentences] Those not included could submit their applications to the NTUC. However, there has been a lot of feedback from residents about not being able to access the relief package. They are upset and perceive the unfairness of the scheme. I will refer to three categories. First, those whose appeals were rejected and do not know why. Rejected resident applicants received a rejection letter without any reason stated. Although the NTUC website has been upgraded for answers, it was not clear and specific to their own situation. Many were disappointed and described NTUC's response as cold and not helpful. The second group are those who know why their applications were rejected but cannot come to terms with or do not fully comprehend with the basis. An example is the use of the property annual value criteria of more than $21,000 that excludes residents from getting the relief.[+16 sentences] Fellow Members in this House had raised this yesterday and one today, and I share their views. The principle of having "means-testing" as a basis to identify those needing help is logical and NTUC's website stated that this is "consistent with other Government schemes". But COVID-19 relief is not a normal Government scheme and in implementing this blunt tool, it needs to be recognised that it will exclude residents whom the relief measure was intended to help. Additional data points could have been used proactively to identify those falling in the "should help" category so that a portion of this relief measure can be considered, given this challenging period. The last group are those who do not know why they did not qualify for SIRS and do not understand the eligibility criteria. Some in the category, includes our resident hawkers and freelancers who have not been declaring their net trade income. Whatever their reasons for not doing so, they are hard hit in this pandemic. Perhaps, instead of an outright rejection, they could be brought back into the fold and set on the right path, by nudging them to, for example, start tax filings and adopting e-payments – a great initiative by the IMDA – to qualify for some portion of SIRS assistance. In this way, we can give the needed help and at the same time provide better guidance of their role in the community to file taxes and for the more successful ones in the future, to contribute their share of taxes too. SIRS aside, let me provide another example from a different angle that also illustrates how leveraging technology can improve policy implementation as a key imperative. This relates to the task at hand of guiding the re-start of construction projects that is underway. What we need is the ability to do quick tracing, accurately. However, new COVID-19 cases detected at cleared dormitories indicates we still have not yet implemented better capabilities. The TraceTogether app has limitations such as performance consistency across phone brands, inconvenience, and battery usage even after the software fix to slow down battery drain was done. Perhaps, better wearable technologies or tokens could be prioritised for earlier implementation. Mr Speaker, Sir, the broad point I want to make is this: In a crisis, an effective Government like ours, decisively came up with new initiatives and policies to help citizens. Both the SIRS and the effort on the construction sector are great examples of actions that arose out of this pandemic. I am proud that our country was able to dig deep, accessed its reserves and invested almost S$100 billion in relief programmes to help us steer through this crisis.[+19 sentences] However, given the rumblings and the noises at the ground, I asked myself why and what is the real gap? My view is that at the heart of the issue in these two seemly unrelated examples is about the importance of good execution where we fell a little short on delivery. Good governance is not just about "Good Policy" but also about "Good Implementation" that goes hand in hand. Some Members yesterday also spoke about DBS. And I want to share that the bank focuses on what we call "The Job to be Done". It is the maniacal focus on customer experiences, the practice of agility, applying data analytics and incorporating feedback quickly and so that the targeted objectives are done and achieved. This, DBS, took over a decade to try and get it right. The challenge for Singapore is how do we continue to refine and develop a more citizen-centric governance model, where policies are not sacrosanct but rather a means to an end? In concluding, I want to say that on any global scale, Singapore executes well. I can attest to that having lived over a decade overseas and raising my family in the major financial centres in the world. Our President in her Opening Address assured Singaporeans that the Government will listen to and examine new ideas, and that it will continue to evolve its policies and models to cater to new circumstances. I am also heartened that Deputy Prime Minister assured the nation that the Government will take a stance and be open to improvise and adapt. When we do that, I am optimistic that we can beat the crisis together and emerge even stronger as a nation. Having world class policies and world-class execution, only then, can we have world-class governance. Mr Speaker, Sir, may I continue in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, the year 2020 is an extraordinary year for everyone. Fighting COVID-19 is like running a marathon, we must persevere. The Government has introduced many good policies to help Singaporeans. However, to help more people, there is room for improvement in terms of policy execution. For example, the SIRS disburses cash pay-outs to the self-employed and has been of great help to them, but some of them are also disappointed and unhappy over perceived unfairness due to minor issues in policy implementation. For instance, some applicants may have been rejected by the Government because they did not meet the eligibility criteria, but were not given a clear explanation. There are also some people who have been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak but are excluded from the scheme due to overly simplified criteria, and these include residents who live in private properties as well as hawkers who did not file their taxes in time. In another example, even though the Government has rolled out many measures to facilitate the resumption of construction projects, some migrant workers still ended up being quarantined again due to gaps in policy implementation.[+2 sentences] This has caused concerns among residents who work in the construction industry. We all hope that the Government can develop more effective technologies for contact tracing and put in place clear guidelines in terms of division of labour and accountability. In general, we have good policies, but they need to be executed well to truly benefit our people.[+3 sentences] Running a marathon is not easy. Only by helping the slower runners, can we come together as one united Singapore and cross the finishing line together. (In English): With that, Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Motion.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Minister Josephine Teo.
The Minister for Manpower (Mrs Josephine Teo)4891 words
[+9 sentences]Mr Speaker, I rise in support of the Motion of Thanks to the President. In our recent memory, the most severe economic downturn in Singapore had been the Global Financial Crisis. I was then in the Labour Movement. We welcomed the Government’s Resilience Package. It was worth $20.5 billion. Barely 12 months after the collapse of Lehman Brothers that precipitated the Global Financial Crisis, there was talk about "green shoots". In 2009, Singapore’s GDP did not shrink; it actually managed to grow 0.1%. The following year, our economy powered ahead to double digit growth. Fast forward to 2020, having battled COVID-19 for about eight months, we see how much more severe the impact is going to be. The Government has already introduced four Budgets of support costing close to $100 billion. Salary support under the Jobs Support Scheme went up to 75% during the circuit breaker, far higher than the 12% under the Jobs Credit Scheme in 2009.[+8 sentences] Although unemployment has not reached the highs of past recessions, we know this is not a given. We are still in the middle of a raging storm, and it will be sometime before we see "green shoots". Against this backdrop, there is anxiety and a heightened sense of insecurity about jobs. I understand our workers’ worries. I appreciate it has not been an easy time for many of them. For today’s debate, I want to focus on two groups in particular – workers who perform essential services but do not earn much and PMETs in their 40s and 50s. For over a decade, we have made concerted efforts to raise wages at the lower end. As part of our social compact, we introduced Workfare in 2007 to mitigate income inequality. NTUC pioneered Progressive Wage Model or PWM, in 2012, which now covers about 80,000 workers in the cleaning, security, and landscaping sectors.[+13 sentences] In 2016, the Government launched the Silver Support scheme to provide better retirement support for Singaporeans who did not earn as much throughout their working lives. Dr Koh Poh Koon has a slightly different take on the Government's holistic support. He calls it the "Triple Uplift" formula. Right now, concerns about job and income losses must weigh on us as Parliament debates our next moves in raising wages for workers who earn less. What is our preferred approach to moderating income inequality in Singapore? Specifically, do we continue with the expansion of PWM over time as the NTUC has advocated or do we shift towards a national minimum wage or a living wage, as some parties have called for? This debate, however, is not new. We have considered it before. Although in Singapore, we have not legislated a single minimum wage across the board, we have in fact implemented features of a "Minimum Wage" through the PWM in several sectors. Members of Parliament from the Workers' Party acknowledge this too. In March 2015, Mr Gerald Giam urged the Government, and I quote him, "to look into introducing sectoral minimum wages under PWM to more domestic-oriented sectors". On 15 July this year, Mr Yee Jenn Jong said and I quote him, "The Government is also not alien to the concept of Minimum Wage, except that they practise it for selected industries only via the PWM." At the same time, we have complemented the PWM with Workfare and skills training and the results have been good. In the last five years, workers in PWM sectors have seen cumulative wage growth of around 30%. This is compared to 21% for workers at the median.[+23 sentences] Ramli Bin Mohd Hussin, my long-time brother from the Labour Movement, sees first-hand how these schemes have helped workers. As senior operations manager of an environmental services company, he supervises about 120 cleaners. In fact, for many years, Ramli himself worked as a cleaner. Workfare supplemented his wages, but it was PWM that gave him a chance to move up and build a career. At age 47, he has upgraded to a 4-room HDB flat in Yishun. Of his four children, the eldest was encouraged by him to join the cleaning profession. Number two has just completed NS after getting his Polytechnic diploma. Number three started a small business and the youngest is still in school. Ramli also feels a great sense of accomplishment that an ex-offender whom he had been nurturing was recently promoted to Team Leader. The result of our approach in Singapore is what two local economists, Kenneth Ler and Ivan Png, described as a unique kind of Minimum Wage policy that succeeded in raising wages without apparently reducing employment. Outside of sectors with PWM, Workfare and the Special Employment Credit or SEC, have also raised wages without risking unemployment. Take a 60-year-old worker whose employer had been prepared to pay $1,200 a month. When SEC and Workfare are added, the worker actually earns $1,593, 33% more than the employer’s willingness to pay. Had a national Minimum Wage or living wage been set at, say, $1,600 instead of boosting incomes through SEC and Workfare, would this worker still have a job? Perhaps, if the labour market is very tight but perhaps not when economic conditions take a dive. Therefore, to uplift workers who earn less, the Government’s preferred approach that is also supported by the Labour Movement, has four prongs. First, to regularly adjust Workfare to support employability while ensuring that we continue to mitigate income inequality. Members like Mr Gan Thiam Poh support this. Second, to raise wages in PWM sectors at an appropriate pace, taking care of the need to preserve low unemployment among the workers. Third, to expand PWM over time to more sectors, taking care to assess the capacity of businesses in those sectors to absorb the change, especially our SME employers. Fourth, to raise standards of living for lower income workers in other meaningful ways, such as acquiring skills to progress, achieving home ownership, providing access to quality healthcare, education for their children and adequate support in their retirement. This is a holistic and sustainable approach to uplift our lower income workers, and is an extension of social mobility beyond the schooling years into working life. We have been building on this approach, steadily and with focus. Earlier this year, we expanded Workfare coverage and raised payouts. A Workfare Special Payment of $3,000 has also helped to cushion the impact of COVID-19 on lower income workers.[+13 sentences] Dr Koh Poh Koon called for the universal implementation of PWM. In principle, we are aligned. The real question for expansion of PWM is one of timing. In the security sector, 38-year-old Raymond Chin has been similarly able to progress to his current position as Senior Operations Manager. However, during a recent conversation, Raymond told me his concerns about security officers earning less this year. When calling for new tenders, clients are asking for fewer workers. Full-time workers have fewer overtime hours or may lose their seniority when displaced. Part-time workers have fewer assignments. Similar trends are observed in the hospitality and F&B sectors. Businesses are still trying to find a firmer footing. Therefore, any moves to expand PWM into new sectors immediately, in the midst of great uncertainty in the labour market, carries higher risk. Given our overriding priority to preserve jobs, we should proceed with care. While it may be risky to mandate PWM in more sectors right away, we can still promote its voluntary adoption by progressive employers that are able to do so. To give this effort a bigger push, the Government will work with the tripartite partners to introduce a PWM Mark.[+10 sentences] Companies that voluntarily pay progressive wages and provide job progression pathways to their lower income workers will be recognised with this PWM Mark. Several sectors, including Food Services and Retail Trade, have the potential to come on board. For the PWM Mark to work, there must, however, be a broader movement involving society at large. As consumers, we must be prepared to pay slightly more and intentionally support such progressive companies by purchasing their products and services. This will spur more companies to be progressive and adopt the PWM Mark, which in turn will benefit our lower income workers. I hope Members will agree with me that we must have it in our hearts to consider this a small price to pay for better jobs and income security for those among us who need it most. Let me turn now to PMETs in their 40s and 50s. Mr Speaker, since this debate started, many Members have spoken passionately about the Singaporean Core and changes they hope to see in our work pass policies – Mr Patrick Tay, Mr Pritam Singh, Mr Saktiandi Supaat, Ms Foo Mee Har and Mr Liang Eng Hwa, amongst others. At the same time, they, as well as Members like Ms Jessica Tan and Mr Henry Kwek acknowledge that foreigners are still needed to complement the Singaporean workforce. In fact, we have adjusted work pass policies regularly and slowed down the growth of EP and S Passes considerably. In the last five years, 2014 to 2019, the number of EP and S Pass holders has grown on average, less than 9,000 annually.[+21 sentences] This is less than one third of the average annual growth of 30,400 in the earlier five-year period, and that would be from 2009 to 2014. So, let me say that again. In the first five years, 2014 to 2019, the number of EP and S Pass holders has grown on average, less than 9,000 annually. This is less than one third of the average annual growth of 30,400 in the earlier five-year period. At the same time, in the last five years, 2014 to 2019, the number of locals in PMET jobs has grown on average, around 35,000 annually. So, we have the 9,000 in growth of EP and S Passes, average annual in the last five years and during that same period, what is the growth in locals in PMET jobs? On average, 35,000 annually. Contrast the 9,000 and 35,000. In other words, for every new EP or S Pass holder added in the last five years, about four more locals took up PMET jobs. Just think about that. It should also be noted that throughout this period, the population of PRs has remained stable, at about half a million. It would therefore be wrong to attribute the growth of locals in PMET jobs to an increase in PRs, as some have suggested. Mr Speaker, in his earlier speech, Mr Leong Mun Wai reminisced about the good old days. But I have a question. Was it really so good? In the 1990s, about three in 10 locals were in PMET jobs. Mr Leong may not have realised this but it could almost be said at that time to have been the privileged minority. Fast forward to today, nearly six in 10 locals are in PMET jobs. In fact, local PMETs outnumber EP holders – 7:1. For every EP holder that you can find, there are seven locals in PMET jobs. With COVID-19, the number of EP and S Pass holders has come down sharply. Between January and July this year, it has dropped by 22,000.[+20 sentences] While the numbers are moving in the right direction, PMETs in their 40s and 50s are still concerned. I fully appreciate that. In this period of great uncertainty, two questions loom large. First, when retrenchments become inevitable, will they be targeted by employers because of age and wage-seniority, especially when compared to their younger foreign colleagues? When applying for jobs, will they be passed over, especially with employers having continued access to EP and S Pass holders? Let me deal with these questions in turn. MOM actively monitors retrenchment practices and looks into how retrenchment exercises are conducted. There are the 10 key questions we ask. (a) Did the employer implement any other alternatives, such as cost-saving measures before considering retrenchment? (b) Were efforts made to reskill and re-deploy staff, before embarking on a retrenchment exercise? (c) Does the business situation warrant a retrenchment? (d) Did the employers put in place clear criteria to identify workers to be retrenched? (e) Did these criteria discriminate against any employee on the basis of age, gender, ethnicity or family circumstances? (f) Did the company provide retrenchment benefits commensurate with its financial position? (g) In a unionised company, were the selection criteria and retrenchment benefit discussed and agreed to with the union? (h) Did the company put in place measures to support the workers' transition, for example, engaging WSG or e2i for job assistance? (i) Did the company communicate its business situation and plans clearly, sensitively and with adequate notice to affected employees? (j) Lastly, but certainly not the least of it, was the company's Singaporean Core weakened as a result of the retrenchment exercise? So, 10 questions that we ask. And last and not least of it was the company's Singaporean Core weakened as a result of the retrenchment exercise? In vast majority of the cases, retrenchments have been conducted fairly and responsibly.[+3 sentences] Where older Singaporeans have been let go, this has generally been the result of criteria like relevance of skillsets to core functions that the company must retain. This factor explains why in some retrenchment exercises, seniors comprise a higher share. By and large, there has also not been a weakening of the Singaporean Core. In the case of Resorts World, for example, a foreign employee must meet a higher performance bar than his local colleague to be retained.[+4 sentences] In fact, this is quite an often-seen criterion that companies introduce. Notwithstanding these reassuring observations, we will remain vigilant. We will also work with tripartite partners to advance sound practices, through updating the Tripartite Advisory on Managing Excess Manpower and Responsible Retrenchment, for example, or the Fair Retrenchment Framework proposed by NTUC. Besides actively monitoring retrenchment practices, we will intensify other efforts to ensure fair treatment of locals applying for jobs. In last week's announcement of the tightening of EP and S Pass requirements, one aspect was not prominently reported. We had made clear that in evaluating EP and S Pass applications, MOM will place additional emphasis on whether the employer has kept up its support of local PMETs in its employment.[+18 sentences] In substance, this achieves what Ms Foo Mee Har would like to see, a tilt in support of local PMETs that goes beyond fair consideration. Among other things, an employer's record in how it handles retrenchment exercises will certainly have a bearing. For example, is an EP or S Pass applicant a replacement for a local who was only recently retrenched? If so, MOM will ask why and turn down the application unless there are very good reasons. We will also place additional emphasis on whether the employer has been responsive to efforts by the Government agencies to help it recruit and train local PMETs. Mr Ang Wei Neng supported a balanced work pass policy that is neither too restrictive nor facilitative for employers. He felt that continued access to EP and S Pass holders can help businesses to grow, which in turn expands opportunities for Singaporeans. Businesses, however, should not exploit this access but must instead make serious efforts to build local capabilities. Ms Mariam Jaafar goes further. She calls on employers to look past paper qualifications and consider local job applicants who do not necessarily tick all the boxes, but who can be nurtured with support from Government. MOM agrees with both of them. This should, in fact, become pervasive, a regular feature of our employment landscape, the norm and not the exception. Therefore, in specific areas of skills shortages and where there is strong interest from locals, we will also assess if agencies like WSG, MAS and IMDA have been able to get an employer on board their many programmes to strengthen the development of local PMETs. This will also have a bearing on their EP and S Pass applications. Conversely, we take into consideration whether an employer has discriminated against qualified local PMETs. Of all possible infringements, this is what offends Singaporeans most, that they have the qualifications but lost out to a foreign candidate who did not appear to be better. To curb such unacceptable behaviour, MOM has regularly taken employers to task for practices like pre-selecting a foreign candidate and disregarding qualified local candidates. We agree with Ms Foo that if, in fact, there are equally or better qualified local candidates, it would be only logical that they be given priority consideration. And this is one of the reasons why the company is in Singapore in the first place. This year alone, 90 employers have had their work pass privileges suspended because of infringements under the Fair Consideration Framework or FCF.[+7 sentences] In one instance of a healthcare multinational, investigators found that 26 local candidates had responded to an advertisement on MyCareersFuture.gov.sg. Although seven out of these 26 applicants met the job requirements, none were shortlisted or interviewed. Two candidates were deemed "over-qualified". Other candidates were rejected for not meeting requirements that were not stated in the job advertisement in the first place, for example, six-sigma certification. The company rejected them, saying that they do not have six-sigma. But when we look back at the job advertisement, it did not say six-sigma certification. This company was clearly not serious in considering local applicants. As a penalty, it will not be able to hire or renew EP holders for 12 months – one full year.[+5 sentences] Anyone in business knows that this is serious. To stay in business, they will have to recruit more locals, something they should have done all along. Mr Speaker, I have outlined these additional considerations for EP and S Pass applications, but they are not new. We are re-stating them to remind employers of the need to step up their hiring practices and HR management, and also the efforts they must make to help sustain a business-friendly work pass policy. At the same time, we will build on the Fair Consideration Framework or FCF to engage more employers. Since 2016, more than 1,200 employers have been scrutinised under the FCF. To put the number into context, in the last five years, about 40,000 employers have applied for EPs, at least once.[+12 sentences] So, we have the 1,200 in the last five years but we also have this 40,000. Some Members, including Mr Pritam Singh and Mr Leong Mun Wai, may not have realised this: firms that are scrutinised have not flouted any rules yet, unlike the example I cited above. Instead, we have identified them through proactive surveillance because of their unusually high reliance on foreigners in their PMET workforce, when compared to industry peers. Until they improve, we will reject or hold back their work pass applications. At the same time, TAFEP engages them to understand their problems and help them strengthen their hiring practices. For example, we found that one firm dealt, almost exclusively, with high net worth clients from a particular country with language and cultural preferences. So, this company need not have been in Singapore. They could have served these high net worth clients from somewhere else – Hong Kong, for example. Nonetheless, through TAFEP’s advice, this company agreed that non-client-facing roles could be filled by locals. In another instance, the company had been genuinely unfamiliar with local recruitment channels and welcomed WSG’s assistance. In yet another case, the local office sought special approval from their overseas headquarters to expand recruitment criteria to take into account local conditions. They were in fact grateful to TAFEP for having helped to bring about this change with their headquarters. In all, 3,200 EP applications have been rejected or withheld by MOM, or withdrawn by employers while they were being scrutinised. But these employers have hired more than 4,800 Singaporean PMETs as a result.[+20 sentences] In other words, this targeted approach has helped to keep and expand local PMET employment in these firms. If instead we had chosen to vilify them through a name-and-shame approach, we would have frustrated their efforts to expand local hiring. This is ultimately counter-productive, not advantageous to us. In the case of the company that served high networth clients, it very easily could have gone somewhere else. And all of those opportunities would have been lost to us. Our alternative approach of scrutinising and engaging employers is highly resource-intensive but in fact, a more effective way to get businesses to reshape their HR practices. This is why MOM plans to engage an expanded group of employers to review their hiring practices. This expanded group will include firms whose Singaporean Core has been weakening; or whose EP and S Pass workforce are overly concentrated from a single foreign nationality source. Through active intervention, we will help them reshape their workforce profiles. We will do this together with economic agencies like EDB and MAS. And as Mr Ang suggested, we will also engage the HR community to do more. Sir, like many Members, I receive direct feedback from Singaporeans. They write to tell me about specific job application attempts where they felt they had been sidelined, or retrenchment exercises where they felt that they had been treated unfairly. They may also share observations about FCF rules being ignored. MOM takes all such feedback seriously, as they complement our own proactive surveillance. We investigate thoroughly by interviewing the parties concerned and going through relevant records and exchanges – sometimes, mountains of records – to ensure that the retrenchment and hiring decisions have been conducted fairly. For example, a whistle blower told us his former employer, an IT consultancy firm, had hired an EP holder through the recommendation of another EP holder who was a friend. Sir, recommending friends for job openings is not by itself wrong. The problem here was that the employer had not considered other possible local candidates as well. This decision was cleared with the General Manager which made it worse. As a penalty, the company will not be able to hire or renew work passes for 18 months – one and a half years.[+27 sentences] I do not think they will forget such an experience. I hope these examples reassure Members that where there’s evidence of unfairness, we will not hesitate to hold employers to account and lean on them to do better in future. However, such actions do not always bring satisfaction to the victims. Something is inevitably damaged in the process – the sense of fairness and trust in the organisation's value system. As Members have pointed out, for every errant employer caught, there are other bad hats – at least one other bad hat – who still try to circumvent the rules. This is why MOM calls on employer groups to also step up. No amount of rules will be enough if employers do not have the shared sense of commitment to fair hiring and responsible retrenchment. No amount of enforcement resources will catch enough employers if they are determined to hide. What we lose then is not just a job opportunity for a local, but the trust that the system is fair, that the odds were not stacked against people who are trying. The Government cannot do this alone. We need employers to do your part: be fair to locals when you hire or have to retrench. Mr Speaker, in these uncertain times, there have also been suggestions to use levies and quotas to regulate the number of EP holders. I would like to share some considerations with Members. At the Work Permit level, we use levies on top of quotas to regulate demand because the numbers are big. At the EP level, where the numbers are not as big, our key objective is to regulate quality. By raising the salary requirements, over time, this sets a higher bar that EP holders must be able to cross to work in Singapore. Think of it like high jump. You raise the bar, and the hurdle is higher. You are going to need more skills, more talent to cross a higher bar. That is what the EP salary requirement is – a high hurdle. The other effect of raising the hurdle is to push EP holders at the lower end, down to the S Pass-level where there are quota controls – something which levies will not do. So, you raise the hurdle; those who cannot cross it, what choice do you have? S Passes. And if the company does not have enough quota, well, then, that is it. In all past adjustments to EP salary requirements, a good number are downgraded to S Passes. What about employers who falsely declare salaries to meet the higher bar? The answer must be to strengthen enforcement which we have been doing, and not to withhold the raising of the bar. In fact, in the last five years, we have taken action in over 1,200 cases of false declarations or kickbacks and secured nearly 388 convictions through prosecution.[+10 sentences] Sir, raising EP salary requirements helps to improve quality over time and subject more foreign professionals at the lower end to quota controls. To similarly impose quotas at the higher end of EP holders is not unthinkable, but it is probably unwise. When competing for the most cutting-edge investments and sophisticated activities to be moved to Singapore, we need to give agencies like EDB and MAS flexibility. For this purpose, it is much better to use salary requirements to ensure companies get access to foreign professionals of the right quality and marry them with firm-level commitments to build up local capabilities over time. Without such flexibility, many of the top-quality investments would have been lost to our competitors and the job opportunities along with them. As several Members have alluded to, there is no shortage of takers ready to eat our lunch. Mr Speaker, I would now like to say a few words in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, the usual practice at MOM is to adjust the EP and S Pass salary requirements regularly, based on the situation in our local job market. There is only one reason behind these adjustments, and that is to safeguard the livelihoods of Singaporeans. Take the EP for example – we adjusted the salary requirements in 2017, and in May this year, there was another round of adjustment. However, because there were drastic and rapid changes in the job market over the past few months, MOM had to take further action. Therefore, MOM announced last week that we would further raise the EP and S Pass salary requirements.[+7 sentences] Some people may be concerned that the raising of salary requirements for foreigners may result in employers who insist on hiring foreign employees simply raising their salaries. Then we may end up going nowhere. Some Members mentioned this yesterday and suggested that we impose quotas on EP holders to restrict the number of higher-end EP holders working in Singapore. I can understand these concerns. To impose quotas on EP holders is not unthinkable, but it is probably unwise. Most of the foreign workers in Singapore are primarily Work Permit and S Pass holders. Therefore, MOM uses quotas and levies to regulate the number of such foreign workers that a company can hire. On the other hand, the number of foreign professionals that come to Singapore on an EP is relatively smaller. They make up less than 15% of PMETs in Singapore.[+7 sentences] What we are more concerned about is the quality of these EP holders. For example, they may possess specialised skills that can help businesses venture into cutting-edge fields, and may, in time to come, transfer these skills to Singaporeans. Therefore, the Government updates the EP salary requirements to ensure that the foreigners that businesses hire are indeed top-tier talent. If the expertise and experience of these foreigners are not commensurate with the salary requirements, then they will not be able to obtain an EP to work in Singapore, but will only be able to obtain an S Pass instead. In past rounds of adjustment to EP salary requirements, a good number of EP applications were not approved as they did not meet the salary requirements. And if the company's S Pass quota was already fully utilised, these foreigners would not be able to work here or get their contracts renewed. In fact, the number of EP and S Pass holders has already come down sharply. In the first seven months of this year, it dropped by 22,000. In fact, local PMETs outnumber EP holders 7:1.[+7 sentences] Nevertheless, I would still urge business owners in these extraordinary times that if they must hire foreigners because of business needs, they should continue to give fair consideration to local jobseekers. Businesses have a duty to grow and maintain a Singaporean Core in their workforce. This is especially critical in the current climate. In these difficult times, we will place additional emphasis on these considerations and pay close attention to the hiring practices of companies. The reason is simple. We want to remind businesses of the importance of nurturing their local workforce, and help Singaporean jobseekers find good jobs and return to the workforce. (In English): Sir, I still have a bit to go.
Mr Speaker20 words
[+3 sentences]You only have 40 minutes. Unless Leader of the House moves a Motion. How much more time do you need?
Mrs Josephine Teo10 words
[+1 sentence]May I humbly request the Leader for another 10 minutes?
[+2 sentences]Thank you, Sir. Members in the House are agreed that while we keep Singapore open, we need to ensure fair treatment and we must also do everything possible to give our people a leg up. What then can we do to further tilt the balance in favour of local PMETs, including those in their 40s and 50s?[+6 sentences] How can we enable more of them to take up good jobs created and grow into roles that employers presently hire EP or S Pass holders for? First, businesses that retain and hire locals get an extra dose of support from the Government. This is exactly what Ms Mariam Jaafar called for. The Jobs Support Scheme or JSS is one. The Jobs Growth Incentive or JGI is another. It comes on top of the JSS. With $1 billion set aside, this is Singapore’s biggest push ever to help employers stretch their manpower budgets and expand the hiring of locals.[+2 sentences] Another way to tilt the balance is to support the cost of skills retraining for employers. Take, for example, our Professional Conversion Programmes or PCPs. PCPs provide employers with generous training and salary support to re-skill and hire mid-career local jobseekers, with higher support for mature workers aged 40 and above. This also benefits the PCP employees, with about nine in 10 remaining employed 24 months after being placed, and about seven in 10 earning higher wages after starting in their new jobs.[+29 sentences] PCPs have helped Singaporeans like Merly Savantraj. They have helped her bounce back from retrenchment. Merly was with her previous company for the past 13 years carrying out system support of IT certification systems. Unfortunately, she was let go in February. When searching for a new job, she realised that her IT skills had become obsolete, as she was performing traditional IT tasks all this while. Hard as it was, she accepted the need to upgrade her skills. Through the PCP for Salesforce Platform Professionals, she managed to start in a job that she did not have any prior experience for. Kudos to the employer for taking her on as well. A third way to tilt the balance for local PMETs is by plugging hiring gaps with attachments and skills training opportunities for mid-career individuals. While recognising the preference for a job, these company-hosted attachments and skills training programmes will nonetheless position jobseekers better with industry-relevant experience. When the economy recovers, their CVs will be more polished and they will stand a better chance of bouncing back into jobs they prefer. Beyond these efforts, agencies like MAS will continue to press on with their bold and significant plans to support and encourage financial institutions to build up Singaporeans for senior roles, like how Ms Tin Pei Ling has advocated. Minister Ong Ye Kung will speak later today and share some of these plans. In many ways, these specific programmes and initiatives will be more effective in growing the local talent pipeline for the top jobs, complementing broad-based tools like work pass policies. We must, therefore, not miss the woods for the trees, by focusing narrowly on keeping foreigners out, and missing the larger picture of growing the pie and giving Singaporeans the chance of the best slice. Mr Speaker, I would like to conclude by saying that COVID-19 is a major test of our resilience and unity as a people. Our workforce has been severely stressed. We understand the anxieties of PMETs in their 40s and 50s and their concerns about fair treatment and fair opportunities. We also appreciate the need to keep supporting workers who earn less to grow their incomes over time and address income inequality. Every single day, workers like Ramli, Raymond and Merly remind the MOM team what our work is about. We are always here listening to their struggles, thinking deeply about the support that they need, recognising the constraints, adjusting policies in their interests, finding better ways to protect them against unfair practices, ultimately, helping them to get onto the path of growth in their work lives that they so deserve. To all the other Ramlis, Raymonds and Merlys out there, we know that, in your hearts, you care most about the well-being of your families and loved ones. You want to do well not just for yourself, but for them. Please know that you, too, are always in our hearts. However long this storm lasts, MOM will walk this journey with you. However tough it may be, we will help you bounce back. Our mission is to help each and every one of you emerge stronger by never giving up hope and by working with employers in Singapore to treat you fairly to make your hard work bear fruit. Our work is not yet done. We have taken firm steps forward and we will press on, whatever the challenges, with you, for you, for Singapore.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Leong Mun Wai.
Mr Leong Mun Wai82 words
[+3 sentences]A point of clarification, Sir. I thank the Minister for giving such an informative presentation. Can I clarify one point? The Minister mentioned that from the period of 2014 to 2019, the average increase of PMETs for locals is 35,000.[+2 sentences] May I know whether the Minister has the data for the number of PRs and new citizens granted during that period? I happen to have a number that tells me that the average increase for every year during that period was 50,000.
Mrs Josephine Teo361 words
[+1 sentence]Sir, I thank Mr Leong for his question. He mentioned the number of 50,000 of increase every year in EPs and PRs. I think we have regularly reported that, on average, in the last couple of years – not the entire few decades that Mr Leong may be referring to – every year, the number of Singapore citizens goes up by around 20,000 and then the number of new PRs is about 30,000.[+6 sentences] However, I think what Mr Leong is trying to suggest is that all of your gains are meaningless because they are all occupied by PRs and new citizens. First, I would like to point out that he is wrong in imagining that all the new citizens and all the new PRs are in the workforce. A significant number of them are still children, still in school. That is how we top up our population. A good number of those new citizens and PRs are married to our citizens. They are part of family expansion. In case Mr Leong has not noticed, if I remember correctly from my population portfolio, I believe, in today's context, one in three marriages involving a citizen also involves a non-citizen.[+2 sentences] Is Mr Leong suggesting that these new citizens are any less of a citizen? Is Mr Leong suggesting, therefore, that we should discount them, not include them? Or do we look at the broader picture and ask ourselves whether over the last few decades from the 1990s to what it is today, from three in 10 locals in PMET jobs, to six in 10 locals in PMET jobs, is an amazing accomplishment not so easily achieved elsewhere – a remarkable accomplishment.[+6 sentences] Maybe not amazing; at least remarkable. If not remarkable, commendable. If not commendable, notable. I would like Mr Leong to share his views with us. And do we then say that within the Singapore citizen ranks, we start drawing a distinction between a new citizen of two years ago, 20 years ago, or how far back must you be a citizen to be a real citizen? These are questions that I hope that Mr Leong can help us understand the PSP's thinking.
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Leong.
Mr Leong Mun Wai106 words
[+1 sentence]I thank the Minister for her reply. But I would also like to stress that what we are talking about here is actually the pressure on our people, whether it is the original Singaporeans or the new Singaporeans, we actually do not make that distinction. However, if the Minister is saying that there is an increase of 50,000 every year and you have only an increase of 35,000 in PMETs, then we cannot deny the fact that there is pressure in the job market of the PMETs.[+3 sentences] So, the situation is not as rosy as what the Minister has painted. That is my question. Thank you.
Mrs Josephine Teo361 words
[+25 sentences]I accept that view. I accept that there is pressure. And we have said right from the beginning that we understand the anxieties of Singaporeans. Having said that, I think it is also important for Mr Leong to recognise what I have just said – which is, if we look at the number of new citizens and we look at the PRs, significant numbers of them are not yet in the workforce; significant numbers of them are also married to citizens. They have a family nexus. Are we to say that, therefore, please do not work, please be out of the workforce? I do not believe Mr Leong is saying that at all. However, this constant obsession – if I may put it that way, with drawing lines – I am not sure it is good for us as a society. There have been occasions where Singaporeans have stepped up and asked us, "Your policies differentiate between citizens and PRs. I am a citizen. My husband is the PR. My wife is the PR. Why can they not get the same level of support from the Government too? Have they not contributed? Do they not pay taxes? Is their well-being not important to me, the citizen?" What answers do we give to this person? Do we then say, "If your husband or wife is a new citizen or new PR, okay, even if they are not working, that is fine." I do not think that is what we are heading for. So, I call on Members and ask that you consider this very carefully whenever you raise points of this nature. It is not that the question cannot be asked but I think we have to search our hearts and ask ourselves before asking these questions: what is our thinking? What is our attitude and what is the value that we are expressing by even putting these questions forward? It is well and good to say, "This is all about information, transparency" and so on. But dig a bit deeper and ask ourselves: what does this question belie? What sort of values are we trying to reflect in asking these questions?
Mr Speaker12 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Leong. Would you like to answer the questions posed to you?
Mr Leong Mun Wai11 words
[+2 sentences]I thank the Minister again. This will be my last clarification.
Mr Speaker29 words
[+3 sentences]Are you answering the questions or are you posing another clarification? A few questions were asked of you. Are you answering the questions or are you raising another clarification?
Mr Leong Mun Wai6 words
[+2 sentences]Clarification. Is that okay, Mr Speaker?
Mr Speaker15 words
It is fine if you do not want to answer the questions posed to you.
Mr Leong Mun Wai32 words
I just want to clarify that what the Minister said is that the number of dependents from the 50,000 PRs and new citizens, is more than 15,000.[+1 sentence] Is that right or wrong?
Mrs Josephine Teo65 words
[+5 sentences]Sir, I did not say that. Sir, I am afraid Mr Leong may not have heard me correctly. I did not say that. I only said that on an annual basis, we have said consistently that in the last couple of years, what the number of new PRs is, what the number of new citizens is. So, I am not sure I understand his question.
Mr Leong Mun Wai11 words
[+4 sentences]Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you, Sir. Thank you, Minister.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Assoc Prof Jamus Lim.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim (Sengkang)204 words
[+9 sentences]Mr Speaker, I appreciate the efforts by MOM to address PMET concerns. That said, I would like to clarify if Minister Teo believes that simply slowing down the rate of EP and S Pass holders is sufficient to ensure that local PMETs do not get displaced. I say this in part because this strategy is a very blunt strategy, and for starters, we need to take into account base effects. So, let me explain. Even if the rate of issuance has slowed, as Minister Teo has shared, it is misleading to actually compare the two. For instance, a 20% increase, from 50 people, for example, is 10 people. But a 10% increase from 200 people is, in fact, an increase of 20 people, which is larger in absolute terms. Now, I understand that 35,000 people is larger than 9,000 but the point is that the slowdown in the rate of EP and S Pass issuance is less dramatic than Minister Teo claims. Moreover, we should be aware of the effect of diminishing returns by which I mean many PMET positions may already have been secured by foreign talent and so it is no surprise that the number that is now required actually goes down.
Mrs Josephine Teo529 words
[+5 sentences]Thank you. Mr Speaker, I merely stated the facts. I did not say that one contributed to the other. But I thought that I should perhaps address Assoc Prof Jamus Lim's other question: are we satisfied with slowing down the rate of growth of EP and S Pass holders? The perspective that I would like to share is this. Ultimately, we have to ask ourselves what does it take to help Singaporeans stay in employment, stay out of unemployment and over time, to achieve income growth, to achieve retirement adequacy.[+2 sentences] Those are the four things that MOM is always looking at. Then, we ask ourselves what is the best way to achieve these outcomes. If we can do so without adding to the number of EP and S Pass holders for that matter, continue to deliver good outcomes, help Singaporeans enjoy higher employment, low unemployment, income growth and retirement adequacy without using more foreigners as complements to our workforce, if we can reduce the reliance on unproductive manpower-intensive methods of work in some of our business sectors today, if we can groom more Singaporeans to take up the good jobs that we are creating, then of course, the answer is yes.[+8 sentences] But the important thing really is what does it take to deliver and bring about these good outcomes for Singaporeans? And then, we ask ourselves: within the options that are available to us as a tiny red dot, how can we mitigate the difficulties, the shortcomings and the worries that people have, legitimate worries that people have, about a very sizeable foreign workforce. We are aligned in that regard. I do not think that the destination that we want to head towards is a different one. But we have to ask ourselves, looking at the opportunities as well as the constraints we have as a tiny city-state, which Mr Leong Mun Wai reminds us – we are a tiny city-state; we are not a tiny city. And a tiny city-state has got its opportunities but it also has its constraints. Within those constraints, what is the best way to help Singaporeans move forward? That has to be the answer and not some predetermined ideas about what you bring it down to. Supposing we can bring it down to zero or even negative which is what has happened in the first seven months of this year. I reported to Members, that in the first seven months of this year, total number of EP and S Pass holders has gone down by 22,000.[+7 sentences] That is what it is. Suppose we can bring it down to a different number and so on, but at the same time, the job opportunities for Singaporeans have shrunk. Your children, my children one day coming to us and say, "Mom, Dad. Sorry, cannot find a decent job in Singapore anymore." And they really no longer have that opportunity of the six in 10 PMET jobs that we talked about – which many countries have found themselves in that sort of a situation. Is that going to be better for us? Well, we will have to think very hard about whether the answer is yes.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Leon Perera.
Mr Leon Perera (Aljunied)169 words
[+3 sentences]I thank Minister Josephine Teo for her heartfelt speech. Just one point of clarification as regard the treatment of employers found to be engaged in discriminatory practices. I think in discussing this issue, a number of Government spokespersons have talked about the process of curtailing work pass privileges as a penalty and that is certainly one lever in the Government's toolkit when it comes to employers who discriminate by nationality against Singaporeans. My question would really be: how does MOM handle cases where the axis of discrimination is in fact not nationality but something else, for example, gender?[+1 sentence] And where the employer may not necessarily depend on work passes or that is not a very important thing to that employer and therefore, as a lever of control or influence, that may not be so powerful. What else can be done and how does MOM handle those cases. This is really where, perhaps something like an anti-discrimination legislation could provide a solution. But how is that being addressed right now?
Mrs Josephine Teo407 words
[+2 sentences]Thank you very much. Sir, for age discrimination, gender discrimination, ethnicity discrimination or discrimination against an employee or prospective employee on account of their family circumstances, all are just as bad. And if we find evidence of it, we can also curtail their work pass privileges.[+2 sentences] I think the Member may have underestimated how serious it is for businesses in Singapore to have their work pass privileges curtailed. It means that whoever it is that they have in their workforce, they are not going to be able to supplement with a work permit holder or S Pass or EP holder as they had previously. Not so many businesses are able to operate with a 100% local employment workforce. So, this kind of a penalty is actually much more painful than if we were to say, introduce a fine.[+5 sentences] I should also take this opportunity to address the Member's question about how we secure better employment outcomes for vulnerable groups. It has been mentioned several times in this House that other countries have anti-discrimination law, but the proof of the pudding is whether as a result of those anti-discrimination laws, they have better employment outcomes than us. Are we more interested in the form or are we more interested in the substance? And I think Members of this House have consistently been more interested in the substance. And the substance is this. You compare ourselves to a country like the UK.[+1 sentence] They have age discrimination law. But if you look at their senior employment rate and compare it to Singapore, we are above.[+2 sentences] Actually, we are above quite a few countries in terms of our senior employment rate. And these countries may well have anti-discrimination law. Gender discrimination – look at women's participation in the labour force in Singapore. It is not as high as we would like it to be but it is far higher than in some jurisdictions that claim to have gender discrimination law.[+5 sentences] So, look at the substance of it, I think the results are encouraging. We are not giving up trying to push the agenda more. We are concerned about it during this time whether the women, whether the seniors, they will be well taken care of. But the answer to this cannot be, "let us come to Parliament, let us debate a law, pass another law" and expect that it will be done. I think that is not a very realistic approach.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Jessica Tan.
Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo (East Coast)55 words
[+3 sentences]Mr Speaker, I would like to ask a clarification from Assoc Prof Jamus Lim. He made the point about EPs and S Passes, and the numbers not tallying. If I could ask a clarification, what is his recommendation and what is his proposal in terms of the approach or the numbers that we should take?
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim124 words
[+6 sentences]I thank the Member. If I may clarify, Mr Speaker, I was not suggesting that the numbers were incorrect. So, I should be clear. What I was suggesting is that, when we think about decreasing the rate of EP and S Pass holders, and we simply think about applying it as a blunt instrument, by saying that just because reducing it is sufficient, that itself is misleading. I think this was something that Minister Teo clarified – that ultimately we do not want to look for a single number in which we can reduce EP or S Pass holders. What we want ultimately is the ability to think more flexibly about how we approach PMET issues and displacement, potential displacement by the foreign workforce.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Jessica Tan.
Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo162 words
[+10 sentences]I do not think that that was what was being said by many of us in this House. In fact, in my speech yesterday, that was precisely the point and together with many of our colleagues, that was precisely the point that we made. It is not the only thing that needs to be watched and that it has to be done in a balance. In making that statement, I think you were the only one that was making that statement. And therefore, that is why I was asking, what is your approach then? Are you suggesting that we stop the number of EPs or S Passes completely? What would the implications of that be and what would that mean for companies? Not just foreign companies, foreigners coming in, but what would it mean for Singaporean jobs as well? Because some of these jobs need to be complemented by some foreign workers as well, or foreign talent. So, what is your suggestion?
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim165 words
[+5 sentences]Sir, if I may clarify once again, I was not saying that this was anything that I attributed to the rest of the Members of the House. But during Minister Teo's speech, she had explicitly said, that at the lower end one instrument that they were using was through the restrictions of quotas, quotas of EPs and S Passes. So, I wanted to clarify that, that alone was is a very blunt instrument and is insufficient. And more importantly, I also wanted to clarify that the numbers themselves are misleading. Just as Minister Teo said, the numbers were reduced to almost zero this year. Of course, we all know that the reason why they were reduced to almost zero was because unemployment rates shot up.[+2 sentences] So, it is unsurprising, of course, that the number of EP and S Pass holders fell dramatically. So, we should not be looking at pure numbers in order to make our conclusions about whether PMETs are being displaced or not.
Mr Speaker63 words
[+7 sentences]The more important question is can we have our tea break? Order. I propose to take the break now. I suspend the Sitting and will take the Chair at 4.55 pm. Sitting accordingly suspended at 4.34 pm until 4.55 pm. Sitting resumed at 4.55 pm. DEBATE ON PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS (Second allotted day)
Ms Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar)1769 words
[+7 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, it has been a few months since the COVID-19 virus turned our world upside down. So much has changed and the way ahead is full of uincertainties. The slew of assistance measures by the Government have blunted the full force of this health, economic and social crisis. However, the storm is not over yet but signs of fatigue may be gradually setting in or have already set in. I hope that we can all remain vigilant and push back against the weariness and complacency. The invisible enemy does not rest. At the same time, let us harness our inner reserves of strength and courage for the transformation we need to survive and thrive in the aftermath. The biggest worry most Singaporeans have now is jobs. I am heartened by the efforts of the various Government agencies and volunteers to reach out to jobseekers.[+4 sentences] In addition to those fresh out of school and tertiary institutions, there are many middle aged career jobseekers, who have the dual responsibilities of providing for elderly family members and young children. Mid-career applicants may have to consider new roles, even in different sectors. They may have to go for training and learn new skills. It can be a challenging and intimidating process, especially if the required skill sets are very different. The Ministry has deployed career coaches to advise and guide them.[+1 sentence] We need more of these certified career coaches to support and journey with them, with more hand-holding if necessary, to encourage them to take the big leap into the unknown. From deciding which sectors to explore to drafting resumes – having a trained and well-informed counselor by your side can really make the difference between failure and success. We need to recruit and train more career coaches because they are needed not only during this crisis but also in the future, as job cycles become shorter, even as people live longer and work well into their 60s or 70s.[+10 sentences] For Singapore to remain competitive and relevant in the world market, we have to support Singaporeans as they may have to change jobs every decade in the new, fast-evolving economic environment. Our countrymen should never be alone in their search for work and opportunities, regardless of economic cycles. The Government should always have their back, while working in close partnership with employers and investors for a win-win outcome. For the last few years, as a nation, we have been working to strengthen the Singaporean Core in our workforce, in every sector and at every level. It is not only to protect Singaporean’s labour rights and privileges but also to ensure that our citizens have key competencies and knowledge necessary for national sustainability, independence and security. As this crisis has highlighted, we should strive to be as self-reliant as possible, even in the face of our limited resources. For certain jobs and sectors, we have not been able to grow our local core because the jobs and sectors are not attractive to Singaporeans and we have to depend heavily on foreigners. Jobs that immediately come to mind are construction workers and sanitation workers. We should intensify our efforts and review how these jobs can be redesigned and done differently, supplemented with technology or incorporate new work processes to make them more attractive. Second, as a nation, we must be prepared to pay more for services or goods made by fellow citizens, so that they will receive better wages, as the President has pointed out in her Address. The Progressive Wage Model or PWM has lifted wages for workers in limited sectors.[+12 sentences] We should escalate the implementation of PWM for more jobs and in addition, raise their wage levels. We should continue to professionalise the training, upgrading, licensing and organisation of our local workmen and tradesmen. They are an important part of our local economy and they provide essential services to our population. We should provide options for them to access certification exams in languages that they are comfortable with, or even allow for verbal rather than written assessments, or even practical tests, given the nature of their work. The same goes for skills upgrading and training, where we should continue to encourage them to learn new skills and go digital, but in a format that is accessible to them. If they can offer additional new services or reach new customers through digital platforms, this will ensure their livelihoods and the survival of their trades. At the other extreme, there are jobs desired by Singapore Citizens, such as Professional, Managers, Executives and Technicians or PMET positions, but seem to be taken by a significant number of foreigners, giving rise to complaints that our citizens have been discriminated against. I applaud the efforts to increase the level of government scrutiny to ensure fair hiring practices by both local and foreign firms. Last month, one of my residents, a PMET, shared with me, in tears, that she was retrenched, a plight which she accepted, in view of the economic crisis. However, she later found out that her job was given to a foreigner, who performed all the same tasks that she used to do in her company. We must do more to prevent employers from abusing our system. Just as it is the Government's responsibility to look out for Singaporeans, it is no surprise that companies focus on their own organisations' priorities, such as profitability or their own national interests if they are foreign entities. In other cases, the hiring biases could be due to the inherent cultures and working environments within the organisations, which may make it more favourable for foreign employees to land jobs and thrive. I urge MOM to do more to rein in errant employers.[+1 sentence] It is important to nurture Singaporeans by giving them the opportunities, exposure and experience provided by these coveted jobs. While I appreciate and support the higher qualifying salaries for Employment Passes, more can be done as I feel the measure is not enough. We need to step up oversight of the hiring processes, the actual hires and the types of roles that are going to locals and foreigners.[+2 sentences] We should also fortify our reporting hotlines to make it easier for employees and whistleblowers to make reports and complaints, and provide more resources to our investigative teams. Investigation teams should take every report seriously. Next, I would like to request that going forward, MOM and MTI adopt a consultative process to work more closely together with employers to find out what difficulties they have faced in hiring the right local citizen talents for the jobs and to work through these issues in a constructive manner.[+7 sentences] While higher qualifying salaries, penalties and levies can be effective, these are blunt tools that may end up driving up costs for companies. As the global economy is undergoing extensive transformation due to the COVID-19 crisis and the trade tensions, this is also a good opportunity for us to take a deeper look at how our economy and jobs are transforming, and to make the process a beneficial one for employers and Singaporean employees. Though it is important for us to remain an open society, we should also keep an eye on the statistics to ensure that we are on track to reach our goal of building a strong Singaporean Core within our desired time frame. I would also like to appeal for more social assistance, including family counselling, for our sandwiched class, many of whom are middle-aged with young children and elderly parents to support. They are under a lot of stress under these difficult times and may not be aware of our myriad of assistance programmes in place. For families in crisis, it does not take much to derail them. We need stronger and more holistic social support networks to catch them at the first signs of distress and quickly put a stop to prevent them from sliding further. In addition to greater publicity and a bigger presence in our heartlands, I hope MOM can work with MSF to be alerted in the event of any job termination.[+8 sentences] We could proactively send materials to employees and families affected or contact them, checking if they need help to tide them over difficult periods. Knowing that processes are in place to ensure that their children’s and elderly’s basic needs, such as food, housing, healthcare, education and transport, are taken care of will lift a load off their minds, allowing them to focus on the next step – training and trying new jobs. We need more family counsellors during this critical period to share with them how to avail themselves of help and take care of themselves and their families. Sir, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): Finally, I would like to appeal for more social assistance including family counselling for our sandwiched class, many of whom are middle-aged with young children and elderly parents to support. They are under a lot of stress under these difficult times and may not be aware of our myriad of assistance programmes. For families in crisis, it does not take much to derail them. We need a stronger and more holistic social support networks to assist them at the first signs of distress and quickly prevent their situation from worsening. In addition to greater publicity and more satellite career centres in our heartlands, I hope the Ministry of Manpower can work with the Ministry of Social and Family Development to be alerted in the event of any job termination.[+9 sentences] We could proactively send materials to employees and families affected or contact them, checking if they need help to tide them over difficult periods. Knowing that assistance policies are in place to ensure that their children's and elderly's basic needs, such as food, housing, healthcare, education and transport, are taken care of will lift a load off their minds, allowing them to focus on their next step – training and trying new jobs. We need more family counsellors during this critical period to share with them how to avail themselves of help and take care of themselves and their families. (In English): Sir, in conclusion, we face a daunting task ahead of us but I have faith that we can overcome this crisis. We are a resilient and determined people who are not afraid to work hard. Let us put our trust in one another and fight this good fight together. We are not alone. Together we stand and we shall emerge from this crisis stronger than before. I conclude with my support for the Motion of Thanks to the President for her Address.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Minister Ong Ye Kung.
The Minister for Transport (Mr Ong Ye Kung)2303 words
[+30 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Motion. I join Members before me to address the issue on foreign manpower. As a member of the Board of the Monetary Authority of Singapore or MAS, I will talk about the issue from the perspective of the financial services sector, the people who work in it and the people who want to work in it. This is a key sector of the future economy, a very bright spot in a COVID-19 stricken economy. Through agility, hard work and good fortune, we have carved out a place in the borderless and fast changing world of global finance. The fundamental challenge we have is this: how do we defend and grow this position, against very tough global competition, in a way that provides the best opportunities for Singaporeans? Let us talk about how we grew into the global financial hub that we are today. It all started in the late 1960s, when we seized the chance to become an international foreign exchange trading centre. It was born from a simple but powerful insight. Due to our time zone, we could seamlessly bridge East and West, to facilitate US dollar transactions after the New York market closed, before London opened. This became the Asian Dollar Market or ADM, which grew into a vibrant activity in Singapore. The earliest banks to obtain licences to operate in the ADM market were foreign banks, the first being the Bank of America. The early traders were mostly foreigners. But over time, these foreign financial institutions trained a whole pipeline of Singaporean talent. Wealth management is another important case study. Singapore is now one of the top international wealth management centres today. To get to where we are, we had to overcome our initial lack of knowledge, expertise and networks. So, we attracted a critical mass of global players and international talent to get us started. UBS was one such player. Today, it employs close to 3,000 employees across its various business lines. Sixty percent are Singaporeans. It has instituted a range of training programmes, including converting our former Command House into the UBS APAC Business University, and one of its objectives is to develop local talent. Last year, it appointed a Singaporean to oversee the bank’s entire business in the Asia Pacific. So, we have come a long way, from the ADM in late 1960s to a complex eco-system of activities today, from retail and corporate banking to trade finance, investment banking, insurance, wealth management, infrastructure finance, FX and derivatives trading. What has underpinned this growth? In essence, keep bringing in new activities, keep developing new capabilities. In the build-up phase, inject foreign expertise where necessary – people with track records in the area. But over time, grow our own timber and when Singaporeans gain the expertise, we take on more roles in multi-national teams, here as well as abroad. Using the same approach, we are now developing FinTech and Green Finance. As a result, the sector continues to create jobs. About 22,000 financial sector jobs were created over the past five years, with 15,000 going to Singaporeans.[+13 sentences] There are also positive spillovers, contributing to jobs in the legal and accountancy fields, many of which also go to Singaporeans. This is one of our most promising sectors, especially for the young. We observe this in the way financial institutions and our fresh graduates mutually seek out each other. For example, every year, up to a third of SMU fresh graduates, and that includes this year’s graduates, are hired by the financial services sector. Being a former Minister of Education, I observed the same pattern from NUS' Business Administration faculty. Students from other disciplines such as Accountancy and Engineering also find the financial sector a very attractive destination. The financial institutions know that our education system prepares our young well for this sector. And then our students know there are bright careers in the sector too. So, there is no doubt that being a global financial hub has benefited Singapore. I also think that, by and large, Singaporeans are not uncomfortable with this approach. Why then has foreign manpower raised concerns amongst Singaporeans? We need to take the concerns seriously. So, let us start by examining some of the data, including the details of manpower in different activities and at different levels that MAS has been painstakingly compiling in recent years, and which it has released recently. At 13% of our economy, the financial services sector employs about 171,000 workers. Based on MAS’ estimates, about 70% of the workforce are Singaporeans, 14% PRs and 16% work pass holders. If we zoom in on the more senior roles, Singaporeans account for 44%, PRs 20% and work pass holders 36%.[+4 sentences] These proportions have remained stable in recent years. The non-Singaporeans in senior roles have diverse backgrounds. They come from over 50 countries. The largest group comes from Europe, with other significant nationalities across Asia and North America. When MAS released its figures recently, one concern came up, which was that 44% of senior positions going to Singaporeans could be too low.[+14 sentences] The worry is that the large number of foreigners in senior positions may then crowd out Singaporeans. This concern is understandable, and I will address it. The reason for a higher share of foreigners in senior roles is mainly due to the large international component of activities here. Singapore has grown as a global financial centre as more financial institutions set up regional or global functions in Singapore. They have made us the hub for expertise, networking and oversight of operations in other markets. This is an enviable position. And I think if you ask Singaporeans if this is a good thing for our country, I think most will also say yes. These functions tap on growth outside of Singapore, support the region’s development and in so doing, they bring opportunities and bring jobs here. Moreover, for financial institutions to site these operations here is a concrete show of confidence for Singapore. It raises the stakes the world has in Singapore, and makes us safer and more secure. But the staff profile of regional and global activities, like in any leading financial centre, tends to be more internationally diverse. This is especially so for senior roles. As MNCs, financial institutions will fill these ranks with global expertise that they deploy across their offices around the world. We can see this in the data. As MAS has shared recently, in 2019, for senior roles in retail banks' local functions, Singaporeans accounted for 70%. In the non-retail banks, where there is a higher concentration of regional and global functions, the proportion is lower, at about 40%.[+5 sentences] But this does not mean that Singaporeans are getting the short end of the stick, because it is not a zero-sum game. Let me give you two reasons. First, while the share of Singaporeans in senior roles has remained steady, the absolute number of Singaporeans in these roles has increased. This is because as we grow as a financial centre, the base has expanded significantly. So same share, but of a growing base. To illustrate, MAS estimates that from 2014 to 2019, the number of senior positions sited in Singapore grew from 3,900 to 5,900. And the absolute number of senior jobs that went to Singaporeans increased correspondingly from 1,700 to 2,600.[+16 sentences] That is more than a 50% increase in five years, or an additional 900 Singaporeans taking up senior roles, embarking on a new and fulfilling stage in their careers. The second reason, when these functions come here, Singaporeans gain precious global and regional expertise. This complements overseas assignments and exposure, which are key to preparing Singaporeans to assume senior management roles in global firms. There are promising signs that more locals are taking up roles with international exposure. We spoke about the Bank of America being one of our earliest licensees for the ADM earlier. Today, the bank’s electronic FX business in Asia Pacific is headed by a Singaporean, who is now based in Hong Kong after having previously worked for them in Singapore and in London. Or take Standard Chartered. It currently has 140 Singaporeans working overseas, in key markets like Indonesia, China and the US, and as far afield as Nigeria. There are many more Singaporeans working overseas in the financial sector. MAS and EDB are in touch with about 2,000 such overseas Singaporeans. About 120 of them are C-suite executives, Singaporeans working overseas; another 750 hold Director/Vice President positions or higher. Compared to the good old days, the financial services sector has grown to become a global hub. There are many more opportunities. There is competition but Singaporeans are seizing the opportunities, and taking up these important positions. Still, there is more that we can do to create opportunities for Singaporeans. MAS is working with the industry to groom Singaporeans to be leaders and specialists in financial services. One such scheme is the Finance Associate Management Scheme or FAMS, which supports financial institutions to hire and groom Singaporeans through structured talent development programmes.[+17 sentences] Another is the International Postings or iPost scheme, which incentivises financial institutions to send Singaporeans for international exposure. A further concern that I have heard, is that amongst some firms there may be an unconscious bias amongst business heads towards hiring people from their own nationality and they do not give Singaporeans a fair shot. We know that it is within the cultural DNA of most international financial institutions to cherish diversity, and this is a value Singapore strongly believes in because of our multi-culturalism and openness. So, let me also be very clear – there is no place for unfair hiring practices for the financial services sector. MAS holds our financial institutions to high standards and will not condone firms that fall short of fair hiring practices. We are aware that there are financial institutions that are on MOM’s Fair Consideration Framework Watchlist. MAS has been engaging these firms actively to understand the reasons for this. Where their HR practices are found wanting, we will make sure improvements are made. Another concern is the high concentration of one nationality in the technology departments of financial institutions. It happened because the adoption of technology is a worldwide phenomenon. There is an explosion of demand for technology professionals and we are unable to fill all the posts domestically. We are furiously growing our local talent pipeline in this area, through mid-career skills upgrading and expanding computer science places rapidly in our Universities. But this is not likely to meet the demand, and foreign manpower is still needed. So, the concern will remain and we will need to address it. After all, over-reliance on a single source leaves us more susceptible to unexpected disruptions. We saw this as borders began to shut amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. MAS has been stepping up engagements with the top leadership of key financial institutions on the need to maintain robust HR practices that are merit-based and support workplace diversity. Another possible approach is to encourage the offshoring of certain business functions that are lower in value-add, and which employ a disproportionate share of foreign manpower. But any such measures must be approached with a lot of caution, because it may not be straightforward to dissect a business into high value-add and low value-add, and then outsource the latter.[+10 sentences] There are often linkages across different functions. So, foreigner-heavy technology functions may move offshore together with some good quality jobs in Singapore for locals. We have to look at this very carefully and not rush to chop off businesses. Mr Speaker, Sir, let me conclude with a question: where does the financial services sector go from here? I think the discourse can go either way. Today, the world is globalised and digital with its attendant benefits and problems. The apprehensions are real, but are also shaped by the social media. So, in times of economic difficulties and job insecurity, nativism, and the "us-versus-them" perspective may take hold. We have seen how toxic the discussion can become in other countries and how it can change the course of history. This is not a discourse Singaporeans deserve, nor do I think this is what Singaporeans want. The more widely held view, I think, understands the international character of our financial centre, but wants to see Singaporeans do better, with greater assurance of fair hiring practices that put us on a level playing field and these are valid concerns. The fact is – small and young as we are, we are emerging as one of the nerve centres in the global financial system, sharing a stage with places like New York, London and Hong Kong, and with the largest chunk of jobs going to Singaporeans. But the competition is relentless and our competitors are hungry.[+1 sentence] We cannot take this position for granted. So, this is not about growth at all costs, or accepting "trade-offs" for the sake of growth, but about whether as a people we can strengthen our place in the financial world, hold our own, develop the expertise, seize the opportunities, to make Singaporean lives better.[+3 sentences] We have forged a very close partnership with our financial institutions over the years. We could not have come so far without them. They are here because our location, our rule of law, our stability as a country, our inclusivity, our openness, the ethos and talent of our people, make us a great place for them to put their business here. In turn, we work with them to catalyse new areas of growth and create new opportunities for Singaporeans. We must continue to work in concert, to further strengthen this partnership, grow this international financial centre in Asia, invest in and grow our Singaporean talents, and make lives better through the generations.
Mr Mohd Fahmi Aliman (Marine Parade)1622 words
[+11 sentences]Mr Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to make my maiden speech as a Parliamentarian. I am honoured to be here today and I am humbled to be allowed to serve my country and my community in these challenging times. The spread of COVID-19 around the world has affected all of us in one way or another. The economy has also been affected, and the impact will be a lasting one. Mr Speaker, I would like to speak on three issues: first, acknowledging the social value of essential workers; two, supporting our care-givers and addressing mental health illness issue; and third, uplifting Madrasah education for which I will speak in Malay. The social value of our essential services workers and being a part of the Labour Movement family in these last few months has opened my eyes further to the plight of our workers, especially those in the essential services. Many of them have bravely stepped up and continued their work as front-liners during this time of crisis. This pandemic has made us rethink the social value of many jobs that society has not always viewed as important such as cleaners, security officers, waste management workers and building maintenance personnel. The services provided by these workers are necessary and without their hard work, Singapore would have come to a complete standstill. I am heartened that, as mentioned by Mdm President, this Government will continue to look out for our essential service workers and once this crisis has passed, I hope that we continue to value the work of our essential workers. I urge the tripartite partners to continue to support them and their efforts to continue to upskill and earn a dignified living. While much has been achieved by the tripartite partners, there are still many workers who stand to benefit from this framework. I am encouraged to hear that Government is keen to expand Progressive Wage Model or PWM into more sectors.[+3 sentences] NTUC stands ready to ramp up discussions with industry players and I look forward to playing a part in realising the vision for these industries and our workers. I am also inspired that these workers' needs have also been considered during this pandemic. To complement the PWM, many workers in the essential services have their incomes and retirement funds supplemented by the Workfare Income Supplement Scheme or WIS. In the recent Ministerial Statement by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, the Workfare Special Payment will be extended to include more workers. While this effort should be applauded, let us not rest on our laurels and continue to work to enhance the WIS Scheme to benefit more workers and their families and strengthen our social security net. I urge Government to consider suggestions such as providing a higher WIS payout to workers in the essential services to acknowledge their social value and to have greater differentiation in the payouts for full-time versus part-time workers.[+13 sentences] Sir, while our workers continue to be the backbone of our economy, we must not forget our care-givers at home. Despite their sacrifices and selflessness, I have met residents who struggle to cope and face financial, physical, mental and emotional stresses. Their struggle is further impacted by an inability to find gainful employment to support themselves and their loved ones. Recently, I had visited a resident in her early 30s who is facing the uphill challenge of being the sole care-giver for her father, while surviving on the salary of her elder brother who is working as a security guard. One can imagine her stress of not able to earn a living, socialise with peers of her age and more importantly, build a family of her own. As a community, we must ask ourselves what more we can do to not only provide her sustainable employment, but also peace of mind when she is at work. Currently, while there are grants to defray the cost of care-giving, we should also consider households that only consists of a care recipient and the care-giver such as a youth who may be schooling looking after an elder. Difficult questions such as would additional counselling be conferred to youths who are juggling their academic and care-giving responsibilities, and if there are necessary safeguards put in place to ensure that youth care-givers have adequate access to support networks, need to be asked. We must rally ourselves around these care-givers and I encourage businesses to adopt flexible work arrangements and for our Government to strengthen our current policies around care-givers. Sir, another important subject that must be addressed is mental health. As a society, it does us no favours to continue to tiptoe around mental health issues as they may have life-altering consequences. Instead, we should consider mental health and physical health as equally important and in tandem with one another. Part of this change must include more frank conversations on mental health issues, especially when concerning our youth. In a recent study done by the Institute of Mental Health last year, it was revealed that Singaporeans aged between 18 and 34 were more likely to have experienced mental health issues. Silver Ribbon Singapore, an organisation working to dispel myths surrounding mental illness, also observed an increase in youths coming forward to seek help during the COVID-19 outbreak for depression and anxiety.[+9 sentences] This statistic is alarming, but we must bear in mind that these numbers represent the portion of our youths and they are empowered and are able to seek help. Many youths may not be comfortable reaching out for help due to social stigma and the fear of being viewed as weak. This is further compounded by families who may not be supportive due to reasons ranging from the impact this will have on securing scholarships and jobs, to the social impact a diagnosis may have on the family. One way to tackle some of the mental health issues faced by the youth is to equip educators with mental health knowledge so that they can identify warning signs and refer youths-at-risk to counsellors or other resources. We should also seek to create safe spaces for youths, parents, teachers and school counsellors to talk about mental health issues in a safe and supportive way. I look forward to understanding the concerns and working together with our stakeholders on this issue. It is important that we continue to raise awareness and educate ourselves about mental health for people of all walks of life so that we can build a more resilient and caring society. Mr Speaker, please allow me to speak in Malay. (In Malay): Another area of interest that I would like to focus on is the improvement of our madrasahs. Since the introduction of Compulsory Education and the formation of the Joint Madrasah System (JMS), the academic performance of madrasahs has improved significantly. Between 2017 and 2019 alone, the number of PSLE students assessed to be suitable for secondary school rose to 99.6% and the percentage of students with at least three or five 'O' level passes is close to matching the national average. In addition, with the M3 Framework, madrasah students have also been able to understand the needs and concerns of the community.[+5 sentences] Much good work has been done by M3@Towns to organise events, conduct house visits and galvanise resources to uplift and aid the community. This opportunity for them to interact with others, share learning experiences and build friendships, will help integrate them further in the community. I hope that more of such initiatives can be adopted. While the academic standing of madrasahs has improved over the years, there is a need to find a sustainable model to uplift and support madrasahs and their students so that they further develop as educational institutions. Part of the role of our madrasahs is to nurture future asatizah, who will guide the community to practise Islam within Singapore's context of social cohesion, peace and economic progress. Madrasahs will thus need to anticipate the emerging challenges and needs of the community. I look forward to the implementation of the recommended ideas put forth by Committee on Future Asatizah or COFA.[+7 sentences] Achieving this vision, however, will require effort from many different stakeholders. Given the finite community resources, we must explore how else madrasahs can be better supported to ensure that the community's vision of future asatizah is achieved. While this is a difficult undertaking, I am looking forward to working with government agencies and stakeholders to continue to provide the madrasahs with better resources and training opportunities so that the students can receive a more enriching learning experience. As the Malay proverb goes, if something is worth doing, it is worth doing well. (In English): In conclusion, Sir. As a country, we have just celebrated a very different National Day in a very challenging time. But what continues to hold true is our aspiration of a more inclusive, resilient and caring society. Today, I spoke on three issues, first acknowledging the social value of our essential workers through better wages, welfare and recognition; second, supporting the care-givers and addressing mental health issues especially for our youths; and thirdly, uplifting the Madrasah education towards achievement of national goals such as social cohesion and economic progress.[+3 sentences] While some of these are tangible changes like better wages and welfare of our workers and a more sustainable model to uplift our Madrasahs, more importantly we strive to make intangible improvements like a better social safety net and the destigmatising of mental health issues. I will strive to work on these issues and more with the support of my colleagues so that together we can emerge from this crisis with a brighter future and a better Singapore. Mr Speaker, I support the Motion.
Mr Leon Perera (Aljunied)3183 words
[+13 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, after a year of weak economic growth in 2019, a devastating pandemic starting in January, a global economic crisis not seen since the Second World War, four COVID-19 Budgets and a General Election, here we are – the Parliament that has to see off the crisis and deal with the post-COVID world, the Parliament that has to rise up to the next geopolitical and economic order, the next arena of national economic competitiveness, the next challenge of social solidarity, the next chapter in our history. This Parliament and one united people must and will rise to the challenge that will define our generation. We are all of one mind that the crisis should be a pivot towards emerging stronger. What should we pivot towards? I wonder, Mr Speaker, Sir, the example of the Titanic in 1912 can serve as a useful metaphor here. The Titanic was the engineering marvel of its time the product of all the best that capitalism and technology had to offer. It was deemed unsinkable and yet it struck an iceberg and sank, killing over 1,500 people. The disaster occasioned major reform of international maritime methods. The link between what went wrong and the lessons that were drawn is interesting. If you will, let us use the Titanic as a metaphor in considering Singapore's condition One sobering fact about the Titanic was that it did not carry enough functioning lifeboats for everyone on board, leading to a change in norms after the disaster. The civil servant who inspected the Titanic and recommended more lifeboats later revealed that he felt his job would be threatened if he did not give the ship the go-ahead to sail. Sir, Singapore social safety nets are our lifeboats. Insufficient lifeboats will undermine the confidence and peace of mind of Singaporeans, not to mention desirable risk-taking and entrepreneurial behaviour. Many of us in this house would have been inundated by appeals from Singaporeans whose SIRS' applications have been turned down. Had we instituted a redundancy insurance scheme much earlier and given it time to build up funds, that would have acted as an automatic stabiliser kicking in during a crisis without Government discretion and reducing the need for executive disbursement surveyed.[+3 sentences] Some commentators have asked if now is the right time to introduce such a scheme, but that is precisely the point, should have been done earlier. And even now when we debate such issues, those debates should be guided by what we should do to meet the next crisis. Some would say that our system of social safety nets contains some sand in the system. Appealing for help when in distress for example, through schemes like SIRS, ComCare, MediFund and even a reduction in HDB resale levy when downgrading, involves multiple steps. One often needs to come down physically to a meeting, bringing multiple forms of the applicant may, or may not have – though to be fair, exceptions will be made for those with disabilities as clarified in an exchange I had in this House last term. Sometimes, the officers processing the claim will ask to interview relatives to ascertain if the applicant receives family support.[+26 sentences] This is a process that can be excruciatingly embarrassing to the applicant to the point where I know of people who withdrew their applications for that reason. These processes also consume the time and resources of social workers and public servants. Is there a better lens through which to think about such issues? Can we focus not only on social justice, which is paramount, but also pragmatism, a value much lauded in Singapore. Some applicants need help from society. But by helping them, society may actually benefit in the longer term. If they fail to get that help, they may, for example, not obtain timely medical interventions, which may lead to a worsening medical condition and more state and social cost downstream if they need a more costly medical intervention. For example, many such cases may raise MediShield premiums or the fiscal burden of state hospital subsidies, or the applicant may cut expenses for their children for meals and miscellaneous school-related costs, which could hurt their children’s prospects later in life, curtailing the future talent pool and tax base for our economy. When there are applications for financial aid, could we, for instance, ask applicants to make declarations that they do not receive family support, bearing the risk of penalties for false declarations? Could we ask applicants to provide permission to the agency to access financial or other records on a need-to-know basis, rather than requiring them to bring physical copies to a physical meeting? Could we handle more interviews remotely using now ubiquitous videocall technology? Next, Sir, I turn to the economy, and in doing so, I declare my interest as the CEO of an international research consultancy. Coming back to the Titanic metaphor. The designers of the Titanic engineered it to be unsinkable, thanks to the latest fail-safes, and yet it failed. The dominant narrative holds that our economy has also been brilliantly engineered and painstakingly maintained through sound policy, but the post-COVID landscape is changing, with many of the deeper trends having been accelerated, but not fundamentally caused by the COVID crisis. It is a commonplace to say that economic nationalism is on the rise. There is globalisation in global trade growth. National governments are doing more to root economic activities like manufacturing and food production domestically. In time, foreign direct investment, or FDI, may be harder to win; but there are also more subtle changes taking place. Countries and companies are becoming more conscious of food safety, sustainability and unfair labour, trade and tax practices. The UN’s sustainable development goals, or SDGs, are a widely recognised attempt to address such concerns. National governments as well as multinational companies, or MNCs, will come under increasing pressure to address such things. The COVID crisis has crystallised a few key questions about our economic strategies. While unemployment and underemployment affect many Singaporeans, many foreign, special, and employment pass holders continue to hold jobs that many Singaporeans would see as desirable. To be sure, Singaporeans as a whole has never rejected a role for foreigners in the workforce throughout our history, and I certainly do not. Talent from abroad can augment our economic prospects. There are some jobs that Singaporeans are not attracted to – based on current job design. But have we thought hard enough about why not enough Singaporeans have the requisite skills for some of these desirable jobs? Why Singaporeans who faced skill obsolescence and so-called sunset-industry jobs are not re-skilling fast enough to sunrise sectors?[+15 sentences] Many local SMEs have struggled to weather the storm. After years of schemes to support SMEs and start-ups. Do we have enough regionally and globally competitive companies to anchor this local pillar even as the external pillar becomes more challenging. Sir, I would like to share a few suggestions about these economic challenges. Firstly, as a policy making principle, we should relook at existing incentive schemes to slightly enhance incentives to our companies to hire workers specifically from industries that are likely to face obsolescence in the next decade to bring these workers into new and more future-ready industries, including Industry 4.0 sectors. There are several industries that are facing structural disruption. Many jobs in delivery and driving will be replaced by autonomous vehicles and drones in the decades to come. For example, the same can be said for jobs that involve pure coordination and narrow clerical functions which may be overtaken by AI-driven bots. For example, we could look at programmes like Scale-up Singapore, a programme to scale up promising local start-ups and incentivise them to hire locals specifically from such so-called sunset sectors and give them opportunities in fast-growing companies and industries. I am sure many of these workers would value the opportunity to prove themselves in such an environment. Secondly, we ought to take a serious look at the entire sector of workers on work permits and set long-term targets to substantially reduce, not eliminate, but reduce, our dependence on such foreign workers. With sufficient time for local firms to adapt and with strong support given to local companies to retool and invest to make that transition. Mr Speaker, Sir, lest anyone misunderstands my words here, I am certainly not advocating a sudden and radical reduction in the foreign worker population before local firms and other stakeholders have the opportunity to adapt. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our foreign workers. But having such a large population of foreign workers raises questions about longer term sustainability. As my colleague Ms He Ting Ru said in one of our panel discussions, the countries exporting foreign workers today may not remain poor forever. There may come a day when they do not want to come to Singapore to do such jobs or, at least, not at current rates of pay.[+17 sentences] What will we do then? Low cost today may not mean low-cost tomorrow. As my colleague, Mr Gerald Giam, and ex-Non-constituency Member of Parliament Mr Yee Jenn Jong, spoke about on the same panel, there is scope to redesign some of these jobs in the construction sector, for example, for locals at higher rates of pay and higher levels of productivity to minimise the impact on costs. For decades, this has not been done. Thirdly, there are many foreigners who occupy senior corporate positions. Some employers anecdotally comment that it is not easy to find enough Singaporeans who have the higher-order skills to lead large teams at the local, regional or global levels. Skills like resilience, strong communication abilities, finding unconventional solutions to novel problems, and so on. Sir, in saying this I do not, for one minute, mean to say that this kind of feedback, when we hear it, is necessarily accurate. There are some employers who engage in discriminatory practises against Singaporeans. That is deplorable and needs to be address. Indeed I and other Workers’ Party Members of Parliament have often spoken about this. There are many Singaporeans who have been incredibly successful as business leaders in MNCs and local firms. But can the Government consider engaging with employers to understand this kind of feedback where it exists? Assess if there is any basis to it and circle back, as it were, to our curriculum development in our school system to understand why locals with these skills are not being produced in sufficient numbers, if this is indeed the case. Fourthly, Sir, I would suggest that in the uncertain world that faces us, domestic entrepreneurship and innovation are going to be more important in driving growth, vis-à-vis FDI attraction. Are we doing as well as we could on entrepreneurship? How do we fare in global indices of entrepreneurial performance? In the global entrepreneurship monitors, Entrepreneurial Eco-system Quality Composite Index, for example, Singapore is simply not featured as a participating country.[+10 sentences] Do we have enough entrepreneurs, including, and especially, women entrepreneurs, who can start up and scale up? If not, why not? This is a subject that warrants serious study. If there are impediments to entrepreneurship as regards access to financing, for example, an unlevel playing field due to gaps in competition policy, for example, or any other such issues, these should be identified and addressed. And lastly, Sir, on the economy. Many developed country governments and MNCs are facing pressures to ensure traceability in their supply chains in respect of sustainability, fair labour and trade practices, food safety and so on – concerns given expression in the UN's SDGs. Being ahead of the curve of these attributes can be a competitive advantage for Singapore firms. Our economic agencies should consider deploying relevant tools to incentivise and nudge our local firms to develop tangible programmes that ensure traceability of supply chains and sound practices in these respects. This will enable them to more competitively export to developed economies in North America, Europe, Japan and elsewhere. Over time, this can be expected to become a bigger advantage. Our companies could also be supported in their efforts to help their local suppliers and partners adopt such practices in ASEAN countries like Indonesia and Vietnam that will help ensure that Singapore FDI in ASEAN is welcome, and may even bolster our public diplomacy efforts, and the Singapore National brand in our ASEAN neighbourhood.[+3 sentences] Sir, before leaving the subject of our economy, let me touch on the need for good intelligence to support economic planning. On the Titanic, the lookouts had no binoculars, and the wireless operator dismissed the key iceberg warning. So, we collect unemployment data using the labour force survey every month and publish data every quarter. In times of crisis, more frequent data on how many people are losing their jobs would help inform decision-making and public debate. We should make retrenchment data reporting mandatory even for micro-SMEs employing less than 10 persons. With the data published every fortnight, during crises like the current one, this would provide a more comprehensive, sensitive and useful data set in times of crises, compared with current unemployment reporting or even the job situation report published on 11 August.[+13 sentences] Sir, finally I would like to speak on our social balance of solidarity as a nation. Going back to the Titanic metaphor, despite the strict women-and-children-first policy, a greater proportion of men in first-class survived than of children in third-class. The COVID crisis is testing our fault lines of class. The gap will widen between those with plenty of future-ready skills, financial and social capital, versus those that have less. How do we deal with this as a nation? As our social fabric becomes increasingly tested by these powerful forces, we must ensure that our social contract, our political institutions, culture and norms will not crack under the pressure. COVID has illustrated how, in this new era, Singapore needs to build an overarching political social and economic eco-system that is not fragile. The writer, Nassim Taleb, who has studied this issue, writes and I quote, “It is far easier to figure out if something is fragile than to predict the occurrence of an event that may harm it.” And in a separate quote, “The classic example of something antifragile is Hydra, the Greek mythological creature that has numerous heads. When one is cut off, two grow back in its place”. That means the systems do not over concentrate power, thought leadership, social capital and initiative in one organisation, grouping or class, unless fragile. And in the new world that is dawn in Black Swan events, may be effectively unpredictable, and antifragility may become more important than efficiency. Singapore is characterised by a strong and well-resourced state, but a less strong civil society in a political landscape that is less plural than in almost all other developed countries. A stronger civil society with a louder voice may bring that element of diversity in debate that can enhance resilience, rather than over depending on a strong state apparatus that is dominated by one political party.[+12 sentences] There is, Sir, a pragmatic case for pluralism, not only a philosophic one. Many Singaporeans have asked if the explosion of COVID-19 cases would have happened if we had heeded the warnings of civil society groups about our current system of housing foreign workers. Some groups had repeatedly warned of the risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases in these dormitories. Do we have a sufficiently strong civil society, meaning independent not-for-profit organisations, or NPOs, media academia and so on. In a speech in 1967 on how the intelligence here can make the contribution to society, Dr Goh Keng Swee attacked what he called a curious view that the Singapore Government’s disapproved or dissenting opinions. I quote from an intellectual biography of Dr Goh by Ooi Kee Beng which describes Dr Goh’s speech as saying that the marginality of open debate in Singapore was serious and had to stop. What was valuable was open debate unencumbered by timidity and carried out by intellectuals who linked abstract principles with experience of ground reality. How do we address these impulses? I will share a few ideas. We can do more to nudge and incentivise wealthy Singaporeans to set up philanthropic foundations that not only provide charity but engage in research on policy issues to provide alternative perspectives and ideas. We do have some. For example, I cite the Lien’s Foundation’s paper on pre-school education in 2012, which was impactful, but we need more. Next, we should address the perception that NPOs who receive state funding, to some degree, risk that funding if they publish research or ideas that contradict Government policy or are seen to criticise Government policy to some degree.[+2 sentences] Anecdotally, that perception still exists. Actions like the Government's removal of a grant from cartoonist Sonny Liew’s award-winning comic book due to its interpretation of Singapore history do not help matters. Next, we can be more aggressive in providing matching grants to NPOs that aim to address issues of public policy with a proven track record of making good contributions to public debate.[+10 sentences] We must do more to reboot our notion of meritocracy as the President alluded to in her Address. To celebrate unorthodox pathways to success, redefining what success is. To be honest, this is not an easy undertaking and requires the whole-of-society effort. One suggestion I have would be to identify those who have succeeded in some way, making an impact in life by pursuing unconventional pathways and accord them the status of ambassadors of the unconventional as it were or some such term. These individuals could be engaged to speak to students in IHLs, to TACs in the professional groups. To promote unorthodox pathways, we also need to uncage unorthodox thinking. Here again, I would like to return to the education system. All of those who are parents are familiar with Primary school examination questions where extra points are awarded for expressing the right answer in the right way, rather than the right answer in an unconventional way. Can we not rethink practices like this? Habits and mental models ingraining from an early age tend to stick. We must not educate our students to always be aiming to second-guess what the right answer is and provide that answer in a formulae fashion. That can easily translate into a future workplace attitude of second-guessing what the boss wants rather than figuring out the best solution for the customer of the company or the company to achieve the end goal. In the world they will grow up in, there will be no one right answer but rather different answers, approaches and strategies that could all be equally consistent with the facts.[+1 sentence] In conclusion, Sir, in the real life story of the Titanic, unlike in the movie, there were heroes but no real villains. Rather, the villain was a system that was as adaptable to every conceivable circumstance as the hubris of the designers led them to believe. It is up to us to do better from this crisis to equip our successes for the next.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Carrie Tan.
Ms Carrie Tan (Nee Soon)94 words
[+5 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I would first like to seek a clarification from Mr Leon Perera. He seems to suggest that it is because we do not have redundancy policies in place and hence our self-employed persons could not be adequately supported during this crisis. This suggestion seems to be premised upon that self-employed persons are necessarily self-employed due to redundancy and not by choice. It seems rather sweeping to me. Does Mr Leon Perera have anything to substantiate or to ascertain that people necessarily become self-employed chiefly due to redundancy and not by choice?
Mr Leon Perera151 words
[+8 sentences]I thank the hon Member Ms Carrie Tan for her clarification. I said in my speech that self-employed persons who are receiving various forms of aid like SIRS have to go through multiple steps and there are different ways of thinking about the process that they have to follow to pursue those steps and to obtain the aid that they need. I spoke about this. I did not say that self-employed people are self-employed because they are made redundant or that self-employed people are somehow not worthy of help. So, I think perhaps also the Member may be alluding to my reference to redundancy insurance. My reference to the redundancy Insurance scheme, which we have proposed in the last term of Parliament in this House is not specifically about self-employed persons. It is about people who become involuntarily unemployed. I just hope that that serves as some clarification for the Member.
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Minister Teo.
Mrs Josephine Teo90 words
[+2 sentences]Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would just like to ask Mr Leon Perera, in all humility, whether he is aware of any other country that has introduced a scheme, not like SIRS, but perhaps something else that has delivered as quick support to self-employed persons that we could learn from, that we can do better. Just to remind the Members of the House, all in all, SIRS has helped about 180,000 self-employed persons in the last couple of months.[+1 sentence] Perhaps he could share with us so that we can learn.
Mr Leon Perera307 words
[+13 sentences]I thank the hon Minister for her clarification. I think she asked about specifically about the SIRS scheme. I am aware that it has provided help to a large number of people who are in need of help, who are self-employed. I will say in all candour that I am not aware specifically of any country that has a similar scheme. But having said that, I have not specifically researched into that issue. The point that I made in my speech was really about the process of application for SIRS and in fact, for other forms of aid and how we could improve on that process. For example, by applicants being able to make a declaration that they are not receiving family support rather than having members of their family interviewed for the degree to which they support them. So, that was one aspect of the speech that I made. But I think the point is well taken that in times like this, in times of crisis, forms of aid had been delivered by the Government to persons in need including those self-employed. And we have seen forms of aid being delivered by governments in other countries as well. There are eight packages that are certain percentage of GDP. The point that I made in my speech was not to take away or detract from the value of SIRS that has helped a number of applicants but really how that process could be improved. I should state since the Minister raised this point that perhaps one other area of improvement that I did not allude to, would be when cases are turned down, if there could be more specificity about the reason why they are being turned down, that may actually be helpful to make the appeal process or the follow-up process a little bit more efficient.
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Minister Teo.
Mrs Josephine Teo443 words
[+4 sentences]Mr Speaker, I accept Mr Perera's point about improvements in the application process but I also want to speak in defence of the NTUC. When COVID-19 hit us in the most unexpected ways, we had to think of a way to help self-employed persons. They are, by their very nature, not captured easily by our systems. So, how to reach them, how to deliver the help to them in a very timely manner, that is not an easy question to answer. Nonetheless, we designed a system that eventually delivered help automatically to 100,000 people. To do that, over the course of a couple of weeks is actually a very challenging thing to do.[+7 sentences] We started with a certain budget. In the end, NTUC put up their hands and said, "Look, this criteria is very useful. However, we believe that there is still another group that will not be captured. Therefore, we stick our necks out. We will put ourselves in a position of taking in applications or appeals." I do not know of any other organisation that stepped up to try and do this. Having done so, we accept. The system did take a while to try and ramp up. I should say that NTUC was doing this under very, very difficult constraints.[+3 sentences] We were just about to enter into the circuit breaker period, it was very difficult to get people to come on board and set up the system, get it properly tested and ensure that it was able to respond to the volume of appeals. But NTUC, to its credit, accepted that if there were appeals, it must mean that there is a need. Therefore, they soldiered on and put a lot more manpower, which they did not really have the budget for. Having done all this, I think, as a result, an additional 80,000 people eventually got their SIRS payouts.[+6 sentences] So, from MOM's perspective, on behalf of the Government, all I can say to NTUC is a huge "Thank You". Had we not had a symbiotic partner like the NTUC that was prepared to stick its neck out, even though it knew that its capabilities in this area had been untested, even though it knew that as a result of that, they could get a lot of flak. But thinking on behalf of the self-employed persons who might need it, they did it anyway. I think that has got to be the spirit and I think acknowledging all the areas of improvements, that is well and good. We would want to do in the next time. But let us not forget what the NTUC stood up to do.
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Perera.
Mr Leon Perera154 words
[+4 sentences]I thank the hon Minister for that explanation. And I think that the NTUC has certainly processed many cases and attempted to do well in very trying circumstances. I just have one point of clarification. The Minister spoke about how NTUC raised its hand. The Minister, if I heard her correctly, also alluded to how NTUC perhaps did not have the the resourcing necessary to take on this task. So, my question would really be: could the Minister shed some light on the Government's thinking why the administration of SIRS was given to NTUC rather than to a Ministry or a Statutory Board? One imagines that an organisation like the NTUC, being a collective, a union, has less experience and less resources when administering a national level policy likes SIRS, as compared to Ministries and Statutory Boards.[+1 sentence] I just like to ask for a little bit more clarity on the thinking behind that decision.
Mrs Josephine Teo123 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Speaker, it is not unusual for the Government to have partners. In the case of the SGUnited Traineeships Programme, the Singapore Business Federation put its hand up and say that, "We would like to be a part of it." And we saw that they had some capabilities that they could deliver this programme and so we partner with them.[+3 sentences] On different occasions, we have different partners. This is really not such a mystery. We have partnered the NTUC for other schemes before. We had partnered the Singapore National Employers Federation for other schemes before. And so, when the opportunity presented itself, other organisations besides the Government wanting to deliver help to Singaporeans, we do not stop them.[+1 sentence] In fact, we welcome it.
Mr Speaker7 words
[+1 sentence]Senior Minister of State Heng Chee How.
The Senior Minister of State for Defence (Mr Heng Chee How)3062 words
[+12 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for allowing me to join the debate. Before I begin, on behalf of the NTUC, I want to thank Minister Josephine Teo for her acknowledgement of our partnership and of our symbiotic relationship. We will never shy away from stepping up at a time of need to look after workers, to look after everybody who have to earn a living, to work with the Government, to work with our symbiotic partner, to do the right thing. We believe in action, we believe in learning. We will do our best and we will do better. And it is always hard when you are doing things, something that was not pre-existing; and you would learn. But we are committed to that and our actions and our results speak for themselves in that they have touched lives. And in that, we take comfort. Sir, as the President has highlighted, jobs will continue to be the top priority for the next few years. Singapore depends greatly on trade and global demand for manufacturing, logistics and financial services. A big chunk of employment is also dependent on tourism and air travel, as these directly and indirectly create jobs for the air hub and related services, tourism services, local transportation, hotels, retail, F&B and so on. The economic and social disruptions brought about by COVID-19 and by geopolitical and trade tensions have upended lives and livelihoods throughout the world. The unprecedented four Government Budgets in the first half of this year, totalling close to $100 billion, helped blunt the worst effects. They helped to save jobs and reduce retrenchments even when most companies and industries have little or, in some cases, no revenue.[+15 sentences] The world today continues to be shrouded in COVID-19 infections. There is also a rising number of countries facing new resurgence of COVID-19 infection, forcing them to re-tighten on the painful restrictions. So, when everybody freezes up, that has an impact on a trading nation, on a logistics and air hub. It means that our economy will continue to be squeezed which then means that jobs will be lost and the labour market will see jobseekers chase after vacancies, instead of the one that we are a lot more familiar with for years which was jobs chasing after workers. In this scenario, which may persist for quite some time, I want today to speak up for a segment of the workforce who will then face an increased risk of job loss. Sir, amidst all these wrenching changes, one might think that there are no constants anymore – everything is flux. But there are, and one of them is ageing. It happens – that is, ageing happens – regardless of whether there are geopolitical or trade tensions. It even goes undeterred by COVID-19. Sir, I have spoken in this House many times before on the need for our country to prepare well and in advance of the needs of an aging population and ageing workers. Previously, overall conditions were more benign. The economy was growing and there was a chronic shortage of workers in most sectors. Coupled with low population fertility, both the need and the benefit of enabling older workers to continue contributing is obvious – obvious to the older workers themselves, obvious to their companies and to the country. Also, with the economy continuing to grow, companies and workers had the time to adjust. Sir, I am afraid that this time the situation is different. In the months ahead, we will see more companies shedding workers through downsizing or even closure because demand and revenue conditions will not return to normal for many industries, while cost and cash pressures will continue to bear down on businesses.[+3 sentences] Given this, the most critical outcome for Singaporeans is indeed jobs, jobs, jobs. The question is: whose jobs will go, and who will get the chance to be hired for the new jobs? Many in this House have spoken already of the need and the means to protect and safeguard the Singapore Core. I support these efforts to secure our Singapore Core. I also strongly believe that we must clearly signal that job displacement and job hiring must not become areas for discriminating against older workers as a category.[+10 sentences] Senior Minister Tharman, in an interview dated 17 June this year, said and I quote, "This is, and must be, a national effort. And it needs new thinking among employers, to give middle-aged and mature Singaporean workers a fair chance to prove themselves." He said, "Employers need to reorient their management philosophies and their human resources and talent management practices." "No Singaporean who is willing to learn should be 'too old' to hire. And no one who is willing to adapt should be viewed as 'overqualified'", he said. Sir, if ageism rears its head and age discrimination results in age-based retrenchment, and becomes the easy way for employers and HR practitioners within companies to cut jobs to save costs and then to systematically deny rehiring opportunity, then much of what we have all laboured for so many years to build, including our hard-won increases in employment rates amongst older cohorts of workers and the raising of the statutory retirement and re-employment ages, all these accomplishments can very easily be eroded away. Therefore, i just want to call attention to this – do not take this lightly. I know the situation is difficult, I know everybody says that they are the most important, "Look after me" but do not take this as the easy way out. These two deserve due consideration and serious consideration too. On this I want to thank Second Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng yesterday for speaking out also for fairness for older workers and also Minister Josephine Teo earlier. Furthermore, older displaced workers will have a harder time finding new work even in a buoyant economy and often face a significant drop in wages when they do find new jobs.[+14 sentences] If a displaced older worker remains unemployed for a longer period, then that unemployment may turn sticky or become structural. There will then be a knock-on effect on retirement adequacy and that will in turn impose a heavier call on community, family and state financial resources, not to imagine what it does to the morale of the people. I say all these not to pretend that all older workers are somehow better at work than younger ones. I am not saying that. I am saying this in order to help forestall a resort to a quick fix by stereotyping older workers as a category and then making hiring decisions unfairly on that kind of a basis and denying them a fair go. That is the one that I am warning against and let us pay attention to it. The risk of this happening goes up in a recession and we hear on the ground anecdotes of such thinking and such behaviour. We must therefore warn against and stand up to it. Sir, how do we stand up to it? I propose a five-pronged approach, which I will use the acronym "Heart". H-E-A-R-T. "H" is for Holding On to Jobs. Of course, this is the most preferred of options. The Government on its part has set aside much funding to help improve the cost effectiveness of employing older workers. In the 2020 Budget, there was indeed a Senior Worker Support package comprising the Senior Employment Credit, the Senior Worker Early Adopter Grant and the Part-time Re-employment Grant.[+1 sentence] The extension of the Jobs Support Scheme will also help to defray payroll cost of older workers, as it do other workers. In the most recent announcement, Deputy Prime Minister Heng allocated an additional $1 billion in the Jobs Growth Incentive aimed at spurring the hiring of workers aged 40 and above.[+35 sentences] Why am I rattling off all this? This is to remind employers of all these special fundings for the hiring of older workers and giving a fair chance to older workers, so that they will not neglect these facts when making decisions concerning their older workers to continue their employment and hiring. At the same time, schemes such as e2i’s Lift and Place programme which keeps workers on payroll while they are on temporarily seconded to other jobs in another industry should be tapped wherever possible to minimise and delay retrenchments. On the part of older workers, I also want to continue to stress the importance of looking after our health the best we can while at the same time demonstrating a positive work attitude and willingness to adapt and be flexible. This makes it easier for employers to adjust their operations. Such an older worker would also more attractive to an employer compared to another who is not like that. Next, "E" for Employment Assistance. Despite best efforts by all, some workers will be displaced. When this happens, the most important task is to help the person get back into work as quickly as possible. Prolonged unemployment erodes hiring prospects, especially for older workers. In this context, the work of the National Jobs Council under Senior Minister Tharman and the NTUC’s Jobs Security Council led by NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, which leverages the Labour Movement network, and now acts in concert and in support of the National Jobs Council – these are important arrangements. Within the NTUC it is not only the Jobs Security Council but there is also another network which is the Company Training Committees or CTCs. I just wanted to make reference to this because the hon Member Mr Leon Perera talked about the Titanic. The Titanic once it is made and it sets sail until it comes back into port, that is what you live with. He warned against a Singapore economy that it is like that. Fortunately, Singapore economy is not like that. That is why we have from the Government side, indeed, industry and tripartite efforts and we came up with the Industry Transformation Maps or ITMs. I recall Deputy Prime Minister Heng also in his speech talked about 2.0. So, in other words, we knew that it is not invent for one time and then just use until it falls apart. This is not the truth of our economy. Our economy is one that is constantly changing. In fact, the very name "Industry Transformation Maps" tells all of us that we know we have to transform. In fact, it is not fast enough and that is our worry; not that we are so fixated with this sophistication of our model that we say we do not need to change. We say we need to change, we have to transform, how to transform. So, in that sense, we are not the Titanic. For the Jobs Security Council, what does it do? One of the things that it does is instead of doing job matching, jobseeker by jobseeker, it goes in and works with industry partners, participating companies, by industry, to say, "What are your needs? Who is having vacancies, even in today's situation? Who is having impending excess manpower? Let us know and then you say how do you match ahead, retrain and go." So, this is exactly what Mr Leon Perera was talking about just now. "What is sunset? What is sunrise? Find out early, make the arrangements, help the workers go." So, on this we are agreed that it is important and we are doing it. The NTUC Jobs Security Council, for example – it was reported in the papers recently – has matched 20,000 jobseekers to new job openings.[+4 sentences] We will press on to continue to help more. One critical success factor in job-matching is indeed the availability of jobs. Aside from public and private sector vacancies in existing and growth areas such as health, long-term care, biomedical and logistical fulfilment for online sales, there are also many other initiatives. I recall Minister of State Gan Siow Huang elaborating on all the different initiatives under the SGUnited banner. I have a whole list here, but I will not belabour the point – anything from jobs to traineeships, support for training, satellite centres. I do urge our National Jobs Council to closely monitor the job matching, switching and retraining efforts and outcomes for older workers, which is my subject matter today, and to make the necessary adjustments, enhancements and interventions in the weeks and months ahead, in order to prevent the build-up of a sticky or permanent precariat of older involuntarily displaced workers.[+3 sentences] So, H-E. Now, A. "A" for Act Fairly. The Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices or TAFEP works closely with MOM to promote and police fairness at work.[+23 sentences] In the area related to age, it has actively and steadfastly upheld the principles laid down in relevant tripartite guidelines such as those on fair employment practices, re-employment of older employees and non-discriminatory job advertisements when dealing with complaints. The NTUC has over the years also pushed for protections for older workers and these have been variously incorporated into laws such as when we amended the Industrial Relations Act and the Retirement and when we created the Retirement and Re-employment Act as well as introduced various tripartite advisories, guidelines and standards. We will continue to pay attention to this and to do what is right by our older workers. We do that in order to reflect the fine balancing of interests between companies and older workers. In a recession, saving jobs is paramount. Flexibilities between the parties can be discussed, will have to be discussed because we are in a serious situation. So, let us not pretend. We have to discuss. But whatever we do, the spirit of how we do it and do it together, and hold together not only now but for the long term, that is important. Those principles are important and we must adhere to that spirit as we discuss. Where it is really unfair and in egregious cases, then we all know, TAFEP also works with MOM to add bite to its advice and recommendations for improvement. To have teeth in something like that is key if you are to be taken seriously. And TAFEP borrows the teeth from MOM. What I want to say is, in the situation we are facing today, it is of a scale and depth that is quite unlike things that we had done before, that we had faced down before. We also have to continue to look at this situation. I know Minister Teo had elaborated just now painful curtailing work pass privileges can be, and it is indeed so. And so, we will monitor and we will see what other regulatory teeth might be needed as the situation goes. But I would much rather that companies treat every worker, including your older workers fairly. Then, we all work this out together and we emerge together. So, H-E-A. Now R. "R" for Relief. For mature workers who are displaced or who face severe wage cuts, the journey ahead will be tough as they seek to provide for themselves and meet family commitments. I support MSF’s stance to “leave no one behind”. I urge MSF to consider a second tranche of the COVID-19 Support Grant (CSG) and the Temporary Relief Fund (TRF) to provide more relief to workers who may be displaced in the months ahead. I also seek MSF’s support to empower the Social Service Offices or SSOs with greater flexibility to help displaced workers promptly to cope with family expenses arising out of COVID-19 through ComCare and other schemes – give them more leeway to exercise.[+3 sentences] As the slowdown wears on, calls by individuals to tap into their CPF savings to tide over this difficult period will grow. While I hope that MOM and the CPF Board, when they receive such requests, that they will look at each case sympathetically and be flexibe as much as possible, I am also very mindful that early drawdowns will inevitably translate into weaker eventual retirement adequacy for those workers who have to resort to such early withdrawals, if approved. I therefore still hope that the CPF savings of our older workers can be safeguarded for as long as possible, as much as possible. To help provide greater support to our older workers who face financial hardship, especially those of lower wages, I hope that MOM could consider reviewing and expanding qualifying criteria and parameters for schemes such as the Silver Support Scheme and the Workfare Income Supplement or WIS.[+4 sentences] These are already schemes that are already there to help seniors, the lower wage workers. There is already within the WIS, also a certain extra consideration for older workers and I thank MOM for that. But in this situation, can we look at reviewing it to help them in a more timely and effective way, and a more meaningful way, because more would need this, and we do not want the build-up. Older Singaporeans will also face higher medical expenses compared to younger citizens, on average. In this regard, I would also hope that MOH would please consider whether there could be higher thresholds or caps on CPF-Medisave for older Singaporeans, or greater flexibility on a case-by-case basis to help with coping with cash expenses without sacrificing or delaying medical treatment. Just last night, at my Meet-the-People Session, I had such a case where the bill was $800 and because of the cap, $300 was allowed to be deducted from MediSave and the resident had to come out with $500.[+10 sentences] He said that it was really very, very difficult to do so. It would be better if they could be allowed to withdraw more, maybe on a temporary basis during this crisis period. I think we should consider that but in terms of the cash impact, to families who may not have the financial resources. Finally, Mr Speaker, Sir, T. H-E-A-R-T. "T" for Tough it Out Together. Beyond the specific help measures, it is the collective will of the people to stand as one, to not let adversity cow us, split us or break us that sets the tone of our society and decide our fate as a nation. This is a time like no other. So, let us gather our strengths and our wits, and tough it out to emerge stronger together. Mr Speaker, I support the Motion.
Ms Raeesah Khan (Sengkang)1504 words
[+12 sentences]Mr Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to make my maiden speech in this House. At the outset, I wish to express my gratitude to the voters of Sengkang for sending our team to this House to represent their voices in what is an immensely challenging time for our country because of prevailing systematic problems, tough economic times and the pandemic we find ourselves in the midst of today. Singaporeans know that times are tough. But Singaporeans are also tough people whose resilience runs deep. When I think about resilience, I think about my Apa, my father, who was an exceptional student but had to drop out of school at 14 after the death of his father. He dropped out out of necessity to support his mother and siblings. His first job was a labourer at a factory and at night, he would wash the petrol station. Though this story of his rise to success is inspirational, it does not negate the fact that he suffered immensely for it. Not only was he subjected to labour-intensive work at such a young age, but he was also unable to continue his education. He often speaks about how he could have been a surgeon if not for his family's circumstances. This was in the 1960s. But my Apa's story is not unique. Two weeks into my role as a Member of Parliament-elect, I received a plea from my resident, a father, for help.[+1 sentence] He wrote to us and his first line was that he was the sole breadwinner in the house, living with his lovely wife and is a proud father of four daughters. He went on to share that his second daughter, a graduate from a local Polytechnic, wanted to pursue further studies at university. She found a place at one of the private universities last year but has been unable to secure a loan or financial aid. Should she have received the aid she was looking for, she could have been just starting her first year at university by now.[+27 sentences] We must, as a society, ensure that we have equal opportunities in this country. I believe that the meritocracy our past leaders have placed so much importance on, has achieved a great deal for generations of Singaporeans. But in the midst of this pursuit, we have inevitably left many behind, short-changed, and sadly, made to believe that they deserve their stations because they were simply not good enough. The Primary school student who feels discouraged from even trying to score in exams anymore while watching kids in other classes go for expensive tuition classes outside of school. The teenager who stops dreaming of what the future could look like. The pre-university student who can sense the condescension from relatives upon telling them he or she will not be going NUS or NTU. The eager young graduate from a private university who keeps applying to the Public Service for a job but never gets a call back. And even, the NUS graduate who suffers from imposter syndrome because he or she is simply not good enough to apply for jobs their peers seem to have in the bag. It is time that we shift our perception of what being a good Singaporean means. A good Singaporean to me is someone who is able to define successes in their own way. It is often argued that under our meritocractic system, Singaporeans enjoy equal access to opportunities, and that this access drives social mobility. This to me, is a simplistic argument. From Prof Syed Hussein Alatas in the 1970s to Assoc Prof Teo You Yenn today, academics in Singapore have long painted detailed pictures of inequality on this island within the framing context of local reality. Our task moving forward is similar. There are few questions relevant to our local context. We must confront every one to give young Singaporeans a better deal. Firstly, we must ask whether we have mistaken the availability of opportunities for the accessibility of opportunities. There is a deep sense prevailing in this country that even in 2020, one's socio-economic background is still too tightly linked to the accessibility of opportunities one enjoys. Reforms have been made and will be made to our education system where grading and testing are concerned. We will need to take steps to better support students from young. We need to train teachers to be adapt in not just providing academic guidance but also holistic support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. We need to be prepared to have open, honest conversations about whether recent reforms in grading, streaming and testing are working. And we need to be prepared to go beyond these reforms. And also reforming teaching and learning in a careful but ambitious manner to support learners with different skillsets. But we should not just stop there. We need to assess and track the accessibility of opportunities at every phase of education and in the workforce too. Make jobs in the Public Service and Civil Service more accessible to candidates from a wider academic backgrounds which would help improve the diversity of skills, perspectives and talents our administration can draw from. More broadly, introducing schemes like a national Minimum Wage and redundancy insurance improve workers' accessibility to opportunities.[+4 sentences] Secondly, we must ask whether the opportunities available to young Singaporeans are complementary to the ways in which they most productively to find their success and vice versa. Put simply, how can we maximise the opportunities available for young Singaporean students and workers. We need a bolder, long-term approach to creating jobs for young Singaporeans. Let us look for these opportunities everywhere we can. Let us give young creatives more opportunities by setting up an independent body for the arts to oversee licensing and funding, and by reforming our media landscape which has far too long has suffered from a lack of competition.[+3 sentences] Let us make a concerted effort to support the creation of green jobs in industries from manufacturing and retail to finance and hospitality, by recognising the reality that economic growth is contingent upon social and environmental needs. And let us not forget to educate Singaporean students to re-imagine the possibilities which lay ahead. Thirdly, Mr Speaker, putting aside the issue of the accessibility of opportunities, we must also ask whether there are Singaporeans for whom that availability of opportunities in the first place is not as real as you may imagine it to be. Job discrimination is a real problem that has real consequences for Singaporeans. Workers looking to make an honest living to support their families should not have to face employment discrimination in the job market because of their age, gender or race, and certainly should not be discriminated because they wear a hijab. We must legislate to this end not only because fostering an inclusive job market for Singaporean workers makes economic sense but also simply because this is the right thing to do.[+7 sentences] Many young Singaporeans of all backgrounds I have spoken to have echoed these views. Mr Speaker, if we want young Singaporeans to thrive in our next phase of development, we need to enable them to have a seat at the table. These young people are more than willing to start the conversation and contribute their ideas. We see it in young people who organise rallies and beach clean-ups, who want to see Singapore do its part to tackle climate change. We see it in young people, who time and time again, have stood up to speak out against sexual harassment. We see in young people who have been using Instagram, Twitter and even TikTok to convey, convince and correspond on issues that matter to them. And young people whose activism also extend beyond the bounds of social media and in the offline world too. For starters, we should consider lowering the voting age to 18 to give more young people a say in Singapore's future, propel them to follow politics and legislation more closely and include their voices in the process.[+6 sentences] I believe that this is what young people envision for a country. We envision a country that is able to have open and frank conversations about the direction we would like to see our home move towards. We may be young in age and less experienced in life but it does not mean we do not understand the important issues that the country faces. Young people worry about their future just as much as any of our country's leaders do. We worry about our parents' retirement, job opportunities and living a life that is fulfilling. We too have anxieties about starting and providing for a family. Young women today, many of whom I have met, continue to be torn between the decision of growing the family or pursuing a fulfilling career.[+1 sentence] I hope that Parliament will listen closer to the hopes and the worries of young Singaporeans and have them inspired as in making the changes we need for a better future, a better Singapore.
[+1 sentence]Mr Speaker, I stand in support of the Motion of Thanks to the President. In my maiden speech in this House in 2016, I spoke of imagining a Perfect Storm, "… a global downturn lasting many years; divisions of race, language, religion; social class, inequality and culture; a fractured national consensus, divisive politics. And then having to face a major crisis – a terrorist attack on Singapore soil, a pandemic, or a regional conflict where old friends ask us to choose between them." It has been nearly five years and a storm has gathered all around the world.[+3 sentences] Not quite a Perfect Storm, but still a hurricane. COVID-19 pandemic – worldwide. US-China relations – full of uncertainty. Economic crisis – all around the world, the worst in the history of independent Singapore.[+43 sentences] Some say it will be as deep as the Great Depression of a hundred years ago, or even worse. Sir, in crisis, all the more important that we look after our people at home – our fellow Singaporeans. We must be clear-eyed about where policy and implementation can be improved. As I said in this House in March 2016 during an Adjournment Motion, it is about "seeing through the eyes of our people". This includes looking after our people in sickness and in health. I will speak on five areas, on health – our elderly; our workers; access to insurance; access to new treatments; and our nurses and our allied health staff. Supporting our elderly. Sir, we know of many elderly in our estates who are less mobile. Some in older flats that cannot easily have ramps installed through the EASE programme and these elderly cannot afford to pay for transport assistance to get to the clinic. In our community outreach, we do our best to help. But I ask, has MOH systematically studied seniors in such a situation? Are such seniors less likely to keep up with primary care appointments and necessary follow-ups? Are they more likely to be admitted to hospital? And when they are hospitalised, do they stay longer when they are admitted? On mobility and medical assessments. Sir, some Government programmes require a doctor to assess an elderly resident. I have met elderly seniors who tell me that when they apply for a personal mobility device, they were told part of the process involves a doctor signing off on the paperwork. But some seniors, Mr Speaker, are confined to the home because they are not mobile, to begin with. Some have a care-giver who also has mobility needs and is home-bound. Some do not have family to bring them to the doctor. So, it becomes a difficult situation – have to go out to see the doctor as part of the process to get the mobility assistance, but they need that assistance to more easily go out. Again, in the community, many of us in our constituencies are trying our best, but we must continue looking at improving the implementation. We must make sure that residents do not fall between the cracks of policy implementation and we must continue to try and improve. Digital access. I have older residents who have mixed feelings. Every time there is a new Smart Nation app or digitalisation programme, some are excited, the more techno-savvy uncles and aunties. They are excited that Singapore is innovating with new technology, new platforms. But there are some older seniors who are less IT-literate. Sir, digital access must not become a digital divide. Otherwise, digital progression broadly will have regressive impact on the less well-off, the less IT-savvy, and all those elderly who are less literate. So, again, we must continue pushing, to inculcate IT skills in our elderly, but we must also continue to keep the face-to-face and telephone option open for interacting with Government services. And the telephone option must be meaningfully available, which means not a half-hour wait on the line before there is a human voice. It maintains the human touch to have that face-to-face, that human telephone option. And in an economic downturn, it is an opportunity to hire many more Singaporeans with people skills and life experience to help fellow Singaporeans. Sir, my second point – supporting workers. There are low-wage workers and those without flexible working arrangements, who cannot get time-off for a polyclinic consult during the day. If they go to a GP after hours, the cost is higher. Sir, I call upon MOH to work with MOM, to look even deeper into the health situation of low-wage workers, including gig economy workers who are especially vulnerable. Sir, for low-wage workers going to a CHAS GP after hours, can we identify them, subsidise them better, so that the out-of-pocket cost can be comparable to polyclinics, or even equivalent to a polyclinic consult? Sir, in the COVID-19 crisis, I have also met residents, workers, brothers and sisters who have lost their jobs. Some have lost their employee healthcare benefits. Just because their workplace had healthcare benefits, does not mean the workers were rich to begin with. Our residents, especially in the COVID-19 crisis, should not face unnecessary challenges to means testing when trying to return to subsidised healthcare. I have filed a Parliamentary Question on this, so that we can look at this issue further.[+2 sentences] Thirdly, access to health insurance. Mr Speaker, in a Straits Times Forum letter published on 29 August this year, the Singapore Medical Association shared that some insurers are no longer allowing claims for diagnostic endoscopy, even when medically necessary. This is a serious development, implications for patient care and patient safety.[+2 sentences] It is also a very visible sign that individual patients and customers do not have bargaining power to stop insurance companies from such practices. When an insurance company moves the goal posts for an integrated shield plan, it is not so easy for a patient to switch provider because existing conditions become pre-existing conditions under the new policy. We have also seen from the SMA letter that even individual healthcare practitioners, despite assessing a diagnostic procedure to be medically necessary, in some cases cannot move the insurance companies.[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker, the invisible hand of the market appears to have become unbalanced. I call upon MOH and MAS to look at this, and to see if the visible hand of the regulators needs to come in to level the playing field for patients and our people.[+4 sentences] Fourthly, access to new treatments. Sir, as a small country with a small market, we cannot negotiate based on market size alone. We must find new ways to ensure affordable access to the newest treatments, not just for today but for tomorrow. For new and emerging treatments, such as cell-based therapy, which are capital intensive and where very few firms currently have the capability, we should invest in our own domestic capability, so that we can shape the local and regional market, and not be held ransom by overseas manufacturers who will charge what the market can bear or what the wealthiest segments of the market can bear, as we have seen in some other jurisdictions. Are there also ways to relook our patent system so that cheaper but equally effective medications can more easily enter the market, while still allowing our pharmaceutical industry to create jobs and opportunities for Singaporeans and maintaining our forward position as an intellectual property hub and intellectual property thought leader?[+8 sentences] I am sure that MTI and MOH can explore this further. Sir, fifth, and importantly, our healthcare workers. Many residents in this COVID-19 crisis have shared how COVID-19 has been a reminder of the contributions and good work of our healthcare workers, especially our nurses, our allied health workers, our healthcare frontliners. In a pandemic, our frontline healthcare workers are part of our national defence. If the pandemic frontline cannot hold, Singapore will be overrun. Some residents have asked if we are paying our nurses enough and if we can have more Singaporean nurses and staff in our public hospitals. I have met older uncles and aunties, pakciks and makciks. They say there is something comforting about having a fellow Singaporean looking after them in the hospital wards, even just having someone bringing them between the ward and the clinic an assistant who understands them, with whom they can connect instantly, someone who can connect in our seniors' languages, in their dialect, it is that much closer. As one auntie said in Mandarin, "有这个亲密感, 有这个亲切感" – someone who can be a familiar-sounding voice in difficult times for our seniors. So, I would like to ask the Government: how often does MOH compare the pay of our nurses and allied healthcare workers across the public and private sector? Can we pay our nurses and allied health workers more? The Minister for Finance has spoken about fiscal prudence but, in a deep recession, we should also be willing to spend counter-cyclically, to invest further in our fellow Singaporeans and further build up capabilities within Singapore and in our public sector healthcare, especially in areas where the market alone may not generate the most optimal outcome straightaway.[+8 sentences] In conclusion, Mr Speaker, outside Singapore, it is a world of troubles. But to survive and surmount these challenges, our domestic policies at home must also be ready for the future – looking after our people, making sure no one is left behind or falls between the cracks. Mr Speaker, health is key, because it touches all our lives. When a grandparent falls ill, it affects the grown up children and their own households. Is Ah Kong, is Ah Mah going to get better? Would Ah Kong be there when "didi" finishes his PSLE? When a breadwinner is struck down, the whole family worries. When a child is unwell, the hopes and dreams of an entire family are at stake. Mr Speaker, healthcare is about our people’s lives – your life and mine, the lives of our loved ones, the lives of every Singaporean, regardless of background.[+1 sentence] Sir, I support the Motion.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Rahayu Mahzam.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health (Ms Rahayu Mahzam)2316 words
[+18 sentences]Mr Speaker, the President gave a very solemn and meaningful message that touched on key issues affecting Singaporeans. We are facing tough times but it is during times like these that our mettle is tested and we are given an opportunity to shape our norms as a nation. We decide how we respond and the path we take. Singapore, as always, has to evolve. She needs to adapt and change to adjust to the changing global environment. She needs to evolve economically, politically and socially. But she can choose to be different from everyone else and do things the Singaporean way. Politically, we are maturing. For some time now, there has been a call for alternative voices to represent the diverse interests in the community. I am encouraged to see our electorate maturing and many people from different backgrounds stepping up to contest during the last General Election, offering different perspectives, aspiring for a better Singapore. What we have in Singapore is an adversarial process. This process, when carried out in the best traditions of democracy, brings out the best in all of us as we seek to continually improve. Healthy competition is good, as we challenge each other to do better and, in the end, the nation benefits. However, when people take the adversarial process to its extreme and assert their opinions in a very vicious manner, there is a danger of the society being divided and polarised. During the campaign, in the online space, we saw some constructive discourse but also some malicious comments being passed, vitriolic remarks being expressed and personal attacks being made which strayed from the substance of the debate and became an attempt to bring people down instead. An election, is an emotive exercise, I appreciate that. However, all of us must continue to push for decorum and constructive debates always. As we evolve and mature as a nation, we have to find a better way to have discourse and for each of us to express our views and challenge opposing ones. We have been seeing some negative conduct on the Internet for some time now. There is increasing cognisance of the "cancel culture" which is causing some concern. "Cancellation", basically, refers to an attack on someone’s reputation by a determined group of critics because of an opinion or action of that individual that is deemed to be unacceptable. It is a targeted effort to destroy the individual, to get them de-platformed or put out of business.[+3 sentences] Conceptually, the "cancel culture" is not new. Society had always rallied against what it deems wrong and groups of people have campaigned against individuals to censure them. However, the Internet and social media have amplified and caused an evolution of this phenomenon and its repercussions. For one, online, a certain issue or matter can get viral very quickly and a mob mentality can form long before facts can be verified or discussed.[+5 sentences] Secondly, the distraction from all the attacks takes attention away from the substance of the matter which is often then lost in the flood of comments and criticism. Thirdly, people are quickly pushed to take sides and the very person or groups that need to be edified about the error of their ways, or to be shown different perspectives, are then disengaged. A more serious side effect is that those with genuine views become muted as they fear being judged or lynched by the angry mob. The cancel culture can manifest itself in many different ways. Several months back, there was an issue that arose within the Malay/Muslim community. A popular podcast channel was criticised when it was found to have certain episodes where comments which were misogynistic and degrading to women were made.[+8 sentences] Many women and men, called out the hosts. Misogyny is unacceptable and has no place in a progressive society. However, what was actually an opportunity to address an important issue, turned out to be a highly polarising exercise for the community. Online, people were pushed to take sides – you are either on the camp asking for the hosts to be de-platformed or are seen as their supporters and, by affiliation, accept misogyny. Some people I spoke to about the matter felt that there was so much negativity and people missed the point about the need for the community to address misogyny. We must take a stand against things which are morally unacceptable. However, we need to learn to do so constructively so that the community can learn, have discourse and shape new and better norms. Another trend that we have been seeing is the online movements that have been waged in other countries to change norms and push back against years of repression. Power has shifted to the people, with the Internet and social media platforms as accessible battlefields. We have seen the #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter movements in the US.[+17 sentences] There is value in rallying people to call out injustice and shift norms to be a more just and fair society. We should encourage people to be conscious of social issues and do their part to bring about positive developments as a society evolves and matures. However, we must be conscious of the impact to the community. Inevitably, there will be different opinions and we need to ensure the expression of opposing views does not cause polarisation. The movements in the US have had their fair share of criticisms, even among liberals. So, even as we may be inspired by some of these developments abroad, we should not follow them blindly but, instead, find the Singapore way to evolve. We have much to learn from the experiences of other countries. However, as we look to others for lessons to develop norms in our nation, we must pause to appreciate the impact of the same in our context. We should be cautious not to jump on the bandwagon and copy and paste the playbook in other countries without adjusting the same for our needs. In particular, we must be keenly aware of our special demographics as a multiracial, multi-religious society. Multiracialism is a value we hold dear. We must, therefore, ensure that in our debates and discussions, we are mindful of the impact of our comments and the danger of fraying our social fabric if we pit one group against the other. We must, therefore, take the necessary action to ensure that we shape the norms of discourse in our nation. What can we do? We all need to play a part in creating a safe space online that encourages meaningful debates and curbs vitriolic discourse. I sit on the Management Committee of OnePeople.Sg (OPSG) and have been involved in a few discussions with our youth volunteers and participants of our programmes recently. We were discussing what were acceptable boundaries when discussing race and religious issues and whether current laws or frameworks need to be adjusted to changing times. The youths shared that it was not so much the laws they were afraid of. They feel afraid of expressing their views online because they fear backlash from others who have different views.[+4 sentences] So, while the Government can do its part by putting in place laws and regulations to set the necessary boundaries that circumscribe our discourse, as individuals, we all have a personal responsibility to behave fairly and call out any action that threatens healthy discussions. Beyond having safe spaces for discussions online and even offline, to truly shape norms, we need to translate our discussions into real action. We need to walk our talk. For this, too, we all must play a part. Some policies or legislation may need to shift to shape behaviours. There have been concerns by some in this House about the issues of discriminatory conduct on the part of employers and we need to review and look at the frameworks in place and improve them.[+5 sentences] However, we must also take individual responsibility. We must ensure that we ourselves do not discriminate, especially in our conduct with others who are different from us and that we teach the right values to our children. Mr Speaker, in Malay. (In Malay): We are increasingly seeing various views expressed on current issues affecting Singaporeans, especially online. What is good is that it shows the maturity of the community in discussing important issues such as Government policies or community norms. What is bad is that sometimes the discussions that we see online are very negative, leading to personal attacks on someone and running away from the original topic of discussion. This is worrying because we can see how online campaigns and cultures that spread in other countries, can divide society and lead to violence.[+14 sentences] Therefore, it is very important for us to ensure that, in Singapore, we develop our own norms and ways to conduct online discussions, especially when touching on hot and sensitive issues. Issues related to religion and racism, or discrimination issues, for example, are important issues that we should face in a plural society. We must be bold enough to speak out and be firm in calling something out if it goes against our societal values. We should also want to continue contributing suggestions that can improve the lives of our people. But we must always rely on facts, and not just accept all the stories that we hear; and when we are faced with different views, we need to discuss with wisdom and have a constructive attitude. We are indeed facing challenging times. But in times of difficulty, our character and integrity as a society are tested. We have the opportunity to shape the norms in our country. I hope, we can choose our own way, the Singapore way, in debating important issues in our country. Hopefully, with constructive contributions, Singapore will continue to grow and become an inclusive society, where we all have the opportunity to work, build families and achieve our aspirations. (In English): How we treat each other will determine how we evolve as a nation. Our individual actions accumulate to create the culture of our society. I hope to do my part to make this world kinder, more compassionate, more accepting of differences. I hope to make this place a better place for my son, Ayden. Ayden, as many of you know, has Down Syndrome.[+11 sentences] As a parent, I worry about how he will be treated when he grows up. I wonder if people will be patient with him, whether they will be kind and whether he will have the support he needs to live well. I am happy to hear that there will be stronger support for special needs students by training educators, opening new special education schools and upgrading current ones. The efforts in improving the support and infrastructure has been a work-in-progress. We have made many big strides and Ms Denise Phua deserves special mention for all the efforts that she has done in this House as well as outside to champion the needs of the special needs community. We can and should continue to build on these efforts. I do hope that when we look at reviewing some of the support given, we go beyond lip service and truly work towards changing attitudes and norms. I hope that we truly learn what empathy is. We should not tick boxes and be content to just address one feedback at a time. When we talk about improving infrastructure, it is not enough to just build ramps and a few inclusive playgrounds. We must really nudge behaviours to facilitate and make it convenient for those who have disabilities to join in all the activities that others are involved in. When we talk about creating awareness and being inclusive in workplaces, it is not enough to just incentivise employers to employ people with disabilities.[+2 sentences] We must encourage understanding and conversations amongst employers and co-workers. We must learn to see the value and contributions of people who may be differently-abled. When we talk about building the capacity and capability of educators, it may not be enough to just train a select group of teachers or provide basic training for all teachers. We must provide the skills to all educators to identify needs, teach the right values and attitudes and inculcate a culture of pervasive inclusivity within our education system. We need to also look at enhancing the career pathway of educators in the special needs sector. The reality is that embracing and supporting this community bring great value to Singapore as a whole. There is great economic value in empowering this group with the necessary skills to take care of themselves and be as independent as possible. If we deal with this issue upstream, we will spend less in providing support for them in the future. When we enable people with disabilities, we enable the whole community.[+10 sentences] More importantly, they are differently-abled and should be seen an equally valued member of the community. People with special needs are conduits through which we all learn to be kinder and more compassionate. This I have learnt from you, Mr Speaker. A kind and compassionate society is one that can brave through difficult challenges and emerge stronger. It is so important that in the midst of all the turbulence, we remain steadfast in preserving and shaping our values as a nation and remain a fair and just society, a society that is truly embracing of diversity. It is a great honour and privilege to be able to debate in this august House. As I have said in my maiden speech, in this House, we may not always agree with each other, but we debate respectfully. I believe this decorum can extend beyond this House and I hope, as a nation, we always seek consensus, not conflict. I hope, as a nation, we embrace our differences and be kind and compassionate always. Mr Speaker, I support the Motion.
Time Limit for Prime Minister's Speech›Motions2 turns · 141w
· 0 highlighted
motion-1460
The Leader of the House (Ms Indranee Rajah)57 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Speaker, to provide sufficient time for the Prime Minister to deliver his speech, may I seek your consent and the general assent of Members present to move that the proceedings on the item under discussion be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order No 48(8) to remove the time limit in respect of Prime Minister's speech.
Mr Speaker84 words
[+3 sentences]I give my consent. Does the Leader of the House have the general assent of hon Members present to so move? (proc text)]
The Leader of the House (Ms Indranee Rajah)39 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Deputy Speaker, may I seek your consent and the general assent of Members present to move a Motion to take the proceedings on the business set down on the Order Paper for today beyond the moment of interruption?
Mr Deputy Speaker82 words
[+3 sentences]I give my consent. Does the Leader of the House have the general assent of hon Members present to so move? (proc text)]
Adjournment of Debate›Motions5 turns · 48w
· 0 highlighted
motion-1464
The Leader of the House (Ms Indranee Rajah)16 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Deputy Speaker, may I seek your consent to move that the debate be now adjourned.
Mr Deputy Speaker19 words
[+2 sentences]I give my consent. (proc text)]
Mr Deputy Speaker8 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Patrick Tay, resumption of debate, what day?
Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan2 words
[+1 sentence]Tomorrow, Sir.
Mr Deputy Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]So be it.
Adjournment›Motions1 turns · 23w
· 0 highlighted
motion-1465
Speaker not recorded23 words
[+2 sentences]. (proc text)] Adjourned accordingly at 7.23 pm.
[+2 sentences]. (proc text)] [(proc text) 'We, the Parliament of the Republic of Singapore, express our thanks to the President for the Speech which she delivered on behalf of the Government at the Opening of the First Session of this Parliament.'." – (proc text)]
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Sharael Taha.
Mr Sharael Taha (Pasir Ris-Punggol)2465 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I am privileged in my maiden speech to rise in support of the Motion of Thanks to Mdm President for her Address to this Parliament. Before I begin, I would like to mention that I am not part of the National Trade and Unions Congress (NTUC), but in support of the Labour Movement, I would like to thank our Labour Movement for all the efforts that it has done for the Self-employed Person Income Relief Scheme (SIRS). While there were some questions raised on SIRS yesterday, including conducting interviews for families to approve applications, I would like to remind everyone that in the past few months, the Labour Movement, in supporting Singaporeans through this crisis, assisted in processing 180,000 applications. Successful self-employed persons (SEPs) received up to $9,000 to tide their families through this challenging time.[+1 sentence] I had the pleasure to work with some of the NTUC staff as they did their outreach, delivering over 30 to 40 Zoom sessions with different groups in different languages, and I saw their dedication in trying to process as many applications as they could, even till the wee hours of the morning, sacrificing their own family time. They tried their best to help the applicants get the support that they needed, from taxi drivers, wedding photographers, property agents, tuition teachers to asatizahs and many others. These, together with many other fantastic activities that fellow Singaporeans have done – such as SG BukaPuasa who delivered 20,000 meals daily to needy families during the Ramadan month at the height of the circuit breaker and Engineering Good who provided refurbished laptops to kids from disadvantaged families – are just some examples of the Singaporean spirit.[+16 sentences] The spirit of togetherness that will get us through this difficult time. This Parliament sits during our worst recession since Independence and in a world that is increasingly divided. Conditions that made us thrive – globalisation and stable, collaborative international order – has made way to a fragmented world with countries and economies closing, and tension between the major powers. To quote Mdm President, “We must stand united. We must speak with one heart. We must move in one direction.” Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to thank Mdm President for setting the tone for us to navigate through this unprecedented storm. Only by staying united and working together can we emerge from this stronger. I will touch on two key areas. Firstly, our ability to work effectively together to transform the economy will determine how we come out from this storm. Secondly, as we sail through these stormy seas, we must not leave anyone behind. Our transformation must be inclusive. Digitalisation, Industry 4.0 and COVID-19 have changed the world we live in. The way we work, interact and do business is now different and there is no turning back. Some sectors such as aviation, aerospace, marine and offshore are gravely threatened. Having worked in these sectors, I am in support of the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s (MTI) efforts to continue to preserve the core capabilities which we have built over these years. For these sectors and others similarly affected by COVID-19 such as hospitality, meetings, incentives, conference and exhibitions (MICE) and retail, the Joint Wage Support Scheme has been integral in keeping businesses afloat and its workforce employed.[+17 sentences] These support measures have cushioned the impact of COVID-19, but some jobs will still be lost, and some roles will cease to exist. However, there will be opportunities for growth in other sectors. New areas in digitalisation, Industry 4.0 and new business models will create new jobs and new ways of thinking. We need to stay positive and see these risks and challenges as opportunities to transform the way we do things. In addition, Singapore must stand out in a changing world order to survive and thrive. To quote Mdm President, “We must do things that others cannot do, and do things that others can do, better.” One example is in the aerospace industry. Singapore has grown to be the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub for the aerospace. However, this position of dominance has increasingly been challenged by competitors in neighbouring countries. For Singapore to stay ahead, we cannot be solely competing for lowest cost as that means we may have suppressed wages too. Singapore must compete to be of best value. For example, an MRO facility in Singapore cannot merely be doing repair and maintenance like any other facility in the world. We must embrace industry 4.0 and leverage on digital and data analytics in order to provide better value for our customers. We must transform from merely repairing the product, to understanding the product, providing insights that can deliver improvements in performance and move the value upstream. It will take the effort of everyone working together to emerge from this storm stronger. Both within an organisation and beyond the organisation, between Government, businesses, individuals, unions, supporting associations and across industries, we must act collaboratively, for the sake of one another. Equipping the workforce with the right skills and mindset is crucial in driving this transformation. SkillsFuture, especially the additional support for older workers to reskill, upskill and the focus on skills over paper qualifications at the workplace, is a step in the right direction for our society.[+15 sentences] I am in support of the Government’s push for SkillsFuture and increasing internship opportunities. However, I must caution that the success of SkillsFuture should not be measured solely by attendance and course completion. Instead, success should also be measured by the ability to transform these learnings into actual improvements or output. As we work together to transform our economy, transformation cannot happen at the expense of others. We must care for one another and not leave anyone behind. Businesses must do their part to provide fair opportunities for the workforce. For displaced workers, I support the efforts in upskilling and providing job support through e2i, Workforce Singapore (WSG) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). I am also in support of the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) incentives to encourage hiring local workforce. However, these efforts to support displaced workers must be matched with employers willing to change their approach and employees willing to try and make changes in a challenging job market. We must also, collectively as a society, work together to ensure that companies abide by fair hiring practices. We all agree that we want to keep a strong Singaporean Core, provide equal opportunity to mid-career workers and seniors, provide jobs for persons with disabilities and have better work-life balance. During this transformation, we must embody and act on these beliefs that we are all in agreement of. We must think hard to redesign jobs and provide fair opportunities to our local workforce while maintaining our competitiveness. As our demographics transit to a higher proportion of workforce above the age of 50, we must redesign jobs to best make use of their experience and abilities. We have all heard the same narratives from our senior residents seeking re-employment. Even with incentives for hiring, retrenched senior workers still struggle to seek re-employment and the majority are left presented with either employment in security or cleaning.[+5 sentences] Government, businesses and citizens must work together and expand opportunities for our senior workforce. As we eagerly anticipate things returning to normal, let us pause and reflect on what we have achieved in the past five months. The past five months has been the biggest exercise in redesigning jobs and reassessing the way we do things. When many of us were working from home, we took a while but managed to reach the new norm on work-life balance. Additionally, some were able to provision more time to exercise. In fact, a study by EngageRocket, in partnership with the Singapore Human Resource Institute and the Institute for Human Resource Professionals, revealed that nine of 10 employees shared that they would like to continue with some form of work from home as a new way of working.[+3 sentences] What is also interesting about this new way of working was the fact that it did not matter whether the person working from home was a senior, someone in mid-life or a person with mobility challenges. Nor did it matter that they came in at 8.00 am and working every single minute, including extended hours. We found a way to remain equally productive in this new environment and maintain work-life balance. To cite an example, one of my resident lives in a rental flat. He is a 45-year-old man, digitally literate, a father of two boys aged 12 and eight, and unemployed.[+9 sentences] He lost his foot to diabetes and hence, he is immobile. He goes for dialysis every other evening from 7.00 pm to 11.00 pm. He is alert and mentally capable. Working from home, in front of the computer, he can be as productive as anyone of us. And yet, he still finds it difficult to land a job. We must learn from this recent experience during the pandemic. We must provide more equal employment opportunities for the seniors and less abled as well as caregivers seeking employment such that people like my resident would benefit from the inclusiveness of employment opportunities. We must not let the sacrifices we made during this crisis go to waste because within this crisis lies opportunities. I am in support of the schemes from MOM to improve the employment and employability of mid-career professionals, seniors and persons with disability. However, efforts by Government agencies can only go so far without support from organisations who are willing to make the change. I believe that we should not come to a point where we must legislate minimum employment quotas for seniors and the less-able to move towards a more inclusive society.[+5 sentences] Government, businesses and citizens must work together to create equal opportunities for all. But I would like to say a word of caution to this House. While the past five months have taught us how to relook at our jobs and work remotely, this also implies that our professionals, managers and executives (PMEs) will become more exposed to global competition as PMEs need not be in Singapore to compete with the jobs required here. For many of our PMEs, they have not stepped in office for the past five months. Yet, they remain equally productive. Digitalisation and working from home have shown that for most of our PME jobs – my job, too, for that matter – can be done anywhere in the world.[+12 sentences] How do we deal with that then when quotas are no longer relevant to protect our local PMEs in the global market? Yesterday, Mr Leong Mun Wai and Assoc Prof Jamus Lim questioned numbers and figures of Employment Pass issuance, possibly implying that the control of quotas may protect our PMEs, to which Deputy Speaker Ms Jessica Tan asked, "What is the alternative number?" Coming from the industry and witnessing how the nature of PME jobs is rapidly evolving, I agree with the Deputy Speaker. I urge this Chamber to consider that this is not an issue of just numbers and quotas, but the right questions this House should be debating for the future of Singapore are: how do we prepare our PMEs to be competitive in a globalised PME local market? How do we prepare our PMEs for jobs not only in Singapore but a globalised firm beyond our shores? How do we remain relevant to this world? For we are a small red dot and can easily be forgotten. This House cannot be distracted and let that happen; for if we do, we have failed the people and we have failed Singapore. Which then brings us back to my first point. We must work effectively together as one Singapore to transform the economy and define our value proposition for Singapore to secure good, irreplaceable jobs for Singaporeans. Together, a stronger Singapore. Mr Speaker, Sir, allow me to deliver the rest of my speech in Malay. (In Malay): The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the whole world. We need to be prepared for a reality that, even with support such as the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS), there are jobs that may be lost and there are workers who will lose their livelihood.[+4 sentences] Faced with such challenges, we must remain positive and see this challenge as an opportunity to change the way we approach jobs and life. We must open our minds and willingly adapt to new norms, whether as individuals or as businesses. We should use this opportunity to leverage on digitalisation and be open to accept new challenges. Some examples of this taking place are in the retail industry. During the circuit breaker, when access to customers is limited, enterprises with digital platforms are not only able to continue operations but also expand operations to new customers.[+5 sentences] We need to learn from this experience to adapt to new norms and change our expectations and ways of thinking. Through digital platforms, small businesses can also rethink the way they do business. My favourite nasi rawon stall in Bedok now provides food delivery services to the whole of Singapore through third-party food delivery applications. Last month, my family and I were able to order the nasi rawon from my in-laws' house in Choa Chu Kang. The stall owner may not have been able to receive and fulfil orders from a location so far from his stall without a digital platform. Regarding workers whose livelihood are affected, they can make use of the opportunity to undergo training, such as SkillsFuture courses, to enhance their skills and increase their capabilities, especially in the digital field.[+2 sentences] However, I agree that this is not just the responsibility of workers. While workers retain and upgrade their skills, employers must also play their part. The Government and our people should continue to work hard and work with employers and businesses to create opportunities for displaced Singaporean workers.[+2 sentences] For our youths, although these are challenging times, they must remain positive and stay focused on building the future, respond to this rapidly changing economic challenge and move forward to contribute to society and the nation. I would like to work with our youths to develop skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and prepare ourselves for the new digital economy. By working together to transform our economy and taking care of each other to ensure inclusive transformation, we can build a more resilient society and create better jobs for our children in the future.[+3 sentences] (In English): In summary, Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government, businesses and citizens must work effectively together to transform the economy. And as we sail through these stormy seas, we must not leave anyone behind. On that note, Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Motion.
Mr Speaker5 words
[+1 sentence]Minister of State Alvin Tan.
The Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth and Trade and Industry (Mr Alvin Tan)2860 words
[+15 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Motion to thank our President for her Address. Last week, I was sworn in as a Member of Parliament at Old Parliament House. Standing in that Chamber, taking my Oath of Allegiance, a sense of history overwhelmed me. I could not help but wonder how our founding leaders – Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Mr S Rajaratnam and Dr Goh Keng Swee – must have felt in the Chamber, the fate of Singapore in their hands, facing a bleak and uncertain future. They must have been in their late 30s or 40s, around my generation. How did they feel inheriting a newly independent country facing a crisis of survival? What went through their minds as they wrestled with the exigencies of their time? Were jobs the priority? Defence, the environment, social cohesion, race and religion; where did they start and how did they start? So, we stand here today as one House in this new Chamber, facing the proverbial crisis of our generation. And we are again faced with the questions that confronted our forefathers. Where do we find jobs? How do we build a cohesive Singapore? How do we protect our environment? Our founding leaders found opportunities and hope in crisis by finding new ways of doing business, making tough decisions about race and religion and building a clean and green city. They developed our industries, forged a new society and built a modern Singapore, handing it over to us in excellent order. That Singapore is now in our hands and what we do in this crisis matters. This crisis is not a temporary deviation from our previous path but one that will permanently change our lives as we know it. As President Halimah Yacob said last week, there is no going back to the status quo ante and COVID-19 has indeed reshuffled the deck.[+28 sentences] Mr Speaker, we are living through what has been termed as a great reset. While this poses many unprecedented challenges, it also provides us with an opportunity to do things differently, to re-imagine and rebuild on the strong foundations of our forefathers. I will touch on three such opportunities – the opportunity to protect, the opportunity to create and opportunity to include. To begin with, the opportunity to protect. COVID-19 forced the whole world to a pause. Unintentionally, this pause gives us a chance to take a step back, examine and be deliberate as we move forward. One of the first and possibly the only direct positive outcome of COVID-19 is its impact on the environment. The sound of planes was audibly replaced by the sounds of birds. Nature was recovering as humanity stayed at home. And now, as we slowly try to unpause, we have the opportunity to better balance the sounds we would like to hear, to better protect and steward the environment for our children as we rebuild our economy. And now, we have an opportunity to do this, as Eli Sim of Palm View Primary School wrote in a published National Day essay. Eli wrote that he hopes that Singaporeans will "learn to protect the precious forests, beaches and reservoir parks. I hope everyone in Singapore will do his or her part to turn Singapore from a little Red Dot into a big Green Dot in future and be a role model for other countries." Indeed, as Eli says, Singapore must be a big Green Dot in a rapidly warming world. Global warming has led to higher temperatures and rising sea levels. We have seen the effects of this in the past right in my constituency where our low-lying Pek Kio and Cambridge Road neighbourhood experienced floods. An old flood gauge still sits at the corner of Carlisle and Cambridge Road, reminding us of our vulnerabilities. One of my first priorities as Member of Parliament of Moulmein-Cairnhill was also to do with the environment. I am sure many in this House also have been dealing with it – dengue. We have dengue clusters across our country and even in my constituency, and we have set up a Dengue Taskforce to deal with it decisively. Locally, we have also set up "Our Green Pek Kio", a popular ground-up initiative to drive awareness and action against climate change. It is a popular initiative with our residents, very young residents devoting their energy to transform their communities and neighbourhood. Specific projects include climate change conversations, which speak about the impact of climate change or the relationship between climate change and our fragile environment. We have our "Bring Your Own Container" initiative which helps our residents reduce plastic waste. So, these are all ground-up initiatives we should encourage. But these are small steps which are slowly, certainly changing attitudes and practices on the ground, and we should do more of these. Mr Speaker, environmental concerns can indeed be balanced against economic growth. This pandemic has given us the chance to restructure our economy towards sustainable and green solutions, while remaining economically competitive. As the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment mentioned last week, 55,000 new jobs will be created in the sustainability sector over the next decade in areas such as high-tech agriculture and aquaculture.[+2 sentences] This reflects the Government's commitment to foster a greener economy and we must press on with these efforts. Protecting our environment is not just about protecting our lives but also securing our livelihoods, which brings me to my second opportunity, which is the opportunity to create. Mr Sharael Taha had mentioned earlier the great reset has accelerated the process of digitalisation faster than any of us has expected. It has displaced jobs and many of our industries like aviation, tourism and construction have been significantly hit.[+26 sentences] It has affected how we consume and how and where we work. At this juncture, there are opportunities that we can create, find and must seize. We must be nimble and use it to our advantage for our country and our people. First, our country. We must continue to strengthen Singapore's position regionally and globally, an oasis in a COVID-19 world – safe, stable, incorruptible and open to the world. These are traits that my former colleagues and I in the private sector, even pre-COVID-19, looked for when deciding where to situate billions of dollars of investments. And make no mistake. When we draw up plans, our strategic investment plans, Singapore is but one of many countries we considered. If we and others decided to choose another investment destination, these jobs would have been situated elsewhere. And Singaporeans would certainly be poorer for it. So, we must continue to enhance this reputation, as investors look for a place they can trust, unleash their ideas, talent and capital. The result is innovation, investments and opportunities for Singaporeans. Of course, as my colleagues have said, we must ensure that Singaporeans are treated fairly. Investments and opportunities can choose us or choose others. I would much rather they choose us. And they will be choosing a steady ship that is sea-worthy in a storm. The hon Mr Leon Perera referred to our economy yesterday as a Titanic. I would like to suggest that this is a mis-characterisation. Our economy has been going on for 55 years, not always smooth but always delivering opportunities for Singapore and Singaporeans. We have encountered many major problems and crises – the separation, the British withdrawal, the oil crisis, the 1985 recession, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) pandemic, the Asian Financial Crisis and the Global Financial Crisis. We have never encountered a problem we did not bounce back from stronger. This is the mettle of our country and our people. Why? Because we do not assume that we are invulnerable. We are always worried, in fact, about our vulnerability, almost to the point of paranoia, planning for contingencies, learning and adapting. We have been driving transformation and re-engineering our economy as we keep going. The Industry Transformation Maps are the latest version of a long line of efforts to ensure that we keep Singapore in the best possible condition, not just for now but also for the future.[+1 sentence] During calmer waters, there were voices in this Chamber telling us not to worry, that we can risk our stability and our Reserves. Well, we have seen clearly why we have safeguarded our Reserves. We have now deployed them in this crisis to help our people to reinvent themselves and to create opportunities for us to keep on going into the future.[+4 sentences] So, Mr Speaker, I would like to suggest that we are not quite the Titanic. I would like to suggest we are the Starship Enterprise, always exploring new frontiers and making friends with people from many different places. As my colleague, Dr Tan See Leng, had mentioned a couple of days ago, we will live long and prosper. Mr Speaker, preparing Singapore well for global competition also means preparing our firms well to seize global opportunities. Given the rapid global digitalisation, Singapore benefited from its early investment in digital transformation.[+3 sentences] We had a head start in the race and while we were preparing for a marathon, COVID-19 has forced us into a sprint. Coming from the private sector, I look forward to working closely with our industry partners, as we step up our digitalisation efforts, supporting businesses, including family-run small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Second, our people. LinkedIn data shows that the most in-demand jobs globally are in sales, healthcare, software engineering and project management.[+13 sentences] Three out of these four jobs are also highest in demand for remote employment. This means that, as Mr Sharael Taha mentioned earlier, they can be performed anywhere in the world, regardless of their employer's location. Remote jobs are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it means anyone living outside of Singapore can get a job based in Singapore. But on the other hand, it also means Singaporeans can apply for a job overseas while living at home right here in Singapore. Jobs are now increasingly not confined by geographical borders. We must prepare our people to compete on the global platform and take on these emerging jobs. But this is easier said than done. Advising a mid-career administrator to take on a software engineering role is tough and difficult. Upskilling through SkillsFuture can help but once you have acquired that skill, how do you then make that shift? This is a question I have heard many times on the ground from jobseekers and I am sure many in this House have also heard from your residents as well. When I was at my previous company, my team and I partnered with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) to help all of our ITE students showcase their skills on their digital resumes so that machine learning algorithms can help notify them of potential job matches in Singapore but also outside of Singapore, opening the market for our students. So, I look forward to working with SkillsFuture and MyCareersFuture teams to better prepare but also promote our people, so that they can better compete for jobs in Singapore and beyond. For younger Singaporeans, the SGUnited Traineeships Programme is enhancing their competitiveness too, helping them get valuable on-the-job training.[+13 sentences] I remember taking on an unpaid internship when I was younger, and the experience and networks I gained stood me in good stead for the future jobs I would apply for and take on the future. So, we must continue to support Singaporeans young and old, transform themselves out of this crisis. The choice is clear. We either reinvent ourselves to meet the demands of the future or be relegated to the footnotes of the past. This brings me to the third opportunity, that is, the opportunity to include and to be more accepting of people with different backgrounds and journeys. I will speak on including Singaporeans of different abilities and emphasise two aspects. The first is something close to my heart and it is related to the ability to succeed and the stigma of failure. Mr Speaker, when Mdm President spoke about including people who have traverse different paths, it reminded me of my own journey, and I reflected on how far we have come and how much further we still have to go. I had to repeat a year in junior college and even so, did not do well enough for my "A" level examinations to qualify for any local universities. I remember feeling dejected, uncertain about my future and dealing with the societal stigma. Even later on in my career, I faced other rejections, but along my journey, some took a chance on me, not really based on my grades but on my ability, reputation, values, work ethic and even volunteer experiences, and I will always be thankful for these chances. But Mr Speaker, we cannot just rely on these second chances. We need to level the playing field with policies and norms that systematically empower people and give them the chance they need to prove themselves. To this end, the Government has rolled out measures in recent years to mitigate the lottery of birth. And yet too far, we often hear concerns that our system penalises people too heavily for the setbacks of their past – where grades from your "O" levels or "A" levels disproportionately dictate your career path; where we congratulate people for defying the odds without questioning why the odds were put there in the first place.[+3 sentences] I remembered years ago, applying for a few mid-career jobs in Government and having to input my Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE), "O" level and "A" level grades and the recruiters not valuing my experience in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) or even volunteer work. Conversely, the private sector firms I interviewed with, did not require those grades and they valued my experience even in the SAF and volunteer work among others in their hiring decisions. It was an easy choice for me to choose which sector to join. In my time interviewing and hiring people for our companies, I looked beyond traditional barometers of success, like grades and schools to skills and micro-credentials, which is what Ms Mariam Jaafar mentioned yesterday, the Google credentials.[+4 sentences] Work or volunteer experience and, most importantly, one's professional reputation. The needle is indeed beginning to shift, and we are now seeing some exceptions to the old narratives of success. In her Address, Mdm President spoke about the work that schools and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and the Public Service Commission, employers and even political parties are doing in this regard. This is good progress, but we must make these exceptions the norm. Failure will have consequences, but we must not and should not bind people to their past failures denying them the chance to learn from them and shape their futures differently.[+11 sentences] Embracing failure and giving second chances will help strengthen our social mobility and, at the same time, it will encourage people to be bold enough to try new things and potentially fail or innovate. Most importantly, it will make us an even more inclusive society. Mr Speaker, the second aspect of inclusion is for us to better include those who are differently abled, physically and mentally. Globally, as we all know, COVID-19 has caused untold mental and emotional stress, and revealed underlying biases and stigma to those suffering silently. Singapore is no exception. Mental ailments affect us regardless of age, background and where we live in the world. We all know someone who struggles with mental ailments. I have friends and, indeed, immediate family members, struggling with the stigma brought about by schizophrenia, depression and other silent mental illness. In my constituency, we have had a number of suicides since COVID-19 started and I just visited the family of one of the seniors I knew, who sadly he took his own life. When I worked on cyber safety in the tech sector, I also saw first-hand the impact of social media abuse on social, emotional and mental health all over the world. I remember dealing with "live" suicide cases around the world and working furiously with my team and our partners to intervene. Closer to home, I remember one of my residents refusing to call the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) careline because she felt it was shameful to do so. We need inclusive policies and norms to ensure that people feel safe and unashamed to use Mental Health resources.[+6 sentences] When we fall down, we suffer physical injury. What about mental injury? How do we heal? If we can accept seeking help for our body, there is no reason why we cannot accept the same for our mind, and this is a point that my colleagues the hon Mr Don Wee and Mr Fahmi Aliman had mentioned in their own speeches. Mr Speaker, Sir, while we need to do more to be inclusive of those struggling with mental ailments, we also have the opportunity to do more to include those who are differently abled, physically. I have a friend, her name is Hui Xin, she was born visually impaired but has yet —
Mr Speaker8 words
Mr Alvin Tan, you need to wrap up.
Mr Alvin Tan134 words
[+1 sentence]To her advantage. She texts me using text-to-speech recognition software and is now working in the communications team in a technology department of a multinational. She adapted using technology to augment her ability and benefited from having an inclusive employer who treasured for her abilities.[+3 sentences] Mr Speaker, Sir, as a young boy I read a JRR Tolkien's work and there was a Frodo Baggins, who was the main character who said this, "I wish it did not have happened in my time," said Frodo and Gandalf, the wise wizard responded, "And so do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." Mr Speaker, we cannot choose the moments in time —
Mr Speaker7 words
[+1 sentence]You do not have much time left.
Mr Alvin Tan197 words
[+4 sentences]Just a second. "...we can choose how we define the moments of our time." Fifty-five years ago, our Pioneers found themselves in the moment of crisis, thrust into an independent nation, which was never expected to survive. Heroic as they have may have been too, it is okay to be worried. Courage, Mr Speaker, the quality which our Pioneers exemplified is not the absence of fear, but the will to overcome it. In our moment of crisis, we must meet this moment by overcoming our worries and seizing opportunities to build a better future, not clinging on to the shadows of a distant past, by working together in spite of our differences.[+3 sentences] Just as our forefathers did. Years from now, in this very House, our children and future generations will judge us by how we have met this moment. We hope they will judge us kindly, but that is for the future. For today, as long as we do our best, as long as we stick together and stay nimble and courageous with Singaporeans at the heart of all we do, I believe we would have met this moment.[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Motion.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Murali Pillai.
Mr Murali Pillai (Bukit Batok)2310 words
[+8 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, with your indulgence, I wish to make some prefatory remarks before embarking on my speech. First, I wish to thank Bukit Batok Single Member Constituency (SMC) constituents for giving me the privilege of representing them once again as their Member of Parliament (MP). I will do my best in this role. Second, I wish to place on record, my own thanks and best wishes to MPs who have served in the Thirteenth session of Parliament and have stepped down. I purposely did not use the word "retire" because I believe they will always continue to be involved in public service, in one way or another. Last, I wish to congratulate the newly elected MPs from both sides of the House, the class of 2020, who just emerged from the political baptism of fire in the form of the General Elections. I look forward to engaging them on issues that concern Singapore and Singaporeans. Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to give two specific reasons for rising to speak in support of the Motion. First, I would like to thank the President for sharing with us some hard truths and for jolting us into a new age for policy-making.[+4 sentences] The trajectory of the world has changed. The winds are no longer in Singapore's favour. A small city-state, reliant on global trade and openness, we are now confronted with closed borders, not just due to COVID-19 but to rising nationalism and populism. These are strong external forces over which we have no control. A second change lies in our internal politics.[+9 sentences] In our country, there is a change towards a more contested and less conciliatory form of politics. And this can be to our good. As MPs, we must get used to the rough and tumble of politics, become resilient and engage in robust and searing debate. I, for one, have been drawn to the edge, and spoken out against what is acceptable and what is not. All of us in politics must grow the skin of a rhino as well as the heart of a lion. But no need for talons, please. These forces within Singapore are those we can influence, debate and in the end, decide upon. To help us in making this decision – on what kind of politics we want in Singapore – I thank the President for describing who we could be if we were to realise the best of ourselves. She calls us to find "common purpose" and to find strength in our diversity. This is the aspiration towards evolving our own model of democracy, where differences do not tear the social fabric or polarise and fragment. We have today before us, a chance to forge our own path but this will not be easy, as the hon Leader of the House cautioned us earlier this week, "Unity in diversity is not a given." About 2,500 years ago, in another time, another place, Pericles, a leader of Athens, a small city state, urged his people to find their own way in an uncertain world.[+20 sentences] He said, "Our constitution does not copy the laws of neighbouring states; we are a pattern to others rather than imitators ourselves. A community of people who follow not only a written law, but a social and moral code, which, although unwritten, yet cannot be broken without acknowledged disgrace." How profound and relevant these words are to our circumstances, even after all these years! Knowing these two truths, the large changes in the world and in Singapore, and an aspiration of what we could be, the question remains. How do we get there? Katherine Graham, the former publisher of The Washington Post, said, "News is what someone wants suppressed. Everything else is advertising." Agreement, collegiality and friendliness, all these make poor headlines. The truth is most of the time, all MPs in this House agree. This is an uncontroversial outcome. Most times, the Workers' Party (WP) agree with the Bills introduced. Such agreement is boring and almost never makes the news. Even on the relatively controversial issue of Ministerial pay, the WP agreed with the outcome although the process in arriving at the decisions – "top down" compared to "bottom up" – were different. Consensus is as boring as contestation is exciting. But I see consensus as being perhaps the most important outcome of our work here. So, I do not think we should be perturbed if anyone were to say that Singapore’s parliamentary proceedings are boring. Consensus and the negotiation of shared interests are key aspirations of our democracy. But consensus is not a matter of sweeping hard truths under the carpet but a process of contestation, persuasion and resolution. The outcome of this process – decisions and agreements – are sticky and legitimate. This would require MPs to have a deeper understanding of the policy considerations behind the Bill. To help them, the First Reading of any Bill, which is currently rather formulaic, can be put to better use by the Minister by giving Members a non-specialist understanding of the issues at play, how they impact the ordinary lives of Singaporeans and how the Bill proposes to address these concerns.[+4 sentences] This has already been done by the New Zealand Parliament and has much to commend for itself. In this way, MPs will be better prepared to debate the Bill during the Second Reading which happens on a separate occasion. Today, the Second Reading of the Bill comprises largely Members of Parliament reading out their speeches when their turn comes. They have little time to react to what has been said by their fellow Parliamentarians. They obviously will not be able to consider what will be said later by other Parliamentarians. I suggest that Parliament make available the option of lodging our speeches to be taken as read and made public to all.[+5 sentences] This also puts them up to public scrutiny while, at the same time, creating a more efficient process. Having done this, time in this House should be spent on genuine debate and points of clarification or disagreement. We will be able to avoid repetition of points that waste valuable time. The Minister should feel free to berate Members who try to debate without having read his speech. Through this process, it would then be easier to assess the full diversity of views expressed by all Members, ascertain, as a matter of record, where the consensus lies and the points of disagreement, if any. This will also hold Members to account, and for our constituents to see if we do, indeed, put our time and attention to Parliamentary matters or whether we are simply going through the motion. I would like Parliament to also invest in a new information technology (IT) system to make it easier for any member of the public to hold MPs to account – to check the attendance of any Member, to find the number of Parliamentary Questions (PQs) asked, the number of times spoken on Bills, Budgets, Committee of Supply debates, Motions and so on.[+8 sentences] This information is already public and can be obtained today, but not without some effort, including manual counting. I urge such records to be made available more easily with an online search platform. There should also be a Parliamentary record of the outcome of Members’ proposals which the Minister has agreed to study. The Hansard is replete with examples of frontbenchers providing holding replies without the ability to check whether there have been any updates. Members of the public reading the Hansard will not be able to tell whether the loop has been closed. We should also entrench a practice of expressly acknowledging MPs should their proposals be accepted by the Government. This, too, should be accessible by members of the public. Of course, it could take years for results to be seen. For example, my lobbying for a simplification of probate processes that leverage on technology, which, I am happy to note, found its way into the Addendum to the President’s Address issued by the Minister for Law, has taken three years.[+1 sentence] But I am sure I speak for many others when I say it is far better late than never! Another call I would make in relation to accountability is for the Civil Service to publish and present in Parliament a paper regularly stating the number of letters it and Statutory Boards receive from MPs petitioning on behalf of their constituents on a per constituency basis. The paper should indicate the percentage of the substantive responses to the MPs which are made within the time period stipulated in the Government Instruction Manual.[+2 sentences] I do not think this is a laborious task as there exists technology that can be harnessed to generate such reports. One may ask what has this got to do with Parliament? In response, let me highlight what the UK Cabinet said in a memo issued in March 2016: “The right of MPs to take up constituents’ cases and other issues directly with Government is an important part of the democratic process and underlines the accountability of Ministers to Parliament.” Voters are maturing, more demanding, and very rightly so, in terms of what they can and should expect from all of us in this House.[+29 sentences] They are also discerning, attentive, rational and fair. They hold all of us up to high standards and see beyond political colours to the real impact we make on their lives. Not only that, the proposals that I have suggested will ensure that our constituents have access to such information to make informed political choices and decisions. Pericles highlighted the importance of an informed citizenry in the same speech I quoted from. He said: “Here, each individual is interested not only in his own affairs but in the affairs of the state as well. Even those who are mostly occupied with their own business are extremely well-informed on general politics… We do not say that a man who takes no interest in politics is a man who minds his own business; we say he has no business here at all”. That was 2,500 years ago and this passage has not lost its relevance. How do we know if we have succeeded as a people? The key test is this: are we proud of ourselves as a people, or do we hold what we have in contempt? Do we want to build upon what we have done, or do we want to tear down our structures and start from scratch? These are not false choices. They are hard questions which we need to ask ourselves because they will define us, not just for this political term, but for the rest of our lifetime. If we succeed, we would have built a democracy strong and imperturbable. Our politics may not be full of sound and fury. Chairs and fists may not fly in this Parliament – at least, I hope so – but our steady, even-keeled politics will ensure that we, as a nation, will be able to withstand fierce winds and firestorms and so secure our future. Mr Speaker, Sir, Singapore today is at a place and time where there is wide agreement on many principles, but a great contestation in the application of these principles. For example, we value multiculturalism but the process of achieving it must no longer be a matter of quiet tolerance but of open debate. This is not easy. There are many among us still not used to debate, let alone robust contest. There are many in the silent majority who have views not expressed on social media, but held no less strongly for that. There are those who prefer not to have to fight for our views but to hope that these views are self-evident. But I wonder whether this hope is in vain. Often, we take to “the streets” online, by setting up petitions on causes and let brute numbers speak in place of reason with no chance of reaching consensus or – using the words of the hon Leader of the Opposition – engaging in "reasoned conversation". This is a poor shadow of democracy. I think it is time that we – just like during Pericles' time – as a nation, set a social and moral code under which we should not flinch from actively defending our views and values and also understand an opposing point of view, and debate and discuss these views. We should do so respectfully with an open mind, always with the hope that the other side has something to teach us. In the end, whether we succeed in persuading one another to a common view or not, we would have built a stronger shared understanding and promoted mutual respect. In the end, if we agree to something, it is an active, not a presumed, consent. It is a process that grants legitimacy to our actions and makes our decisions binding. The President gave some valuable advice on how to live in what can appear to be very fraught times. She paints a new vision and exhorts us to a new mission: “The new generation of leaders and Singaporeans will have to form bonds and connections afresh…They have to continue to deliver effective and sound government, while accommodating the growing diversity of views. And they have to foster a more open spirit in our society, even as we strengthen the common cause holding us together as Singaporeans.” I thank President Halimah for reminding us of who we really are and for writing the first page of our new term.[+1 sentence] The rest of the book, we must write together, all of us in this House, and everyone outside. Once again, we, a people of many races, cultures and religions, all of us Singaporeans, must come together to find strength and common purpose.[+1 sentence] I support the Motion.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Ms He Ting Ru.
Ms He Ting Ru (Sengkang)2650 words
[+23 sentences]Mr Speaker, it has been more than seven weeks since Polling Day and over two months since the commencement of Phase Two of the circuit breaker. Like all Singaporeans, our team has been adjusting to the "new normal" in the age of COVID-19, while getting to know our residents and communities in Sengkang and Buangkok. Once again, we are touched that voters have taken a leap of faith in the Workers’ Party (WP) and are grateful for the opportunity to work together with everyone to make our home a better one for all. In between setting up Sengkang Town Council and conducting our groundwork, we have also been privileged to receive warm welcomes from residents into their homes, into their preschools, Senior Activity Centres (SACs) and other parts of their community, and also from the various agencies and teams who work tirelessly to serve the residents of Sengkang. Our friendships and partnerships have only just begun. Today, I would like to talk about the Singapore that we hope to build together. In the last two months, set against the difficult backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have seen much evidence of an "Engaged Singaporean", contrasting against the "Ugly Singaporean" label that we unfortunately sometimes hear being applied. We have been struck, time and again, by the experience of seeing residents from all ages and all walks of life banding together, looking out for one another and coming together to look after the more vulnerable in our communities, so that no one is left behind. Being engaged in our community is now a value that Singaporeans hold dear and they expect the Government to support this too. We are also seeing the Engaged Singapore in the emergence of a more discerning electorate. I often find myself being asked challenging questions about the WP team, about our work and our policy proposals. Deeper, more thought-provoking questions are also being asked of us, of society and of the Government’s policies. These two trends, taken together, mean that we must step up our own engagement with all levels of our community and keep discussing with and involving everyone in deciding Singapore’s future. We must recognise that everyone has something to add to the conversation and there is no one way to do it. Instead of relying solely on highly structured Singapore Conversations and Emerging Stronger Conversations, and Government-mandated or approved schemes, we should also look to more informal forums, such as coffeeshop walks, which the WP team has been doing. We have found that the informal nature of these has a frankness, directness and immediacy which has been invaluable in shaping our understanding of the issues. Our ground-up movements can also begin with a small spark and do not have to be only possible under the People’s Association (PA) and other "designated enablers". Instead, we have already seen some of these initiatives on the ground, with residents chipping in to start community gardens and small projects to look out for their neighbours. We hope to add to this by organising our own hackathons and town halls within Buangkok and Sengkang and working in close partnership with various organisations and bodies on the ground to ensure that residents feel a greater sense of community and ownership. The Government, too, must play its part in fostering an environment which enables a more Engaged Singapore – from our youth, workers and enterprises. Instead of solely thinking about competition between groups, we must learn how to come together to find shared interests and resources while, also at the same time, learning to disagree respectfully when differences arise. In this way, we can foster a stronger sense of solidarity, be it intergenerational, inter-societal or even inter-regional. This is not just about creating new schemes or another task force. Indeed, the Addenda to the President's Address alone contain mentions of around 12 maps and master plans, 24 committees, task force and networks, 32 centres and agencies, 32 schemes and programmes, and 24 funds, packages and grants. It is no wonder that people and enterprises are confused and often end up feeling demoralised and helpless when faced with problems. While we acknowledge that Singapore faces complex issues and appreciate that the Government and its agencies are working hard to address problems and issues faced by Singaporeans, surely there can be scope to simplify these grants plans policies and initiatives.[+2 sentences] This will ensure that we do not have to expend too many resources on just keeping a proper track of them all. It would also make for a much better user-centric experience. Indeed, my colleague, Mr Leon Perera, has previously spoken of the need for a unified portal for residents and companies to transact with Government and have better access to schemes that they are eligible for.[+5 sentences] The streamlining would also aid in tracking how effective and productive the schemes are. With this, I am glad that we all agree on the "Singapore for all" and that the Government has committed to strengthening social mobility and a society of opportunities for all. Change these days seems much faster. This has been made worse by the ongoing pandemic which has exposed our weak points and hit vulnerable members of our society harder. The number of residents who are struggling and require assistance appears to be increasing and we believe that this will worsen. To respond adequately, we must be willing to review some previously accepted norms and principles. It is a good start that we are now, like many other developed economies, finally recognising the limits and even failure of meritocracy. We must not let blind reliance on what meritocracy can achieve turn us into a harsh and unforgiving society, where the vulnerable are blamed for their plight for not being hardworking or talented enough to strive for a better life for themselves and their families.[+7 sentences] The expansion of programmes such as KidSTART and the increase in the Ministry of Education (MOE) Kindergartens is a good first step. How ever many programmes and task forces that we have, I believe that the real danger facing us now is the perception of the lack of social mobility and the presence of elitism. When I worked with my university's access schemes to encourage students from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply to top universities, we found that it was often a lack of belief and confidence that held many of these students back. Often, they showed great potential but it would never cross their minds to even put in an application as they felt they stood no chance. Even for those who do apply and succeed, this perception can also persist. I remember once speaking to a volunteer who came from an under-privileged background after obtaining a polytechnic diploma. He was successful in gaining admission, a place to read law at one of our local universities and was about to start a training contract with a prestigious firm. When asked if he was a sterling example of our meritocracy, he replied firmly that he was instead an example of tokenism.[+19 sentences] This reluctance to lean in is based on a certain perception of meritocracy, society's ossification, and something that we have to urgently address. One way is to encourage more existing university students and members of professions to take a more active role in speaking to and mentoring the next generation of applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds early on. They would be available to encourage them, to discuss their concerns and to guide these students through the recruitment or application process, and thus demystify some of the pre-existing notions that these students may have. Other ways of doing so include smaller class sizes that the WP has been calling for and deeper engagement between schools beyond the bonding activities that are currently planned. And we must remember that engagement is always two-way and there are always many things that we can learn from segments of society that are different from us. Next, I would like to touch on sustainability. I would like to declare that I work for a multinational corporation active in the global supply chain for natural resources and we have done much work in the sustainability sphere over the last few years. It is good that we now have a Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment (MSE). Climate change and environmental issues are important, but sustainability goes beyond this. We must also ensure that Singapore is a socially, economically and demographically sustainable. Mdm President and many Ministers have spoken about the need to strengthen our Singapore identity. This is a key factor in ensuring the sustainability of a harmonious society. Instead of berating Singaporeans for being xenophobic, we should instead really listen to their concerns and try to understand why they feel this way. We should also continue to involve more segments for our society, engage with them and empower them to take the lead in building our Singapore identity and future while, at the same time, involve more in integrating and welcoming newcomers. Economically, the COVID-19 pandemic has focused the world's attention on global supply chains and their vulnerability. It is good that the Government now plans to strengthen our food and essential supply chain security to ensure that we are not so much at the mercy of global forces that are mainly beyond our control. But the shock to supply chains goes beyond just food and consumption and has severe repercussions for the structure of our economy. It is a commonly held view now that the recovery from the pandemic, together with increasingly complex geopolitical tensions, will further accentuate shifts from truly global supply chains to concentrate manufacturing and production being moved to the continents or regions of end consumers. Trade patterns will correspondingly be affected, and Singapore needs to be ready. To deal with this and remain sustainable, our economy must therefore become more nimble and our education system needs to encourage inquisitive exploration and less rote learning in order to produce a workforce that is able to adapt to disruptive new horizons and opportunities.[+6 sentences] Environmental sustainability does not just have to mean costs and compliance. Like my colleagues who spoke before me, I instead see many opportunities for Singapore here. Some potential growth areas can include our move towards Industry and Supply Chain 4.0, by harnessing new technologies such as blockchain and Internet of Things, not only to develop expertise and helping companies and industries digitalise, but to use these new technologies to commit to a completely sustainable supply chain from source to final product. Such expertise can be developed by our enterprises and be exported to other economies in the region, as we set the gold standard for what true sustainability means. Similarly, I am pleased to hear of a stronger commitment to green financing and green tech which would also definitely benefit the environment. This too can be a growth area for our economy going forward. However, there remains a large gap between enterprises and access to green financing and technology remains challenging for SMEs. This is also reflected in green bonds forming just 1.4% of Singapore's total corporate debt market. Awareness of green issues, too, should start from a young age. We should look to the example set by a tiny town in Finland, which has managed to reduce its carbon emissions by half between 2007 and 2015.[+1 sentence] There, older students become green ambassadors and are responsible for guiding their younger schoolmates towards green and sustainable practices. As an added sweetener, if the school is successful in reducing its bills due to successful green practices, students are given unfettered freedom to decide what to spend 50% of the savings on.[+5 sentences] It is this type of youth- and community-led projects that we hope to be able to implement in Sengkang. Our changing social fabric and demographics have accentuated the challenges facing our care infrastructure. Having to adapt and thrive in a post-pandemic world has made it all the more important that we cohesively tackle this head-on. Failure to do so would lead to widening health inequalities and increasing burdens on households already struggling to get by. We must ensure that our care systems keep pace with evolving demands and that carers, especially those who undertake unpaid care and domestic work, are more visible and supported. The pressing problems faced by an ageing Singapore must first be tackled by further integrating our social, health and informal care systems.[+11 sentences] This will enable more seamless support for growing elderly population and people with long-term conditions who require care and support. This means joining up hospital and community-based services for physical, mental and social care needs. We would see greater efficiencies by breaking down barriers between services and focusing on growing our ability to provide care in our homes and communities. As care needs are complex, a fully integrated system would also result in less confusion and stress among family members struggling to cobble together – a care plan for loved ones. There should also be room for more innovative care solutions and infrastructure, such as situating elder and childcare centres within the same facilities, which has the added benefit of facilitating intergenerational exchanges and solidarity while also tackling the pandemic of loneliness. We must also consider our informal carers and integrate them into our care delivery system. These are unpaid workers are unsung heroes, like my mother, who have devoted their entire lives to providing care for those who need it, be it their elderly parents, children, grandchildren or family and friends who have special needs. Their contributions to our society are equal to any other wage-earning job, but unequally measured by traditional indicators of growth or value. Yet, informal and unpaid carers often end up being vulnerable themselves, as their care responsibilities often have a detrimental impact on their own physical, mental and economic well-being. We know that Singapore is not unique, and that unpaid work falls disproportionately on women. In addition, in the most vulnerable segments of our society, children may also be called upon to undertake domestic labour by being solely responsible for the care of younger siblings and doing housework, often at the expense of their own education and childhood. Yet, the magnitude of the issue is unclear, and we do not have a good idea of how this has been trending. We must therefore measure unpaid work to make it visible.[+2 sentences] Such an approach immediately recognises this work as being of tremendous value to our society and will be a first step in changing how we think about such work and in understanding the profile of these workers. Having better visibility and measures of unpaid work also mean that it is easier for our policies to pay more attention to inequality. In many countries such as South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, time use surveys are now a key part of the national statistics systems and these are conducted regularly.[+1 sentence] The US does an American Time Use Survey every year since 2003. In Europe, these surveys have been conducted since the 1970s and have continued with relative frequency across the region. It is significant that Singapore does not conduct such regular time use surveys.[+4 sentences] Regular measurements immediately recognise the work as being of value to our society and also give us an idea of how our policies have implicit effects on such unpaid workers and how effective other policies are in addressing the problems that they face. Indeed, countries such as Finland and New Zealand have made concerted efforts in measuring the scale of unpaid work which has resulted in policies that address the gender differential, for example, by providing adequate paternity leave. Mr Speaker, it is time for us to tackle this head-on so that we may understand more fully the full scale of this issue and to thus take steps to mitigate the impact on our personal, social and economic fabric. I support the Motion.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Hazel Poa.
Ms Hazel Poa (Non-Constituency Member)1359 words
[+8 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I welcome the President's message that there will be permanent shifts in our approach towards social safety nets. The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) believes that progress should always be accompanied by compassion and social safety nets play a big role in that. During difficult times, they are of even greater importance. The Government has introduced temporary relief measures to help Singaporeans and businesses cope with COVID-19. While Government support is essential, we should continue to exercise financial prudence in the utilisation of our Reserves. A significant portion of our relief packages goes towards the Job Support Scheme (JSS), which gives companies wage subsidies in an effort to keep jobs. It is a blanket measure that also pays companies that do not require any wage subsidy. Most companies in certain industries, for example, the technology and financial sectors, continue to do well. Several companies have returned the JSS payments, and the Government is urging all other companies that do not require this subsidy to do likewise. I urge a review of the unconditional JSS to explore clawing back JSS from companies that are still profitable, and companies that continue to pay million-dollar executive salaries, and re-channel these resources to where they are more needed, like unemployment support.[+3 sentences] It is too late to do anything about the JSS payments that have already been made, but we can impose conditions for the additional JSS recently announced. JSS for Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) should also be differentiated to underline the difference in the Government’s duty and obligations to these two groups. The first duty of any government is always to its own citizens. Despite our best efforts to stem job losses, according to the economic survey, employment decreased by 131,500 in the second quarter of this year. The COVID-19 Support Grant currently provides for cash payment of up to $800 per month for three months for those who have lost their jobs or suffered a significant drop in income. The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) expects the economy to shrink by 5% to 7% this year.[+5 sentences] Further job losses are thus expected. Under such circumstances, most will take longer than three months to find new employment. An OCBC survey this year found that 70% of the respondents did not have enough savings to last more than six months. In comparison, Government Reserves, though never revealed, is widely believed to be sufficient for at least eight to 10 years of Government expenditure. If my figures are wrong, I would be happy to be corrected. There is therefore a lot of room for adjustments in the balance between Government Reserves and household reserves. We need to enhance the COVID-19 Support Grant to offer financial assistance for a longer period of time.[+19 sentences] Otherwise, there will be much anxiety and pain in many families, which will in turn slow down our recovery. Another way we can help families cope with the financial stress caused by COVID-19 is to allow CPF members who have lost their jobs to borrow from their own CPF accounts. These loans can be repaid after finding new employment. The CPF system works well for many Singaporeans. However, for those who are experiencing financial difficulties, it can be very frustrating to see their own savings trapped in an account they are unable to touch to help them ease their current situation. The fact that these savings are being withheld for their future needs is scant comfort in the face of immediate distress. Coupled with the later withdrawal age and steadily increasing minimum sum, it is fuelling dissatisfaction or even mistrust in our CPF system. If we can allow ways for CPF members to rely on these savings in times of need, for their CPF savings to be a source of financial security at all times and not just in the distant future, it will help build trust in the system and provide a peace of mind. I would also like to suggest that the Government explore the option of indexing CPF LIFE payments to inflation, with the inflation adjustments paid by Government. To illustrate, if the monthly CPF LIFE payment is $1,000, and inflation is 2%, then the Government can top up the CPF LIFE payment by $20, which is 2% of $1,000. Based on current retirement age and life expectancy, there are approximately 20 years of retirement life that we need to plan for. Our CPF system is designed for individuals to be responsible for their own retirement needs. However, certain things are beyond our control, despite our best efforts. If the economy and wages grow rapidly over the years, then the wages earned in the early years would be too low to cope with the cost levels in later years. If inflation is rampant, then retirement funds saved up in the early years would be inadequate. Twenty years after retirement is a long time, and retirees are at the mercy of economic forces over which they have no control. So, while we do not want to purely rely on our younger generations to support the older generations, to expect every individual to fully fund their own retirement may not be a feasible nor realistic proposition for many. Even in our earlier asset enhancement approach – the idea of owning an appreciating asset that we can then sell to fund our retirement – that involved a transfer of wealth from the younger generation to the older. I would therefore like to suggest that the Government explore a hybrid system, where individuals build up their own retirement sums as much as they can, and Government steps in after their retirement to help them cope with the effects of inflation. Lastly, with all the current anxieties about losing jobs and incomes, let our people not have to worry about losing their homes. I hope the Government will grant further deferment of mortgage payments for households with members who have lost their jobs or suffered a loss in income, for up to December 2021.[+8 sentences] Mr Speaker, the President spoke about the dangers of an echo chamber in the online space. But echo chambers exist everywhere, not just online. I remember when I first entered politics and joined an alternative political party, I immediately experienced a marked change in my environment. Many with anti-establishment views sought me out to share their perspectives. People whom I already know previously became more forthcoming in criticising Government policies. My environment became decidedly more critical of Government all of a sudden. It took great effort to maintain my perspective, to remember that the world has not really changed all that much all of a sudden, but simply that people are telling me what they think I am interested in hearing. If I experienced such being just an opposition candidate, how much more must it have been for someone who wields power? Whether it is addressing issues of job security, saving jobs, creating new jobs, job discrimination, existential threats, strengthening social safety nets, national identity or retirement adequacy, everyone needs to recognise the bias of one’s echo chamber, that we view everything through filters.[+2 sentences] And the only way we can mitigate this myopia is to acknowledge that these filters exist. Like any investments, past performance is not a promise of future returns. Dwelling on past successes does not help us chart the path to the future. This pandemic is like a tide rolling out, exposing our vulnerabilities previously under the surface. We need to muster the courage to have an honest evaluation of where we are in the work-in-progress we call "The Singapore Story". We need to keep an open mind and be prepared to tackle sacred cows.[+4 sentences] Singaporeans are intelligent, believe in the core principles of justice, equality and the concept of sacrifice for the common good. These are pillars of the Singapore identity that we should continue to uphold. I am confident that we can all find the courage to step out of our echo chambers, listen to all sides without prejudice, and act without pre-set agenda, so we can collectively build the next chapter of The Singapore Story. Sir, I support the Motion.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Miss Cheryl Chan.
Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling (East Coast)2843 words
[+12 sentences]Mr Speaker, we are living in extraordinary times today. One that departs from our daily routine, one which calls for constant adaptation and one where we have no reference except to figure our own way to overcome the challenges brought about by COVID-19. COVID-19, however, will eventually pass. When that time comes, we will ask ourselves what we have learnt, what can we improve structurally to prevent fallouts that we see today and what we can do better than before. All these are valid questions, and we should seek to find the answers together as a country. In Mdm President’s Address, she highlighted the challenges we faced from COVID-19 to global instability that resulted in the issues ahead of us as a nation and how we can evolve as a greater diversity of views emerge and aspirations of each generation change. Some issues that now surfaced probably existed even before COVID-19, but quickly came under the spotlight when the natural order of things was disrupted, and everyone had to adjust to the new interim rules. For me, there are three areas which stood out, which I believe we firmly should have bolder change and further building of trust. First, the need to foster an open and collaborative spirit between the people, Government and the authorities. During COVID-19, we recognise the heavy dependence we had on essential workers who manage many aspects of our lives and keep our country going. During the circuit breaker, when landscaping works were unable to go ahead, the fields of grass and trees in the neighbourhood flourished abundantly. To some extent, some of my residents felt it is unkempt and must be immediately tidied once allowed to. In good spirit, some of my residents and community gardeners offered to do the grass cutting in case the overgrown fields may become sources of dengue cluster, which is another trend that we worry amid COVID-19. However, their kind offer was declined as there were concerns they may injure themselves in the process and there is no insurance coverage for them as they are not officially contracted essential workers. Further, the agencies were worried of the liability in case the community gardeners made claims against them in the event of any incident. While I can understand all this, I felt it is a pity that under such circumstances, our constraint is confined by the "business as usual" operating procedures instead of focusing on the outcome or community needs.[+6 sentences] If we take a look at the work nature of grass cutting and gardeners tending to designated plots of gardens, there is subtle differences and they probably hold the same level of injury if they were conducted in an unsafe manner. Looking at the larger scheme of things, such community effort is in fact commendable. It is not only a good sign of heightened social responsibility. It also opens an opportunity for the SG Together movement and for people to feel the sense of belonging and that they are valued individuals in the community. Another example is how projects involving collaboration can be lost in effectiveness when there is a lack of leadership and accountability. Citing a case in my constituency when a neighbourhood school turned into single session, it further heightened the traffic congestions in the area during peak morning hours. There was a possibility to trial a combination of different approaches to find a balance, where the residents living in the area could leave for work and parents could drop off their children and expeditiously exit without increasing the congestions within the area. However, when the agencies and schools came together to work on options, there was little breakthrough as each seem bound by their rule book.[+2 sentences] The issue still exists today. In my view, we need to break some imaginary boundaries and enable more effective cross-collaboration between the agencies and the public to achieve an outcome with speed, simplicity and accountability. When resolving community issues, we must depart from the mindset of “it is not in my backyard” and focus on the community that is affected. We have to empower the agencies and community partners, allow them to solicit external advice and resources if not found within the Ministries and open to pilot new and unproven methods without fear of violation, as long as the interest of the public and the community affected is being placed first.[+16 sentences] Without which, any strategy will only remain a paper strategy when it cannot be executed with tangible ground impact. Through this approach, we will develop the attitude of experimentation, learn and form new rules and build trust with each other at different stages. In time to come, we will better appreciate and value the fact that we do not simply ask for change but understand why the need for change and how exactly to change. Sir, on this note, I would like to raise the point on unemployment insurance and redundancy insurance which has been raised several times in this House. The idea is not new, and I understand that NTUC, too, has explored this as far back as the early 2000s. But in good times when employment rates are low, it is understandably hard for people to be willing to pay the premiums for such an insurance. Of course, in a more volatile future, this idea should be revisited. But first, we need to understand what we seek to address with such an insurance. For example, unemployment that is arising from structural skills mismatches may not be easily insurable. So, what are the costs that are involved, whom to pay, the willingness of the parties to pay them and the trade-offs that are tied to the proposal, all these have to be studied carefully. We need to be honest and upfront to see if the insurance can be effective and to understand if the math really works. For a crisis like COVID-19, the negative impact on the economy and jobs are wide and deep. How long will it take to recover? No one will quite have the answer now. Will an insurance alone sufficiently cover the needs? I do not think so. A crisis of this scale needs to have other aspects of immediate support, just like what is offered in the Budgets that we have had in this year, if we want to cushion the impact more broadly for the different individuals and the families that are being affected. So, I believe we do need to look at the additional options to strengthen the safety net for our citizens in the long run.[+3 sentences] It is even more relevant post-COVID-19 as the nature of jobs change, the movement patterns of people and businesses globally will deviate from the past and the geopolitical tensions will result in different business decisions. So, I suggest we look at solutions more holistically, on whether the proposed solutions aim to resolve the structural of fundamentals if they exist or whether they serve to complement and fill the gaps. At the end of the day, it is the people who need the help the most that we do not want to disadvantage. And through the process, we can ensure that the benefits are fairly distributed. And the second area, Sir, would be the need to expand our definition of merit and success, as I think it is a necessary step towards becoming an inclusive society.[+16 sentences] COVID-19 had brought out the best, the good and the ugly of individuals and society. Social media had enabled actually many thoughtful ground-up initiatives that strengthened the cohesion in our country during this crisis. But what truly made the difference are the people who stepped forward. Those who had the heart and those who cared enough to make us realise there is always someone or some other families who need the help more than ourselves. These kind-hearted souls put their skills to good use for good causes and rallied their family, friends and also strangers to join them. I am sure all of you felt the same as me – our hearts and spirits were uplifted each time we hear of all these heartwarming stories amid the daily numbers of infected COVID-19 patients being reported and announced. The fallouts and negative situations that COVID-19 brought about had actually set us thinking about the larger meaning of life, family, aspirations and social needs. For many of us, we have experienced so many firsts in 2020 that yet another first will not really surprise us. Despite the rumblings, I think we pulled through it, with the hope that COVID-19 will soon pass. But if we look deeper in our society, there equally exists many individuals who can barely survive this episode or are further disadvantaged against their own situation pre-COVID-19. Vulnerable seniors, families with little financial and support, individuals with special needs and people who are mentally challenged and stressed, these groups are particularly displaced in coping with the pressure and stress that is brought about by the external environment. Any impact to their livelihood, their living conditions and financial status will almost leave them hanging by the thread. While state resources had always largely been channelled to assist the vulnerable and the low-income groups, have we considered what other safety nets they require or what may make them feel more comforted in knowing that they are not left behind as Singapore progresses? I think Singaporeans are broadly shy to show open empathy and acts of goodness towards others. However, I am not surprised that many would have thought of helping someone else and doing something to ease their pain and burden if they are aware that someone is suffering or needs help. Why do we not begin to allow these, what I call "silent voices" and acts of kindness to surface naturally and be cheered? From crisis to rebuilding our lives post-COVID-19, we need more than financial aid. The emotional support that is offered and the ground-up initiatives may be unofficial, but they are necessary additional safety nets that will truly make a difference to people's lives.[+9 sentences] I say schools should acknowledge and reward children who look after other classmates, or co-help one another in areas to excel, depending on their own capabilities and taking care of others who are living in the community. Such self-initiated actions from the students are far more valuable than Values-in-Action programmes that is initiated or school-organised. We need to inspire, not calculate or rank, the spirit of volunteerism and acts of kindness. A points system to measure the efforts of one's contributions is counter-intuitive and is fair. If a student in school constantly helps another child who has learning needs and make him or her feel less isolated or different from others, I would say this child has learnt beyond the books and school and is a person that we should celebrate and be exceptionally proud of. It is not the scores or ranks that he or she has achieved, but the values and ability to pay it forward that we should celebrate. Over time, we will hear fewer conversations that children from disadvantaged families are unable to cope to have the same opportunities that they can afford tuition or extra classes. These children will have new starting lines and the ability to break the cycle of poverty as it begun on the day that their own classmates and those with more resources are already partnering them and helping them to get ahead in school or the community. Our society will have a chance to become kinder and cherish every individual for who they are, the values they stand for and recognise that everyone's abilities are essential in this country. Over generations, our measure of success surpasses that of examination scores, school rankings and, in turn, pursue the finer essence of life. And if I may just quote how Minister of State Alvin Tan has put this, he mentioned that this would be a real measure and true shift in the barometer that we measure success.[+23 sentences] I believe, by then, the stress that many face today will correspondingly reduce as our definition of success has more dimensions. It is multifaceted, it becomes less superficial and the fanatic race to a top single prize is no longer relevant as more people are champions of their own rights and causes. And lastly, Sir, how can we be more constructive moving forward? Often, we hear feedback that we need to strengthen our Singapore identity as we evolve and even more so now getting through a crisis. This begins from conversations between the Government and the citizens, which have been taking place over the years. While conversations and exchange of thoughts and ideas are a great starting point, I feel we need to deepen the understanding of perspectives that are raised and effectively listen without biasness from all parties. The assumptions used and basis in which policies are being crafted can be more actively shared during public consultations. And whether feedback have been considered, the reasons for implementation or not and new circumstances that may arise from the point of feedback and implementation, we require more flexibility to adapt as we implement. If the flexibility required does not exist today due to a need for compliance, how then should we change? The authorities to take the lead or the community and citizens to share the ownership of ideas and implementation? It is time we relook at our fundamentals and not take all feedback and requests as radical changes or criticisms. Processes do exist but constantly require fine-tuning or removal if it is no longer relevant for the times. But what we should not forego is the need to widely consult and gather diverse views from groups, big or small, and robustly review all options available at each point of time. Sir, next, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, COVID-19 has brought the world into a critical time. Plans cannot keep up with changes. People need to adapt and change in this uncertain environment. Only by doing this can we survive the adversities. COVID-19 will eventually pass. To learn and grow from these difficult times is critical for future crisis management and system reforms. In her Address, the President emphasised that the Government cannot overlook the diverse views and aspirations of each generation. Only when the development is balanced and holistic can the country grow in a healthy manner. I suggest that we make bolder reforms in the following areas. First, foster an open and collaborative spirit between the people, Government and authorities.[+2 sentences] We need to break some old mindsets and boundaries, create more collaboration opportunities between the people and Government and enable more effective cross-collaboration and platforms, so that we can achieve an outcome with speed, simplicity and accountability. Through this approach, we will develop the attitude of learning, form new rules, build trust with one another at each stage and create a Singapore in a new era. Second, expand the definition of success to step towards an inclusive society.[+2 sentences] Although the Government has always believed that we should provide more resources to the vulnerable and the low-income groups, have we thought about whether our existing safety nets are strong and suitable enough or have we considered the feelings of the recipients? After COVID-19, people will need not only financial but also emotional support. Additional safety nets will ensure a more secure life for people whose lives have been affected. We need to encourage and promote volunteerism more actively and include this into the assessment framework of a student's basic learning capabilities.[+9 sentences] Third, how can we forge ahead constructively? Conversations and exchanges of thoughts and ideas between the Government and citizens over the years are a great starting point. I think we need to deepen the understanding of perspectives raised and effectively listen from all sides. During public consultations, the assumptions used and the basis in which policies are being crafted can be more actively shared. We can then communicate with the people again after feedback has been considered and tell people the reasons for implementation and new circumstances that may arise. (In English): And in conclusion, Sir, this is an inevitable journey we must trod with determination and be inspired to share. Regardless of circumstances, the leaders of the time have to demonstrate leadership in order to gain the trust and respect of fellow Singaporeans. To build a more just, a more fair and a more equal society that is not just idealistic, but one where every Singaporean feels they are a valued member and a country that we can all proudly call our home. Depending on context, it can be a tango, waltz, hip hop or line dance, but this coordination and partnership is exactly what we need to keep the society and country going. I sincerely hope we will take this opportunity to move forward embracing diversity, partner one another in the spirit of putting the country first and taking steps in becoming an inclusive nation. And Sir, with that, I support the Motion.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Louis Ng.
Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang (Nee Soon)2916 words
[+8 sentences]Sir, four years ago, I gave my maiden speech in this House. I emphasised that we needed to become a more caring and compassionate society, that the heartware of this nation is just as important as the hardware and software. My focus on a caring and compassionate society will continue in my second term as an MP. I will speak up for a more equal and just society where discrimination becomes a thing of the past. I will push hard for an inclusive society without labels. Today, I will speak about how we can make our workplaces, schools and community more inclusive and how we need to remove the labels. The first label we need to remove is that of being a mother so that we can have more inclusive workplaces. "I cannot find a job"; many Members would have heard this over and over again from our residents. Our unemployment rate is at its highest level in a decade.[+20 sentences] In this economy, we need to do our best to help Singaporeans find new jobs. But some will find it harder than others. Women, in particular, will face unique struggles. Last month, a female resident shared worrying concerns with me during my market walkabout. She said, "I have just been to an interview. The human resources (HR) personnel called me a 'mother' before they even called me by my name. I am in the line of recruitment and such stories are a dime a dozen. My take is that the focus should be on whether we are up for the job. It should not be on whether we are a mother and then assumed that we are not able to do the role." Was this a one-off incident or a more widespread problem? I took to social media to do a public consultation and the results were alarming. Many more people shared about the bias they faced. One lady said, "I have faced bias because my daughter was under the age of one when I was applying for a job with a large corporation and they said that while I was extremely qualified for the role, they needed someone who could travel at short notice and was therefore unencumbered. Nobody asked me if I was willing to travel even with a young child. They just assumed. 'Unencumbered' also gave the impression that my child is a burden." Another shared, "I have been asked in an interview before if I am planning to have a fourth kid in future. The hiring manager said he is not a sexist but if he had to choose between me and a male candidate, he would choose a male candidate over me as I have three children." Even worse, another lady shared, "At a final interview with a local bank (with HR sitting in as well), they blatantly told me that I should not get pregnant if I were to take on the role." There are many more stories, and the numbers paint the same picture. Out of 255 female respondents to the public consultation, about half said they were asked whether they had or planned to have children at the point of recruitment. Over 60% felt they were unlikely to be hired and over a third felt they would be offered a lower salary if they had or planned to have children.[+2 sentences] The unfortunate reality is that study after study show that at job interviews and at work, many women are second-guessed for no other reason than being a woman and a mother. MOM's figures also show that there is a problem. On average, women earned $342 less than men for similar work.[+1 sentence] Our female labour force participation rate has stagnated for the past five years. Last year, it was 61%, far below the 77% for men.[+22 sentences] I know MOM is working hard to address this problem. But Sir, one of the main causes of this problem is the assumption that women are supposed to take care of the children. I saw this problem first-hand when we built the Oasis Water Park in Nee Soon East, which opened just last year. I made sure that the water park is family friendly. We have a nursing room, a nappy-changing room, hot-water dispenser, child-friendly toilets, the whole deal. But what I forgot was this gender stereotype. The builders installed the nappy-changing room inside the women's toilet. When I asked them why, they said women are the ones who change nappies. We managed to resolve this by installing a second nappy-changing station in the disabled toilet so men can help change nappies as well. And we men should. But these builders are not alone in thinking that only women take care of babies. Such an attitude makes it harder for women everywhere. Sir, I have two suggestions on how the Government can reduce this gender inequality. First, we need to legislate to make it illegal for employers to ask interviewees and employees about their marital status and whether they have or plan to have children. Our Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) guidelines are clear and state that questions related to marital status and family responsibilities should not be asked during an interview. But these guidelines are clearly not being followed. We really need to go beyond guidelines and follow the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, China and Hong Kong to legislate and make it illegal for employers to ask about marital status and child-bearing plans when hiring. Second, we need to legislate to give employees the right to access flexible work arrangements, which employers can turn down only for valid business-related reasons. This pandemic has given fathers more opportunities to be involved with childcare at home. It has enabled both men and women to feel they can contribute at work and home equally, and this change is good. We should legislate this flexibility to work from home, so that we can facilitate this change and help break the gender stereotype. Let me end this part with a success story that I am proud of. In Nee Soon East, Ziqing, our constituency manager was considered for promotion when she was pregnant with her second child, received the promotion to deputy constituency director when she was on maternity leave and took up the post when she came back from her leave.[+19 sentences] She was judged on her ability and competence, and I am privileged to have her in my team and for her to lead the passionate staff and volunteers in Nee Soon East. Our workplaces can be more inclusive, and our schools should as well. My second point today is about more inclusive schools and the label of being a child with special needs or, a more progressive term which I will use, a differently abled child. Sir, we have said that every school is a good school, and I believe that wholeheartedly. We need to make sure that every school is also a good school for differently abled children. I am glad we are abolishing streaming, which will encourage more social mixing across socioeconomic statuses in our schools. We need to work towards more social mixing with differently abled children, starting with our preschools. I met a group of parents with differently abled children last month. Their children were only five to six years old. They shared their worries about what would happen to their children when they pass on. Who will look after them? Will they be left alone and be abandoned by society? They have to think so far ahead, and I can see how worried they are. They are fighting hard for their children who have mild to moderate developmental delays, to enter a mainstream preschool because this helps their children integrate into society. Ultimately, they hope that when daddy and mummy pass on, they would pass on knowing that their child would be respected and valued members of our society. But the reality is they are finding it difficult to find preschools that accept their children. They face constant rejection, which does not help in the already difficult journey they are in. The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has worked hard to make our preschools more inclusive, and Mayor Denise Phua has spoken passionately about this. Sir, I have two suggestions to make. First, I hope the Development Support and Learning Support programme, which provides trained specialists, can be extended to all preschools rather than just some and extended also to nursery-level children.[+1 sentence] Such specialists provide in-class support to the mainstream teachers to integrate the differently abled children in various group settings. Second, I hope that as part of their professional development, all new pre-school teachers undergoing courses at the National Institute of Early Childhood Development (NIEC) are offered modular courses and top-ups that train them to support differently abled children in their classrooms.[+15 sentences] By supporting the integration of differently abled children, I hope we can make schools more inclusive. My third and final point is about an inclusive community. Sir, this pandemic has made people who are often invisible in our society much more visible. Our cleaners are now called essential workers. They put themselves at risk during this pandemic to keep us safe. They are labelled as cleaners, and worse and ironically, the people who give us a clean environment to live, work and play in are sometimes labelled as "dirty". Most of these cleaners are our migrant workers who do the work that many Singaporeans do not want to do. As Senior Minister Shanmugaratnam said, "It is because of foreign workers that 57% of Singaporeans have been able to become PMETs. They clean Singapore, they build our Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats, they handle our waste management, they form the base of our economy. And therefore, they are helping us build our prosperity." Sir, last year, I joined our Nee Soon Town Council cleaner, Hanif, on his trip back to Bangladesh to welcome his first child into the world. Our plans failed slightly as his wife delivered early and he missed the chance to be there when his son was born. He was already absent for the whole pregnancy. In Bangladesh, I saw first-hand how difficult it is for our cleaners to be so far away from home and so far from their loved ones. It was both a heartwarming and heartbreaking experience. Hanif has worked as a cleaner in Singapore for 14 years.[+17 sentences] In Bangladesh, I saw how much his family loved him and missed him. Hanif's wife, Tania, said, "Sometimes, I think, if he can come back to Bangladesh, how amazing that would be. I feel sad and I miss his presence. However, reality is very tough, so he has to work hard abroad for us. I have compromised and accepted this. Obviously, I feel sad for my son, that he will be deprived of his dad's love and affection." When asked how he felt knowing that his son may not see him for a long time, Hanif replied, "We are poor people and to survive we have to make these kinds of sacrifices." During that trip, I also invited all our Nee Soon East cleaners' families to lunch in Dhaka. We arranged for them to do a video call with their loved ones in Singapore. It was heartbreaking to see them cry as they spoke to their husbands, fathers, brothers and sons. I met our cleaner's, Mazibur, daughter who was seven years old and he has never met her. She has never hugged her father. I met Newton's daughter who was about a year old, and she too has never met her father, and it will be years before she meets him. To be honest, I felt bad that their daughters had met me before meeting their fathers. As a father, I cannot imagine not being able to meet my daughters for so many years. We should show a lot more appreciation to our cleaners for the work they do for us. I have three recommendations. For the past five years, I have been bringing our cleaners, both local and migrant, out for outings almost every quarter.[+4 sentences] I learnt this from Mr Speaker, when I was serving with him in Kembangan-Chai Chee. We bring them to explore Singapore to see a different side of our beautiful country that they seldom get to see. I see how much they value these outings. Many do video calls during the outing to share the experience with their families back in Bangladesh. My first recommendation is that Members of this House join us and organise these outings for our cleaners once it is safe to do so. My second recommendation is that Members will also help humanise our cleaners.[+2 sentences] In Nee Soon East, we have placed posters at every block to share who the cleaner for that block is and also their personal stories. I hope that residents will see them not just as a cleaner but as a person. My third recommendation is that Members will host more inclusive events, again, when it is safe to do so.[+19 sentences] In Nee Soon East, we had a beautiful barbecue party hosted by Hanif. Together with our cleaners and residents, we celebrated the birth of his son. Together, we celebrated as one Yishun family. Sir, I truly hope that we can remove the labels that we have created and be truly inclusive. These labels should not define who we are or our place in society. These labels lead to discrimination. Let me end my speech with an update. For the past three years in this House, I shared the story of a Singaporean sex worker. Her story was in my speeches on the Women's Charter (Amendment) Bill and the Massage Establishments Bill. I shared that, "She was only 19 years old when she became a sex worker and did this for four years. Her parents divorced when she was five years old and both parents did not want her. She was left with her grandmother who raised her. For her entire childhood, she was constantly reminded that she had no parents. I cannot imagine the impact that had on a young child. She did not do well in her studies and could not get into a polytechnic. She tried to enroll in a private polytechnic but did not have enough money to pay the tuition fees. She tried to get a bank loan but failed, as she could not find a guarantor. Not knowing where else to go for help, she ultimately entered the sex trade to fund her education." Many have discriminated against her as she was labelled a sex worker. Many did not view her for who she really was and the difficult journey she was going through. I am glad to share with everyone that she is now doing her diploma, and she proudly sent me the results of her first semester. She had scored straight "A"s for all the modules.[+22 sentences] If we remove the label and give her a chance, help her like any other person rather than discriminate against her, then like any person, she can succeed as well. Sir, last year, my daughter and I took part in the Giraffe Singapore Community Art Exhibition organised by the Central Community Development Council (CDC). I was invited to use a giraffe sculpture as a canvas to "share about any cause you would like to champion for or any related thoughts or ideas". My idea is a simple one. Sometimes, we need to view the world through the eyes of our children. So, instead of me painting the giraffe, my daughter painted it. Here is the description of the giraffe she painted that was published: "My five-year-old daughter Ella painted this. She views the world as a rainbow with colours mixing. There is beauty in looking at the world through the eyes of our children. They view the world without labels we adults created. Ella has been with me to help refugees, cleaners and many others. To her, they are not refugees or cleaners but simply, her friends. Children remind us that there is no us or them, only us, one human family connected in ways we sometimes forget." Sir, I am often asked which animal I resemble the most and I have always replied "a housefly", mostly because a housefly is very persistent and never gives up. Or, as my sister would say, I am as irritating as a housefly. Some people now say I look like a housefly, so I am glad and very humbled that Mayor Denise Phua has named me a "Giraffe Hero" for sticking my neck out for the common good. A giraffe is much cuter than a housefly and so I am very glad to reply to people now that I resemble a giraffe. Sir, I have spent the last two decades of my life speaking up and I will continue to speak up in this Fourteenth Parliament and stick my neck out for the common good. I will continue to fight for a more caring, compassionate and inclusive society, and one with a strong heart-ware. We are still in the midst of a pandemic, and it is our hardware and software that will save lives and livelihoods. But it is about being inclusive and our heartware that will determine whether we will get through this pandemic as One People, One Nation and One Singapore. Sir, I support the Motion of Thanks.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Carrie Tan.
Ms Carrie Tan (Nee Soon)2505 words
[+5 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I would first like to declare my interest as Founder and Strategic Advisor of a charity with Institution of Public Character (IPC) status in Singapore called Daughters Of Tomorrow. I rise in support of the Motion to thank the President for her Address. There are three key questions I would like to raise for this House to consider, as well as for our citizens to reflect on and contribute their views to, to help shape our policies. My first question: how do we maintain the fighting spirit of our people, maintain our unity, even as the loss of jobs puts increased pressures on families and make people feel like they have to compete for resources? I think the best way to do this is to change the way we think about welfare and social assistance. We need to first acknowledge that there could be biased assumptions in our current notion and perceptions of deservingness. We projected our gross domestic product (GDP) to shrink by 5% to 7% in 2020. Our unemployment rate is at 2.9% and it could rise further despite our best efforts.[+20 sentences] We will need to provide strong social support to those hit hard. This will require our social policies to be more generous. It also gives us an opportunity to evolve the existing narrative and notion of welfare recipients beyond having to be deserving and needy. COVID-19 has shown us that anyone can fall onto hard times. With global trade and economy being so volatile, we can now clearly see that the willingness to work is not the main factor that makes someone seek help. More often than not, people seek welfare because of many forces outside of their control. Mr Speaker, allow me to make a point in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): The Government's schemes are meant to help the people but, for some, the application process can be very frustrating. Take Workfare Special Payment, for example. Many low-income earners cannot qualify just because they have Medisave account arrears. Hence, they feel very frustrated. Is it because the schemes are not designed thoroughly or because public officers lack empathy? I do not think the problem lies with the frontline officers because their job is to do what is instructed to do. The Government should study where the problem lies and avoid unnecessary conflicts. What is meant to be “sending coals amid snow” should not end up becoming “adding frost to snow” and damaging the morale of public officers at the same time. (In English): While we support those who have lost their jobs with the usual practicalities of upskilling and employment matching, it is imperative that we uphold their dignity. We must maintain their self-esteem and we must upkeep their morale. Deputy Prime Minister Heng affirmed this in his speech on Monday. Hence, let us remove the shame of people feeling that if they resort to welfare, that it is because they did not try hard enough. If COVID-19 cannot convince us to be more compassionate and less judgmental in the way we help and support our people, what else can? When Minister Masagos made an announcement on 7 August that there would be an automatic renewal of ComCare for those whose support was due to end in the current quarter, I was delighted.[+11 sentences] This is a really good start. We can make more of such improvements to help reduce the anxiety, stress and erosion of self-esteem that affects many recipients of support. As my colleague, Mr Seah Kian Peng, also advocated, let us err on the side of being kind. I am certain our social assistance policies were designed to get people out of poverty and not keep them poor. But did we unintentionally create a perverse situation for people to stay poor because the system forces them to show us how needy they are before we can help them? The human spirit is intangible, and it is so important to preserve, especially in such difficult times. The cost to rebuild it is far too high. My charity, Daughters Of Tomorrow, was set up to help low-income women from challenged families rebuild their confidence in order to step back into the workforce. We intervene at the right time with the right measures without judging them. We incentivise effort and we reward progress. All these help us rebuild the spirits and revive the potential of hundreds of women. We put them and their family back on their feet. I urge this House to rethink our social assistance approach, from a “needs-based approach” to a “growth-based approach”. For a start, I recommend that we shift our language to stop referring to these families as “needy” families and start addressing them as “challenged families” to kickstart a mindset shift in our society.[+17 sentences] It might sound like semantics, but the choice of words can remove unhelpful labels and refocus our social assistance approach towards removing the barriers faced by these families who struggled. I also urge the relevant Ministries to create funding for individuals and social service agencies to reward effort and progress. We should reward individuals and families for making progress. We should also reward social service workers and officers for successfully enabling these families. I believe we can change the vicious cycle to a virtuous cycle. With compassion, empathy and the correct key performance indicators, we can lift the plight and spirits of our people, one person, one family at a time. My second question: how do we rebuild our economy to ensure equity while balancing fiscal sustainability? I believe the best solution lies in better harnessing the potential of women and allowing their talents and wisdom to shine, and to contribute better by reducing work-care conflict. During the General Election, I made a promise to my constituents that I would look after the sandwich generation of families and ease their stresses and burdens. I, myself, am a self-confessed millennial woman guilty of not choosing marriage and childbirth, not because I do not wish to, but because I am hesitant to. I grew up watching my mother be a tireless and self-sacrificing full-time homemaker. This gave me the unchangeable impression that a mother is someone who willingly takes on all chores in the household related to cooking, cleaning and taking care of the health and happiness of everyone in the family. As a 38-year-old woman with a career I find immense fulfilment in, there is no way I could see myself being a mother the same way mine was while continuing to advance in my personal and professional aspirations. Despite more and more women graduating from university with a degree, we still face the pressures and penalties that come with being a wife and a mother. All over the world, once a woman bears children and stays home to rear them for a few years, there is little chance, if ever, that her income can catch up again with the level she otherwise could have gotten. When her parents get old, again, she may have to give up her job to look after them, especially if they are in ill health. This then means she ends up poor in her old age, because she has not made enough income during her productive years to ensure that she can retire well. According to research by AWARE Singapore, women earn close to $550,000 less than their male counterparts, over the course of a standard 40-year career.[+1 sentence] As we already know, the low fertility rate in Singapore has serious implications for our society. Less people working means a shrinking tax base, while we face rising healthcare costs due to our ageing population. So far, measures such as the Baby Bonus scheme have not been effective in improving outcomes, as our birth rate remains far lower than our replacement rate at 1.14 in 2018, the lowest in eight years.[+3 sentences] I beg the House to consider that the root causes of women’s decision to delay marriage and childbirth have more to do with quality of life that is made worse by financial sacrifice. The lack of caregiving support, opportunity costs in career for women, as well as the increased stress in their lives are all barriers to women having more babies. As my colleague, Mr Louis Ng, spoke passionately about, if we do not remove these barriers, we have little hope of reversing the trend of low birth rate. The strategies I urge this House to consider and debate in the coming months are: valuing the unpaid care work of women; legislating adequate workplace policies to support working caregivers, men or women; facilitate easier re-entry back to work; and reducing the burden of care on women with upstream gender and care education in our schools.[+11 sentences] I look forward to discussing and debating these strategies in future Sittings. We need MOM, MSF, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF), as well as domain experts from civil society working in gender as well as the care sectors to come together. We need to ensure that the complex interconnections among employment, caregiving, domestic labour, healthcare and retirement adequacy are considered holistically from a woman’s life journey approach. Mdm President mentioned in her speech that we need more innovation in the ways we transform our economy and to create new livelihoods for our people. I believe if the Government also works with social innovators and entrepreneurs and focus on enabling women, we could see the rise of a Care Economy that creates economic activity and new jobs for our citizens, both men and women, while serving the care needs of our ageing population. The third and final question that Singapore needs to address is this: how do we cater for the aspirations of the younger generation while meeting the desires of our older generation for social cohesion, peace and stability? To do this, we first need to step out beyond ideologies, theories and frameworks, away from emails and keyboards, and into people’s lives, to truly understand how they feel and why they feel the way they do. My colleague, Ms Yeo Wan Ling, spoke about knowing people for the stories behind the faces and the stories behind their challenges. Related to gender and poverty is a larger conversation about discrimination in our society. For those of us who are privileged, whether by race, class, gender or education, we may not always notice that it exists. However, for those without such privileges, I have come to understand that it is ever present, seeping into their daily lives. Are we making enough and intentional effort to get to know their stories?[+1 sentence] Mr Patrick Tay spoke about hiring biases. And similar to Mr Louis Ng, some of the instances I have seen in my work at Daughters Of Tomorrow are the following: a pregnant job seeker in a dilemma whether to disclose her pregnancy to a prospective employer; a single mother being asked how she expects to turn up for work on time with four kids on her hands; a Malay or Indian jobseeker being turned away because employers prefer “Chinese-speaking” individuals for jobs that may not require this; a tattooed individual being turned away for a job at a childcare centre and a Muslim woman being asked to remove her headscarf to perform her customer service duties.[+1 sentence] Discrimination is real to minority communities, not just in daily life and social interactions, but also from people in positions of power over their lives. Recently, due to several notable incidents, our racial and religious harmony has been tested.[+14 sentences] Minority communities have spoken up again, with some in the majority listening with an understanding ear, but some not. As I, myself, am learning right now, sometimes I say and do things that come across as unwittingly hurtful to our minority communities. In the past, I know that I have held and maybe even perpetuated some of these biases without knowing better, but I am trying to learn from my mistakes and be better. I would like to extend an invitation to people like me – who are privileged in some ways – to expand our empathy to our minority communities and begin really listening to what they say and how they feel. I invite all of us to reflect on what are the biases that we have inherited from the society around us and how do such biases affect the way we speak to and treat our friends and fellow countrymen and women who are in the minority. Did we behave in ways that have been insensitive and unmindful that we should remedy? Outside of these, I would also like to extend a challenge to those who are passionate about working on these issues. Can we make our activism and advocacy more accessible? Can we explain concepts like microaggressions and intersectionality to our elders? Can we include our parents and grandparents in these discussions about equality and justice? I encourage our youths and others who are passionate to step up on these issues, not just on social media, but also in real life. Real life is where we build strong relationships. And we need strong relationships in order to have these difficult conversations. I am happy to share my experience from Daughters Of Tomorrow in empathy education with anyone keen to do this work. At the leadership level, I believe that the Government can loosen out-of-bounds (OB) markers and practise more tolerance.[+12 sentences] There are those who may not have the finesse to talk about such topics with the level of sensitivity that would be ideal. There are those who are well-informed and well-researched but may sometimes be hindered by passion and inexperience. I see and I empathise that our leaders bear the weight of Singapore on their shoulders. They bear the burden of protecting us, protecting our security, and protecting our stability. They have dedicated much of their lives and uncountable sleepless nights for the good of our country. It is a heavy cross to bear, but there is no need to bear it alone. The youths of today are passionate because they care so much for Singapore. Many have good ideas, and many are capable. It is now our cross to bear too. I have confidence that if we balance circumspection from the youths, with guidance and mentorship from the elders, we will find a sweet spot. A sweet spot of unity, cohesion and shared purpose together, across generations. I look forward to an awakening and participation of our people that stems from compassion and empathy and future discourse that roots itself in mutual respect. I look forward to enabling young people to step forward, to take on this mantle of nation-building work. I urge the House for magnanimity and forbearance towards the young and the dissenting, while we figure things together in all our messiness and diversity as one people, as we evolve a new social compact for Singapore, together.[+1 sentence] Thank you, Mr Speaker, Sir, I reaffirm my support for the Motion.
Mr Speaker39 words
[+5 sentences]Order. I propose to take a break now. I suspend the Sitting and will take the Chair at 3.30 pm. Sitting accordingly suspended at 3.14 pm until 3.30 pm. Sitting resumed at 3.30 pm
The Prime Minister (Mr Lee Hsien Loong)10491 words
[+12 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Motion. This year, we opened Parliament sooner than we usually do after a General Election, because we have urgent business dealing with COVID-19 and the economy. COVID-19 has caused a massive upheaval in our lives. After eight gruelling months, we have stabilised our situation. But it has taken a tremendous effort to get here. From the very beginning when COVID-19 hit us, our overriding consideration was to protect the lives of Singaporeans. Many countries talked about flattening the curve, the infection curve, of letting the disease burn through the population until herd immunity developed. But that would have meant many Singaporeans getting ill and perhaps thousands dying, especially the old and vulnerable. We were determined, right from the very beginning, not to go down that route. We did our utmost to contain the outbreak and keep Singaporeans safe. This meant mobilising all our national resources. We built up contact tracing and testing capabilities so that once we detected a new case or cluster, we could immediately isolate them and their close contacts, before they could infect others. Today, we can do about 20,000 laboratory tests a day and with pooled testing, that means we are able to test several times that number of persons.[+1 sentence] We expanded our healthcare system significantly. We more than doubled our our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity, in case we were swamped with gravely ill COVID-19 cases, like what happened in Wuhan, Milan or New York.[+1 sentence] We set up temporary community care and isolation facilities at the Singapore Expo, Changi Exhibition Centre, PSA Tanjong Pagar Terminal, old schools and SAF camps, where we could accommodate and treat patients with mild symptoms. In total, we created more beds than all our acute hospitals put together – all within a few weeks. To handle the migrant worker dormitories, where we had most of our COVID-19 cases, we mobilised the SAF and the Home Team. They did a magnificent job in the most testing circumstances – ensuring the well-being of some 300,000 migrant workers, taking care of their health and welfare and keeping them, as well as our general population, safe.[+7 sentences] Implementing the circuit breaker in April was a very big move. We knew that it would cause extensive social and economic disruption, and demand major sacrifices from Singaporeans. But we decided, Cabinet decided, we had to go ahead, to slow down the infection rate and get things firmly under control and buy us time. Fortunately, we timed the circuit breaker right and luckily, it worked. Each of these operations was huge, and all of them had to be done in parallel. Thanks to the heroic efforts of many unsung heroes, working quietly behind the scenes, we have got here today. Judging by the health outcomes, we have done well, so far. Our fatality rate and absolute numbers are one of the lowest in the world.[+54 sentences] New infections in our community are down to just a handful a day. Fewer than 100 patients remain in hospital. This has given us the confidence to re-open our economy and society – gradually and carefully. Of course, our COVID-19 response was not without shortcomings. COVID-19 has severely tested every government in the world. No country has been perfect in its pandemic response. Some have done better than the rest, like South Korea and New Zealand. But even for them, the fight continues, with new cases surfacing as they open up again. With hindsight, we would certainly have done some things differently. For example, I wish we had known earlier that people with COVID-19 were infectious even when they were asymptomatic, did not show any symptoms. Then, when we brought Singaporeans back home from all over the world in March, we would have quarantined all of them earlier, instead of only those returning from certain countries, so that the virus did not spread to their family members, or their colleagues and friends. And we would have tested all of them before releasing them from quarantine, whether or not they showed any symptoms, instead of assuming that no symptoms meant no infection. We would also have recommended that everyone to wear face masks sooner than we did. But at the time, we took the best available scientific advice. Once the World Health Organization (WHO) recognised that asymptomatic transmission was a major problem, we changed our policy and distributed face masks to everyone. We would also have acted more aggressively and sooner on the migrant worker dormitories. We knew that communal living in the dorms posed an infection risk. Communal living in any form poses risks – onboard ships, in army camps, in student hostels and nursing homes. We stepped up precautions. For a time, these seemed adequate. But then, bigger clusters broke out in the dorms, which threatened to overwhelm us. All this is wisdom after the fact. We must learn from these errors and do better the next time. But in the fog of war, it is not possible always to make the perfect decisions. Yet, we have to decide and move. We cannot afford to wait. The key is to watch things closely, learn from experience and adapt our responses promptly as new information emerges and as the situation changes. Because of the scale and complexity of our operations, there have inevitably been some rough edges. For example, now that we have cleared the dorms, we are helping the migrant workers resume work, especially in the construction industry. But this has to be done safely because the risk of cases re-emerging is still there. And it is a complicated exercise. I know we have made things more difficult and burdensome for employers, especially the contractors and sub-contractors. They have found it frustrating to deal with all the new rules, approvals and inspections, even as they try to get their businesses up and running again. But I hope they understand that we are doing our best to smooth things out for them and doing all this in order to keep our people safe. It is better that we make these measures work and get businesses to operate safely, than to suffer a new outbreak and have to shut down again. Overall, we have been able to deal with COVID-19 only because the Public Service, the political leadership, our businesses and the Singapore public have worked closely together, each doing their part and more. In the Public Service, the officials, Ministries and agencies have worked tirelessly, building new capabilities on the fly and stepping up to do things way beyond their normal scale or scope. Without a high quality, dedicated and adaptable Public Service, we could not have carried out all these major operations. The political leadership has also played a role to define the priorities, to make the major decisions, to direct the civil servants implementing the decisions, win public support for these measures and take responsibility for them, for example, whether to impose a circuit breaker, what activities to restrict, which businesses to keep open, whether to close schools or reopen them. We explained these decisions to the public at frequent press conferences, video addresses and in Parliament, so that Singaporeans understood what we were trying to do and what each of us individually had to do. These are the responsibilities of the Ministers and ultimately of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Without political leadership, the Public Service alone could not have done their job. Businesses came forward, also, to do sterling National Service. They put their people to work furiously on solutions, often going well beyond their business mission. They set up mask production lines, constructed Community Care Facilities, built up testing capacity, scoured the world for test equipment, test kits and reagents, and designed booths to swab patients safely and much more. Their contributions were a vital complement to what the Government agencies were doing. Our COVID-19 response also depended critically on Singaporeans working together and giving the Government their trust and support. They understood the need for tough and painful measures and complied with them. Many Singaporeans' lives have been severely affected, but they have borne the difficulties calmly and stoically. They had confidence that the Government would see them through the crisis and beyond. Many volunteered to take part in the COVID-19 operations, sometimes on the frontline, and also in the community efforts to help others through these tough times. I am very grateful for their cooperation and support. Their support will remain crucial as we continue the fight to keep Singaporeans safe. The situation is currently stable, but we must not let our guard down. A recent The Straits Times survey showed that almost half of the respondents were weary of the safety measures. The irony is that the more successful we are in keeping cases low, the more people wonder whether all these painful measures are necessary.[+6 sentences] I recently received an email from a university student. His socialising had been disrupted. He complained that our reaction to COVID-19 was “one of the greatest overreactions to a public health issue”. As proof, he pointed out that our hospital systems were far from overwhelmed. He said that, instead, we should let young Singaporeans “do us the service of achieving herd immunity”. You only have to look at the situation in other cities that have let this happen to imagine how this could have turned out for us. The COVID-19 virus remains as infectious and potent as it was before.[+2 sentences] This has not changed. What has changed is that we have taken measures and we have built up our capabilities to contain it. If we relax these measures now because the numbers have come down, we will have a resurgence.[+11 sentences] Just look at Europe and many other places in the world. COVID-19 will not be our last public health crisis. SARS was 17 years ago, in 2003. After SARS, we knew that, sooner or later, another novel pathogen would appear and pose a threat to humanity. We had H1N1, which was highly infectious but, fortunately, it turned out to be relatively mild. Then there has been Ebola, but we escaped it because it was confined mainly in some African countries. Next, there was the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) but, fortunately, that is not so transmissible and we have been lucky not to have had any cases here, although the Koreans had. They had an outbreak, they learned painful lessons from it and the lessons served them well when COVID-19 came. Scientists talk about Disease X being overdue – a new disease, unknown, that is highly infectious, deadly and mutates easily. So, when COVID-19 appeared, people asked whether this was Disease X. COVID-19 has been a disaster for the world, but it is not Disease X. It is, by far, not the worst new disease that can befall mankind. But it is only a matter of time before Disease X happens.[+25 sentences] So, we had better learn from COVID-19 on how to deal with a pandemic and be as ready as we can when a worse one befalls us. We should build up our resilience, instincts and preparations, so that when Disease X comes one day, we will be prepared. Even as we manage the immediate situation, we must look forward and prepare for life after COVID-19. As the President said in her speech, we are headed into a very different world. What must we rethink and reinvent, so that Singapore can continue to be successful in this brave new world? Members have touched on several topics already in this debate, including social safety nets and foreign worker policies. In times of economic uncertainty, it is natural for people to be anxious about these two issues. So, let me give Members my perspective and explain to Singaporeans what we intend to do in these areas. Then, I will talk about the future of politics in Singapore, which underpins how we will manage and respond to all these different issues. Let me start with social safety nets. Social safety nets are there to protect the vulnerable in our society and ensure that everyone has full access to opportunities to improve our lives. They also give people the confidence and assurance that if some bad luck trips them up in life, society will be there to break their fall and help them pick themselves up again. In our early decades of nationhood, we did not need extensive social safety nets. We had high GDP and income growth. Jobs were aplenty for a young population. The economy was buoyant and unemployment after the first few years was very low. If you lost your job, a new one was just around the corner. In fact, sometimes, people were happy to be retrenched because you collected your retrenchment benefits and then you went into a new job straightaway; get paid twice. So, we invested heavily in our social infrastructure – universal education, basic healthcare and public housing. This improved everyone’s standard of living and allowed all to benefit from the country’s progress. More importantly, it levelled everyone up, giving them the means to improve their lives through their own efforts. Now, we have moved into a different phase of development. Our economy is maturing and incomes are growing less rapidly. There is a higher premium on specialised skills and education. As a result, when someone loses his job, especially as a mature worker, it is harder for them to move to another job, especially across different sectors. Therefore, in the last 15 years or so, we shifted our approach and progressively strengthened our social safety nets. We introduced many schemes in these last 15 years – ComCare in 2005, Workfare in 2007 and Silver Support in 2016.[+4 sentences] These schemes, and many others, are targeted at the lower-income and those who have fallen on hard times. They supplement their wages and CPF contributions, so that the recipients gain both current income and also retirement security. As we expanded our social programmes, we have also extended the coverage of other schemes and subsidies beyond the lower income, to include middle-income households, too, for example, with preschool subsidies, and bursaries for universities and other post-secondary institutions, which almost all our students now attend. We also gave special support to our Pioneer and Merdeka Generations to help them see through their retirement years. Altogether, we now spend three times as much on social programmes every year as we did 15 years ago.[+1 sentence] These are all peacetime measures. But when COVID-19 hit us, they could not be enough. So, we implemented multiple emergency measures for COVID-19 – the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS), Self-employed Income Relief Scheme (SIRS), COVID-19 Support Grant and now, the Jobs Growth Initiative. We had to draw on our past Reserves to fund them.[+19 sentences] These are emergency measures; they are crucial for now. But they cannot continue indefinitely. We have to start thinking about what comes after them and about the level of social support we will return to after COVID-19 is over. In the "new normal", we fully expect more economic uncertainty and turbulence. And the longer-term trends of an ageing population and rising healthcare costs remain unchanged. So, we will certainly need to strengthen social support for our people, during and after their working lives. How will we do this? Several ideas have been raised, including in this House, on this debate. The Government is not ideologically opposed to any proposed solution. Our approach has always been pragmatic and empirical; make the best use of our resources to meet the needs of different groups in our society, in a targeted manner. Because if we help everyone equally, then we are not giving more help to those who need it most. Take, for example, older workers. Older workers are valuable and experienced. Having been in the workforce for longer, they tend to draw higher salaries than younger workers, but their skills may be less current. If they lose their jobs, they find it harder to find another similar job, particularly at the same pay, so they are at greater risk of long-term unemployment. Solutions, like unemployment insurance, can offer older workers transient relief, at best. But retraining and upskilling older workers will enable employers to continue finding value in them and to be less likely to make them redundant. And if the older worker does get retrenched, with these skills, he or she can find a new job more readily. This is a structural solution that helps older workers get their careers back on track and feel that he is making a worthwhile contribution. The best unemployment insurance is, in fact, the assurance of another job.[+10 sentences] Another group is the low-wage workers. They are the most vulnerable ones in our workforce. They worry about the day-to-day and how to make ends meet. They often feel stuck in their jobs while others around them seem to be doing better. We need to support them to improve their lives, so that they can catch up and narrow the gap with the rest of society. The Workfare Income Supplement has made a material difference to them, and we have been enhancing the Workfare scheme every now and again. In this downturn, we made a special payment under the Workfare scheme because we want to help those who are most in need and we do not want to put the burden on employers. The Government takes it on. The Progressive Wage Model has also helped them and we will extend the Progressive Wage Model, as you have heard from Minister Josephine Teo yesterday, to more sectors over time. The Government’s efforts, supported by unions and employers, have worked. Older workers are staying in the workforce longer and, over the last five years, real wages of our bottom quintile have consistently grown faster than median wages and that clearly shows that our approaches are working.[+11 sentences] But we know greater challenges lie ahead. We need to do more, and we are ready to do more. The question is: what more will we need to do and what is the best way to do it? We should take some time to assess the landscape after COVID-19 to see how things unfold and what specific problems develop. We must keep an open mind as we build and improve on the systems we have and consider solutions that can work in our context. It is not just floating ideas like minimum wage or unemployment insurance, but assessing their impact carefully. Who wins and who loses within the workforce? How will our SMEs or the public be affected? We must identify pragmatic solutions which will make a real and sustainable difference and give people justified assurance that, when they need help, they will get the help that is relevant to them. And it must not create new problems in the process, for example, by eroding our spirit of self-reliance. One permanent imperative as we think about new schemes is to keep our programmes fiscally sustainable. As a matter of principle, our social safety nets should be paid for out of current revenues. We should not draw down on what we have inherited, nor should we mortgage the future of our children.[+20 sentences] When our founding generation were building up our Reserves, they never asked themselves whether they had too much savings. We were in our early days of nationhood. Things were so uncertain, and no one knew what the next day would bring. Compared to today, incomes then were low. But it was never a question of how much Reserves would be enough. The question was whether we could steadily squirrel away a bit more in our Reserves, year after year, decade after decade, as protection for a rainy day. After several generations of frugal prudence, we have built up significant Reserves. And because we have taken such an approach consistently, decade after decade, in this enormous monster storm, we have been able to draw on past Reserves and fund our essential Budget packages and help people on a very big scale. The opposition says, "Show me how much we have in the reserves before I decide whether I support your Budget and tax plans. Let us have a look at the money". Basically, they are asking, "I have something in the bank already. How much of that can I touch?" This was not the attitude of our forefathers, the founders who were building for the future, but the attitude of inheritors who think they have come into a fortune and want to consume the fruits of their predecessors' labours. And this is fundamentally the wrong approach. How much Reserves are enough or too much? There can be no good answer to this question. The future is unknowable. We have no way to tell what may hit us from out of the blue. Just look at the last nine months. In January, before COVID-19, MOF was preparing Budget 2020, and we were quite confident. We thought we could meet our current commitments and put aside funds for the long term to offset the Goods and Services Tax (GST) increase and fund climate change defences and many other things and still expect to have something left over at the end of that term of Government to add to our past Reserves. But just a few months after that, we are down more than $70 billion.[+3 sentences] We have had to draw heavily on past Reserves to fund four, five Budget packages and explain to the President why this has been necessary. Therefore, we should not think of ourselves as inheritors spending what we have been lucky enough to be endowed with. Rather, we should take the attitude of founders, even though we may be the third, fourth or fifth generation in reality, but we should think of ourselves as founders for the future generations. Whatever Reserves we have, big or small, let us not think of touching them in normal times.[+40 sentences] They are our rainy-day fund, our 棺材本. In Chinese, it sounds better because it is a coffin fund. Every year, we live within our means and whenever we are able to, we add a bit more to the rainy-day fund, to make ourselves a bit more secure for when it really pours. And that is the way to build Singapore for the long term and secure the future for our children and grandchildren. A second area that we will review is our foreign worker and work pass policies. Minister Josephine Teo spoke about these yesterday, but I want to give my take on this too. This is not a new issue. But in an economic downturn, this issue becomes sharper. It is the case not just in Singapore. All around the world, anti-foreigner sentiment is on the rise because people are feeling worried and insecure about their futures. Many Singaporeans are feeling anxious and pressured about their jobs. Their sense that foreigners are competing with them for jobs is palpable. Some feel unfairly treated when they see foreigners replacing them or taking up good jobs ahead of them. These feelings are completely understandable. Singapore is a small country. Our population is small. It is not growing very fast. Soon, it is going to level off. To grow our economy, we have no choice but to top up with foreign workers and work pass holders. And yet, we cannot throw open our doors, just throw open our doors, nor have we done so. We only have three and a half million Singaporean Citizens and half a million Permanent Residents. In Southeast Asia, there are 650 million people. In Asia, China and India alone add up to nearly three thousand million people. All can potentially come in, many would love to come. Without tight controls, we would be overwhelmed. And that is why we have our foreign worker policies. They help us control the inflow and ultimately, ensure that the foreign workers who do come in add to the workforce in Singapore, rather than substitute for them and benefit Singaporeans rather than hurting them. How we control the flow depends on the type of foreign worker. At the lower levels, we have got work permits and we use a mix of levies and quotas – we call them dependency ratios – to directly control their price and quantity. It is a rough and ready approach, but it helps us deal with the large numbers and limit them effectively. In the middle levels, we have the S Pass. It is not just a matter of numbers, but we also want to look at the quality because the S Pass are competing with people who are graduating from our polytechnics, diploma holders and slightly above that, and we want to make sure that there is a balance. So, the S Pass still has levies and quotas, but we also impose other requirements on minimum salary and qualifications. Then for the upper levels, the professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs), we have the Employment Pass (EP). Here, the key issue is about controlling the quality and making sure the people we bring in are those who are able to contribute to Singapore. So, we have been using salary benchmarks as a proxy, along with other qualifying criteria. While the perception of foreign competition is sharper during this downturn, actually, both the EP and S Pass holders have been coming down since COVID-19 this year. But we still have to make adjustments to our work pass schemes because there is now more slack in the job market but also because, over time, the education levels, capabilities and incomes of our local workforce have gone up. More Singaporeans are now ready and available to take up PMET jobs. And, in fact, more have done so. The proportion of PMETs in the workforce has grown steadily from 40% 20 years ago, to close to 60% now, today.[+4 sentences] And the purpose of the EP scheme is to top up at the higher end of these PMET jobs. Therefore, we need to tighten the EP qualifying criteria. And that is why, at the lower levels of the EP holders, the proportion of Singaporeans is higher and at the higher levels, the proportion of Singaporeans is slightly lower because we are deliberately bringing in EP holders who are at the higher level and can contribute to us. It makes sense. But we need to tighten the EP qualifying criteria, and this is what we have been doing. We raised the EP entry floor from $3,600 to $3,900 in May this year. And MOM just announced last week a further tightening to $4,500, with a higher floor of $5,000 for the financial services sector. We are raising the S Pass salary floor too.[+9 sentences] We have to pay attention to market conditions and adjust at the right pace, but this is the correct long-term direction. But I know Singaporeans are not just concerned with the macro overall numbers but also, at the micro individual level, they are also concerned about fair treatment, that Singaporeans are being considered fairly for jobs, promotions or when it comes time for retrenchments. There is no comfort in knowing that the total numbers are not too many, if personally, we feel that we have been discriminated against at the workplace, or that the EP holder working beside us somehow has an inside track because of old school ties or some other personal connections. And that is why we have the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) where Singaporeans who feel unfairly treated can seek redress. We also have the Fair Consideration Framework, which we are tightening further as you have heard. And we are working with unions to make sure any retrenchments are done fairly, and no company is retrenching a Singaporean only to fill the same post with a foreigner, without very good justification. The Government takes this issue of fairness very seriously. In evaluating EP and S Pass applications, we take into account whether the employer has kept up support of local PMETs in their employment and has been responsive to Government efforts to help them recruit and train more Singaporean PMETs or conversely, whether the employer has discriminated against qualified Singaporeans. This has always been the Government policy, but we particularly want to emphasise these considerations now, in these uncertain times, to remind all employers to play their part in building up their Singaporean workforce – the Singaporean Core. One specific red flag is when we see a company that has an over-concentration of a single foreign nationality in its ranks, especially when compared to other companies in the same sector.[+13 sentences] This concentration, if it is unchecked, can cause social resentment and workplace problems. It makes it harder for the company to blend into and be accepted by our multiracial society. They stick out; it is a lump unable to be digested or integrated. It suggests that the company has not really taken root in Singapore. It can cause problems within the company too, because employees of other nationalities – Singaporeans or others – may find it harder to fit in, take pride in their work, and see a future for themselves in the firm. Therefore, when that happens, we ask the firm to please relook at their hiring practices. Most companies are responsive, and work with us in good faith. In fact, many global companies understand that a diverse workforce is to their advantage and have explicit HR policies for this. The issue of concentration can be easily played up and we know that there are some people who are stirring this up. For example, a Facebook page posted a wefie of DBS CEO Piyush Gupta with a room full of Indian employees last September. It was captioned "Eyesight test: Find a Singaporean or Chinese in this DBS photo". The picture resurfaced recently and went viral, which just shows that during tough times, this subject is more neuralgic. Last September was a different world. Many people took offence, and got worked up and berated DBS, flamed them.[+2 sentences] But it was fake news. Why? That picture was taken in India, where DBS had opened a new office, not in Singapore.[+16 sentences] The person who put up the post surely knew this, yet he irresponsibly misused the wefie to insinuate that DBS in Singapore was not being fair to Singaporeans. And the damage was done. The Government will always be on the side of Singaporeans. What is the point of creating jobs for foreigners if it does not benefit Singaporeans? Why would we want to do that? Ultimately, our aim is to grow the economy, create good jobs for Singaporeans and raise our standards of living. Foreign workers and work pass holders help us to achieve this. By being open to talent from all over the world, we create more opportunities for ourselves. Singapore has succeeded by being an international hub, tapping talents worldwide and serving a global market. So, even as we adjust our work pass policies, we must be careful not to give the wrong impression that we are now closing up and no longer welcoming foreigners. Such a reputation would do us great harm and we have to watch this because we are being watched. The Financial Times had an article just a couple of days ago to say Singapore, the mood is changing, we are turning inwards. There had been articles in the South China Morning Post a few months. There are articles circulating on the Internet. The grapevine buzzes and we have to do the right thing for ourselves, but we must also avoid sending the wrong signals to others. It may surprise you, but even in this depressed economic climate, where some companies are consolidating and laying off workers, many investment projects want to come to Singapore. In fact, this year, the Economic Development Board’s (EDB) pipeline is higher than their pipeline was last year.[+15 sentences] And there is a reason for this. All over Asia and in the world, societies are under stress and politics is in flux. In places where investors already have regional headquarters and projects, they are rethinking the merits of their locations and looking for alternatives. Because the situation changes. You set up your headquarters there. There is some political shift. You look at the sky. It does not look the same as before. You will start thinking, "Where can I go?" Investors starting new projects are also anxiously scanning the globe, searching for the right place where they can safely make a commitment now. Companies are seeking a safe harbour, where the politics is stable, there is rule of law, the people are hardworking and united, and where the country will come through the pandemic safely and have a bright future. We take no joy in the troubles in the world, but it is a fact that in a troubled world, Singapore is one of the few trusted countries that stands out. And we must guard that reputation zealously. Indeed, EDB and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) tell me that many companies have expressed interest in coming to Singapore. Some projects you would have heard about. For example, Hyundai Motor has just announced plans to set up a major facility here to undertake research and development (R&D) and develop future mobility technologies.[+2 sentences] But there are others yet that have not been announced or are still under wraps, are being discussed and are hopefully on the way. I cannot tell you these confidential discussions, but I can give you a small peek. For example, a pharmaceutical company is planning to build a facility in Singapore to manufacture vaccines.[+7 sentences] Another company specialising in pandemic risk insurance wants to set up shop here. These are opportunities which are directly coming out of the crisis. We want vaccine plants here so that we can get access to vaccines when they are available. We want to build up our financial sector and pandemic risk insurance is now something on peoples' minds, and they are looking for a safe place where they can put their insurance company. And Singapore is in the running. Do we want to turn them away? There are other companies which are coming to Singapore or looking seriously at coming to Singapore. Several Fortune 500 firms are considering moving their regional headquarters here because of political uncertainties elsewhere.[+13 sentences] Major financial institutions want to grow their operations in Singapore too, and these include IT and operations; backroom operations. And we look at them, they are good projects. We will study them. We are conscious that IT is one of the areas where we worry about an over-concentration of foreign work pass holders. But when you get a good project like this, an IT centre for a major foreign bank, a major global bank wanting to come to Singapore, and therefore going to recruit a proportion of Singaporean IT professionals and other management staff, should we say no? They see good prospects in Singapore. They see us as a stable base to work from. We want to talk to them to see how they can fit in here in Singapore to create good jobs for Singaporeans. But for them to come here, they must feel welcomed and be allowed to bring in the talent that they need. Because we do not have the full complement of specialist engineers and other expertise for all these types of work yet. And also, regional and global headquarters, by design, need to draw talent from around the world and to be run by international teams. That is the nature of a regional and global headquarters. The companies which have headquarters run by all one nationality – the Japanese used to be like that – they did not thrive. The American companies which had headquarters with people from all continents, they did well and they could adapt. They had the feel of different markets and they could fit into different cultures. And if we want good companies to come to Singapore, we must be prepared to have them come and to bring to Singapore that constellation of talent, to be able to operate out of Singapore and manage activities and locations all over the world. They will employ Singaporeans too, but they cannot be staffed by Singaporeans alone. Once these companies establish themselves here, more Singaporeans will be able to take advantage of the opportunities they create, pick up the skills and knowledge and rise up the ranks.[+21 sentences] This is how we have always done it. For example, pharmaceutical companies began to invest in Singapore 20 to 30 years ago. They started by building manufacturing plants. Later on, as these facilities grew, some of the pharma companies set up regional headquarters and research labs, like GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). GSK's site director is Lim Hock Heng, a Singaporean. He joined GSK in 1992, nearly 30 years ago, as a production engineer, picked up skills and knowledge from his foreign colleagues and rose up the ranks. Today, Hock Heng runs most of the Singapore sites, which manufacture key GSK products for the whole world. In other words, it is a drug which belongs to GSK and Singapore is the one place in the world they are making it and exporting it around the globe. Another example is from the financial services. In the late-1980s, Singapore was recovering from a major recession and trying hard to grow our financial centre. Several global banks came to Singapore, including Citibank. They had no shortage of staff to choose from, with tens of thousands of employees globally. But they hired Singaporeans, including Susan Kwek, who had a polytechnic diploma in Computer Science. They saw her potential, groomed her, rotated her through several operations and technology roles, here and in the region. And, today, Susan oversees operations and technology for Citibank in Hong Kong. There are many more Singaporeans in senior positions in semi-conductors, oil and gas, and IT. If we had not welcomed these companies in the past and encouraged them to bring in global talent, Hock Heng, Susan and others would have been deprived of these opportunities. Would we have been better off? But it is not just global companies that need foreign manpower. Local companies also need global talent to grow and develop. Our SMEs need skills, knowledge and expertise that they may not have in Singapore, for example, to develop an external wing and to move up the value chain. And, by doing so, they too, create good new jobs for Singaporeans, besides promoting entrepreneurship and making it easier and more attractive to start companies in Singapore. So, the economic benefits of our foreign worker policies are very clear.[+6 sentences] But there is a more fundamental question which we have to ask ourselves, and that is, what sort of society, what sort of people do we want to be? We have always been a people open to the world, welcoming others who can add value to our society and bringing the best out of us. This is our history and our ethos, from our beginnings as an open port and an immigrant nation. The Bicentennial last year reminded us of that. This generosity of spirit gives our society and economy, vitality and resilience. It has made Singapore the exceptional, cosmopolitan city that we are today, plugged into the global economy and making a living by making ourselves valuable to the world. We may be under stress now, but we cannot afford to turn inwards. We will adjust our policies to safeguard Singaporean jobs but let us show confidence that Singaporeans can hold our own in the world.[+46 sentences] Social safety nets and foreign worker policies are just two of the many difficult issues that we will have to deal with, as our society matures. We will study them carefully and, of course, debate them thoroughly, including here in Parliament. The Government will lead this conversation with Singaporeans, build a political consensus around the right solutions and move us forward. Whether we succeed depends on how well our politics work. Singapore has achieved a high degree of political consensus on many of our social, political and economic issues. This is one major reason for our rapid progress and one major benefit of the People’s Action Party's (PAP) dominant position. But our society is not static. Each new generation of Singaporeans is more educated, more connected to the world and surer of themselves. Their attitudes and aspirations change too. They desire more diversity, alternative voices and checks and balances. This trend is not new. The desire has always been there, but it is growing. In the last General Election, many people voted for the Opposition, while fully expecting that the PAP would remain in power as the Government. In fact, the Workers' Party (WP) campaigned on this platform, if I am not mistaken, seeking to form a strong Opposition, but explicitly not seeking to form the next government. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean told me that on the second last day of the General Election campaign, a middle-aged lady came up to him, a little agitated. She asked him, "Mr Teo, is it true? My friends tell me it is okay to vote for the Opposition. Because the Government will still be in charge. All the programmes the Government has promised, they will deliver – MRT, upgrading, new facilities, polyclinic. So, do not worry – all the things will still get done and that PAP will work even harder for you. You get everything they promised, and two persons working for you instead of one." She was very perturbed and asked him, "Mr Teo, is that true?" Her question really was, "How can this be true?" It troubled her profoundly that she did not know how to rebut the argument, yet, in her heart of hearts, she knew instinctively that something was very wrong. The PAP will respond to these social and political trends, as we have always done. We have not stayed on top all these years by being static, but by adapting to our evolving society and changing needs. We have been assiduous in our leadership renewal. Each new generation of PAP leaders has developed their own leadership styles and their own policy priorities. They have created their own bonds with their generation of Singaporeans, to be in sync with their mood, to win their trust and support, and develop new ideas that resonate with them. Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his founding generation of leaders governed Singapore in a direct, no-nonsense way. It was necessary and appropriate at that time, and Singaporeans then strongly supported Mr Lee, although today's Singaporeans would probably consider the style hard and uncompromising. You read the old speeches, the directness and the force of the language, it makes you sit back and say, "Could we say that today in a different way?" The truths are the same. The presentation has to change with the zeitgeist. Mr Goh Chok Tong and his team had a different touch. His approach was about bringing people together and building a societal consensus on the next lap of Singapore's growth. It was a contrast to Mr Lee's approach, but it was appropriate for his generation of Singaporeans and Mr Goh made it work. My team and I are not like Mr Lee, neither are we like Emeritus Senior Minister Goh’s teams. We found our own ways to engage with this generation of Singaporeans. We have gone through many ups and downs together over these last 16 years and adapted and changed policies to meet the new needs of the population. And, by now, I think Singaporeans all know what I am like and how I work. They have always given me strong support and together, we have taken Singapore another step forward. My successors will have to do things in their own different ways too, establish their own standing and build their own bonds with the next generation. The 4G leaders have been doing this for some time. They are conducting the SG Together conversations now. They want to accommodate this growing desire of Singaporeans not only to be heard but to be involved. In Parliament, with a stronger Opposition presence, I expect the tone of the debate to shift. PAP Ministers and MPs will have to raise their game, be prepared for sharper questioning and defend the Government’s policies and decisions while speaking up for their constituents. They also must be prepared for more substantive debates and engagement with the Opposition. I hope the Opposition will also step up, go beyond asking questions and criticising the Government’s proposals, which is part of their responsibility, to go on to put up serious proposals and ideas of their own to be examined and debated and, if found meritorious, adopted, to show that they are willing and able to play their part as a loyal Opposition.[+6 sentences] For our part, the Government will take an open and constructive approach. And let me explain what I mean by this bland term "open and constructive approach". On the specific details of policies, we can be quite relaxed about it. We will be open-minded, and we will listen to the different voices. We can try different schemes and solutions. We will take in all constructive views and perspectives. But we, of course, have to make sure that the discussions are supported by facts and logic, and informed by our context and experience. But if it is a major issue which concerns the fundamental interests of the country, the Government cannot wait passively for a consensus to form.[+2 sentences] We will still have a full discussion, in fact, probably an even fuller discussion. But at the end of the discussion, if there are still different views, the Government will have to make the decision it judges best and take responsibility for it. Having been elected to govern, we must govern.[+39 sentences] It is the Government’s duty to make such decisions and to be accountable to the people for them. So, discussion is fine, but discussion must lead to action and, finally, if it is an important issue and we are not yet entirely at one, the Government has to decide, we shall go. And in the end, we put it to the voters. The voters have to decide; do they support this, or do they want something different? That is on issues. But politics is not only about issues but also about power. And if the issue is not policies and priorities but a challenge to the Government’s fitness to govern, then the Government will have to stand up and defend itself vigorously. It must put down the challenge and prove that it deserves to be the Government. Because, otherwise, it must step aside and let another team take over. This is how the political system is supposed to work. We have a Westminster style of democracy, modelled on the British and adapted as we have gone along with it. It is adversarial by design. In Parliament, the Leader of the Opposition sits on the opposite front bench, directly opposite the Prime Minister. That is why Mr Pritam Singh is there, sitting opposite me. He is not there as a supportive cheerleader, helping the Government to perform better. He is there to challenge the incumbent Prime Minister and the Government, to point out their faults, to highlight where the Government has fallen short and to keep chipping away at the Government’s and the Prime Minister’s credibility. And so, at the next General Election, or sooner if the opportunity arises, the Opposition can knock the Government out of power and take its place. I am saying this not as a criticism of any political party in Singapore or anybody in Singapore, but I am saying this as how the system is designed to work. In the British House of Commons, you have seen Jeremy Corbyn as the Leader of the Opposition taking on David Cameron and later, Theresa May, during Prime Minister’s Question Time. He was not very successful at this, which is why he is no longer there. Now, the new Labour Party leader, Sir Keir Starmer, is doing his best to show up Boris Johnson and to make his own name in the process. In the Australian Parliament, Question Time for Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his predecessors happens every day when Parliament is sitting and often lasts for more than one hour. Every encounter is a gladiatorial contest. Lots of drama and theatre and prepared soundbites. The wittier and more contemptuous, the better. The British or Australian Prime Minister has to stand his ground, defend his government’s policies and maintain psychological dominance to show that he deserves to be the Prime Minister. If not, members of parliament on both sides will sense it and so will the public, and this will influence election outcomes as well as leadership contests in their parties. In today’s Singapore, the tone of our Parliamentary debate is less combative than in Westminster or Canberra or, indeed, than how the Singapore Legislative Assembly was in the early 1960s, when the Barisan Sosialis was a formidable presence on the Opposition benches. Our political traditions have developed differently since then. Speeches in the Chamber are more substantive, with less verbal fireworks. The Opposition is generally more restrained in its style of questioning. Sometimes, their questions sound like questions which could have been asked by PAP backbenchers. And, no doubt, it helps that they know if they take a more strident tone, Ministers are on top of their briefs and will be more than capable of taking them on. But that does not stop them from trying their hand and their luck from time to time, and Mr Low Thia Khiang was particularly skilled at this. I listened carefully to Mr Pritam Singh on Monday, describing how he intends to perform the role of Leader of the Opposition. I applaud his tone and his approach. The Government benches will do our part to work with him to keep Parliament a constructive forum for debate. I believe that it is good to have an adequate number of Opposition MPs in Parliament. It keeps the Government on its toes. It shows the public that the Government has nothing to hide and will answer all questions, however awkward. And that is why we increased the minimum number of elected Opposition MPs in Parliament to 12 and why in this Parliament we have two Non-Constituency MPs (NCMPs) from the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) to top up the 10 from the WP.[+19 sentences] But that does not mean that the more Opposition MPs and the more fiery the debate in Parliament is, the better. Or that the tone of our political debate cannot change for the worse. The adversarial dynamic that is inherent in the Parliamentary system can go wrong. We all hope that diversity will make a hundred flowers bloom. But how do we prevent diversity from producing polarisation? How do we make sure disagreement does not result in paralysis? It has happened in so many other countries. Politics permeates every issue. Every subject becomes partisan. Even public health issues, whether to wear a mask or not, becomes a partisan issue. If you wear a mask, you are a Democrat; if you do not wear a mask, you are a Republican. This is my side and that is yours. There is no middle ground, only sides to take. There are no truths or facts, only different versions of reality — facts and equal standing, alternative facts! Politics becomes toxic and bitter. The country is divided and goes into a downward spiral. If this happens to Singapore, we will not just cease being an exceptional nation. It will be the end of us. We must not go down this path. At the most fundamental level, to make our politics work, both the Government and Opposition must share an overriding objective – to work for Singapore and not just for our party or our supporters. Our debate must be based on principles and facts and guided by shared ideals and goals.[+2 sentences] MPs must speak up for what they sincerely believe in. You are elected not just to repeat what you have heard others say, but to think on behalf of others and to make arguments which make sense, which will benefit the interest of the people you are representing and of the voters who elected you. But to think for yourself and not just to be a mouthpiece. We must be in politics in order to protect Singapore’s security, grow our economy and secure our future.[+2 sentences] If we do that, then there is a basis for us to manage the inherent tensions in our system and for politics to work out productively. Ultimately, what sort of politics Singapore has depends on Singaporeans themselves. Because they have a vital responsibility to engage in the public discourse, to send the right signals at the ballot box and to reward political parties that do the right thing and deliver for the people.[+2 sentences] The standards they demand of political leaders, PAP and Opposition, will influence the quality of the political leadership and the level of discussion and debate in Parliament. They will determine whether our politics enable us to thrive and prosper, or divide and destroy us. Speaking for the PAP, we have a special responsibility to make our system work and provide the leadership that Singapore needs and deserves.[+21 sentences] It is a responsibility that the PAP carries, but no other political party in Singapore shares, to make our system work. And let me explain why. The PAP is inextricably linked with Singapore’s founding, its history and development. We built this place together with Singaporeans. It was Mr Lee Kuan Yew and the PAP who pledged that Singapore shall forever be a multiracial nation on Separation Day itself and made good on that pledge. It was Dr Goh Keng Swee and the PAP who decided on National Service and built up the SAF into the respected force that it is today. It was Mr S Rajaratnam and the PAP who penned the National Pledge and strived to live by it every day for the last 55 years, and counting. These are among the reasons why the PAP has won every election since Independence. Singaporeans have trusted us, and we have never let them down. Last week, Ms Sylvia Lim posted a beautiful picture on her Instagram of herself with Mr Low Thia Khiang, Mr Png Eng Huat and a few others. They were dining al fresco after the Opening of Parliament at what looked like a rooftop bar near City Hall. It was a vivid picture. Behind them, you could see the National Gallery, Raffles Place and part of the new downtown in Marina South, brightly lit and spectacular. In the caption, Ms Lim wrote: “What a skyline”. I thought to myself, "She has paid an enormous tribute to the PAP Government and to the people of Singapore"; my predecessors as well as my colleagues in the current Government and generations of Singaporeans who worked with the PAP Government to make this happen. I do not think she intended it and, therefore, I appreciated it all the more. Together, we did make this happen! How politics and Government work in Singapore is quite unique. We have put enormous emphasis on the quality of government – the public service as well as the political leadership. We have gone to great lengths to recruit the best people we can find to enter politics, join the Government and serve Singapore. This quality of government, coupled with the trust and support of Singaporeans, enables us to deal with problems rationally, comprehensively and effectively. Jean-Claude Juncker, who was Prime Minister of Luxembourg and, more recently, the President of the European Commission, said this about European politics and politicians: "We all know what to do; we just do not know how to get re-elected after we have done it." But in Singapore, the PAP Government has been able to do the right thing for Singaporeans – sometimes difficult and hard things – and still get re-elected.[+2 sentences] Sometimes, we have paid the price in the vote, but overall, we have continued to win elections. And therefore, the Government has been able to think long term, well beyond the next General Election. We have no incentive to kick the can down the road because down the road, we will very likely meet the can ourselves again. Therefore, we make plans over 50 to 60 years, or in the case of climate change, 100 years.[+23 sentences] As a result, the country progresses, Singapore benefits, and the PAP continues to win elections, so far. It is a virtuous, self-reinforcing cycle. This model has worked well for Singapore. Once broken, it will be very difficult to put back together again. Several years ago, I made a trip to a former Communist country in Europe, quite a big one. A distinguished business group hosted me to dinner, serious-minded people interested in Singapore and some of them knowledgeable about Singapore. They asked me how the Singapore Government operates, and how we have made Singapore succeed. I gave them my usual answers – our strong anti-corruption stance, our long-term planning and our unremitting efforts to promote social inclusion. My hosts looked at each other in amazement. They shook their heads. They chattered away in Russian. Several countries speak Russian! They were familiar with how the politics in their own country worked. To them, what I described was completely unimaginable. Surely, it cannot happen in this real world! But it happens here in Singapore, and every one of us thinks that it is just normal. But even in Singapore, it is not normal at all. It is the result of sound politics, hard work and the will to put together, pull together and make Singapore a success. It is path dependent. We have come this way; we have kept it like this. It is like being in the Garden of Eden – things are going right, they stay right; you leave the Garden of Eden, you cannot go back. Can it continue to work like this? With more diversity and contestation, can we keep our focus on the long term and plan and build ahead for Singapore? How long can Singaporeans vote for the Opposition in some constituencies, in the expectation that somehow, somewhere else, their fellow Singaporeans will ensure that the PAP is returned to power?[+1 sentence] Can we continue to get good people into politics to maintain the quality of our Ministers and MPs, and make things happen for Singapore, if more and more citizens prefer the PAP to form the Government and yet vote for another party’s candidates to be their MPs for diversity, for checks and balance? At what point does a vote for a strong Opposition become a vote for a different government?[+5 sentences] Is it really true that one day if there is a change of government, a new party can run Singapore equally well because we have such a good Public Service, as Mr Pritam Singh suggested on Monday? It is just like saying, if you have a New York Philharmonic orchestra, anybody can be the conductor. These questions have no easy answers. In the nature of politics and of human societies, things can and do go wrong. Each successive generation of Singaporeans has to keep on doing its best to keep the system working right. The PAP feels acutely its special responsibility to keep on doing its best for Singapore and to keep Singapore working in this unique way.[+1 sentence] That is our sacred mission. We will do our utmost to persuade good men and women to enter politics, to take over the torch and lead the next generation forward. We will fight hard to win the hearts and minds of Singaporeans and win every vote and show Singaporeans that the PAP continues to deserve their support and trust.[+18 sentences] Of course, there is no guarantee that even under a PAP Government, Singapore will forever be successful. The world is not quite the same as it used to be. Our streets and our skies are quieter. I received a foreign visitor recently. She said she felt sad when she came through Changi Airport. It used to be bustling, crowded and full of life. Now, it is deathly silent. When Changi Airport first opened in 1981, it was a coming-out party for Singaporeans of that generation. We were so proud of it. When someone was flying out, the whole extended family would come to Changi Airport to see him or her off and, at the same time, take pictures with the trishaw display and the water features. I remember it fondly; I suppose it dates me. It was a dream come true. Over the years, we expanded Terminal 1, and built Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, and now Terminal 4. We built Changi up into the best airport and home to the best airline in the world. Then, we conceived and built Jewel. When Jewel opened, Singaporeans took immense pride in it. I showed it off in my National Day Rally last year to demonstrate what we are capable of and explain why Singaporeans can look forward to limitless possibilities for our nation. But Jewel too went dark during the circuit breaker. Forty years of building up our airport and airline, COVID-19 came and all of that suddenly came to a halt.[+12 sentences] So, what now? We have survived many life-and-death crises before. Singapore was born from crisis. We did not know whether we could survive after the Separation and the British withdrew East of Suez. We rode through major economic storms like the Asian Financial Crisis and the Global Financial Crisis, not knowing if we would sink or swim. But each time, we did survive and actually came back stronger. Each time, the dire circumstances became the occasion and the platform for ambition and daring. And each time, we transcended ourselves and built again. We should fight COVID-19 with hope in our hearts because there is a silver lining. This searing experience will help a whole new generation of Singaporeans appreciate and treasure what we have and what makes us an exceptional nation. We are here by dint of will and imagination. In defiance of all the odds and of all those who said we would not make it, we did. As in all the previous crises, COVID-19 will be the occasion for us to do better, emerge stronger and become more united.[+7 sentences] Do not doubt. Do not fear. Jewel will shine again. Changi will thrive again. Singapore Airlines will be a great way to fly once more. Our economy will prosper anew. Our children and our grandchildren will continue marching forward to build a fairer, ever more just and equal society.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Pritam Singh.
Mr Pritam Singh (Aljunied)1118 words
[+5 sentences]Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the Prime Minister for the address. Thank you. I have a few clarifications and I will start with the first one – the framing of suggestions that the Opposition puts forward about the use of the Reserves. And I think it is important. When we talk about the Reserves, we are not talking about raiding them. It is about slowing the growth slope of the Reserves.[+3 sentences] So, the principal is not touched. And there is nothing unusual about this because the PAP does it too. How so? In 2015, this House, including the Members of the Workers’ Party (WP), we agreed to include Temasek in the Net Investment Returns Contribution (NIRC) formula.[+32 sentences] Does that not reduce the growth of the Reserves? It does. So, the argument cannot be that when the Opposition tries to put that proposal forward, somehow, we are engaging in some sort of chicanery to steal what previous generations have toiled and perspired over to bring us here. When we look at alternatives, what are we looking at? Healthcare, ageing. For the same Singaporeans who worked hard, toiled hard, and are now in their retirement years who have some difficulties, questions of intergenerational equity come up. And that is the context through which some of these proposals are put forward. We have asked for numbers. I believe in the last term, Deputy Prime Minister Heng said no, this is a secret weapon; you do not reveal these numbers. But this House, this platform, provides us the opportunity to do so, if not in session, in Committee. And yes, there is Parliamentary privilege, but I am prepared to give up my Parliamentary privilege if I divulge those numbers. Then, I will have to be taken to task under the Official Secrets Act. So, why are we doing this? We are doing it precisely because we are looking for alternatives to better consider the welfare of Singaporeans. The Prime Minister spoke about the social media post of Piyush Gupta and, obviously, it was posted with completely mala fide intentions. But similarly, when an issue is not framed accurately and the Opposition is made to look like charlatans, surely, we have to stand up and say, no, that is not the agenda. So, I hope that clarification is helpful when we talk about Reserves and why those numbers matter to us. The second clarification deals with the anecdote the Prime Minister shared about a lady who spoke to Senior Minister Teo and that choice, that difficult choice, she had to make about, "There will enough people voting for the PAP, they will be the Government. But there are also people who are saying two-for-one". This is an old issue. It has come up before in previous elections. And there is another side of the coin – that is one perspective. There are conversations that Opposition MPs hear: "Mr Singh, why is it that when new citizens go to the Community Clubs, the elected MP is not there? Is the elected MP, who is an Opposition candidate, not part of this larger political firmament? Is that not unfair?" And there are other questions too and these have come up as well. More recently, I put up a post about restarting the Meet-the-People sessions and a pro-establishment Facebook page goes on and says, "Hey, look at them, trying to engender sympathy from the public by doing MPS at the void deck". And, of course, people come up to me when I go on the ground and walk the markets. They say, "Mr Singh, is it true? Actually, the Government says you can build your own offices." I said, "That is true". The position changed in 2011. The position prior to 1991, HDB built offices for everybody, every MP, including Opposition MPs.[+19 sentences] And then, they stopped in 1991. Why did they stop? Because the argument was there was a competing need for void deck space. Even though in the later Parliamentary sessions, that number is only 1%, I understand, that was dedicated for that purpose. And then, in 2011, the position changed. And so we have to deal with some of this reality as well. Poor understanding, call it what you want of the situation; people feeling that there is something inherently unfair and so, when they say, "I want the PAP in the Government, but I also want an Opposition," they are giving voice to the situation many Singaporeans actually feel, which is, "We want that an Opposition in this House! There must be an Opposition in this House!" So, my duty and the duty of my colleagues is to be responsible about our role. It is not easy. We come under pressure to from our own supporters too. But as the Prime Minister rightly said, I think we owe our loyalty to something larger. And we will do our best by Singaporeans, and if we are not good enough, we deserve to be voted out. And that is how the system should work. The Prime Minister referred to a point I made about the political system and whether it would still run and so forth. Well, these are not just my thoughts. I refer the Prime Minister to the unofficial biography of the PAP which was published by The Straits Times Press, if I remember correctly. In it, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, our first Prime Minister himself, says this and I quote, "At the end of the day, if you are running the system properly, you must have a distinction between what is the party, what is the Government, so, if you are voted out of office, the machinery is there for the next party to take over. So, although we do not have much of an Opposition, we keep the system going, so that at any time the party is out, the Government, the Parliament, the Civil Service will be there. The Police, the Armed Forces will carry it through.[+4 sentences] It is not going to collapse". Mr Speaker, Sir, when my colleagues and I joined the Opposition cause, we did not have heady dreams of becoming Government. It is certainly not me. Why did I do this? I believe in an Opposition in a Parliamentary democracy.[+5 sentences] It is not going to happen with people just hoping someone else does it. Somebody has to plant his flag in the sand and say, "I am going to do it". And then, it is the duty of myself and my party colleagues, to make sure that the people who are onboard do their very best. This is my commitment to Singaporeans, and this is my commitment to the Prime Minister as well. Thank you.
Mr Lee Hsien Loong1447 words
[+5 sentences]I thank the Leader of the Opposition. On Reserves, I am not arguing on the technicalities of percentages, drawdowns, NIRC and so on. I am going on a basic principle. That our mindset should be: what is a rainy-day fund, what is my daily expenses, and I meet my needs. We do draw from the rainy day fund a certain stream of income to spend. We thought this over carefully and we debated this in the House. We agreed upon a rule which we felt was a fair distribution between the present and the future generations – which is that, of the expected earnings, half will be taken to be spent, half will go back and be reinvested and will be for the future. We made that decision knowing that there would be ups and downs, knowing that one day, we would be short of money, knowing that we should stick to this for quite a long time and not revisit this as soon as we need money.[+2 sentences] Mr Singh says we are not talking about bringing the Reserves down. But, as you know in financial investments, there is no certainty about Reserves going up. It can come down for any number of reasons. We may have to draw on them, like we did this year.[+22 sentences] It can come down because the markets can come down and bring the value of our investments down, despite our best management of GIC or Temasek, as it has happened from time to time. And there is a balance of risks, which we have to accept. And then, there is a fundamental mindset. What are you depending on for the future? What is for now? And I suggest that our mindset should be that what I have planned for the future, I think of as only touching them in extremist. On Monday, when Mr Singh spoke about trade-offs and difficulties, he said, yes, he knows that there is more spending which is necessary, there are old folks, there will be trade-offs and we can raise income taxes. He did not say GST. But he is prepared to raise income taxes. Well, these are political judgements which you have to make. But finally, you have to be able to spend what you are able to earn. I suggest that our fundamental mindset should be that we pay our way forward. And we do not depend on another little bit from the Reserves, another little bit from the Reserves, another little bit from the Reserves; each time, I am not really compromising a principle. I am just getting a little bit more pregnant. I suggest that is not the way we should think as a generation. We should be thinking for the future for the next generation, and I am, as their founder, I want to help to provide for them. That is a mindset which has brought us here and that is a mindset which will serve our children and grandchildren well. On Senior Minister Teo's anecdote and Mr Pritam Singh's arguments, his arguments do not respond to the anecdote. Because the basic point is this: whatever happens, there will be Opposition MPs elected to this House. It is assured by our Constitution. It has worked out and the Opposition has been making use of this system. The WP in the last election had NCMPs, the PSP in this term has NCMPs. There will be Opposition in this House, to hold a party to account and to hold the Government to account. So, if you think that the Government is doing the wrong thing in terms of MPs' offices, in terms of MPs and the community centres, by all means, vote the Government out, put a new government in, change the government and change the policy.[+2 sentences] But, if you say, "Vote against the Government because somebody else will look after getting the PAP Government", you just become a free rider. If you vote Opposition, "No harm, the PAP will still be there", then I think the system must fail. Because the system can only work if people vote sincerely and honestly in accordance with what they really want and to produce a result which matches their true intentions.[+26 sentences] If they vote tactically, the consequence must be, one day, they will get the result which they mark the "X" for but which they did not intend. I think that is a wrong thing to teach people to do. You go to the elections, you vote for the person whom you have trusted in, who will run your system and who will run your government. Our system is designed so that if you do that, it will be stable. If you do not do that, I think you are courting trouble. I can understand why Mr Singh, as Leader of the Opposition and not in a position yet to challenge the Government, would like to make this argument; that the PAP Government will be there, do not worry, you can safely vote for me, I am not going to be the next Prime Minister. But I put it to you that that is not the right thing to do morally, and it is not the right thing to do for Singapore. Thirdly, on the system still running, he quoted Mr Lee Kuan Yew and, indeed, we have designed it to the best of our ability so that if the PAP is out of government, it shall not collapse straightaway. But let me just ask you whether you really believe, that if this team, that the PAP, one day, hands over to a new Opposition party, the system can work the way it has been working? Yes, you can keep it flying. There is an autopilot, you can fly straight and level for some time. There are countries where the political system continually produces revolving-door Cabinets. Japan, for a time, was like that, before Mr Abe became Prime Minister a second time. Every six months, they have a new Prime Minister, a new Minister for Trade and Industry and so forth. The country did not collapse. Did it do well? No. When Mr Abe came in, and I think this time he was eight to nine years in government, eight years; and got the team together and set directions, the country moved. So, to say that the system is such that with civil servants, the SAF and so on, therefore, it does not matter who is the government, I think that is not being honest. In that case, we can dismiss all the Ministers, they can go on leave, you do not need Ministers, and anybody can be a Minister. But you need to run a system which is finely tuned and capable and you need a very capable hand at the top. The Ministers are not just presiding. The Ministers are executive. They are running the Ministries. They are expected to know all about the Ministries, every in and out of the policy. When he comes here to answer in the Committee of Supply or in case there are Parliamentary Questions, he does not refer to his Administrative Vice Minister, which is what the Japanese have or, in our equivalent, would be the Permanent Secretaries. He must master and explain it. And when he runs the Ministry, he must decide what the contents are, what the direction is, the details; and if necessary, override the officials and decide on the direction.[+1 sentence] That is how we have done COVID-19. That is how the Ministerial Task Force has operated – long discussions, all views heard.[+1 sentence] Finally, the Ministers must decide and, from time to time, the decisions are not what the staff consensus come up with, because there are other factors, partly there are political factors, but sometimes, because the Minister must exercise judgement and take responsibility. The staff did not recommend the circuit breaker.[+2 sentences] We discussed it in Cabinet. There were many pros and cons. I said better think about this carefully, do not make a seat-of-the-pants decision; go back, sleep on it, work out the proposal, work out another proposal, 30% more draconian; come back day after tomorrow, come back tomorrow morning, talk about it, discuss, decide.[+1 sentence] Cabinet decides. It is a big decision, $5 billion dollars of Supplementary Budget.[+1 sentence] Civil servants and the elected can make this happen, can carry this. If the new government comes in, can it know how to do this and have that feel and that trust and that confidence of Singaporeans as well as their officials as well as investors and everybody else watching us?[+2 sentences] Anybody can make it happen? I think that is not in this world.
Mr Pritam Singh608 words
[+42 sentences]I thank the Prime Minister for the responses. Just two points. The first one about the free rider. I do not think the residents in Aljunied, Hougang for 30 years now and even Sengkang, as a result of the results of the last election, would appreciate being called free riders. They are not free riders. The residents of Aljunied, I can speak more authoritatively for Aljunied residents because I am a sitting Member there, we are not just doing nothing, having been voted in. We are not just letting the other guy, the government of the day do something. We have got to do what we have to do. We have got to run the Town Council, which is why Mr Lee Kuan Yew conceived of the Town Councils in the first place. Because if you want to move forward in the system as an Opposition MPs, you have got to prove your worth in the Town Council. And we have had growing pains. I am not going to deny that. But if we were bungling things up, I would not be here today. My team would not be here today. We have tried our best in the circumstances that we are in. The Sengkang team is not going to have an easy time. For the first term, it is always going to be tough. But the voters of these constituencies put their faith in us because they know an opposition in Parliament is ultimately good for Singapore. And it is not just – and if I can suggest this – it is not just the NCMP version of the opposition, with full respect to everyone who was an NCMP in this Parliament and those who came before, but it is when you have elected Opposition MPs, the Government listens harder. And that means something to people. That is my view. I am sure the PAP may have a different on it, but that is my perspective. And that is why it is important for there to be elected Opposition MPs. The Prime Minister alluded to a dishonest sort of packaging of what I am suggesting. The bigger moral imperative that I have, and it is a huge burden, and I felt this burden before the last elections, was whether the people who are standing as WP candidates could follow through. That is the heaviest decision. That is the heaviest burden I have. And if you choose someone who is not committed, not vested, that is the biggest pain for me as the leader of one party that aspires to represent Singaporeans in Parliament. So, I will have to do what is good and what is right by Singapore. Looking for the best people. Do I want to contest all the seats, more seats, slowly grow? A lot of it depends on the quality of people that come and are attracted by the WP and our platform. If Singaporeans are attracted to it, then sure, there is a prospect of growth. But it is not growth for growth's sake. I am not desperate for power, Prime Minister. But we have got to get good people if we want to bring this country forward. The PAP has been doing that as the Prime Minister has alluded to. At this point in our growth, we have to grow our roots as a loyal Opposition. After more than 50 years of Independence, this is the first time the Government has recognised the Office of the Leader of the Opposition. We have many, many more miles to go. But we are not chasing a destination. We intend to do right by Singapore.
Mr Lee Hsien Loong483 words
[+8 sentences]I appreciate Mr Pritam's explanations. I am in no way undervaluing his motivations, his passion and his desire to do right by Singapore, his wish to have a high-quality Opposition built up in Singapore. I understand that. I think it is good for Singapore that you have honest people in the Opposition, people who believe in what they are trying to do and people who will stand up and fight for their ideals. And from time to time, agree very strongly with the Government. I think that is entirely reasonably. I think it is also good that you have Opposition who take their Town Council responsibilities seriously, who look after their constituencies assiduously and conscientiously and do their best for their voters and give the voters a reason to vote for them. I think it is entirely reasonable. But I would say however, if you stand and you tell people, "Vote for me, I will be a better MP than the other one, the PAP MP", I think that is entirely reasonable. But if you say, "Vote for me; somebody else will vote for the PAP and therefore the PAP will be the government", that the economists will call a free rider. It means that you are taking advantage of somebody else who is doing the duty of electing a government for the nation. And you are not doing your part expressing your true views and preference as a voter whom you want to be the next government. And if everybody takes that attitude, then you are going to end up with a government which you do not want.[+11 sentences] Because the argument which he makes is that he is very careful, he only chooses candidates he can trust to be WP candidates. I think I will give him that. It is the right and responsible attitude to take. But I think other opposition parties may say they have been trying to get good candidates too. And they could make the same argument as you have, that it is good to have an Opposition in Singapore, "Vote for us. Somebody else will look after the government of Singapore". So, supposing that the PSP had been as persuasive as Mr Pritam Singh, and the Singapore Democratic Party had been as persuasive as Mr Pritam Singh, and more voters had taken such an attitude, where would Singapore be? Is that the right outcome for Singapore? So, therefore, something is wrong when you say I really want one government, but I will vote for another one. And the system will go wrong when you do that. I think it is necessary that people understand this and understand what is at stake when you elect a government of Singapore. Elections are not just about the Town Council.[+1 sentence] They are also about electing the government for the country and that is necessary for people to bear firmly in mind.
Mr Speaker7 words
[+2 sentences]Any other clarifications? Mr Leong Mun Wai.
Mr Leong Mun Wai (Non-Constituency Member)704 words
[+7 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for the opportunity. I am mindful that this is the first time I am attending Parliament and also just an NCMP, thank you for the opportunity to ask the Prime Minister a few clarifications. I do not know what privileges I have in terms of how I am going to speak but it may be a bit of my own opinions plus a bit of clarification and questions. So, it will be a mixture of that. First of all, I think the Prime Minister had given a very touching presentation on the situation in Singapore today. But what we want to say is that, on the point of the free rider, I am not sure whether that concept is being used in line with what economists have in mind. But nevertheless, we do not go into that. What I want to ask the Prime Minister is, Singapore voters looking at the situation today see that there is actually a gap between having a strong Government, because the Government at the moment controls over 90% of the seats.[+1 sentence] So, as a result, there is a very comfortable margin. Because of that margin, you cannot prevent the voters from thinking, "Actually, there is a margin of error I can afford. So, as a result, I can have the best of both worlds – a strong Government and a strong Opposition voice in Parliament.[+18 sentences] Let us try." And I can tell you, Mr Prime Minister, I am a very new politician. In fact, I am a rookie. I do not know much. But in the process of the last one year, when I interacted with voters on the ground, I felt that the Singaporean voters are really, really, very smart. They know how to control the process. So, what they are thinking now is, "There is a buffer, so I leave it. And I will wait until that buffer shrinks and I am not going to vote everybody, anybody in. Even if PSP is not good enough this round. I want to get the best people to go in. And as the buffer shrinks, I will make my decision again." So, whether it is the Opposition or the electorate, from the position of the electorate, there is no question that, at the moment, everybody wants the present Government to continue. But that does not mean if, going forward, the performance of the Government does not improve, the electorate is going to sit by. But that is going to be very, very long down the road. So, that is one thing. So, I wish to ask Mr Prime Minister to clarify whether what I said is something that is useable in the current political climate we have. Secondly, what we are asking for now, in a lot of ways, is actually a rebalancing. We are not talking about a revolution. For example, on the issue of social safety net, what we are saying is, "Do you not think Singaporeans' livelihoods now is too hard?" And they are so hard to the extent that you cannot expect them to become entrepreneurs because their financial security is not there.[+1 sentence] There is no long-term plan that they can be comfortable about. As a result, we say, "We know we have this amount of national Reserves, can we not use the returns and help to improve the financial position of the Singaporeans so that they can have peace of mind to think of participating in the new economy that we are trying to put into our country?" A lot of the debates have gone on about recruitment drop, how to create jobs and how to take back some of the jobs from the foreigners, which is not really something that we want to go very far with.[+5 sentences] We want to maintain our current foreign talent model as well. But, at the same time, when we were to create jobs and have a new economy, we need to have new capabilities, we need to have Singaporeans who can think independently and with the leeway to think. That is very important. So, these are the two questions I want to pose to the Prime Minister. Thank you very much.
Mr Lee Hsien Loong201 words
[+5 sentences]Thank you, Mr Speaker, I do not think I need to respond very elaborately to Mr Leong. On his first point, we have addressed the questions extensively. He does not add anything new to it. In fact, it reinforced the problem. Exactly. Mr Pritam Singh is not the only one making this argument. And if everyone makes this argument, everyone is going to be in trouble.[+4 sentences] As for the other issues of rebalancing and not a revolution, I think these are matters which can eminently be discussed and are suitable for debate in this House. But it is not the focus of my speech today. I am talking here about which way Singapore politics is going, what their risks are in going in this direction, what we must do in order to make it turn out right and how it has worked out well for us in Singapore. And how we must try to continue to let this work for as long as we can, to serve Singaporeans, a new generation, new desires, but the same high quality of service of Government of commitment in order that there can continue to be more Reserves to argue about in the next Parliament.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Heng Swee Keat.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies (Mr Heng Swee Keat)1023 words
[+2 sentences]Thank you, Speaker. I want to reiterate the point which the Prime Minister has just made about the difference between a founder's mindset and an inheritor's mindset, and address Mr Singh's suggestion about the use of the Reserves, as somebody who has been directly involved in using the reserves twice. The first time was during the Global Financial Crisis when I was running the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and we sought the President's approval for the use of $150 billion of our past Reserves to safeguard bank deposits.[+19 sentences] It was a very difficult decision because we never wanted to do it, until all the neighbouring countries have created bank deposit guarantees to guarantee all the deposits in the banks. And if we had a bank run, the consequences on Singapore would have been far worse. At that time, Mr Goh Chok Tong was my Chairman. After long discussions with him and Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who was in MAS at that time, we decided to discuss with the Prime Minister, and we went to see the President. It is a contingency. If you ask me today: could I have predicted it when I first went to MAS? No way. Could the world have predicted there was going to be a global financial crisis? Not at that time. Did we know that there would be governments around the world creating bank guarantees of that form? Not quite. So, I think the Reserves, as a contingency fund to meet unexpected events for a small country with zero natural resource of any kind, is something which we must never forget. We must never forget that. And what kind of contingencies can happen? Let me touch on that in a while. The second aspect is, this year, as the Prime Minister said earlier, we were projecting a fairly rosy picture before the financial year. Therefore, the Budget was made on the basis of even the amount that we will return and keep in past Reserves. But within 100 days, I did four Budgets and also, very recently, a Supplementary Statement. In those five Budgets and Statement altogether, I saw the President and the Council of Presidential Advisers five times and, each time, I can tell you, they asked very tough questions about all our assumptions and what we were looking at, what was the contingency and what could get worse. Eventually, they approved, after very, very tough questions given to me and my team, and we drew $52 billion of past Reserves as part of this almost $100 billion package.[+6 sentences] Mr Pritam Singh also spoke about intergenerational equity. I have been looking at how other countries have funded all these programmes. A lot of them have funded them through borrowings. Somebody has to pay for those borrowings. Who? Future generations. The massive debts that have been incurred will have to be paid for by future generations.[+7 sentences] As the Minister for Finance, I can tell Members that I felt so grateful to our founders for that founders' mindset in leaving us with these Reserves that my team and I were able to focus fully on what would best serve the interests of Singaporeans, how would we best help our businesses and how would we best provide resources for the frontline agencies, especially MOH, to tackle this major crisis. I did not have to worry about what terms I would have to negotiate with lenders and how we were going to pay for it. Again, let me emphasise that, for a country with no natural resource of any kind who really live by our wits, having those Reserves gives us strength and allows us to keep jobs for our people, to restructure, to reform and that, even in the Budget, even in this crisis, we are talking about how we can emerge stronger, we have proposals on looking beyond COVID-19 and how we will re-establish relationships and even seek to emerge stronger. Why are we able to do that? I think there is a certain mindset that we owe something not just to ourselves but to our future generations. Therefore, I hope that Mr Pritam Singh will bear that in mind when looking at this. On the contingency question, one could ask what contingencies there could be in the future for which the Reserves may have to be used and whether the Reserves are enough. I can tell Mr Pritam Singh that I asked that question of myself all the time, because the nature of the economy is that it is going to be more volatile. We had the Asian Financial Crisis, we had the Global Financial Crisis, in between, we had SARS, the dotcom bubble and now, we have COVID-19.[+7 sentences] Let me remind everybody that COVID-19 is not over. The COVID-19 situation is getting serious. Today, on the front page of The New York Times, they spoke about the situation in Spain and the worries in Europe about how things could get worse, whether a vaccine would be found soon enough and, even then, how would that work because now people are talking about the risk of re-infection. So, we have to have a mindset that we have to prepare for contingencies and not think about, "Well, if I know how much it is, I can tell you how much to spend." Because the one big unknown is what are the contingencies that you have to prepare for. And I do not want to elaborate on the range of other contingencies that we have to prepare for. But a pandemic is certainly one very big area. A financial crisis and economic crisis of a very serious nature, I think we must expect that panics and crashes will continue to happen in the global economy.[+4 sentences] The global economy does not go on a straight line all the time. And we, being so open, will be exposed far more than many other economies. So, I hope that Mr Pritam Singh will think about these carefully before thinking about "I must know how much before we know how much to spend". The principles on why we do it are quite clear.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Poh Li San.
Ms Poh Li San (Sembawang)1502 words
[+26 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I stand in support of the Motion to thank the President for her Address. I would like to first thank the Prime Minister for his address and also the Members for their questions. The exchange of views has certainly added to the robustness of the debate in this House. The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting every aspect of our society. There is no road map for a solution and no one knows exactly what to do. Come what may, we must stay resilient. We must finish this race that is full of twists and turns. What good will come from COVID-19 is dependent on how Singapore runs as a team in this marathon. To run this race, we must be able to respond to the challenges and be able to adapt and transform. We must nurture strong and new runners and let them start racing when they are still really young. Our youths must have a strong mindset and must always stay hungry in order to compete globally. Our youths will be the future. We must invest resources in them to accelerate the building of new capabilities for our future economy. The youths need to feel a strong sense of ownership and feel that they have a role in shaping the future of our country. So, how do we prepare and motivate our youths? COVID-19 has brought about new opportunities. Digital transformation has accelerated the change necessary for productivity. The changes to the workforce we put in place now will greatly impact the future of our young Singaporeans. Our millennials ought to play a bigger role in articulating their vision of Singapore in a post-COVID-19 world and the roles they want to undertake in shaping our collective future. Our youths must have more opportunities and responsibilities to lead the change and shape the future society they want to live in. To prepare them to be able to compete globally, we need to invest and build deep capabilities, not just in growth sectors, but also to solve our nation’s fundamental problems like the shortage of manpower. Our youths must find a way to customise solutions with the use of more industry 4.0 technologies to seek ways to reduce the reliance on foreign workers in sectors like construction, hospitality and nursing. Our youths should also focus on how the rising sea level is a slow boiling frog problem but with real existential threats to our nation’s survival. We also need to create conducive environments to spawn creativity and innovation. Better solutions often come out of intersections of different disciplines. I hope our education institutions will provide more opportunities for cross-disciplinary training for the students. Given the challenging job market now and instead of adding to the jobseekers' pool, polytechnics and universities could consider offering graduating students the option to study a second diploma or degree in a different field.[+10 sentences] This will broaden their knowledge and skillsets instead of being part of the current unemployed pool. As marathoners, we must trim fats, stay lean and stay light. We can take supplements, but avoid quick fixes like steroids. Steroids may boost our performance very quickly but, in the long run, they do more harm to our health. As an open economy and an international brand, Singapore will certainly need the help of international talents. Foreign talents deepen and diversify our economy. Having said that, they should not cripple our organic capabilities. It is crucial to balance. We need to spread foreign talents across various industries so that there is more even growth and to create more opportunities for Singaporeans to excel in every sector. We should also rejig our employment structure. Consider 70 to be a new retirement age.[+6 sentences] In a 45- to 50-year career lifespan, we should then take time to build a strong foundation to be good in developing a craft or a career, grow and develop our practical skillsets and experience, before moving into managerial or management roles. This will help our workforce not to be too top-heavy, resulting in us becoming expensive and uncompetitive. At this point, I would like to take the opportunity to talk about our women marathoners. Women provide diversity and a different style of leadership at all levels and across diverse fields. While men work hard and tend to be strong and aggressive sometimes, women are naturally nurturing and resilient. These are qualities that are crucial when surviving a crisis or rebuilding the economy and society. I believe it is no coincidence that several international women leaders have managed the COVID-19 crisis well, for example, Prime Minister Jacinda Adern of New Zealand, Prime Minister Sanna Marin of Finland, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and so on. We can harness the potential of our Singaporean women and encourage qualified Singaporean women to fill the roles first before hiring foreign talents.[+6 sentences] Many talented and capable Singaporean women have traded-off careers for their young families and children. These women do have the requisite skillsets, experience and maturity to contribute and lead in the workplace. They just need to be given that opportunity to rejoin the workforce. We should increase accessibility for these women to return to the workplace, especially after their children have grown up. To attract and retain women in the workplace, the work environment must also transform. Ironically, COVID-19 has made flexible work arrangements workable and acceptable. Work from home, e-commerce and home-based businesses have now become the norm and we should make these structural shifts in the workplace permanent.[+2 sentences] I would like to thank fellow colleague Mr Louis Ng for speaking up earlier for better and fairer workplaces for women. Echoing Mr Louis Ng's suggestions, I would like to suggest that we consider the possibilities of ensuring that all companies be more gender neutral. Perhaps MOM could embark on a review of potentially unfair or even discriminatory HR practices, such as reducing the gender wage gap.[+8 sentences] The vision of Singapore in a post-COVID-19 world will be completely different from how we thought it would be a year ago. We must now undertake the responsibility to reshape our future creatively. We must be different to succeed, to seek autonomous solutions to build new areas of growth and to embrace deep capabilities to improve on our competence. We must be conscious of environment conservation solutions to live better. In our resource-scarce nation, everyone must work together to succeed in this post-COVID-19 world. There is a Zambian proverb that says, “When you run alone, you run fast. When you run together, you run far”. Around this time last year, 200 Singaporeans came together to run "Relay Majulah", to celebrate Singapore’s Bicentennial and to raise funds for President’s Challenge. Each runner ran either 10 kilometres or 20 kilometres and had to raise at least $5,000 each. After months of hard work and fund-raising, the 200-hour relay by the 200 runners, covering 2,000 kilometres, was completed successfully. That relay raised a total of $1.6 million, well over the target of $1 million. Amongst the 200 runners, there are five MPs in this House, including Mr Speaker, Sir, who ran in that relay.[+12 sentences] Relay Majulah indeed inspired many. It was a race that showed us that so long as we stayed determined to help one another, we can achieve our goal no matter how difficult it may seem. As a nation, we must keep running this uphill marathon together, no matter what extremely harsh weather condition we may all need to go through. I am confident that we will eventually finish this race together, stronger and trimmer than when we started off. We will be an undefeated marathon team. I would like to say a few words in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): Mr Deputy Speaker, let me conclude my speech in Chinese. COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges to Singapore. The fight against COVID-19 and economic recovery is like a marathon, and the key lies in perseverance. Every member of the team must do his or her best and overcome the difficulties without fear. The youths must be brave to innovate and be entrepreneurial and use advanced technologies to solve the most challenging issues that the country is facing. They should also take on the responsibility to shape our future. Businesses should improve their competitiveness, keep agile, reduce the number of middle and senior executives and balance the proportions between local and foreign employees.[+7 sentences] Women are known to be soft and resilient. Their perspectives are different from the men. Hence, we should encourage them to participate more in the decision-making process at the senior level to work out a more holistic solution. A marathon is tough. However, as long as we persevere and help each other with a strong belief in mind and a united team spirit, we can complete the run and reach our destination. Team Singapore is a group of unremitting marathon runners who are determined to win! (In English): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I support the Motion.
Mr Deputy Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Ng Ling Ling.
Ms Ng Ling Ling (Ang Mo Kio)1759 words
[+14 sentences]Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Motion of Thanks to the President for her Address. I would like to declare my role as an independent consultant in healthcare transformation. Singapore is going through a challenging year. It will not be easy for us or the world to emerge from COVID-19 and its economic fall-out to recover fully any time soon. But I have confidence that we can grow and emerge from this difficult time. What we can and must count on and empower is our people, Singaporeans, young and old. I have been reflecting on the last few words of our pledge: happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation. What truly does happiness to a nation mean? To me, "happiness" is about ensuring and engendering the social and collective well-being of our society as a whole. Economic growth is crucial, yes, and is the lifeblood of Singapore. But addressing the softer human needs and the collective well-being of our people can be a counter-balancing force when our economic growth may no longer be as fast as in the past decade. A balance in the pursuit of what is most important to benefit the wider population, especially the at-risk groups, will become increasingly important. As such, my speech will focus on building our people, not just on the "bread and butter" issues affecting livelihoods and jobs, but also social and mental health of our people, and social cohesion. First, I would like to talk about one group of at-risk people particularly impacted by this crisis, and many in this House have also spoken up about them: the older workers and how we can assist them. I resonate with them because I have been seeing the vulnerability of our older adult workers over 50 years old and those above 60 years old feel even more uncertain and anxious this period in my constituency. We have started the most significant demographic shift of this generation – the near doubling of citizens aged 65 and older by 2030, with the number of elderly citizens projected to be about 900,000, or one in four by then. As Minister of State Ms Gan Siow Huang had mentioned, the median age of our resident labour force today has also risen to 44, compared to 41 just a decade ago, and it will continue to rise.[+13 sentences] It is important that we recognise and appreciate the wealth of experience and skills of our older workers, who will make up an increasing share of our workforce. I commend Moovaz, a Singapore-based startup specialising in international moving services. In a The Straits Times article reported on 24 August 2020, they employed Mdm Becky Chang, 60 years old, after she was let go from her company in the shipping industry. Moovaz valued her four decades of experience in the shipping industry and, importantly, her willingness to learn. We need more of such employers. As Members of this House have quoted, and I would like to reinforce, as Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam has aptly said, and I quote, "no Singaporean who is willing to learn should be 'too old' to hire. And no one who is willing to adapt should be viewed as 'overqualified'." As a society, we must make every effort to continually support a more mature workforce in meaningful and dignifying work. What is even more important is for us to respect the emotional journey they are going through as they cope with the rapidly changing job market. I have met older adult residents who have lost or are at the risk of losing their jobs and they shared with me their anxiety in finding new jobs. Not for the lack of will to learn, but for the steep learning curve of acquiring new skills in growth areas and the learning pace they need. My constituency volunteers and I keep them supported by encouraging them not to give up. The Government has started many good schemes to provide assistance to this group. Whether it be the strong support from the SG United Jobs and Skills Package, the new Jobs Growth Incentive or efforts from the Tripartite Committee on Employability of Older Workers.[+5 sentences] These are all commendable schemes, but we need to also systematically redesign jobs, shift workplace culture and HR policies to institutionalise new possibilities for our maturing workforce. We need to help them overcome the workplace barriers which may stand in the way of maximising their potential. In my view, social service experts are adept in designing systemic environment and practices, designing new job roles, breaking down tasks and coaching them in partnership with employers, doing these in a way that build psycho-social wellness of people, bringing in elements of respect, dignity and empowerment. We saw that in the hard-forged efforts in the movement for employment of persons with special needs, which organisations like the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), SG Enable alongside community-minded corporates like Pan Pacific Hotel Group, as well as Social Service Agencies like Autism Resource Centre led by our capable Mayor Denise Phua have made impactful progress in. We need a similar movement for our older workers. To begin with, I have helped to bring together the NCSS and Pan Pacific Hotel Group to start dialogues on partnership to join forces and combine the social and business perspectives to enable awareness and resources for new job redesigns for the mature workforce.[+1 sentence] I am glad to share that there is much keenness to support this segment of our workers. For example, the hotel group in their sustainability pursuit are thinking of new roles such as urban farming specialists where they will encourage older workers to pursue and in a dignified way.[+5 sentences] I hope that more public, private and people sector organisations will collaborate and join in such efforts. Change in workplace culture, mindsets, HR policies and practices that will ensure non-discriminatory hiring and retention of older workers will require relentless and collective efforts. Because of the important element of self-worth and self-empowerment that work brings, we must continually improve status quo to give assurance to our older workers and help them increase job security. This brings me to the next part of my speech – the impact of the current crisis and uncertainties on social and mental health of our people. The Centre for Research on Successful Ageing, a research centre based in the Singapore Management University (SMU), undertook a study recently to understand the possible impacts on elderly Singaporeans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings from their population-representative monthly survey, with about 7,500 respondents, tracking the lives of Singaporeans aged 55 to 75 during this period were reported in The Straits Times on 28 August this year. There was an important finding: older adults experienced a drop in overall life satisfaction by 3.8% in April 2020 and 4% in May, as compared to January 2020. Respondents mentioned that they experienced a sharp increase in feelings of social isolation, with individuals living alone experiencing larger increases. One factor that impacts quality of life is job security, and it is telling that many respondents in the survey expressed anxiety about the future, with about a third of respondents expressing being very or extremely worried about the health of their loved ones and the economy.[+1 sentence] In my opinion, this has potential impact on our people’s mental health. In another survey conducted by the National University Health System (NUHS) Mind Science Centre on mental health resilience published in The Straits Times on 19 August this year, it found that younger Singaporeans 45 years and below are more likely to feel anxious and less mentally resilient than those aged 45 and above.[+7 sentences] These two reports show that the impact of the current crisis on mental health is a complex one that affects different groups of Singaporeans in different ways, both young and old. My hope is that our younger people today, who are more likely to talk about mental health more openly and honestly, can increasingly exercise "self-care" and be part of their normal vocabulary to be able to find support and care that they need. I am heartened that compared to five years ago, the awareness when talking about the stigmatisation of mental health among youths and young adults has vastly improved. But we must keep on this journey of bringing down the stigma for youths that need the help to find help. Some of the older adults may find it difficult to talk openly about mental health. They may not dare to tell people that they are not doing well. Perhaps they feel that their dignity may be impacted, or they do not want to be a burden. We must continue to reduce the stigma of help seeking behaviours for Singaporeans, especially when it is at the early onset of mental health issues, such as mild depression or anxiety, for preventive care nearer to home in the community. I hope to encourage more preventive mental health support in primary care providers, including the polyclinics and general practitioner (GP) clinics, which are closer to most people, with more support in terms of subsidies and integrated care with social services.[+10 sentences] Social cohesion amongst all generations for a collective destiny is increasingly important. In dealing with the issues I have mentioned so far, we can see that we are facing more complex challenges among our people, both young and old. However, I remain hopeful that if we pull our strengths together, not seeing the emerging issues like what I have mentioned as solely the problems of one specific group or another but affecting our common destiny ahead, we can find new solutions together. After all, all our futures are closely intertwined with each other and how Singapore will continue to thrive ahead. We can build intergenerational "Communities of Support" at work, in the neighbourhood and at home out of the Singapore Together conversations. Such communities can act as platforms that promote intergenerational bonding through embarking on shared projects with common interest that value each other's strengths and provide support that is enriching in a meaningful way intergenerationally Mr Deputy Speaker, I would like to end my speech on a note of hope. Hope for all Singaporeans, young and old, during this period of uncertainty. Hope for a better nation as a whole. No matter how diverse our views are and no matter how complex the challenges we are facing, we can all prevail in a common destiny ahead if we know how to harness each other's strengths and will. Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the Motion.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Eric Chua.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Minister for Social and Family Development (Mr Eric Chua)2201 words
[+35 sentences]Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Motion. Mdm President said in her address that "Singapore is at an inflection point of our history." Indeed so, but I would argue that the issues that we confront are, in fact, of existential concern. Beyond the current fight with COVID-19, the real battle we have ahead of us is a virus of disillusionment in the longer-term future of Singapore. Let me explain. I am a recent father to a baby boy, all of 77 days young. On occasion, where I have the luxury to lull him to sleep, questions inevitably flood my mind. When he completes National Service some 20 years later, what will Singapore be like? Can Singapore still work for him, as it did for me and my cohort? I would like to bring the House 41 years back in time, when another little boy was just born in the now-defunct Toa Payoh Hospital. Yes, I am narrating my life story. Indeed, in the past couple of months, I have narrated my life story several times, since being introduced as a candidate. Juxtaposed against the life stories of many of my fellow first-term Parliamentarians, my story does seem a little "familiar", and some might even say, "cookie cutter". May I defiantly suggest that these stories bear repeating, for they are the lived experiences of a generation where many young children started off in humble families, but in spite of their challenges, they held up hope, strived and they made good. And may I also suggest that these stories could not have been possible if our system had been running on the fuel of tokenism. These stories are not only emblematic of our generation of Singaporeans, but to impose broad and inaccurate characterisations on these life stories make a mockery of what the Singapore system stands for. I had a simple but blessed childhood. Being both blue-collared workers, my parents worked very hard. At their urging, I too studied hard and was often reminded that getting good results was my ticket to a good life. Two years ago, CNA ran a documentary titled "Regardless of Class." In that programme, six youngsters from the Integrated Programme (IP) and Normal streams were brought together and had a visibly uncomfortable time together, as they shared about their ideals in life. That social experiment generated a fair amount of heated discussions around class divides in Singapore. And that reminded me that I, too, had my fair share of awkward brushes on the topic as I grew up. There was once in primary school when we had to write a composition about our fathers. As a few of us strayed into casual chatter in that class, questions that are usually taboo in conversations between adults innocuously sprung up, "How much does your father earn monthly?" I remember wondering in amazement when a classmate of mine shared that her dad was a manager and that he earned a handsome monthly salary of $5,000. That was several times my household income at the time and was, to me then, an astronomical sum. When I became older, another episode left a deep impression. I remember I was getting to know a group of new teenage friends when the conversation veered into where each of us lived. Amongst this group was a friend who had known me for some time and was quick to answer, on my behalf, albeit a little insensitively, "Oh, Eric lives in Ang Mo Kio, the slums near the Town Centre!" I remember feeling uneasy momentarily while another friend with a better emotional quotient, I think, quickly steered the conversation away to lighter topics. To be sure, socioeconomic differences are present in every society. But what powers people forward and what keeps successive generations striving is the hope of a better future. The idea that if one works hard, he or she can potentially earn a train ticket for a better cabin class on our collective trip into the future. Mr Deputy Speaker, the very fuel for this train of hope – with future as its destination – is social mobility. According to a 2018 paper published by the MSF, 14.3% of Singaporeans born between 1978 and 1982 to families from the lowest 20% in terms of household income made it to the top 20%, significantly higher than other developed countries, like the US and the UK. Families who make up this statistic are completely uplifted in a single generation.[+9 sentences] For families not far behind, this statistic serves as an aspirational target. Being born to a family of a lower socioeconomic status should not be a handicap. Who you are at birth should not determine who you will end up being in life. Conversely, problems occur when one gets entrenched in their situation at birth, essentially, being stuck with the hand you are dealt, with little to no means of getting a better deck of cards. The bad news is entrenchment is the natural order of things. Most, if not all parents, regardless of their ability, will naturally want to provide their children with the best they can afford. In fact, no social order in the world organically ensures parity of opportunity. So, if left unchecked, our train of hope will eventually run out of fuel and tank. But instead of simplistically alleging the failure of our meritocratic system, I suggest we need to take intervening steps to keep our systems going. To be sure through the work of the work of the ASPIRE committee and programmes such as UPLIFT and KidSTART, we have done quite a fair over the years to address uneven starting points. But little has changed in the way that we, as a society, perceive success and how to get there.[+5 sentences] The tried and tested path of studying hard for a degree and landing a comfortable white-collar job remains the mainstay for most. But this remains only one out of the kaleidoscope of possible ways that one can succeed in life! After all, each of us are unique individuals, and I am not making a feel-good Disney statement here. It is high time we celebrate the diversity of our talents and just think about how much we can achieve if each of us pursue life to the fullest by mining our individual reservoirs of unique talents, instead of trying to fit square pegs into round holes. Where then do we begin? A good start, perhaps, is for Singaporeans to develop a sense of respect for blue-collar work, an idea put forth by Dr Cheng Ching Siang in his Forum page contribution to The Straits Times and echoed by Mr Louis Ng earlier.[+4 sentences] Of course, respect alone is not enough. It takes a paradigm shift in our mindsets that beyond the typical, white-collared roles, there can be many other viable routes to success in life. Along with this attitudinal shift, we need to take concrete steps not just to signal, but to tangibly show that there can truly be multiple pathways to different pinnacles of success. Take, for instance, apprenticeships or work-based learning. Not to be confused with internships or mistaken as a euphemism for cheap labour, apprenticeships offer a blend of on- and off-the-job learning.[+2 sentences] Apprenticeships offer individuals the chance to grow both in the classroom and at the workplace. It is a good way of enhancing the development of one's skillsets and preparing the individual for his or her career all at once. Apprenticeships are widely offered in European countries like Germany and Switzerland as a pathway that eventually leads to skilled employment in both blue- and white-collared roles.[+21 sentences] And it is not uncommon to hear of individuals working up the ranks to senior appointments, often without even a basic degree. To be sure, designing and provisioning for apprenticeship programmes is an arduous process involving many stakeholders poring over details such as remuneration, time allotted for classroom instruction vis-à-vis productive work. But the key obstacles we face today are the tinted lenses through which we view apprenticeships. We need to ask themselves the right questions when a young family member considers taking up an apprenticeship. It is not about whether the family can afford full-time classroom learning. It is much more about whether an apprenticeship provides the best pathway for the child to develop his or her full potential. At the same time, employers also need to see apprenticeships as a pipeline for talent development, not merely a manpower supply line. I know our education institutions have been exploring work-study progression pathways for our children in recent years. They face an uphill task of changing deep-seated beliefs that we have held for a very long time. But if we are determined for our future generations not to trip over ourselves by sticking to narrow definitions of success, we have every collective interest to make sure apprenticeships flourish in our system. Beyond pathways, we need to do more to help Singaporeans in non-white-collared roles as well. We can do so by helping our local industries, some of which are Uniquely Singapore, flourish. Take, for instance, our hawkers. Today, few would actually raise an eyebrow when they find food selections that made it to the Michelin Bib Gourmand list in our hawker centres. That alone is testimony of the quality of our hawkers' products. We can help our hawkers innovate their business models, scale up operations and even help them go regional! For other industry segments that are fledgling or non-existent locally, we can connect Singaporeans with aptitude to overseas centres of excellence. It is after all my belief that Singaporeans of all stripes, not just those with degrees, can make waves the world over. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, this proposal I am talking about goes way beyond conserving hawker culture and ensuring our future generations will still get to eat our favourite chicken rice and chai tow kueh. It is most certainly not about having our own master watchmakers, or expert sommeliers simply for the vanity of it. At the heart of it all, we need tangible change to help Singaporeans reimagine and re-visualise a multi-dimensional definition of success. On success, a 2018 survey commissioned by OnePeople.sg and CNA revealed very telling differences between different social classes. Respondents from the lower class cited: (a) hard work, (b) education and (c) knowing the right people, in this order, as key factors for success.[+5 sentences] And replying to the same question, respondents from the upper class cited; (a) knowing the right people, (b) ability, and (c) hard work, as their answers. Indeed, one's networks has an impact on how well one does in life. As a general rule, it is not inconceivable that a family that is better off will be able to leverage a larger network to their children's advantage. And this speaks to our earlier point on entrenchment as the natural human order. But this is where we need to take intervening steps to level the playing field. To provide access to young people from families where networks they can tap on for advice on career, education and lessons in life are limited. This is where mentorship programmes for our youths can be a useful counter against the natural forces of entrenchment, that critical leveller between the haves and the have nots.[+11 sentences] I have been mentoring ITE students since 2014. Many mentees do well and go on to complete diploma courses in the polytechnics. One of them has even gone on to sign on with the Republic of Singapore Air Force and is now a pilot trainee. Another one, recently left Singapore, to pursue a hospitality apprenticeship in Switzerland. I do not lay claim to any of my mentees' successes, but simply being able to journey with them for part of their formative years has made me a better person. So, to unlock the full potential of every Singaporean, we need to avail mentoring for our youths at skill and tap on the many who are willing to step out as mentors. I am sure many among the 14% who got uplifted in a single generation need no nudging. Many will want to make a difference by mentoring a younger person. We can tap on our collective energy and create conditions where people can step up to pave forward and for successive generations of young Singaporeans to do likewise. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I venture an assumption that whether society views its future with optimism or otherwise can have a unifying or divisive effect on its constituents. According to the Pew Research Centre, when asked to gaze at the crystal ball into 2050, many Americans are pessimistic about many aspects of life in the US, including a perceptible decline in living standards. For us here in Singapore, we can and will believe in Singapore, only if social mobility continues to feature as a defining part of our social compact. Deputy Speaker, Sir, it takes an entire village to raise a child, and we owe it to each of the 39,000 Singaporean babies that we welcome to this world each year to ensure the continued and deliberate injection of hope and conviction, so that as one people, we, can keep Singapore going.
Mr Speaker5 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap.
Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap (Aljunied)1995 words
[+15 sentences]Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I will deliver my speech in Malay. (In Malay): Sir, President Halimah Yacob's speech at the opening session of the Fourteenth Parliament of Singapore, touched on the importance and need for Singapore's political and community leaders from all walks of life to unite, despite having their own different principles and philosophy, working together and contributing towards a happy, prosperous and developed Singapore. In my speech, I would like to share my thoughts on strengthening unity in diversity. It is natural that humans are created differently or in a state of diversity. This is normal and we must agree with and accept this natural state. Whether this diversity results in something good or not, the outcome depends on the way we accept and how we go through it. My life experiences, especially as a counsellor, make me view diversity positively and accept it as a blessing and wisdom. This is because diversity offers choices, and it can also help and facilitate efforts to complement each other on any matter. However, we must acknowledge that some differences that may arise from diversity are sometimes awkward and can pose challenges. In addressing such differences, we must be open, tolerant, have mutual respect and practise the principle of agreeing to disagree. It is natural for us to practise the values of diversity in life. People who live in a community cannot live alone without engaging in the existing ecosystem, as the English saying goes “No man is an island”. A combination of ideas and efforts is necessary in going through all aspects of life, especially within the challenging global situation today and in the future. In short, we need each other to complement each other. Sir, going back to Mdm President’s address at the Opening Session of the Fourteenth Parliament, where she noted the outcome of the new General Election, in which 10 Parliamentary seats were won by the WP, while the ruling party experienced a fall in the percentage of national votes, signified the need for Singaporeans to have a diversity of views and thoughts in the country’s political and development processes. Singapore voters want a more effective and constructive political landscape. They want a robust and cohesive check and balance system, and not a political system guided by the “ownself check ownself” approach.[+13 sentences] The “ownself check ownself” political approach is unhealthy. As human beings, we are exposed to the phenomenon of “blind spot” and “group thinking”. This is irrefutable. Sir, we must accept that diversity in politics is something quite necessary. But we must also accept the fact that diversity can also cause anxiety and the possibility of fault lines. This is something that may not be avoided but can still be addressed or mitigated. Diversity should not have a negative impact such as being divisive and discriminatory. There should not be any feelings or opinions by any party that their ideology or philosophy is more “superior” than the others. As I said earlier, this diversity is meant to complement each other and, if differences cannot be resolved, we should be prepared to agree to disagree. Efforts to assimilate and practise unity in diversity in our society should start from the country's political leadership. The actions of political leaders will serve as examples and role models for the public. The ways leaders deal with and discuss sensitive and hot issues, whether inside or outside the House, to some extent, will shape and influence the tone of debate and discussion that will take place among the public. Sir, in May this year, my colleague, Mr Leon Perera, proposed that Parliamentary sessions be broadcast live on the national television channel so that the public can appreciate the atmosphere of the Parliamentary sessions and understand the procedures better. A spokesman for Minister Grace Fu, responding to this through the media, said "Live broadcasts of Parliament risk turning the House into a ‘form of theatre’ and do not add to transparency", and further said, "An element of public performance is unavoidable because Singaporeans want to see their concerns expressed, and hear their questions asked and answered in Parliament." In short, the answer given is that the live telecast does not improve transparency; in fact, it poses a risk of transforming Parliamentary sessions into performance theatre. On this note, Sir, I would like to state for the record that I agree to having live telecast of Parliamentary sessions, because in my view, any Member who wants to put on a theatre performance in Parliament will still showcase their acting because they know that, although there is no live telecast, there are recordings done every second, from the start to the end of the Parliamentary session.[+15 sentences] In short, whether there is a live telecast or not, it is not the reason for a Member not to showcase their acting, because they know their acting can still be watched through recording clips over social media channels. Sir, based on the responses that I shared earlier, it appears to express a concern that a situation will occur where a Member of the House will behave inappropriately during Parliamentary debates, to the point where Parliamentary sessions are akin to theatre performances. This is something that should not happen. Members of this House should realise that whatever qualities they display, whether through verbal or verbal conduct, will have an impact on the public. Sir, among the less appropriate qualities or approaches are personal attacks; avoid making personal attacks against Members of the House. This House is meant to discuss matters that can have a positive impact on the well-being of the community and the country. It is not an arena to launch personal attacks against anyone. Debates that incorporate personal attacks are unsuitable for this House as it will tarnish the integrity and status of this House as a legislature. The portrayal of a leader who makes personal attacks against another leader shows an unhealthy example to the followers. Sir, a robust discussion is necessary so that the issues discussed can be explored more deeply and as best as possible. However, a robust discussion should be based on good order so as not to erode the value of unity. As elected leaders, it is best for us to be more vigilant in the way we debate because it will become a model and example to the public, because negative examples can create unease and anxiety, and thus will likely lead to polarisation and disunity among the community. Sir, another thing that can affect unity in diversity is the issue of justice. Justice is central in achieving unity especially in a multiracial, multi-religious and multicultural society. The desire for justice is part of human nature and when there is an injustice, there will be uneasiness. Lately, many have expressed dissatisfaction, especially on social media, over the role of People's Association’s (PA) grassroot advisers in the constituency under the care of alternative parties being given to the defeated ruling party candidate in the general election. The PAP candidate is also, at the same time, holding the post of PAP branch chairman for the same constituency.[+5 sentences] This is considered an injustice. Their question is, why are MPs elected from non-ruling parties not given the post as was done to the ruling party MPs? Why are there double standards? It has been said in this House repeatedly that the PA is a statutory body and is not political in nature, it is neutral and is not inclined towards any political party. Several reasons have also been shared on why an opposition MP is not appointed as the PA's grassroots adviser. Among the reasons is that the main role of the grassroots advisers is to present and explain government policies and the opposition MPs will not be able to do this role well in situations where they do not support these policies. But the explanation and reasons given failed to convince a large group of political observers amongst the public who still express the view that the PA is used as a platform to fulfil the political interests of the ruling party.[+1 sentence] Sir, I myself cannot accept that the PA is free from partisan politics. I have proposed in this House to appoint senior public officers such as a Chief Executive Officer or Director, whether still in service or retired, and are not members of any political party, to be appointed as PA grassroots advisers.[+11 sentences] The experience of serving in ministries and statutory bodies is valuable and most appropriate for such individuals to hold this post. I believe such appointments will eliminate the issue of injustice, that is, the PA's tendency towards partisan politics. Once again, I ask that my proposal be given serious consideration if the Government is sincere and honest in further strengthening the principle of unity in diversity. I would now like to touch on the issue of religion and race, which is considered taboo and sensitive to be discussed openly. According to some leaders, such matters should only be discussed behind the scenes. Sir, this House has heard many times from several Members of both sides for an open discussion on topics related to religion and race. I think it is time for this matter to be given due attention. Minister Shanmugam, as reported by the media, said that Singapore should find suitable ways that can be accepted by different generations to discuss issues of religion and race. More recently, Minister Edwin Tong also stated, “less confrontation, more mediation, when talking about sensitive issues”. Sir, I agree with both Ministers in this matter. Sir, in the past two months, there have been two incidents that caused disquiet in relation to the issue of religious practices. One, where a Sikh man was asked whether he could remove his turban during a telephone interview because the reason given was that his appearance could cause unease. The second incident involved a Muslim salesgirl who was told to remove her hijab because it was considered unprofessional.[+15 sentences] Such discriminatory incidents are deplorable and should not happen, given that efforts have been made over 55 years to develop a multiracial and multi-religious society. These two recent incidents indicate that there should be more open and dynamic approaches to further strengthen understanding, acceptance and tolerance among Singaporeans so that the discriminatory attributes, whether consciously or indirectly, can be better curbed. And such efforts should start at a leadership level. Leaders should be open and not narrow-minded whenever an endeavour or discussion on issues related to religious practices are put forward. Avoid the use of words or phrases that can cause unease in society, words like “divisive” and “problematic”, when discussing religious issues. Speeches containing such words and phrases are not helpful to anyone and, in fact, it will give rise to anxiety that can lead to cracks to social cohesion. Sir, it is better to have a humble and open approach when discussing matters that are considered sensitive such as religion and race. These qualities will enable discussions to be conducted rationally and constructively so that, in the end, they can result in consensus and good solutions for the community. If no solution can be agreed upon, at least the discussion can end in a “agree to disagree” situation and mutual respect. This is what is best in order to maintain unity in diversity. Sir, in conclusion, my arguments are meant to invite all Members of this House, especially myself, as leaders, to do soul searching because any kind of values, character and behaviour displayed by leaders will have an impact on the public. Humility, openness and tolerance will strengthen unity while negative qualities will create fault lines instead. This is because leaders are role models to people who follow them. Sir, last but not least, I would like to sincerely thank the Aljunied Group Representation Constituency (GRC) voters for once again electing the WP team, to represent them in Parliament. Sir, I support the Motion.
Mr Deputy Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Xie Yao Quan.
Mr Xie Yao Quan (Jurong)2104 words
[+11 sentences]Sir, I am heartened to hear the President reaffirm our commitment to take good care of our seniors to enable them to age well and with dignity. While our seniors strive to stay healthy for as long as possible, it is quite inevitable that at some point in time, disease sets in or an injury occurs. So, today, I would like to speak on how we, as a society, can also care well for our seniors and their dignity, in sickness and in infirmity, when they are at their most vulnerable. Sir, fundamentally, the structure of our family unit has changed. Our seniors may have multiple siblings, but few children. Their siblings may offer some degree of support to each other, but all are ageing at the same time. Their children, on the other hand, have to balance the demands of supporting parents while building their own homes, raising kids and fulfilling career aspirations. In my house visits, I have met many seniors. They would tell me about their family portraits, their children and grandchildren. So often, their children would have moved out and built their own families. Against this backdrop, we have to recognise the practical limits of the family unit in caring for our seniors if and when their healthcare needs become the highest. While the individual and family must continue to be cardinal and first line of support, we also need stronger interventions – by Government, local communities and society at large – to support families in providing dignified care for our seniors.[+12 sentences] Any intervention would have fiscal or social implications or both. So, as a society, we would need frank and thorough discourse and seek to refresh our compact on personal and shared responsibilities. Allow me to touch on some specific areas that we need to look it collectively. Firstly, on our nursing homes and the intermediate and long-term care (ILTC) sector. The Government has steadily grown nursing home capacity and continues to do so. While we must avoid the moral hazard of institutionalising care as a society, we must also recognise that more families would require the support of long-term full-time institutional care for our seniors. In the last decade, the sector has improved its quality of care significantly, but I believe it is time to go beyond basic care to dignified care. We can do more, in terms of integration with the community, rehabilitation and thoughtful design to improve residents' quality of life. For instance, could residents continue to enjoy their favourite hawker food in a nursing home? Could residents mix with children regularly and bond? Could our nursing homes be more home than nursing? To achieve even better standards, cost of care in the sector would have to go up. To raise and sustain an ecosystem of capability building, innovation and human capital development, cost of care in the sector would have to go up. I believe there is scope for the Government to bear the bulk of incremental costs for these higher standards of care. At the same time, while most nursing home residents are already getting some level of Government subsidies, I would urge a review of the current subsidy framework to see if we can do more and be even more progressive.[+3 sentences] Ultimately, we must keep long-term care dignified and affordable for those who need it the most. And yet, we must guard against runaway healthcare costs in general. Indeed, in the COVID-19 "new normal", we face serious fiscal challenges. At the same time, demands for healthcare spending will only grow as our population ages. Therefore, while we keep at flattening the epidemic and unemployment curves in the COVID-19 new normal, we must also urgently flatten our healthcare cost inflation curve.[+20 sentences] How do we do so? I believe we need to start with our hospitals, our tertiary care setting. At this point, I would like to declare my interest as an employee in a public healthcare institution. In our hospitals and tertiary care setting, we must continue to make difficult decisions on standard treatments and therapies. Even as the range of treatments and therapies available to patients continue to grow, our society would need to constantly review and refresh our consensus on this. As importantly, we must continue guarding against fragmentation in tertiary care. An encik once told me, "Jantung (heart) got problem, better see jantung doctor lah". That is very understandable, but I wondered, "Hati (liver) also got problem, how? Paru-paru (lungs), tulang (bone) also got problem, how?" The point is more seniors will be affected by multiple conditions. And while we would expect to see a specialist for each organ, it may neither be sustainable nor lead to the best overall outcomes. So, increasingly, we should move towards having a single doctor to coordinate care around a patient's whole range of conditions. For our healthcare system, this reduces duplication of resources and reduces costs. But, as importantly, for the patient, it means less visits and more convenience. Indeed, when illness is stressful and becomes more complex, care should become simpler – one patient, one principal doctor. This would require patients to shift their expectations about care fundamentally. And this would require our healthcare professionals to also refresh both mindsets and skillsets, starting with a training framework that must emphasise broad skills on top of deep skills. Sir, in both hospitals and nursing homes, the Government has been adding beds. But ultimately, no bed matters quite as much to our seniors as the bed at home. I have attended a number of wakes in my constituency and almost all of these residents who passed on have either passed on at home or wanted to do so. Indeed, we need to grow our home-based care capabilities in a major way, including the protocols, technology, financing and regulations.[+5 sentences] We should strive to provide what has traditionally been hospital-level care outside the hospital and in the home. Providers around the world are exploring this in earnest and we will need to evolve our own way. This may be a moonshot for our healthcare system, but one that I believe is worthy for us to apply our minds and energies to. Sir, let me now talk about people. Firstly, we need more healthcare professionals, in particular, more nurses. We continue to improve productivity through technology and job redesign, but fundamentally, care remains a high-touch, highly human endeavour, especially if we want care to be dignified. We need more nurses going forward and it is key that we maintain a strong Singaporean Core. So, to this end, we have intensified recruitment and reviewed salaries, training and career pathways for Singaporeans. But we also need to complement our workforce with foreign nurses.[+11 sentences] There had been several debates on this topic in this House, around qualifications, culture and language. Allow me to share my views with a simple story. On 16 March, it was announced that the flow of people across the Causeway would all but cease within two days. Yet so many of our non-Singaporean nurses decided to stay with us in Singapore. Some rushed home to pack before crossing the Causeway just in time, even on foot. These nurses have not seen their families for months. Some have postponed weddings or missed funerals of loved ones. So, if there is anything that COVID-19 has taught the healthcare sector, it is that everyone, Singaporean or Work Pass holder, has made sacrifices and everyone has worked as one team to care for Singaporeans and keep Singaporeans in the community safe. COVID-19 has taught us that we need resilience. We need a buffer in our system to anticipate disruptions. And so, I hope Singaporeans can recognise that going forward, we need more locals and more foreign nurses to continue working together as one team to ensure the best care possible for our seniors. To this end, I would also suggest a comprehensive review of the Dependency Ratio Ceiling and manpower strategies for the healthcare sector, especially for intermediate and long-term care.[+24 sentences] At the same time, we have to care better for our caregivers. I have three suggestions. Firstly, we should enhance financial support for full-time caregivers. We need to define full-time caregiving carefully and guard against abuse in implementation. But fundamentally, we must recognise that full-time caregivers have sacrificed much in terms of career and income. Secondly, we should reconsider parent-care leave. Both childcare and parent care are key burdens for Singaporeans in the “sandwich generation”. So, our policy principles for childcare and parent care should be consistent. Introducing parent-care leave entitlements send an important signal to workers, employers and the whole of society on our collective compact to care for seniors. At the same time, we have to recognise the impact on businesses. Therefore, flexible work arrangements must remain as our most sustainable strategy. COVID-19 has changed the way we think about workplace and collaboration, and we must use this opportunity to further cement flexibility of work as part of our new normal. Thirdly, we should work with caregivers to raise the uptake of Lasting Power of Attorney and Advance Care Planning among seniors. These may be difficult conversations, but necessary ones as they significantly reduce caregiver stress down the road. We should support our caregivers to plan ahead and plan well with our seniors. Sir, in Chinese, before I conclude. (In Mandarin): We all know that Singapore is ageing rapidly. When I make house visits, I have met many senior residents. The good thing is that many of our Pioneer Generation seniors were mistaken by me as the Merdeka Generation and many of those who are from the Merdeka Generation were mistaken by me as being middle-aged. In other words, our seniors look young and live a good life in their old age. However, degeneration and ageing are inevitable. As the sandwich class, the children not only have to take care of their parents, but also their own children. Work and life have brought double amount of stress on them. Under these circumstances, the society and Government must better support Singaporeans and families, and ensure that seniors are properly taken care of, both physically and mentally, when they get old or fall sick. Here I have three suggestions: first, the Government should focus on developing and building nursing homes, inject more resources, improve the quality of care beyond basic care, and at the same time increase subsidies for Singaporeans; second, explore more comprehensive home care services because hospital wards can never be as comfortable as a bedroom at home; and third, provide more financial assistance to full-time caregivers and establish a suitable parent care leave regime through the Tripartite partners.[+10 sentences] Of course, as Deputy Prime Minister has pointed out, our national pocket is not bottomless. Every policy comes with a price. As a society, how we help to share the burden will be a core issue in our future social compact. Let us face it squarely, make decisions based on care, protect the dignity of our seniors, and uphold the core value of respecting the elderly. (In English): Sir, let me conclude. Keeping our seniors healthy will always be key. At the same time, becoming sick and losing functionality is part of being mortal, but it does not have to be morbid. We, as a society, must resolve that it will not be morbid for our seniors and the caregivers in our midst. Families, community and Government must work together to provide dignified care for our seniors and preserve their quality of life as much as possible. This means even better standards in our nursing homes and allowing as much optionality as possible for care within the home, where our seniors truly want to be. At the same time, we need to make hard choices on treatments and therapies and involve our tertiary care model to keep a lid on overall costs. Yet, overall costs would go up and these would have to be funded. And certainly, our society would need more passionate individuals, both local and foreign, to step forward to provide the best care possible for our seniors. And finally, as a society, we must also care better for our caregivers. We must be a society that commits to dignified care for our seniors, because it is the right thing to do. And we must be a society that commits to stepping in and stepping up to help each other with the burdens of care, especially where the individual or the family is unable to manage, because this is who we must be as a people.[+1 sentence] Sir, I support the Motion.
Debate on the President's Address›President's Address4 turns · 3,835w
· 23 highlighted
president-address-1463
Mr Deputy Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Yip Hon Weng.
Mr Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang)1943 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I stand in support of the Motion. We are in the midst of the greatest crisis ever faced by Singapore.[+3 sentences] Our country is facing a highly uncertain future. Even jobs that were traditionally performed by workers physically onsite may no longer be ring-fenced from foreign competition. We read of blue-collar work like coal mining in Henan, China can now be done by 5G technology, where workers remotely operate excavators deep underground in the air-conditioned comfort of their homes. Singapore has prospered over the past 55 years, but the COVID-19 pandemic has put us in a very serious situation.[+1 sentence] Our path to recovery will be long and steep. Moving ahead, our country’s financial resources will certainly be much tighter.[+39 sentences] In spite of the dire situation, Singapore can still emerge richer in other ways. The Government has done much to help fellow Singaporeans to save jobs and provide emergency support to workers and companies. But there is other help that is needed. In times of scarcity, it is natural that we look out for our own needs. But history has also shown us that it is in the darkest nights that the brightest stars shine. My hope is that Singapore will be such a star. In this difficult time, we can all come out richer – richer as a nation in our civic-consciousness, kindness and graciousness. It is time for everyone to chip in with whatever we have. And we can start in our communities. We all need community. We do not live alone. As a community, we have to take an interest in each other’s needs. We need to come together to help the vulnerable, and this is especially true for our seniors. This is a topic that is close to my heart because of the older demographic in my Yio Chu Kang constituency. There are three things that I feel we can do better as a community to help our seniors. First, we need to wrap help and care around seniors in the community. Our Government has many schemes and programmes already in place for seniors to ensure that they can age well in place. We can certainly do more to wrap help around the seniors and to do this in the community, rather than to ask seniors to seek out schemes which are organised around agencies. Some Government agencies have already begun doing this work. I know this because I was formerly in MOH looking after ageing planning policies. I also ran the Silver Generation Office (SGO). We leverage volunteers who are Ambassadors to visit seniors in their homes. They also share with them Government schemes that specifically applies to their needs. This is a good thing, as last-mile communications are important for this vulnerable population segment who may not know who to turn to. I am heartened to see that SG Digital Office (SDO) moving into the community to teach seniors how to use new technology, a space where there is still much more to do. I was at the “Seniors Go Digital” event by SDO and IMDA at Teck Ghee Community Club last weekend. I saw many enthusiastic seniors who were eager to learn new digital functions like e-payments. Talking to Mrs Tan, who is a grandmother at the event, she shared that she was excited that she had learnt how to connect with her grandchildren via Zoom. She asked me what else she can do online. Speaking with her, it reaffirmed my belief that technology opens up many more possibilities when coupled with human care. We should move decisively to have a one-stop online digital service centres for all things related to seniors. There is no need for seniors to travel to a physical location just to look for help, and in this way, improve information and care referral. We should also endeavour to convert all Residents' Committee (RC) nodes into telehealth pods and get volunteers or part-time care aides from the community to assist seniors in their consultations. In introducing seniors to the use of telemedicine, they will be able have follow-up visits in the community without making the journey to the hospital. In these ways, technology can help wrap services around our seniors. However, Government services and the assistance of our healthcare friends are not enough to help our seniors through this crisis. Second, we need to tackle loneliness through stronger community bonds. We have become lonelier as a society with COVID-19 and tele-commuting and we can expect a lot more empty nesters, singles and seniors living alone in the future. Loneliness has significant implications. In a study by Duke-NUS on 4,500 Singaporeans aged 60 and above, 34% reported that they were sometimes or mostly lonely.[+8 sentences] This proportion increased with age. Social isolation among older adults is a serious public health concern because of their heightened risk of physical and mental health problems. This is further exacerbated through the COVID crisis. A recent Lancet article recommended urgent action to mitigate the mental and physical health consequences for the elderly if they remain at home and avoid social contact during the crisis. Everything eventually falls back on the need for and the importance of relationships and social bonds. I am glad that some hon Members have also spoken about this. Building strong social relationships is a complex issue but is something we need to do well in Singapore. Government policies can help with this. For example, HDB provides the Proximity Housing Grant to help families buy a resale flat to live with or close to each other for mutual care and support.[+13 sentences] Simple, everyday actions can also make a big impact. I was heartened to hear about the story of Mr Toh who lives in Yio Chu Kang. During the circuit breaker period, Mr Toh called SGO after he realised that he did not see his neighbour, whom he knew was ill, coming out of her flat for a few days. SGO and the nearby Senior Activity Centre assessed the situation and called for an ambulance. Mr Toh's neighbour was eventually admitted to hospital and was discharged a few days later. If not for Mr Toh's timely actions and knowledge of his neighbour, she could have suffered greater consequences. We need more Mr Tohs to build community and counter isolation. On a broader scale, we saw the community coming together to help others during the circuit breaker period, such as through food distribution to seniors living alone. I believe we can do this well because we are a high-rise and compact community. And many of us live next to each other. Volunteers from outside the community can be helpful, but there is no substitute for neighbours looking out and caring for each other. It creates a very different culture in the block and neighbourhood. We can do more to expand and deepen the community network. Include the grassroots leaders, organise it at the local level, leverage on the work of the Community Networks for Seniors and SG Cares, and offer active ageing, befriending and care programmes for our seniors.[+9 sentences] Third, as we have the community chipping in, we should use our different strengths to create a stronger society. Making a senior-friendly place is beyond infrastructural improvements. In helping each other, we must leverage on our various strengths and abilities to create a stronger social compact. When one has ability, we should do our best to help others without the ability. When one has resources, one should share our resources with those in need. If one is weak, we can look to those who are stronger to support us. During my house visits, I met people with differing resources and needs, like the uncle living alone in a rental flat, a single young mother who needs to raise five young kids, retirees who play chess at Block 610, professionals living in landed estates, even a former Minister who lives in the ward. I continue to have residents who write to me to ask how they can volunteer for the community. How can we match these resources to the people who need them within our communities? One way is to improve on and have more intergenerational programmes and services – where the young can take care of the old, and for the old to mentor the young. For instance, senior volunteers mentoring at-risk primary school children from low-income families. There will be a chance for us to do so in the new Yio Chu Kang Community Centre.[+21 sentences] In conclusion, in times of hardship, it is useful for us to reflect. But we should not "waste" a crisis by spending our time wishing we were out of it or reminiscing the past. We must live in the present and work for the future. We should have passion in the public discourse, to bring out creativity, be a catalyst for change and for our people to seek out new opportunities. But besides reflecting, we also need to act. There is much that we have to do together as a people. The Government cannot provide all the help to everybody. There will not be enough time, not enough resources and not enough attention. Government must facilitate, motivate and connect. But we need the whole nation to work together to meet the needs of every Singaporean. There is great value for us to do more for each other. This can be a reset in our nation building journey. Ultimately, we are facing a test. We either react by fighting for ourselves or watch out for each other. How we react will define us as a nation. As Singaporeans, we have gone through thick and thin together in the past. Yio Chu Kang was a big kampong area 50 years ago, a kampong of mainly coconut plantations and fresh fish farms. I took the opportunity to speak with old residents who had stayed in Yio Chu Kang from the kampong days till today. They shared with me how neighbours would help each other in times of harvest, such as picking coconuts and gathering fish, because the tasks were too onerous for each family to carry out on their own. One such resident, Mr Vincent Toh, recalled how he used to follow his father and uncle around the kampong in Lorong Lentor learning how to help his neighbours in these endeavours, often late into the night. He made many friends among his neighbours. Some are still living in Yio Chu Kang today.[+1 sentence] Many lifelong friendships were forged. We should rebuild and carry-over the old kampong spirit for Singapore.[+15 sentences] This spirit continues today. During my walkabouts, I met Mr Peter Chong, who is a hawker selling chicken rice at our Yio Chu Kang 628 Food Centre. A soft-spoken man, he offers discounted food to healthcare workers who he recognised through their uniforms. He also looks out for the seniors who would at times forget to bring money for their meals. Mr Chong would let them to have their meals and pay him another time. Such small daily acts of kindness and endearing moments are appreciated by the seniors and the Yio Chu Kang community. It is in the same spirit as SG Together, a shared conviction to work together and help each other to take Singapore forward. This spirit must be strengthened. In times of scarcity, we can be richer if we help each other. Treat our neighbours as our family. Reach out to those in need in times of crisis. Go the extra mile to care. This need not only be in big ways but in our everyday actions. This is how we should live. Thank you and I support the Motion.
Mr Deputy Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Dr Wan Rizal.
Dr Wan Rizal (Jalan Besar)1885 words
[+22 sentences]Mr Deputy Speaker, before I begin, I would like to declare that I am an educator at an Institute of Higher Learning (IHL), embarking on research in health and human motor behaviour, learning and development. Mr Deputy Speaker, I would like to extend my wholehearted appreciation and support for the President's Address. The year 2020 thus far has been a trying year for Singaporeans and life as we know it has changed in the span of just a few months. I would like to take this opportunity to salute our frontliners who have valiantly kept our country going. Not forgetting my fellow educators, from the early childhood sector to the primary schools and secondary schools as well as to those in the IHLs, for facing our students every day and provide normalcy when times are rough. Their dedication and ability to adapt underlie the quality of the educators that we have, and I hope that we can continue to provide them with the best support and work-life balance as possible. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish a Happy Teachers’ Day in advance to all of them. One key message from the President's Address that resonates strongly with me, and that I urge for the House to continually review, is in ensuring continuous social mobility in Singapore, especially through our education system. The recent Addendum by MOE to redouble their efforts to ensure that no child is left behind and to ensure multiple pathways to achieve success is much welcomed. The standard route for many of us is that we go through the primary, then secondary schools before moving on to tertiary education either in the junior colleges, polytechnics or ITEs. Following this set mould, some would then attain a bachelor's degree, which is seen as the endpoint and pinnacle of one's education journey. I would like us to continually challenge this notion, especially when we are serious about lifelong learning. To sustain something lifelong requires us to understand how to prevent physical and psychological burnouts that may happen throughout this journey. This may include providing opportunities for individuals to discover, rediscover and reinvent themselves. I believe that lifelong learning should not be an extension of just the tertiary education, but also an extension on the other end, the Early Childhood education. In this way, the education journey is spread over a longer period of time, reducing its intensity, yet at the same time, extending the runway for one to pursue their passion and making them invaluable experts in their chosen field. A longer runway also implies that if one decides to change their field of interest or finds a new one, it is never too late. Within this extended timeline, I would like to point out three key phases of interest. The first is "discovery". We often hear the notion that children are like sponges, due to their ability to absorb information. But this ability would not be maximised without the opportunity to play and explore. Through deliberate play and exploration, children discover skills of social interaction and problem-solving beyond what books can offer. From a motor development perspective, the age between four and seven is often termed as the "window of opportunity". Children who pick up fundamental movement skills during this critical period grow to be more confident, have higher self-esteem and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle throughout their lives.[+4 sentences] As you can see, the benefits of emphasising play during this critical juncture are long term. By the time a child enters primary school at the age of seven, without a solid foundation during this critical window, it may be too late. How often do we see our young children choosing mobile devices over physical activities? The formation of ECDA and NIEC, programmes such as KidSTART and the increase in Government subsidies for preschools show that we are in the right direction towards making preschool accessible for all. While the Government has been forthcoming in its support for early childhood education, I urge us to hold ourselves to a higher standard and would like to suggest that preschool education become mandatory for all Singaporean children. Mandating compulsory preschool education underlies our strong commitment in combating inequality at the earliest juncture possible and ensures that every Singaporean child is given the opportunity, the opportunity to discover the joy of exploration and play and, importantly, they stand a chance, just a chance when they enter primary school.[+8 sentences] The next key phase is "rediscover". Currently, there are over 250 courses available in our local polytechnics and universities, allowing students to choose a course that matches their interest and passion. However, the collapse of certain sectors and the streamlining of the workforce brought upon by COVID-19 has exposed the inability of some of our fresh graduates to be agile in a volatile job environment. As an educator, I have met many ex-students from both the polytechnics and the universities who are unable to secure jobs. Some of them are my primary school students from 15 years ago. A typical scenario would be a fresh graduate in a particular affected sector, who suddenly finds himself at a complete loss with the dismal state of his particular industry due to the specialised nature of his course. This then raises the question of how specialised their education should be at this stage. Because clearly, early specialisation constraints their skillsets and limits opportunities. On the other hand, an emphasis on broad skills rooted in Industry 4.0 that can be generalised across other disciplines can put our fresh graduates on a better footing and give them the confidence to apply their technical skills across other relevant sectors.[+14 sentences] So, the next question may be when the specialised skills should be introduced. I am a strong believer that this should be done on-the-job. As fresh graduates learn from the job and develop their passion and eventually specialise, it is at this juncture where they rediscover, as they enrol in specialised courses in the polytechnics or universities. I envision a future where such specialised courses are curated in collaboration with industry partners, creating a symbiotic relationship between content and relevance, and further supported by a robust apprenticeship approach. Importantly, if a similar crisis were to strike again, we have done our part to ensure that every Singaporean graduate is future-ready and remains employable. The final phase is "reinvent". I recall my own struggles managing my work, my responsibilities as a young father, as well as studies and research. The only perk that I could think of was that living in Punggol and travelling all the way to the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) meant that I had a lot of time to read my notes in the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). Although I must admit, like any other adult learners who also have families and who reach home late, I usually end up using that time to catch up on sleep. Support for adult learners requires work on multiple fronts. It starts from building an employer culture that sees value and allows time for the employee for training and education. I would like to emphasise the enhancing of digital avenues to allow flexibility in pursuing courses. The COVID-19 situation has proven to us that learning online is possible and it may be the preferred mode for future learning. Personally, I have conducted numerous online lectures with adult learners who appreciate the flexibility, and the time saved from travelling. With that, I hope that we are able to one day provide all our workers the opportunity to undertake courses to reinvent themselves. This may mean encouraging the move towards a four-and-a-half-day work week, with the remainder half day dedicated for skills training.[+6 sentences] Mr Deputy Speaker, our education system should be one that allows for multiple entry and exit points, such that any individual, no matter their age or juncture in life, is given room to discover, rediscover and reinvent themselves. Recently, I met a few individuals who have further inspired me in preparing this speech: Mr John Chong who, after 37 years in the Education Service as a teacher, Head of Department (HOD) and Vice Principal, pursued his passion to be a beekeeper; Mr Jabez Tan, a food and beverage (F&B) business owner who, despite going to prison five times, developed his passion for cooking, researched on the best "Bak Kut Teh" recipe and eventually became successful; and Mdm Narindarjeet Kaur, who has been a nurse for 40 years, her passion for her job motivated her to attain numerous certificates in her area of specialisation before attaining her degree at the age of 55. Collectively, they have proven to me the importance of passion and the need for multiple starting points to achieve success. Mr Deputy Speaker, please allow me to continue in Malay. (In Malay): In my speech earlier, I highlighted the importance of education at the preschool level. The age of four to seven is important in the development of children, it is the best time for them to gain knowledge and be given a strong foundation before entering primary school. As such, I hope that the Government can make preschool education compulsory for Singaporean children and provide the necessary support and so on.[+2 sentences] I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the mosque staff and religious teachers who have worked diligently to ensure that our society remains safe in the COVID-19 situation. Our religious teachers have successfully recreated themselves through virtual conferencing and they continue to play an important role in guiding and advising the community. They have proven to be good role models in terms of adaptation and lifelong learning, and I hope that our community will also follow their footsteps. I believe in their capabilities, and I hope that existing religious teachers and those who have just returned home, can continue to adapt to the current context through the Committee on Future Asatizah (COFA) and reinvent themselves in various fields and disciplines.[+1 sentence] In this period of service, I hope to contribute further into the issue of social mobility through education, so that Singaporeans, regardless of age and their starting points, are always given the opportunity to improve their lives. (In English): Mr Deputy Speaker, in summary, I had shared my vision of an extended education system. It is one that begins with mandatory early childhood education to ensure that no child is left behind, followed by a review of our polytechnic and university courses, so that it is streamlined and focused on providing our graduates with a strong general foundation so that they remain agile in a volatile world.[+4 sentences] Finally, in providing support for adult learners, recognising and providing numerous opportunities available, leveraging on technology and dedicating half a day each week to allow for training. I would like to end my speech in gratitude, to all who have believed in me to serve in this House today – from my family to my mentors, as well as my students who, in their own way, nurture and inspire me to become a better person and a leader. Let us renew our commitment towards building a better future for all Singaporeans, a future that we all help to build and, together, look forward to. Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the Motion.
[+2 sentences]. (proc text)] [(proc text) 'We, the Parliament of the Republic of Singapore, express our thanks to the President for the Speech which she delivered on behalf of the Government at the Opening of the First Session of this Parliament.'." – (proc text)]
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Minister Chan.
The Minister for Trade and Industry (Mr Chan Chun Sing)407 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Speaker, a point of clarification. On Monday, during the Debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President, Mr Dennis Tan stated that he had to rectify the position of his posters, arising from two complaints about his campaign posters to the Elections Department or ELD during the recent General Election or GE.[+4 sentences] He said that both complaints related to his posters being below the 2.2 m minimum height requirement which is meant to prevent posters from obstructing the line of sight for motorists. Mr Dennis Tan further said that and I quote, "One resident told me that she had witnessed the PAP team pulling down our posters from the original height. She showed me where they allegedly took place and I have no reason to doubt what she said." Mr Speaker, Sir, this is a serious allegation. When challenged in this House by Mr Murali, Mr Tan acknowledged that ELD has been even-handed in handling complaints received from all political parties and candidates. ELD has not received any report from Mr Tan on his allegations that his posters were pulled down from the original height.[+2 sentences] In its Press Statement on 31 August 2020, ELD invited him to file a report so that it can investigate the matter. ELD also explained its enforcement approach when it receives such complaints, which is to ask the Election Agent to rectify the posters in breach of the rules within three hours. Mr Tan has replied to ELD on 2 September 2020 that he did not make a report to ELD during the GE as he was focusing on his election campaign and he has no plans to do so now.[+2 sentences] Mr Speaker, Sir, anyone who makes such allegations publicly should substantiate their allegations with evidence; more so when such allegations are made in this House. And in the spirit of constructive politics that we discussed in recent days in this House, it cannot be that a Member stands up to raise doubts and does not follow through to substantiate his allegations. ELD takes such allegations seriously and will investigate them thoroughly and impartially.[+2 sentences] This is to be fair to all parties involved, protect the integrity of the election processes and continue to uphold trust in our elections. Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to have the Press Statement issued by ELD and the correspondence between Mr Tan and ELD brought to the attention of Members and entered into Parliamentary records.
Mr Speaker16 words
[+3 sentences]Noted. Would any of Mr Dennis Tan's colleagues like to respond? If not, let us proceed.
The Minister of State for Education and Social and Family Development (Ms Sun Xueling)2712 words
[+22 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Motion. In my walks around Punggol, I meet many young families. A young mother shared with me that both she and her husband are essential services workers and as such, she needed a childcare near her home so that she can pick up her young child easily. A stay-home mum spoke for an hour with me, worried that her daughter would not qualify via Direct School Admission or DSA to her preferred school as she did not have a certificate to prove her daughter’s talent. A young father whose Primary 1 son was diagnosed with mild intellectual disability told me his son is not slow, just relatively slower than his classmates and just needs more time to catch up. These stories are diverse and varied, but they all carry a common thread of hope, struggles and dreams that all of us as parents have for our children. As parents, we want our children to have the best shot in life, to grow up happy, to have the confidence to chase their dreams and to be successful in life and their profession, whatever that may be. As a people, we aspire towards a fair, just and inclusive society where everyone has equal opportunities to develop to their fullest potential, regardless their backgrounds. But this is not a straightforward task. Many advanced economies have found that social mobility gets harder to sustain as society progresses and as more well-off parents pass down their resources to their children. At the same time, technological displacement to jobs and increasing competition from other markets are demanding a new set of traits for individuals to succeed in life. Amidst this shifting landscape, what might we expect of our education system? I ask this as a mother, and now as an office holder in MOE. My hope is that our education system will always remain a social enabler so that everyone, especially those who may have started with less, has the hope and confidence that in Singapore they have equal access to opportunities to do well, achieve their aspirations and find happiness. I believe that our social conscience tells us that we do not want to create a self-fulfilling class system in Singapore that is entrenched and segregates individuals, limiting them in their endeavours, and stifling hopes and dreams. I also hope that our education system provides the space for our children to discover their passion and allows them to grow, confidently, in their own time. Different children flourish at different stages, in different environments and in different realms. I hope that there are multiple pathways available to them, that schools and parents recognise their diverse strengths and interests and that there is porosity between the pathways to support our children’s varied endeavours. And lastly, I hope that our education system serves a wider social purpose of building a sense of solidarity among Singaporeans. Where our children from diverse backgrounds can learn from one another, interact with each other comfortably and respectfully and through these interactions, find a shared destiny which they continue to believe in even after they grow up. Globally, research has shown that what happens in the early years is critical in determining how children turn out and how they subsequently fare in life. The MOE and MSF are therefore intervening earlier, from the pre-schooling years, so that our children regardless their backgrounds, have a good start from which to find fulfilment and joy in life. The Government has announced that it is ramping up the provision of Government-supported preschool places, from just over 50% of the market today to 80% by 2025. Since January this year, many families are now paying less for preschool given enhanced subsidies.[+4 sentences] The Government is also investing significantly in the software aspects of teacher recruitment, progression and professional development. Taken together, this sends a strong signal that the Government prioritises the early learning years and wants to give every child a good starting point from which they can chart their future paths. While the vast majority of each cohort has attended pre-school prior to Primary 1, there is nonetheless a group of children whose attendance is irregular in pre-school and a few who are not even enrolled in pre-school. We should examine how we can further enable pre-school participation, as the formative years play a critical role in a child’s development. They say it takes a village to raise a child. I hope that with the scale-up of programmes such as KidSTART, which provides holistic support to lower income families and focus on the health, nutrition and education of their children, more of these children and their families can benefit.[+4 sentences] With Growing Together with KidSTART, I also hope that more community partners can come forward to partner lower income families in their parenting journey. My second point is about expanding educational pathways. Different children bloom at different stages, in different environments and in different ways. To give our children a fair chance to develop and shine, there must be varied educational pathways to better recognise a fuller range of talents and strengths, beyond academic achievements. Our education system has been making big moves to bring about a mindset shift to look beyond academic achievements, by reducing school-based assessments and making changes to the PSLE scoring system. But to do this successfully, we all need to move away from an overemphasis on grades, not just within the school system but a broader mindset shift in society, including from among employers and parents. And we need to make real changes to some of the current ways of doing things, such as a greater recognition of skills when evaluating someone for a job.[+1 sentence] DSA is one way of expanding pathways by providing students an opportunity to progress to their next stage of education through recognition of their diverse talents – in sports, performing arts and so forth. But even as we do so, we must be careful not to rely solely on tried-and-tested methods, such as assessing students based on certificates which show demonstrated achievements. This would only serve to transfer the competition for results from the academic arena to the non-academic arena, with better off parents being more likely to send their children for extra training in DSA areas.[+1 sentence] We want to avoid such unhealthy competition. Instead, we have started making changes to DSA over the past few years, and parents and children can be assured that our schools are adopting a much more holistic assessment, looking beyond past achievements.[+4 sentences] Our children come from a diverse range of backgrounds and bring with them different experiences, different opportunities that they have had and different personal traits. We are therefore encouraging schools to dig deeper for potential. We recognise that the process in trying to identify students’ potential in a particular DSA area is inevitably less straightforward than simply checking if they have demonstrated achievements in the past. But if we truly believe in expanding opportunities for all, then we have to try. For example, in sports selection, we encourage schools to look beyond sports-specific competencies, such as the ability to dribble or serve a ball, but to also look for natural abilities such as agility, coordination and speed.[+18 sentences] Our children can also bring character and personal qualities to a sport or performing art. Qualities such as resilience, compassion and leadership which help reflect the spirit of the DSA area. We should also look hard for students that come from a wider range of schools, keep a lookout for them and for talent amongst them. This will truly expand opportunities for more children and offer them more pathways to succeed. I also mentioned earlier that the changing global operating context is demanding a new set of traits for our children to thrive. We want our children to develop into global citizens, to be able to seize opportunities in the global marketplace, and have the disposition and ability to work with people from different cultures. We are therefore refreshing our humanities curriculum to deepen our students’ understanding of the histories, cultures and economies of our regional neighbours, and our connections to them. When the situation allows, we will also expose our students to more global opportunities, through more overseas student exchanges and internships, to strengthen our cross-cultural skills and develop the global perspective to seize opportunities both at home and abroad. Speaker, Sir, I will like to make a final point about children with special educational needs or SEN in Singapore. I visited Grace Orchard School about a month back. It is a Special Education or SPED school catering to students with mild intellectual disability and those with mild Autism Spectrum Disorder. At the school, students were learning daily living skills, such as personal health and grooming, and picking up work-ready skills such as horticulture. But what left an indelible impression on me was how the students interacted with their teachers. As I walked through the corridors and in the canteen, I heard students spontaneously greeting their teachers with exuberance. Individual voices rang out, one shouting, "Hello, Mrs Goh"; another one, "Good morning, Ms Low". Excited happy voices. These were not greetings in unison, they were random, all over the place but full of joy. The positive energy and love the students have for their teachers was palpable. And I thought to myself, "Isn’t this what the education system is about?" For our children with special educational needs, we will make sure they can access quality and affordable SEN support provisions in both mainstream and SPED schools. We recently worked with six SPED schools to reduce their fees by at least 25% for Singapore Citizens since the start of this year, and will be building more SPED schools over the next few years. Yesterday, I had also announced a new Human Resource package to support our SPED teachers in their career and professional development aspirations. We are also intervening earlier through early intervention programmes in pre-schools and for those with moderate to severe developmental needs, through the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children.[+12 sentences] We will also actively look for ways to foster purposeful interaction between students with and without SEN to create a truly inclusive environment. Some examples include satellite partnerships between the mainstream and SPED schools, combined teams at the National School Games and joint OBS camps. But over and above all that, our children at Grace Orchard School taught me something and reminded me of what education really is about. Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself, where our children grow up feeling loved, treasured and supported; where they grow up confident and passionate about learning and life; where they are seen for who they are and not what they can or cannot do. We ourselves hold the keys to building a fair, just and inclusive society – through our efforts in our children’s education. Mr Speaker, Sir, I would now like to speak in Chinese. (In Mandarin): I have just shared with you how MOE will work to ensure that our children have opportunities to develop their potential and succeed in many ways, and how we will work to create a more equal and inclusive education environment. However, for children, family support may be more important for their physical and mental development. The family is not only a haven for children, but also a basic unit of society, and a cornerstone of national stability. However, COVID-19 has resulted in significant pressures to families. These are not limited to economic and employment pressures, but also psychological and emotional pressures, which may lead to family conflicts and even family violence. Some couples are worried about financial difficulties, while others are parents working from home but still need to manage their children’s home-based learning, resulting in strained relationship with their children. Teenagers may be in low spirits as they must stay at home for long periods and are unable to meet their friends as and when they like. We saw an increase in family violence related enquiries during the circuit breaker period; the queries received by MSF increased by about 10% during the circuit breaker period as compared to the period before circuit breaker in March.[+1 sentence] At the same time, we note that COVID-19 has also impacted the formation of new families. The total number of marriages registered from January to July this year dropped by 23% as compared to the same period last year.[+2 sentences] This will have a negative impact on the number of newborns in Singapore. MSF is aware of the challenges faced by families and has taken various measures to help affected Singaporeans and families. In terms of financial assistance, we introduced the Temporary Relief Fund to help lower and middle-income Singaporeans and families. We also introduced the COVID-19 Support Grant, for Singaporeans who are unemployed or suffered significant income loss, and the application window for the grant has been extended to December this year.[+1 sentence] At the same time, MSF is reviewing other grants and assistance for families, to extend our social safety net. To combat the psychological effects of COVID-19, we launched the National CARE Hotline in April this year to help Singaporeans who need emotional or psychological support during the pandemic. It is worth noting that since its launch more than four months ago, the hotline has received about 28,000 calls for help.[+22 sentences] Besides the Government's efforts, we need more people to look out for those who need help and those who face difficulties but do not know who to turn to for help. It is heartening to see the strength of the community and volunteers. I am part of the Youth Mental Well-being Network, which is a collaborative effort with community partners and concerned individuals, involving more than 1,000 volunteers and experts. Through the Singapore Together Action Network, they are working together on issues concerning youth mental well-being. The Inter-Agency Task Force on Family Violence, which I co-chair with Minister of State Faishal, is also pleased to see the participation of many social service agencies, providing their views and helping families in need. In the area of family formation, we will continue to render assistance to minimise delays caused by COVID-19, so that the newlyweds can collect the keys to their new homes as soon as possible. For those whose new flats have been delayed, we will assist them with interim rental housing. To mitigate the impact of COVID-19 measures on marriages, MSF has introduced solemnisations via video-link in May and has recently relaxed the guidelines to allow up to 50 persons to attend in-person solemnisations. We will also continue to monitor the situation and explore ways for couples to have memorable weddings despite the pandemic. We do not wish to see people’s lives come to a standstill because of COVID-19. I know that young couples when considering whether to start a family can be concerned about the costs of raising a child. We will review our policies to see how we can lower the costs for young families in times of crisis. Looking at the history of mankind, some countries have seen a decline in the wake of a crisis, while others have shown greater social cohesion and vitality. In the 55 years since Singapore’s independence, we have gone through several crises, such as the social turmoil in the 1960s, the Asian financial crisis in 1997, SARS in 2003, and the global financial crisis in 2008. But we become more united after each crisis and emerge stronger after going through a rough patch. I believe that the resilience of Singaporeans will enable us to ride out the current economic crisis. Singaporeans' compassion will also enable us to stay together and watch out for one another. Everyone will face challenges and there will be clear skies for those who ride through the storms. The family is our haven. We will do our best to protect it. I believe that with the strong corporate and community ties that Singapore has built over the years, and the efforts of our government, community volunteers, community organisations and volunteers, we will take good care of our families, overcome the pandemic and give all Singaporeans and our children a healthy, prosperous and bright future. Thank you!
Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim (Chua Chu Kang)2011 words
[+24 sentences]Mr Speaker, I rise in support for the Motion of Thanks to the President for her Address. Before I begin, I would like to declare that I am a practising lawyer and a member of the board of an Institute of Public Character providing crisis shelter for domestic violence survivors. President Halimah Yacob highlighted that we will have to strengthen our safety nets and support every Singaporean. I fully agree. Like many other Singaporean parents, I dream of building a stronger and more cohesive society for our children. My speech is inspired by my six-year old son and his love for Lego blocks. Each block is important. But, if you do not connect them properly, then the entire structure may be unstable. To me, each Singaporean family represents that building block of our society. These blocks may come in different shapes or colours but when connected together they are stronger and more beautiful. In order for us to build a more cohesive society, I submit that we will have to continue doing three things. Firstly, support each building block; secondly, strengthen the connections and thirdly, provide the space for continuous rebuilding. Supporting families is crucial given the financial and emotional stresses that they now face. The economic crisis of today may give rise to the social crisis of tomorrow. I propose two specific areas of support in healthcare and housing. For many families I have met in Keat Hong, their common fear is to lose a job or worse, suffer a major illness. One of my residents, Mr Tan, suffers from kidney failure and now, a drop in income. He is concerned that if the costs of dialysis treatment keep on going up, he would have to dip further into his life savings. For families like Mr Tan's, we must continue to review how our healthcare safety nets work. But we must do this in a fiscally responsible manner. How do we review and increase the limits from MediSave and MediShield Life to help the financial burden now; perhaps we can increase the limit on an interim basis at least during this pandemic period. Senior Minister of State Heng Chee How has also mentioned such review in his speech. I have filed a Parliamentary Question related to this. Next, on housing. According to HDB, from April to June this year, there has been a threefold increase of households facing financial difficulty to make their monthly mortgage payments, compared to the same period last year. To address this, besides various repayment solutions offered by HDB, late payment charges have been suspended until the end of this month. I would suggest that HDB consider extending this until the end of this year.[+12 sentences] This will be consistent with the intent behind MAS' relief package initiative which allows residential owners to defer repayment of commercial bank loans up to 31 December 2020. Besides financial help, we need to explore other ways and frameworks to ease the mental and emotional strains on families to make it easier for family members to share the load and ensure the family stays strong through this crisis. Especially for those who may need more help. However, the family or the building block is very different now than what it was 30 years ago. Blended families, unwed mothers, single working adults, taking care of their elderly parents, all make up our building blocks of society. We must not leave anyone behind especially the vulnerable or what Ms Carrie Tan referenced in her speech yesterday as the "challenged families". A chain is no stronger than its weakest link. We need an ecosystem of stronger connections within our community. In this respect, I submit that we have to do two things. First, we have to work together and then we have to stay together. To illustrate this, I will refer to the work in ending domestic violence and working with families. Since the circuit breaker, there is a concern in the rise of domestic violence cases. The police reported an increase of 22% reports of family violence since the beginning of the circuit breaker period. According to MSF, adult and child protection services saw a 14% increase in inquiries related to domestic conflicts and violence in the first two weeks of the circuit breaker period alone.[+17 sentences] However, I would caution that these are only the reported cases. The tip of the iceberg. According to an Ipsos study in 2019, a third of Singaporeans said that they or someone close to them had experienced domestic violence. Another survey by the International Violence against Women in Singapore found that less than a quarter of victims actually report domestic violence cases to the police. I am using the term "domestic violence" because it encompasses more than just violence between family members. Under the current legislation, only family violence is specifically defined. Perhaps it is time to broaden the definition beyond family to domestic violence or revisit the approach in the Family Violence Bill previously proposed in 1995. Having said that, I am also heartened that the Inter-Agency Task Force on Domestic Violence has been formed, headed by Minister of State Sun Xueling and Minister of State Faishal Ibrahim. It has connected Government agencies, the judiciary and strategic community partners to address domestic violence issue. This is an ongoing process. This consultative method is the way forward. Not everything has to be legislated. I hope the Task Force can look at how we can make it easier for the discrete reporting of domestic violence in the case of elderly abuse and immigrant wives. In Australia, the Department of Home Affairs provide information to immigrant wives on domestic abuse and how to get help upon their entry into the country. Perhaps we can adopt a similar approach for immigrant wives, so that they too, can understand their rights and protection afforded to them under our laws. Even after working closely together, we need to ensure that we stay together as one. One of my residents in Keat Hong, has been running a foster home in her jumbo flat for the past 15 years. Currently, she has eight children under her care.[+3 sentences] Most of the children have incarcerated parents. People like her create a more stable and supportive environment for these children. How do we attract and retain more such partners? Some jurisdictions have built up a pool of licensed, temporary foster care-givers who can step in and offer relief for current foster parents so that they can recharge and not now, but in the long-term, the flexibility and short-term nature may even attract more to be temporary foster care-givers before they decide to be full-time.[+10 sentences] We need to find ways to not only incentivise but to also take care of our community partners and volunteers, so that more will be encouraged to step forward. The broader point I am making is this – we need to see beyond the lens of the beneficiary or recipient. We need to look at it from the perspective of the provider also. This is in line with the spirit of togetherness that Mr Yip Hon Weng stated in his speech yesterday as well. With all of these ingredients, we can make it work. As Henry Ford said, "Coming together is the beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success". At this inflection point for our country, we must embark on our journey together – one of reflection and rebuilding. Mr Speaker, Sir, in Malay please. (In Malay): The process of self-reflection and co-creating solutions is nothing new to the Malay/Muslim community. I think we should be bold enough to evaluate what is available, revamp what is obvious to us and proceed to build it. Here I would like to suggest that the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) can be amended to widen the Syariah Court's jurisdiction limits to not only handle divorce cases but also disputes involving faraid, wakaf and inheritance issues. Now, although the faraid Certificate of Inheritance is issued by the Syariah Court and wakaf administration is under Muis' purview, any dispute related to it should be tried by the Civil Court. I am proposing for a dispute resolution framework in faraidh and wakaf cases, which can include mediation or arbitration at the Syariah Court.[+7 sentences] At the same time, this can help build expertise in the Syariah Court and sensitive issues related to wakaf can be looked into from the lens of the community. With the existence of the Committee on Future Asatizah (COFA) and the Singapore Community Wakaf initiative, we can build a legal framework that can develop the expertise of religious teachers and meet the needs of the community in the future. My hope is that we can make this a success together. The oft-mentioned spirit of mutual cooperation can change a person's life and unite the community. Our Malay/Muslim community's sacrifices during the past Ramadan amidst the COVID-19 pandemic gives me hope that we can weather this economic crisis and address the problems faced by our community. Issues such as drug abuse, divorce and domestic violence are affecting all levels of society and do not differentiate between race or religion. Therefore, our approach to these issues has changed and should continue to change. For example, by fully leveraging on Government resources and relooking issues from the national lens, the M3 approach has enabled professionals and volunteers, regardless of race, to work together, combine their efforts and generate new constructive ideas.[+25 sentences] M3 strategies and approaches should be looked into, not only for our Malay/Muslim community, but also because it can potentially be harnessed by all the communities in our country. We now face an unparalleled economic crisis and face a single enemy in dealing with COVID-19. As we embrace the diversity of recommendations and opinions, we must uphold the core values that were championed by our nation’s pioneers, that is, to place importance on unity in society and diversity. When the storm hits the wharf, The anchor is dropped by the seasoned captain, When a crisis hits our shores, Prioritise unity in our nation. (In English): Mr Speaker, Sir, none of us knows for sure how Singapore will look like after this crisis right now. But storms draw something out of us that calm seas do not. If we take care of the building blocks of our society, strengthen the connections and co-create and build together, I believe we can ride through this storm not just surviving but thriving. What makes Singapore special is that we embrace and celebrate diversity, including the political diversity that makes up this current Parliament. Political diversity is not the monopoly of any party. We have seen from the speeches made this week of the diverse views held among all of us. Yet, we still respect and must hold on to our common values that make us uniquely Singaporean. I reflected upon what Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in his speech yesterday, about our future and our political discourse. In Parliament, every word we say here is recorded forever. I urge and have full confidence that Members of this House will prioritise people over polarising politics. It must be for the cause, not the applause; the intention and not attention. We have to set the tone in this House for the discourse of our politics. It will ring loud here and outside, in our constituencies, in our communities, in our homes. We have to set the example, history will judge us, our children and their children will judge us as well. They will either look up to us or look away. The crisis we face will not define us. It is our responses as a people that would shape our collective future. Let us continue to play our part to rebuild a more resilient, more inclusive, more vibrant society and economy than ever before. Together we are greater than the sum of our parts. But if one part is not connected, then everything else may fall apart. Mr Speaker, I support the Motion.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Vikram Nair.
Mr Vikram Nair (Sembawang)2934 words
[+3 sentences]Mr Speaker, I rise in support of the Motion. Singapore’s journey in the last 60 years has been remarkable. At the time of our Independence, we were very much a developing country. In 1960, our GDP per capita was US$449. By 1990, at the time Mr Lee Kuan Yew handed over to Mr Goh Chok Tong, it had risen to US$11,862 per capita.[+3 sentences] If we look at the numbers, it is a remarkable growth. The multiple is more than 25 times. So, of course, the growth that that generation experienced would have been remarkable. By 2006, when Mr Goh Chok Tong handed over, GDP per capita had risen to US$33,769.[+3 sentences] This, again, by any standard, is a big number. But in proportion, it is three times the growth. This clearly put us very much amongst the First World nations. In 2019, when the last figures were available from the World Bank, the GDP stood at around US$65,233 – again, a very big number, a little under double from 2006.[+40 sentences] Singapore has been criticised for focusing too much on GDP. But I think this is a luxury we have after we have achieved that growth, a luxury that has given us many opportunities. For comparison, if we compare these figures to, say, the UK – which was also not a very successful country and was our former colonial masters – we actually see how remarkable this achievement is. In 1960, the UK’s GDP per capita was about US$1,398, about three times ours. In 1990, the same second timeframe, it was US$19,095, still more than 60% higher than ours – no longer triple but still significantly more. In 2006, its GDP was about US$44,600, again, higher than ours, but only about 25% higher. As of last year, the UK’s GDP per capita was $42,300, according to the World Bank figures, and this is actually slightly lower than it was in 2006, and, now, 30% below ours. This is not meant to be a criticism of the UK but just to show how difficult it is to achieve growth once you have become a developed nation and the UK has been maintaining its GDP for the last 14 years but it has been difficult to achieve growth. So, if you compare that as the benchmark, I think the current term of government has done incredibly well. It has grown GDP from a high benchmark to an even higher benchmark. This is why, in many ways, we are in no-man's land. There is an old saying in Tamil which goes: “இக்கரைக்கு அக்கரை பச்சை”. In English, you will be familiar with this. It means, “The grass is greener on the other side”. So, for many of us, we may look at other developed countries and think we are inferior and then say, "Look, we have to replicate them". But I think this sometimes understates how good things are over here. This is not to say we are perfect and this is not to say we cannot learn. We have to always learn, we always have to look outwards. But at the same time, we also cannot let go of things that have worked for us and which we have been doing right. In this speech, I want to touch on three themes that I think are important for this. The first is openness; the second, equality; and the third is fairness. The first topic I am touching on is openness. Openness has been one of the most important themes for Singapore's economy since its founding. When the British set up Singapore and planted their flag in Singapore about 200 years ago, the population was less than 1,000. But at that time, Raffles saw Singapore as a place where the region and perhaps even larger parts of the world could come to trade. As Singapore grew as a trading port, as part of a bigger global empire, more and more people moved here, including from the Malay peninsular, China and India, where many of our ancestors are from. So, it was, in fact, Singapore's openness from inception that brought many of us here. At the time of Independence, Singapore had a choice. Many countries that won independence from colonial masters sometimes cut roots altogether. They said "We want nothing more to do with the rest of the world. We will do everything ourselves". Singapore did not. Singapore went a different way. We kept it open to the world. We did not burn bridges with our colonial masters. In fact, we maintained the relationship. The British continued to provide for our defence for some years after our Independence. We played a part in the Commonwealth, we joined international organisations. We brought new industries and new businesses here and this is what actually helped Singapore grow during the early years. In the earlier speeches, Minister Ong Ye Kung talked about the financial sector – one area where many Singaporeans are feeling angst about foreigners taking their jobs. But he highlighted that this sector really started again as an entrepreneurial venture in a little over 50 years ago when Singapore decided to open up as a currency trading hub. This slowly evolved into having more and more high-quality jobs here and we now have a sector that employs 170,000 people, of which 70% are Singaporeans.[+36 sentences] Our senior management, I think, could do better but the numbers still stand at 44% Singaporean and these are jobs that would not have been here if we were not open. Yesterday, in his speech, Prime Minister Lee talked about many sectors, including oil and gas and pharmaceuticals. Other sectors not mentioned include areas like manufacturing. But many of these areas grew on the back of our being open and allowing people to come in and build a base here. I am also heartened that, during this difficult time, Singapore remains open. I think the Prime Minister mentioned in his speech yesterday that EDB has a longer pipeline of projects this year than last year, including companies looking to develop treatments for COVID-19. This is good news for Singaporeans and jobs. But in order to benefit from this, we have to remain open. The second theme though is equality. Equality is something that I think every society strives for. But equality has many different meanings. During the Cold War, there were two very different conceptions of equality. On the one hand, you can say the US perhaps epitomises it. It talked very heavily about equality of opportunity – whoever you are, wherever you are, you must have a chance to succeed. But equality of opportunity almost always creates inequality of outcomes. You cannot run away from that. If everyone is given the same chance, some people will do better than others; the outcomes will be different. Why do they do better? There can be many reasons. It can be hard work, it can be luck. Or it can also be privilege – you had a better starting position. But if you focus on giving everyone equal opportunities, your outcomes will not be equal. The second side, you might say, is the ideal of communism – equality of outcome. So, the ideal world, in that conception, was that whatever you do, it did not matter. As long as you did your best, everyone will get the same outcome. But no society has been able to achieve that. Even in the more strongly socialist countries, outcomes were still different. It is just that those differences were less. But one big problem with that conception of equality was that the human desire to do your best to achieve was significantly dampened. And George Orwell and many other commentators observed that the only way you could have complete equality of outcome is in a totalitarian state and that was undesirable because, ultimately, the state has to take control of everything, tell people what to do and everyone one outcome. So, where we are after the Cold War is that everyone more or less said, okay, equality of opportunity is the way to go. But, of course, 20 years down, we realised that equality of opportunity also has problems. One of the biggest problems is the entrenchment of privilege. This is why I think governments still have a role to play to ensure that the playing field remains fair and that everyone will still have a chance to do well, even if we focus on equality of opportunity. This actually brings me to my point on fairness, which is the third pillar in what I think is important. Fairness is something which Singapore has worked very hard to achieve. One policy that I commend and which I think we should be very slow to release on is actually equality for the different races and religions.[+1 sentence] This is something that we enshrine in our Constitution and with express policies to promote. Some of these include racial quotas in HDB blocks as well as the GRC system that ensures minority representation in Parliament. Earlier in the debate, Ms Sylvia Lim mentioned we should relook at these.[+1 sentence] I am happy. It is okay to relook at these policies. But I would firmly say that I think these policies are important.[+31 sentences] Let me share a conversation I had with a politician from a European country. This was about six or seven years ago at a time when ISIS was brewing as a problem for the world. At that time, Singapore was also concerned about this. But my European counterpart was asking me, "How do you deal with this issue of returning fighters? You have a Muslim population that is about the same size as ours but you do not seem to have many people going to the Middle East to fight, whereas we have..." at that time, he said, "...more than a hundred people who were going and there is not much we could do about them because people are free to travel". At that time, he was actually asking us about our Internal Security Act and he thought that that was the main reason we did not have so many people going there to fight. We had a very interesting conversation because I asked him a little bit more about the Middle East. He said that the Muslim community was about the same size in our two countries. So, I asked him, "You said many of them were going to fight. But how well integrated is your Muslim community with the rest?" He said, "They are not discriminated. They can do whatever they want. But they all like to live together." Then I also asked after that, "Do you have any of them in parliament?" and he mentioned "No, they are not in parliament. There is nothing stopping them. But, yes, they do not run, so they are not in parliament." So, they have a very laissez faire approach to it. But the outcome of that laissez faire approach was that it looked like you had a community that was not well integrated, not well represented and, therefore, felt like an outsider, whereas one of the things about our community is that all the different communities are very well integrated. And, certainly, when it comes to radicalism and so on, usually, most of our leads come from the community itself, the rehabilitation takes place through the community and everyone sees themselves as part of the same project. So, this is a very important part of equality and fairness. But this is not natural. This requires at least gentle legislation to put people together and then people can form bonds. So, yes, we can explore this, but it is something that we should be slow to let go. But there are three things that I do think we can change and these are suggestions along the way. So, when I talk about fairness, what fairness really means is that wherever you are, you should have a fair shot. John Rawls, in his Theory of Justice, said that for any society, the ideal benchmark of fairness is you decide and structure the society without knowing where you will be, so that, wherever you are, you will feel this is a fair society. That is a very useful test. I think, in Singapore, it should be wherever you are, rich, poor, minority, of whatever ethnic group, you should feel you have a fair shot at life. There are three areas we could look at to improve. One area is pre-schools. I had mentioned very early on, even before I became a father, that I actually thought it was important to socialise pre-school course as well. In our early years of Independence, the Pioneer Generation realised that education was an important leveller. So, Primary education was made free and compulsory.[+8 sentences] Everyone had to go in for Primary school. This helped one generation. At that time, in Primary school, that was where you learn to read and write. But now, what has happened is that more and more people are starting out at pre-school. And pre-school is not compulsory. It has been made significantly more affordable but it is still more expensive than Primary school. It is not effectively free. And those who can afford it or are deemed to be able to afford it, will have to pay. The result of this is that pre-school enrolment, while getting better, is still not universal.[+7 sentences] Standards are variable and parents sometimes have a perception that some pre-schools are significantly better than others and, therefore, there are different starting points. I acknowledge that the socialising of pre-school to try and make it equally accessible, free and, potentially, even compulsory, will be significantly more than Primary school. So, this is a big prize to get the item and this is something that we should focus on if the Budget allows it. These are things we can do, now that we are a richer country. But, again, it has to be balanced against other priorities. So, this is the pre-school level, the very early starting point. The second area where we could put a bit more focus on is, once you move to the Secondary level, people diverge between vocational paths and more academic paths. I agree with the focus of the Ministry that different pathways to success should be there and all pathways should lead to success. But one area where there is significant discrepancy is the salaries that come out from the vocational path and the academic path.[+11 sentences] Germany is a country in Europe which has the fewest number of graduates per capita but it also has one of the highest GDP per capita. That is because vocational jobs in Germany pay very well. So, I think it is important for us to look into why there is discrepancy between vocational pay as compared to the pay of graduates. This is not something that is natural. If a skilled vocational person is able to add value, they should be able to command a higher salary than graduates. In most developed countries, vocational pay is higher. The implication for this, of course, is that when you pay for service, you have to pay more as well. But I think if you are talking about progressing fairly, this will be one area that probably requires more careful study. The third area is what I would call, a workplace discrimination. And here we have had very longstanding debates taking place about whether or not Singaporeans are being discriminated in their workplace. And I think MOM has a very clever lever at the moment. The current lever is that if an employer is deemed to be discriminating against Singaporeans, their access to foreign labour is cut or reduced.[+2 sentences] This, of course, is perfectly logical; it is a very effective tool. But the group of people who are left dissatisfied with this process are the people who feel they are victims of the discrimination, because they themselves have no recourse. MOM may take action against the company, if it deems the company is not acting fairly, but the individual who feels he may have lost his job does not feel vindicated. It is here that I think there isroom for legislation on workplace discrimination.[+8 sentences] I would also add that workplace discrimination legislation has had a mixed history in different countries. In some places because of anti-discrimination legislation, people actually get more afraid to hire from that discriminated community. Any anti-discrimination legislation has to be careful, but I think if the focus of discrimination is on Singaporeans and foreigners, I think it will be a line that we will be able to maintain. What this basically means is that, on the one hand, MOM as the regulator will manage the access to work passes, rights to employ more foreigners and so on, if they are deemed not to be fair to Singaporeans; but at the same time, if legislation is there to give the individual aggrieved recourse, I think that would also make Singaporeans feel they have had a fairer hearing. They will know that my specific case was considered, my grievance was considered, and yes, there was an outcome. I think this is an important process that will add to the feeling of fairness. Mr Speaker, as a country, we have come a very long way and the three principles that have been important for this are openness, equality and fairness. I have laid out three suggestions that I think would help in the fairness aspect which is ultimately important for us to get support for the Government.
Mr Sitoh Yih Pin (Potong Pasir)1356 words
[+10 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, many of us are familiar with Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which is often depicted as a triangle. At the base of this triangle are physiological needs. The need for safety is at the next level. Together, these two lowest levels make up what we call basic needs. The next level is relationship and intimacy needs which we derive a lot from interaction with friends and family. This is then followed by esteem needs which we derive often from our work and education. This is a psychological need. At the apex of this triangle, is our self-actualisation need – that feeling of achieving our potential through accomplishing something creative or extraordinary. Maslow's hierarchy of needs is not really just a tool to explain our needs, but really to explain what motivates us. Sir, culture and sports often straddle the two highest levels of needs: esteem and self-actualisation. As the world is battered by the COVID-19 pandemic, one may be tempted to say we should put culture and sports on the backburner and we focus all our energies on our lower level needs, such as physical safety, economic survival and so on.[+4 sentences] I think many of us have also realised that our relationships with family and friends are very precious during these last few months, especially during the circuit breaker period. Indeed, many of us are more attuned to our basic and psychological needs than ever before and realise that in the hustle and bustle of the pre-COVID world, we may have taken them somewhat for granted. But I would like to say that even when the future looks bleak and the world looks more dangerous than ever, we should not neglect higher needs for self-actualisation and esteem. Jobs do not just put food on the table, jobs also give us esteem and a chance to self-actualise. That is why it is so important to keep people engaged through work. That is why there is a saying in occupational medicine – the most dangerous employment is unemployment.[+2 sentences] But, Sir, beyond jobs and the economy, which are of paramount importance now, there are also other areas that deserve our attention and resources. It is part of our nation-building process that goes on every day, with or without COVID-19. One may even argue, nation-building is more urgent and important when the nation is faced with great adversity. But these nation-building areas must also include our culture and our sports.[+19 sentences] Sir, I am reminded of this when I watched a local documentary movie, "The Songs We Sang", 我们唱着的歌, recently on Netflix. I had watched this movie made by local director Ms Eva Tang when it was first screened more than five years ago in our cinemas and I watched it again when it was made available on Netflix. It chronicles the birth and development of a Singapore genre of Mandarin music called Xinyao that began in the late 1970s and flourished in the 1980s. It was written and performed by Chinese educated students of a transitional generation that faced many difficult challenges. I belong to that generation, although I am not Chinese-educated and I cannot write music or sing. I went to Hwa Chong Junior College between 1980 and 1981 when the Xinyao movement was just starting and gushing with creative energy. In 1981, when Liang Wern Fook, the now famous singer-songwriter and also Xinyao pioneer, was elected President of the Students' Council in Hwa Chong, Xinyao gained even greater prominence. Sir, these Chinese educated students were taught in Chinese up to Secondary school before they went to junior college where they were uniformly instructed in English together with the English-educated students. Subjects such as math, physics and geography, which they had learnt in Chinese previously, had to be relearnt in English. On top of that, news of the merger of University of Singapore and Nanyang University to form National University of Singapore in 1980 was already circulating strongly in the Junior College community then. To these Chinese-educated schoolmates in our midst, it was a further blow to some of them as it meant there was effectively no more place for them to pursue their dreams of a Chinese-stream university education. It was also widely reported in the mass media that good job opportunities were far and few between for Chinese-educated students. It was truly a sink or swim, do or die for them in the English-stream Junior Colleges. Many of them did not despair, but some did. I could see it in their eyes then. Many of them were active in Chinese literary clubs and Xinyao groups that blossomed in many Junior Colleges, even as they struggled on a daily basis in a titanic struggle to master English and wondered what an English-based economy had in store for them. They seemed to feel like strangers in their own land, somewhat marginalised and dislocated even. I felt sorry for them. As these youths took refuge in their music and writings, many good things happened. Great songs were written, and thousands of students and young adults derived great pride and joy from this uniquely Singapore genre of Chinese music. These Xinyao artistes later mentored younger singers and musicians such as JJ Lin, Kit Chan and Stephanie Sun. Famous Xinyao songs now etched into the consciousness of the Chinese-speaking community include "Voices from the Heart", 小人物的心声, which has been staged in two National Day Parades, and "The Small Stream that Flows Forever", 细水长流, which our Prime Minister sang in the 2014 National Day Rally.[+7 sentences] The energy, optimism and purity of spirit of the Xinyao movement and its student performers is exactly what we need now. This is derived from cultural activities such as music and literature. The Xinyao music gave these young people strength to face another day and helped them to forget, for a while, the harsh realities that buffeted them daily. The relationships and camaraderie that were forged during those times by not just the performers but by all who listened to Xinyao in the early 1980s, also undoubtedly helped many Chinese-educated persons to weather the existential questions that they came face to face with. Sir, I would now like to move on to sports. Sports is like culture in many ways. There is more to sports than just getting fit and deriving the physical health benefits from sports. Sports add to the collective and national consciousness of a country. It can even heal scars and unite a country.[+3 sentences] The South Africa rugby team helped Nelson Mandela to unite South Africa during the 1995 Rugby World Cup. South Africa was a country that was just emerging from apartheid then. This story was made into the movie "Invictus" in 2009. Invictus means "unconquered" in Latin which sort of sums up the spirit that is needed in adversity and crises. "Invictus" was a poem written by 18th century poet, William Ernest Henley, that Nelson Mandela often recited to inspire himself while he was imprisoned on Robben Island for 18 years. I gave these two examples of Xinyao and The 1995 South African World Cup Rugby team because they embody the very elements that our society in which MCCY focuses on – the youth, culture and sports.[+3 sentences] More than ever now, we need to believe in ourselves. To paraphrase the last two lines of the poem, "Invictus" – "We are the masters of our fate, We are the captains of our soul." Mr Speaker, I will end by saying that it is very tempting to relegate culture and sports to insignificance in times of a public health and economic crisis. But that would clearly be wrong, it would be a mistake. It is time now to invest more, even double down, and harness the good and positive energy that our youth, as well as our cultural and sporting activities can provide – to help us nurture a stronger national identity, forge an unconquerable soul and be a source of hope and unity for Singaporeans even as our nation charts a new course in a COVID-stricken world and prepares itself for a post-COVID-19 one.[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker Sir, I support the Motion.
Mr Speaker6 words
[+1 sentence]Assoc Prof Jamus Lim. 2.15 pm
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim (Sengkang)2547 words
[+26 sentences]Thank you, Mr Speaker. Through my admittedly brief time interacting with Sengkang residents, an underlying theme that unites them is the aspirations they have for Singapore in the 21st Century. Therefore, I wish to speak today about compassionate policy-making. What is compassionate policy-making? The word "compassion" refers to a sympathetic concern for others by linking compassion to policy. I am suggesting that the design of our national policies need to be more cognisant of how these policies play out – not just on the aggregate but also how they impact different groups, especially those at the margins of society. Students of policy learn very early on that the policy-making process comprises two key pillars. The first – efficiency – describes how well policy deploys the resources available at our disposal. The second – equity – speaks to the sense of fairness inherent in resulting policy. Ultimately, policy entails a trade-off between the two. Traditionally, our policy-makers have prided themselves on being stewards of rational, efficient policy-making. Accordingly, Singaporeans have been called to acquiesce to policies of tough love, sacrificing individual justice on the altar of national progress. To be clear, this has worked well for us over three generations and has brought us from Third World to First. And so, we as a nation have shied away from the sort of policies that will lend support to certain segments of society if it also meant that we had to compromise our deeply rooted sense of personal responsibility for the economic and social circumstances that we happen to find ourselves in. This, indeed, has been the cornerstone of our national belief in meritocracy and self-sufficiency. But the truth is, reality is often far more complex than we are willing to allow or admit. Workers do not simply collapse into a state of dependency when offered supportive handouts by Government because most people find a sense of purpose and meaning in work, even when they draw humble salaries. Children born into poor, broken families leave school early, not merely because they are lazy or lack talent but because when they fall behind, they lack resources to help them catch up and some may be discouraged and question their own abilities. People fall into debt, not just because they have irredeemable penchant to gamble their lives away but because those little bets they place offer them the best hope for escaping what they perceive to be dreary, hopeless situations. Let me be clear. I am not suggesting that we stop rewarding hard work or success or that we squander the fruits of past generations by irresponsible expenditures to prop up undeserving individuals and families in the name of progressive policy. What I am suggesting, Mr Speaker, is that the sort of decisions we make as a society and as a country should no longer privilege efficiency at the sheer expense of equity. Because we are no longer a Third World nation, we cannot continue to operate as if we are blind to the consequences that tough nose policies carry for our people. This is especially so at the time when we need to help everyone pull in the same direction for our collective future. In her speech Mdm President spoke about the importance of building a fair and just society, about sharing the benefits of progress with all citizens. The hard truth is though, in as much as we have, indeed, progressed over the past few decades, the gains from this progress have not been equally shared across society. While we have slowly chipped away at extreme inequality that characterise earnings just prior to the global crisis of 2007, the distribution of our national income, even after accounting for taxes and transfers, remains embarrassing when compared to our high-income peers. The number of poor in our midst informally defined because we have steadfastly refused to define an official poverty line. It is flattered by our very conservative definition of basic needs, and even so it is estimated at as much as as a quarter of the population.[+8 sentences] It is, therefore, undeniable that our existing approach to policy-making can benefit from a greater injection of compassion and thoughtfulness. Yet the fear that many policy-makers often hold when they talk about policy reform is that we must not break the system that has worked so well for us. Sure, we recognise a need for change, but let us do it slowly in careful steps. So, the policies we pursue turn out to be tentative, incremental, "kiasu". The problem with this approach, Mr Speaker, is that such marginal changes do little to right the boat. As a nation, we have, fortunately, yet to experience the sort of populist pressures for change that have plagued so many other developed nations. But the people are losing patience. I speak with residents, many who are modest and unassuming who, nevertheless, feel crushed by the dual weight of high costs and low wages, with seemingly little compassion for their plight. Remarkably, our policy balance has now become so skewed that we could potentially garner significant gains in terms of improving equity and by extension national welfare, with minimal losses in terms of foregone efficiency. All we need is the courage of our convictions. We have a form of Minimum Wage policy via the Progressive Wage Model. Yet until, recently, we had deemed it unwise to make it universal and still dress the policy with so many additional conditions that the incentives for upskilling turn into loopholes the employers use to retain workers on the lowest rung of wages. We warn against unaffordable costs and lost jobs despite evidence that the majority of Singaporeans would be willing to pay more for essential services and that the employment impact of a Minimum Wage is likely to be very limited. We propose a form of negative income tax via Workfare, but the nature of Earned Income Tax Credit programmes such as this, is that it compels work.[+6 sentences] This is wonderful if your view of human nature is that people would otherwise while away their time but unconscionable when it requires our elderly to continue working into their sunset years, or if we wish to provide genuine support for single working mothers. We talk about the importance of improving the quality of life after retirement, yet we remain overwhelmingly rigid and insist on ensuring the future adequacy of their CPF savings, even when they face extenuating financial circumstances that are causing severe distress today. We excessively constrain the usage of MediSave, leaving seniors with chronic conditions, the tab of paying for their expenses that exceed the annual withdrawal caps. We remain stubbornly afraid of policies that involve redistribution even when our workers secure some of the lowest share of income in the developed world. We often default to the mindset that equates redistribution with sloth while glossing over the enormous challenge of making a living while being pinched from below by low-cost foreign workers and out-competed from above by high skilled foreign talent. This leaves are blue-collar workers feeling left behind and our PMETs increasingly insecure. What we need are more policies like ComCare and the Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme, both of which have made substantive steps towards bolstering our sense of opportunity and care for others in our society.[+22 sentences] These policies, and others like these, demonstrate that we are in fact capable of injecting compassion into our policy choices. My contention then is that we are certainly able to do more, much more. Mr Speaker, may I humbly suggest that the root of these challenges is insufficient compassion in our policy-making process. So, what again is "compassionate policy-making"? When we pursue policy-making under the umbrella of compassion, we seek to relieve the suffering of others, which is the key component of the definition of compassion. When we prioritise compasssion, we become more willing to err on the side of equity, perhaps at some expense to efficiency. This means a willingness to accept the it may be better to allow for a policy where one or two out of every hundred individuals may end up exploiting or abusing the policy, but at the same time that others clearly benefit from being supported by the expanded social safety net. But compassionate policy can also be robust policy. Engineers keenly understand that when design becomes too complicated, too involved, too tailored to extract every last ounce of efficiency, it can also be fragile, embedding multiple points of failure. Robust policy is better suited to deal with the sort of high uncertainty post pandemic environment that we find ourselves in. Moreover, when policy is gamed into no longer yielding first-best outcomes, the second best policy is often drastically different in form from the original. Some may argue that as we face down the worst crisis of our generation, the time is not right for us to pursue such "soft" policies. What we need is a tough nosed policies that require all of us to make sacrifices for the greater good. I would argue to the contrary. When we call on Singaporeans to make such sacrifices – and I believe we are more than willing to come together to do so – we also need to reassure Singaporeans that the fruits of such sacrifice will not only accrue to certain winners after the storm has passed. Not only that, I also believe that improving the social protections we offer to people can be an important path to blunting the sorts of populist, nationalist pressure that has reared its head in so many countries. I do not believe that Singaporeans are inherently anti-foreigner. After all, we are a nation of immigrants and we have been an open trading society for centuries of our history. But what has inspired recent resistance to foreigners is concern about unmitigated population expansion, a sense that they are not getting a fair shake, of feeling discriminated in their own country. It is a sense that the Government does not appear to have their backs and that their foothold on prosperity is so precarious that once they fall, there is no way back. Of course, the best time for enacting policies that imply some degree of redistribution and introduction of frictions to unfettered market forces is not when we are in the throes of an unprecedented crisis. But I also believe we should be able to walk and chew gum at the same time – although the latter is admittedly difficult in Singapore. Let us commit to the principles of compassionate policy-making now and set out plans in the moment.[+2 sentences] When the crisis has blown over, we will be prepared to implement the policies we commit to today. Besides, policies that emphasise compassion also matter in the immediate term even as we confront the worst economic crisis of our generation. Singaporeans are faced not only with the need to tighten their belts to weather the storm, they are also confronted with the uncomfortable conundrum of facing this unprecedented event without the reassurance of tried and tested social safety nets that are rather commonplace in other advanced economies. It is imperative, therefore, the our focus is on protecting workers though not necessarily jobs; opportunities and not only businesses; ideas and not ideologies.[+3 sentences] When we do so, we are exercising the sort of compassionate policy-making that is necessary to help tide us over this crisis and to emerge stronger. So, what is compassionate policy-making? Compassion is what translates empathy into action. Compassionate policy-making then requires a keen understanding of the plight of others and a recognition that our policies have deep implications for the lived reality of ordinary Singaporeans.[+4 sentences] It is understanding that when we fail to adequately allocate schooling spots to nearby schools, we compel hard-working parents to endure additional costs to raising the family – like the Goh family who shared with me about how all their lives, they have always coloured within the lines, live their lives as good citizens and never asked for what they feel is beyond reasonable expectations. Yet they have been informed that their elder daughter is unable to enrol in any Primary school in their neighbourhood and they are now forced to add additional travel to their already taxing daily schedules. It is understanding that when we insist on the fulfilment of standard feasibility studies before deciding on improvement projects, we impose additional burdens on our elderly – like the case of Mr Tan who has asked for years to no avail that the overhead bridge beside his block install an elevator. Yet, the overwhelmingly young demographic of his neighbourhood means that the two senior blocks have effectively been neglected, resulting in their continued difficulties whenever these elderly residents wish to take a bus. Ultimately, we should temper majority interest with a concern for the minority as well.[+5 sentences] It is understanding that when we asked students to study hard and do well, we have also led them to expect that there are opportunities available for them after they have fulfilled their end of the bargain. So, when we have graduates like Danny or JK, who are unable to secure a decent job after graduation because they feel that they are being displaced by globalisation or foreign talent, we should not be surprised when they become disillusioned and angry. When their educational training has repeatedly assessed them on what to think instead of teaching them how to think. We should be unsurprised, when they feel betrayed by the system that they feel has not adequately prepared them for the jobs of the 21st century. It is understanding that when foreign workers under our charge gets sick, we owe a moral responsibility to take care of them and nurse them back to health as we have correctly chosen to do. But it is also recognising that the conditions in which they have been enduring are inappropriate for a First World country such as ours. It is about acknowledging that our economic model, which continues to rely on low-wage foreign workers such as these, is a clear blind spot that can stand for more scrutiny.[+1 sentence] Let me close with a reiteration of actionable policies that I have suggested in this speech. We can introduce an official poverty line closely linked to ComCare. We can implement a simple across-the-board Minimum Wage, and we can introduce more flexibility to our access to our CPF monies.[+9 sentences] We can expand coverage of KiFAS. And there are many more and we hope to raise these in this House in the months ahead. Almost eight centuries ago the Sufi poet and scholar, Jalal ad-Din Rumi, wrote of such empathy in his poem "A Great Wagon". Rumi implored for us to go out beyond ideas of wrong-doing and right-doing: where there is a field, I will meet you there. Politics is the art of compromise. It is inherent on us in this House to find a better balance to the policies we pursue for the future of Singapore. Mr Speaker, I believe that we can become a better and richer society and country not just in material wealth, but in intellectual, societal and spiritual wealth. We can do so by embracing more compassion in our policy-making. And with that, I support the Motion of Thanks.
Mr Speaker6 words
[+1 sentence]Minister of State Gan Siow Huang.
The Minister of State for Education and Manpower (Ms Gan Siow Huang)201 words
[+8 sentences]Thank you, Mr Speaker. I have a question for Assoc Prof Jamus Lim. I agree that we must exercise and demonstrate compassion in policy-making. And in fact, I think that is what the Government has been trying to do in many of the policies, and as a result, sometimes our policies become very complicated because we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all policy that treats all problems. I have a specific question and it is about Minimum Wage. I am not sure if I heard correctly. Assoc Prof Jamus Lim seemed to have suggested that Minimum Wage can be implemented with minimal impact on unemployment. I beg to differ. In current times, where businesses are being challenged and we are in a period of recession, there is a very real risk that if we were to introduce a universal Minimum Wage across all sectors, I think many of our lower wage workers may lose their jobs, and from low-wage they become no-wage.[+1 sentence] There are unintended consequences of some policies with good intent, but I think we must understand the context and the circumstances that we are in, so that we do not unintentionally cause more distress to our lower wage workers.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim212 words
[+4 sentences]I thank the Minister of State. It actually warms my heart that in this very House, others in the PAP ranks have in fact echoed a lot of these sentiments: Patrick Tay and Henry Kwek spoke more about balance in foreign PMET hiring; Mariam Jafaar about discounting paper qualifications; and Louis Ng, in fact, about compassion. So, in fact, you could even say that they have become PAP-lite. Workers’ Party-lite, excuse me. The truth is, I would argue that we should be able to think about implementing policies like a Minimum Wage in a time of crisis because this concentrates the mind. If we agree in principle, as I said in my speech, with the idea of a Minimum Wage, which is one step to the left, a half-step perhaps of the Progressive Wage Model; in fact, that Minimum Wage policy, once we agree on that, can be easily rolled out after the storm has passed. So, there is no doubt that at this very moment, such a policy may not be ideal, but let us come together and agree that this is a principle that we want to roll out.[+1 sentence] So that when we set these plans in place after the storm has passed, we can easily bring them to pass.
Mr Speaker6 words
[+1 sentence]Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad.
The Senior Minister of State for Manpower (Mr Zaqy Mohamad)1012 words
[+9 sentences]Thank you, Mr Speaker. I have a clarification to Member Jamus Lim's point about Minimum Wage. There is a fundamental difference between what the Government has said so far about the Progressive Wage Model or PWM versus the Minimum Wage. This is not a new concept which was thought of just after the General Election. If you were to talk members of the NTUC, for example, they have talked about the PWM since 2012, and there is in fact a key difference between PWM and Minimum Wage, in that it is differentiated across sectors. These are pains in which the union, the Government and the employers come to a position on, in what is bearable for every sector. So, there is differentiation by sector. And the fact that there is a ladder also tells us that there is recognition that we want to bring workers to different productive levels too, to make sure that workers continue to upgrade and get paid better. We have seen the impact of the PWM. In the last five years, our low-wage workers have seen wages rise by 30% in real terms.[+2 sentences] Minister Josephine Teo mentioned that in her speech. The expansion of PWM is not something new that we just talked about. In this House, in March this year, as part of the Budget, and I too announced that we are looking at expanding PWM.[+13 sentences] The reason why we have taken a bit of time – and you have seen how PWM has been implemented over the past few years, including the most recent round announced for the lift and escalator sector – is that we have to come to positions that are bearable; that it is not just a blunt tool, a straight line across all sectors, to the point that you will find employment being difficult for some. Take hawker assistants, for example. Some stalls are family-owned; so some assistants are members of the family helping each other and so, the family businesses are what you have to think about. So, there are different considerations and things that we have to work out across sectors. But it is not a new position. It is something that we have been working on since 2012 till now. In fact, even before that, the unions have really raised this. It is just that we have implemented them in stages. It is something that we have already announced that we will expand, once times are better. The second point that the Member raised is that we have to talk about compassion. I think it is easy to talk about compassion when it is just mere talk. If you have got to put money on the table, you have also to consider, as a Government, where that money comes from; and how you manage the Budget, whether you have to raise GST. I think where the PAP Government has made a difference is that we put the money where our mouth is. If you talk about compassion, we have just put up four Budgets in the space of three months.[+11 sentences] What does that mean? A hundred billion dollars! I think many Singaporeans have also felt the impact of the Care and Support Package. The Job Support Scheme, I think, is one of the best forms of unemployment insurance to some extent, where you can see many jobs being saved during this period. So, to some extent there is a lot of compassion. But I think you have to realise that this is also a whole system put in place. The last part where the Member talked about 25% of our population are in the low wage group. Can the Member let us know what is his benchmark or basis for saying so? What is the definition of living wage or Minimum Wage that Workers’ Party subscribes to? Let us know what that number is. I would like to ask for clarification from the Member on what that number would be. As to the part about not recognising what the Government has done, if you are to look at the low-wage workers of today, beyond just wages, how we have helped both the industries as well as the consumers – the people out there – if you discount the fact that the Workfare comes to play where the Government puts in revenues to transfer back to workers of low wages.[+9 sentences] This translates into up to 30% of extra income for them, so that we – the society – bear the burden, transferring back taxes. You do not push this onto the consumers so that you also manage the level of inflation. Over time, you have seen wages go up through PWM. We hope as we expand it, we will get more workers on board. What is also important is that you do not just work on the minimum. As you can see for the different sectors, the security sector earns more than the cleaning. So, why work on one level when we can work at different levels, making it relevant to the productivity and the levels of wages that each sector can afford. So, why just keep to a minimum? And last but not least, if you look at the proof of the pudding. Among our low-wage workers, the bottom 20% of all our workers, about 70% of them own their own homes today.[+7 sentences] The transfers that the Government gives go beyond just wages, but they encompass the whole system where I think a large part of our low-wage workers are given that shelter, that stability for their children to be able to grow up in stable homes, given the opportunities to rise. And many of us came from those kinds of families too. To be able to give good shelter, good education systems. All these come to play in how this Government has been compassionate in its policies. Yes, we can do more. I thank the Member for giving us suggestions. And I hope that with our further debates in this House, there is more that can be done.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Assoc Prof Jamus Lim.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim796 words
[+13 sentences]Thank you so much for all those interjections. I thank the Member. Let me just talk about a few of his points because he mentioned quite a few. One, he talked about how there is a fundamental difference between the PWM and Minimum Wage, in that it is differentiated across sectors. That is in fact true. That is, in part, why I anticipated that point in my speech and mentioned that when you start to over-engineer a system, you run the risk that it can get gamed. There is a theorem. I do not want to get too technical, but there is a theorem in public policy-making that when you are unable to hit your first best policy, it is very likely that your second best policy is going to be extremely different from the original. So, you want to be careful when you try to over-engineer and try to squeeze out every bit of efficiency when you are working with imperfect knowledge about conditions on the ground. The other issue with the Minimum Wage is that as long as you have the possibility that another sector has a Minimum Wage that is different from the first, you run the risk that there is going to be substitution between one sector versus another. That is our entire point. You want to shut out this possibility of substituting between workers in one sector and another such that employers end up gaming the system in that fashion. So, that is on that. With regard to real wages, it is true that median wages have risen in this country and that is in fact a good thing. But unfortunately, national income has risen much faster, and as a result, in spite of this progress — Think of it this way, imagine that there is a pie.[+2 sentences] And the pie has gotten bigger. So, I am giving you a bigger slice of this pie, but it is still a much, much, smaller slice of the pie than the kind of pie that other workers in other high-income countries are able to enjoy. The Member also asked me about where the low-wage study came from.[+2 sentences] So, I will just cite the reference. I am happy to provide the full reference. But basically, it is a study from the National University of Singapore.[+1 sentence] So, it is not my numbers. I was heartened to see, in fact, that the Times Higher Education Supplement recently ranked NUS as among the top 25 universities globally.[+22 sentences] So, I would be willing to trust their numbers. He also talked about how with the PWM and making it universal, it is a step that has come closer to us. I am much more of an ideas person. So, rather than looking at the city-scape, I tend to look at the policy landscape. When I see that the incumbent's position is now closer to us, I say to myself – what a skyline – and I thank the voters for helping us to get a little closer. A final point – where does the money come from? Well, it is important to know and this speaks a little bit to the debate yesterday in this House as well. We should not think about government budgets in the same fashion that we think about household budgets. Households have finite horizons. People can bequest things onto the next generation but by and large, households eventually perish. Governments have an infinite horizon. Because of that, we can think in a much more longer term. You see this very simply. There is the possibility that the Government can over-save and in a time where interest rates are at record lows. Ask yourself, is it time for you, even as an individual, to perhaps re-mortgage your home? If you think that re-mortgaging with low interest rates is a good idea, that is about expanding leverage, that is about borrowing. So, if I may argue that what we want is to make the best use of financial resources and not cling to some rigid ideology that we should never touch. The way we should think about expenses such as our reserves, is not that we are people who will spend the reserves. We are stewards and as stewards, we are responsible not just for ensuring that the pot will grow over time, but as stewards, we are also responsible for taking the right financial decisions which in certain times may involve spending for higher investment things. What are some of these higher investment things? Think about education. These are higher return things from which we can extract higher returns, so that in the future, we will be able to get higher tax revenue that will more than pay for the expenses that we incur today.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Vikram Nair.
Mr Vikram Nair54 words
[+1 sentence]I have two clarifications for the Member. First, what is the level of Minimum Wage that the Member proposes is appropriate for Singapore?[+2 sentences] Second, is the Member aware of any countries with a Minimum Wage that has a lower unemployment rate than Singapore? Because I think that would be a case study for us.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim320 words
[+2 sentences]Thank you. Let me clarify two things. The first is what is the appropriate level of the Minimum Wage.[+4 sentences] I should be clear. I do not know and that is exactly why what we need is a national commission to understand this and to study this. That would be what I would argue that we should have, if I were to ask for a practical policy proposal. We should have an independent panel. In fact, that panel should continue to exist year after year after that Minimum Wage policy is rolled out because that would allow us to continually evaluate whether the level of the Minimum Wage is appropriate.[+5 sentences] It should be independent. It should be staffed by university professors as well as representatives from both the unions and firms. It should be our famous tripartite arrangements. It should be filled with these people to better understand what is a good level and to adjust. We are a pragmatic country, a pragmatic policy-making nation, and so we can adjust accordingly. As for countries with different levels of unemployment, I think it is imperative for me to clarify that we do not want to be comparing raw unemployment rates across countries willy-nilly. But what I will say is this – the basis for me to argue that Minimum Wage has a very limited impact on unemployment is premised on reams and reams of studies.[+1 sentence] It is not my own. Studies within the economics profession have repeatedly shown that in almost every instance, the unemployment impact is either very minimal or statistically insignificant such that it cannot be detected in a regular statistical test.[+2 sentences] So, I should be clear that when I talk about the absence of an unemployment effect, I am not using theory to make this argument. It is based on empirical evidence which has been backed by studies from countries all over the world, not just in high-income countries.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Tin Pei Ling.
Ms Tin Pei Ling (MacPherson)237 words
[+12 sentences]Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the hon Member Assoc Prof Jamus Lim. I have a few questions. First of all, it is more to clarify my understanding. May I first confirm if it would be accurate for me to interpret that based on Assoc Prof Lim's response to Minister of State Gan Siow Huang, is that he does recognise that implementing Minimum Wage in a climate like this, will have unintended adverse consequences on our economy and as well as our employment? Secondly, can I also confirm that by his response, he meant that the Minimum Wage can be implemented after the crisis and then should a crisis hit again, it should be withdrawn and then implemented again when it is in a good time – and so on and so forth. By that, how might it be more efficient? The third question is that I understand based on the hon Member's response to hon Member Mr Vikram, is that there is no specific number that he has in mind in terms of Minimum Wage. Perhaps to give us a better idea is, for your Town Council, what is the Minimum Wage given to your cleaners? I think that would give us some form of reference. The last question is I can feel his passion about youths and Singaporeans. May I ask if he has a specific proposal on how to improve youth employment in Singapore?
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Assoc Prof Jamus Lim.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim483 words
[+14 sentences]I thank Ms Tin for those questions. Let me just take them each at a time. The first is whether I agree with Member Gan that rolling out Minimum Wage would have adverse consequences. No, I did not say that. It was a necessary but not sufficient condition. I did say that this is not an ideal time but I do not know if we were to roll out the Minimum Wage, whether this would result in actual adverse consequences. So, it is a necessary but not sufficient condition. Personally, I do not necessarily think that rolling out the Minimum Wage is a good time, but I would not go the second step of saying that it would imply adverse consequences. That is the first point. The second point is whether we want to roll in and out of the Minimum Wage. In fact, I would argue the complete opposite. The whole point of something like a Minimum Wage is to provide the kind of social safety net. If you were to roll out of the Minimum Wage at a time when you are in a crisis, that would pull the rug out from under those workers who rely on the Minimum Wage in a time of crisis. So, that is an absolutely wrong-headed way to go about implementing this policy. In terms of the Town Council, well, as you know, we are in the process of taking over the Town Council so we have not made decisions on the minimum wage for the Town Council.[+12 sentences] But let me take the more general spirit of the question. Can we just roll out a Minimum Wage in a given Town Council? No. And again, this comes from the fact that you have general equilibrium effects. If we were to roll out the minimum wage in only one sector of the country, what would happen is substitution and what would happen is you will have the low-wage jobs migrate out of a given country. So you want to be very careful. What you want is an across-the-board, universal Minimum Wage to apply to the entire country and that is precisely why I think that is the way forward. And at least in so far as the PWM is concerned, I would agree with the notion of universality. Finally, about youth unemployment. This is tricky in part because youth unemployment tends to be very cyclical. So, when you have unemployment especially by the youth in a crisis period, what happens is that that is often a reflection of a decision to delay entry into the labour force and to end up taking more education. So, you would see an increase in unemployment in a time such as this, when we are in crisis, but it is actually not a bad thing. You want these people to actually go in and build up their human capital —
The Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information and Health (Dr Janil Puthucheary)7 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Speaker, a point of order, please?
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Yes, Dr Janil.
Dr Janil Puthucheary35 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Speaker, Assoc Prof Jamus Lim was asked a question. While I appreciate his erudition in economics – and I am learning quite a lot from him – he has not answered Ms Tin's question.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim10 words
[+1 sentence]If I may clarify, which question did I not answer?
Dr Janil Puthucheary23 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Tin asked if you had a proposal for youth employment, not the principles under which youth employment change or does not change.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim85 words
[+5 sentences]Fair enough. Yes, but why that context is important is because we do not want to roll out specific proposals to address youth unemployment in a time when we are in a recession because we are not sure if the unemployment is justified or not. So, that is the reason for me stating that context. So, I do not have a specific policy in mind because I have not thought about it. This is a very slow 8086 processor, that kind of dates me —
Mr Speaker7 words
[+2 sentences]Okay, thank you. Mr Sitoh Yih Pin.
Mr Sitoh Yih Pin140 words
[+4 sentences]Thank you, Mr Speaker, Sir. As an accountant, I am rather perturbed by something Assoc Prof Jamus Lim said just now. If I heard you correctly, you said that given low interest rate, it is now time to re-mortgage your properties. As an accountant with over three decades of experience, I can tell you that is how people start getting into trouble. I hope you are not teaching that in your classes. But to my knowledge, Singapore is one of the very few countries in the world, maybe the only one that has not got to borrow in such pandemic times.[+3 sentences] Having a balance sheet is good, having savings is not a sin, having savings like the way we have it, is very good. So, may you clarify on what you have just said? I hope I heard you wrongly.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim98 words
[+4 sentences]No, in fact, you did not hear me wrongly. That is exactly why I mentioned the distinction between a government budget identity and that of a regular household. Governments have an infinite horizon and so it is entirely possible for governments to over-save. I used the mortgage situation just to illustrate the point that there are instances where if you borrow against low interest rates and you invest in something that would give you higher returns, that is not just financially prudent, it is in fact going to be better for your balance sheet in the long run.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Sitoh Yih Pin.
Mr Sitoh Yih Pin67 words
[+5 sentences]Sir, if I may say, that is living in a stage of euphoria. You are always assuming that tomorrow will be better than today. I do not want to go into an argument about economics here. You said because of the low interest rate, I mortgage and then I reinvest to get a better return. You are assuming there is a better return which may never come.
Mr Speaker8 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Leon Perera. Yes, Assoc Prof Jamus Lim.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim82 words
[+6 sentences]One clarification. No, I am not assuming a better return. I am saying if there are projects that give you better returns today, you should engage in those. Substitute out from the lower returns that are already locked in by your ability to borrow at low interest rates. So, it is not assuming a future euphoria. It is recognising that there are higher return projects today, unless you are saying that the youth of today in Singapore are not worth investing in.
Mr Speaker14 words
[+2 sentences]I do not think that was the point that was made. Mr Leon Perera.
Mr Leon Perera (Aljunied)630 words
[+6 sentences]Thank you, Mr Speaker, Sir. I would like to seek some clarifications from Minister of State Zaqy, Minister of State Gan and Mr Vikram Nair about what they have said. So, I will start with Minister of State Zaqy. I would like to put it to the hon Minister of State that based on Parliamentary Questions that we have asked in the last term, if you take a wage level of say $1,300 per month, the number of people who are earning below that wage right now is approximately 100,000. It could be a bit more, it could be a bit less, but that is my inference from answers to Parliamentary Questions that we got earlier. Let us assume that it is 100,000 earning less than $1,300 per month. In response to a separate Parliamentary Question that we asked – what is the average household expenditure on basic needs – we asked this of the Government, I believe, in 2019 and the answer came back – $1,300 per month. When a similar question was asked by my colleague Mr Gerald Giam, the answer was $1,250 per month. If I recall correctly, that was a number of years back. So, $1,300 per month is the average household expenditure on basic needs.[+5 sentences] That excludes transport. There is no equivalence between the two. Of course, there could be dual-income, triple-income households. But for those earning $1,300 per month, I assume that not everyone will be covered by the Progressive Wage Model. I think that is a reasonable and fair assumption. The Minister of State and others have said that the Progressive Wage Models can be rolled out to more sectors but my question to Minister of State Zaqy would really be – what would you say to individuals earning less than $1,300 per month who are supporting a household which is below the average household expenditure on basic needs that the Government itself has specified.[+12 sentences] Does the Minister of State believe that there is no room for policy improvement for this group? Should this group wait until the Progressive Wage Model comes to them? How long will that take? How many years will that take? Is there no room for improvement and what would the Minister of State say to those individuals? That is my first point of clarification. My second point of clarification is to Minister of State Gan. I would like to invite the Minister of State to agree with, and I think Assoc Prof Jamus Lim did make some of these points earlier that there is a considerable body of academic research that suggests that if a Minimum Wage is set at a level that is not too high – and there are various definitions that had been postulated by academics, I know there is a figure of 40% of the median and so on – if the Minimum Wage is not set too high, will have a minimal or negligible impact on jobs. There is actually quite considerable academic evidence for this proposition. And I would like to ask the Minister of State Gan would she consider that actually the danger to jobs is not setting a Minimum Wage, but setting a Minimum Wage too high, which is definitely not what we are advocating. My third clarification is to Mr Vikram Nair who asked whether there is another country that has a Minimum Wage and has a lower unemployment than we have in Singapore. I would like to ask Mr Nair would he acknowledge that other countries who have higher unemployment than Singapore, it may not be causally because they have a Minimum Wage; and if we have low unemployment than those countries, it may not causally be that it is because we do not have a Minimum Wage?
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Senior Minister Tharman.
The Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister-in-charge of The Monetary Authority of Singapore (Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam)683 words
[+1 sentence]I was not intending to speak and I just thought I would make a very brief intervention. First, I would like to say, on behalf of the Government, that we do believe that it is important to raise the wages of our lowest paid workers.[+1 sentence] We really believe this. We have achieved significant progress in the last 10 years and in the last five years.[+2 sentences] And we think we should go further. I would not – and I say this to everyone from all sides – I would not exaggerate the differences between the PWM and the Minimum Wage Model. The PWM is a Minimum Wage-plus and it is a sectoral approach.[+21 sentences] The sectoral approach actually has a lot to commend it because it allows you to set the minimum rung at a level that is not so low and not so high. Because if you have a single level, you will have to decide where to pitch it. How to do it without having gaming is an issue that policy-makers grapple with. Not such a complicated issue in practice, to be frank. And you have to watch what happens at the edges, but it is a very sensible approach. I would like to suggest that none of us has a monopoly over compassion. And I say this not to discredit anyone. In particular, I really respect where Member Jamus Lim is coming from – intellectually, emotionally and so on. But no one should assume that you have a monopoly over compassion. I have listened to speeches over the last few days amongst everyone. I must say some of my PAP colleagues really made an impression on me, not just for the very forceful proposals they were making – often going beyond what the Government is doing – but the force of their convictions and the emotional force of their convictions. So, please do not assume, none of us should assume – I am not directing this at anyone in particular – none of us should assume that we have a monopoly over compassion. Also, and here is a bit of advice: try to avoid strawman arguments. Like saying that the Government is only interested in efficiency and not equity. That is frankly laughable. By the way, I say "strawman" – should I say "strawperson"? But women are not made of straw, I think, so let us stick to "strawman". But try to avoid that manner of argument, or painting everything in binary terms. It is usually not necessary to reply but I say this as a piece of general advice. Raising the standard of living of the poor is a complicated matter. And I say this, by the way, as an economist, as someone who studies overseas experience very carefully, and who together with my colleagues, is a practitioner. How do we do it without losing that wage earners' ability to have the pride of having a job and earning a wage? We do it through the Progressive Wage Model, which has to be expanded.[+1 sentence] We do it through Workfare. We do it through a range of other subsidies – whether it is KiFAS, the housing subsidies and many other ways.[+7 sentences] And it is not a job that is done for good; we have to do more – many of the speeches that we have heard in the last few days about how we can do more in a way that really helps those we are trying to help. But we are frankly not very far away from each other in that objective. In fact, we seem to be quite convinced, there is a consensus, let me put it that way, that that should be our objective. But just try to avoid strawman arguments and pretending that you have a monopoly on compassion. By the way, it is a very small point – I have never heard economists cite a university as a source of research, be it a well-regarded or not very well-regarded university. Individuals do research and it may be very credible research. But universities do not publish research.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim2 words
[+1 sentence]May I?
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Assoc Prof Jamus Lim.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim206 words
[+11 sentences]Yes, so very quickly. I regret if it came across that I was suggesting that only I or the party or any individual has a monopoly over compassion. In fact, that was explicitly why I did cite cases where I felt that existing policy demonstrated oodles of compassion. I even cited other Members not from our party that have also talked about compassion. So, I actually believe, like Minister Tharman does, that there is in fact quite a bit of daylight, there is not as much of a gap between the thinking of the two. That said, I do not think that I was setting out a strawman argument in talking about an efficiency/equity trade-off, and the reason for this is because this is precisely a continuum. So, I am not suggesting that every policy that is currently in place is only geared toward efficiency. Likewise, I am not suggesting that every policy that I have laid out in my speech and elsewhere, is only geared toward equity. Rather, it is about a continuum. And I am arguing that we can move more in the direction of favouring equity over efficiency. And that was the entire point of the argument, not to create an artificial strawman.
Mr Speaker10 words
[+2 sentences]Let us move on. Minister of State Tan Kiat How.
The Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office and for National Development (Mr Tan Kiat How)2979 words
[+9 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Motion. Many Members in this House have spoken about the importance of seizing opportunities in the digital age and the tremendous positive benefits that it brings. Even as we ride the wave of digital revolution, we need to bear in mind that technology is a double-edged sword. There can also be significant negative consequences. I will speak today on how we can minimise the downside while we seek and strive to maximise the upside – how we can safely navigate cyberspace when there is danger lurking at every corner; how we can come together to build a safer, kinder, more caring online community for all. Let me first share a few stories. Names have been changed to protect their identity. Mdm Tan, who is in her 70s, recounted to a Digital Ambassador in my constituency that she had received a seemingly legitimate SMS asking for her bank details urgently, threatening to freeze her bank account otherwise. Fearful of the consequences, she hurriedly replied. Just like that, she was scammed of more than $10,000, a substantial part of her life savings.[+11 sentences] Seniors are not the only victims. Fifteen-year old Joyce had what she thought was an innocent online friendship with a supposedly 18-year-old boy. This turned into one of manipulation, where he threatened to harm himself unless Joyce fulfilled his requests – even for nude photos. Though the relationship has since ended, the episode left her struggling to trust the people around her. Mr Speaker, the impact on the physical, mental and financial well-being of victims and their loved ones are real and lasting. Mr Ong, another East Coast resident, shared with me a harrowing experience. Inappropriate photos of his daughter were downloaded from her phone without her consent and circulated online. Though police reports were made, the social media platform was slow to respond, and the photos stayed online. His daughter was traumatised and even contemplated suicide. The family felt extremely helpless, not knowing what to do and who to turn to. These stories are not isolated cases. A 2018 survey commissioned by Mediacorp’s Talking Point showed that three out of four youths between the ages of 13 and 19 have been bullied online.[+1 sentence] Very few told their parents. Based on a study by Microsoft in 2019, two in three Singapore youths between the ages of 13 and 17 have encountered at least one form of online risk, including exposure to unwanted sexual content. Online scams doubled in the first half of 2020, compared to the same period last year. There were almost 8,000 scams, with a staggering $103 million cheated.[+38 sentences] Seniors are vulnerable, with those aged 55 and above, making up of almost half of all victims of inheritance scams and tech support scams in this same period. This is not unique to Singapore. Countries around the world are also grappling with these challenges. New Zealand criminalised serious instances of online bullying, and harassment and appointed an organisation "NetSafe" to act as the first port of call to investigate and resolve complaints on online harm. For example, NetSafe liaises with website hosts and Internet service providers to take down harmful content through persuasion and mediation. Australia set up an Office of the eSafety Commissioner, a dedicated agency that was empowered to investigate and take action against perpetrators, by issuing warnings, requesting websites to remove harmful material, or seeking a civil penalty order in Court. In South Korea, the government itself operates a "Digital Sexual Crime Victim Support Centre". This one-stop centre provides counselling services, liaises with websites to delete harmful content and refers victims to pro-bono legal services. Importantly, victims and their loved ones know they are not alone in their darkest hour of need. Each society has an obligation to protect its citizens. We too have a duty to keep Singaporeans safe from online harm. Singaporeans are proud that we have one of the safest streets in the world. We let our children and loved ones walk freely around the neighbourhood and we trust they have pleasant interactions. Likewise, we must also strive to build a safe and kind online space – one marked with care and respect, where everyone including our children and our seniors can interact freely without constantly looking over their shoulders, looking for perpetrators and predators. A few days ago in this House, Mdm Rahayu spoke passionately about building a kind and compassionate society, both offline and online. This is a worhthy goal. We must act now and decisively, and not wait till it is too late. We are building on a good foundation. Our content classification regime protects our young from harmful or unsuitable materials, while ensuring the rest of us access the whole wide range of content. The recently formed Inter-Ministry Committee on Scams coordinates efforts across the Government to tackle scams. The Protection from Harassment Act or POHA was enhanced in 2019 to allow authorities to better respond to emerging online trends, such as by criminalising the act of doxxing. We also educate Singaporeans on online harms. MOE’s Cyber Wellness education teaches students to recognise risks in the digital space, identify negative influences and navigate online spaces safely. The National Crime Prevention Council raises awareness on online scams through a WhatsApp broadcast channel and they run an anti-scam helpline. Yet despite these efforts, we are often only playing catch up. Four reasons. First, cyberspace evolves rapidly. A few days ago, Ms Tin Pei Ling spoke about the immense popularity of the TikTok video sharing platform. Each emergent platform – be it Instagram or TikTok – brings with it new challenges. This requires us to be nimble and adaptable. Legislation and Government efforts by themselves are insufficient. Multiple stakeholders need to be involved and each given a stake in this effort. The Government can set out the broad approach to regulations, code of practices and norms, but we need ground-up initiatives to experiment with various approaches to meet the needs of our citizens. If they are successful, we can scale up these initiatives. With these considerations in mind, let me propose three steps how we can achieve this – how we can Step Forward, Step Up and Step In. First on Stepping Forward. The Government plays a critical role in this multi-stakeholder approach. It sets the tone and brings the right parties together. Today, no single agency bears the responsibility of preventing and mitigating online harm. Correspondingly, different Government agencies grasp different aspects of the issue: MOE for cyberwellness education in schools; MCI for digital literacy for seniors and media literacy for young adults; MSF for counselling and support for victims through voluntary welfare organisations; and MCCY for youth mental well-being.[+1 sentence] Consequently, we do not fully understand the shape of the elephant, much less tame the beast. This approach must change, so that we can adapt to the growing complexity of the problem. We need a Government agency to step forward, take charge and develop a citizen-centric perspective on this issue. Like its overseas counterparts, this agency should champion and coordinate the Government’s effort in this area and take the lead in assembling a multi-stakeholder response.[+11 sentences] This agency should work with a panel of experts so that we can think about this matter holistically, ensure that we keep abreast of global developments, and stay on top of this issue. Mental health professionals and academics can help us make sense of the social and psychological dynamics of the online space. Community partners can help us understand the impact on vulnerable groups, and the support they need. Educators and pedagogy experts can study and share best practices on how schools can facilitate learning on these topics. Industry representatives can advocate for the role of the private sector in working with us to build a safer and kinder online space. This panel can be empowered to make recommendations on how to prevent these harms and provide timely help to the victims. This could include proposals to strengthen current legislative and enforcement levers, or even establish new ones. But the Government’s role is only one part of the solution, which brings me to my next point. We need every stakeholder group to step up and take action. To the private sector, my appeal to you is “Starting safe is half the battle won”. It is in your firm's interest to do so – a safe customer is a loyal customer and I will touch on two aspects of how corporates can contribute. First, companies that deliver digital services should be more thoughtful in the design of their products. They should adopt the concept of “Safety by Design” and embed safety features from the outset as part of the design process.[+35 sentences] Today, cars and consumer appliances need to meet safety standards before they are allowed into the market. Similarly, we should consider ways on how we can give users a sense of assurance in the online space. There are some early efforts and areas we can further explore in Singapore. For example, banks exploring monitoring elderly customers’ accounts to spot irregular transactions so that they can be alerted in time. Seniors may be also given the option to disallow cross-border remittances made through their e-banking service. Caller ID can be a first line of defence for many seniors to spot scam calls. For instance, the plus sign is now prefixed to all incoming international calls, to combat spoof calls from overseas. This is a good step and more can be done. Perhaps telcos can consider maintaining a common database of blacklisted numbers and block incoming calls from these numbers, and also consider making many of these functions easily accessible for all seniors. In fact just this morning, there was a Forum Letter on this very issue in The Straits Times. E-commerce platforms can also better safeguard its customers by implementing measures such as an escrow account to reduce e-commerce scams. Keeping customers safe online should not be an afterthought or treated as the customer help desk’s problem. Management needs to take ownership and I commend many responsible companies that are adopting such a mindset. I encourage many more to do so too. It is the right thing to do and it makes business sense. Second, social media platforms can step up to detect and resolve online harm issues early, as well as raise awareness on these issues. Nip the issue early in the bud, before irreparable harm is done. Platforms such as Instagram and Twitter have existing functions for reporting content, comments, or accounts. They can work with the appointed Government agency on how we can better use these tools to combat cyber bullying and cyber grooming. Facebook has also piloted programmes with TOUCH Cyber Wellness in schools, to equip seniors to use technology safely, or conduct workshops with school counsellors on how to talk about cyber bullying in the classroom. Singapore has a stellar reputation for trust globally. It is a win-win outcome for us and the social media platforms if they can do more in Singapore and set the benchmark for the rest of the world. To parents, my appeal to all of us – since I was recently promoted to that stature – would be, “Staying safe online starts at home.” This was the advice that a group of Secondary school girls that initiated "Project Bluetic"’ shared with me. The team started off with a simple objective to raise awareness amongst their peers and encourage them to "bluetick" uncomfortable online messages – "bluetick", which is to read the message, get the "bluetick", ignore these messages and report the user. However, they soon realised that the key group that needed education were the parents. One parent signed up for the cyber grooming workshop, thinking it was online courses on how to improve the kid's appearance! The girls shared with me how important it was for parents to provide a safe space at home, where children can seek advice or help without fear of being judged. So, to all parents, I humbly call upon all of us to step up to better understand the dangers of online harm and to create such an environment where we and our children can speak freely, heart-to-heart. I spoke about how the Government can step forward and how key stakeholder groups can step up. Finally, we need everyone to step in and be part of a national movement to build a safer and kinder online community. We must foster a culture of inclusiveness where we make technology accessible. We must foster a culture of kindness where we respect each other like we do in real life and a culture of safety so that our seniors and children can learn and enjoy the Internet without fear. The Singapore Kindness Movement started in 1997, building on the National Courtesy Campaign. Many of us, even young kids I spoke to, fondly recall the iconic "Singa the Lion", the face of this campaign since 1982. Perhaps, it is timely for us to have a new national movement under SG Together for the online space.[+1 sentence] A new movement to rally passionate individuals and groups, and channel their energy and enthusiasm into taking action that would make a difference for society. A good example is “Flag, You’re It!”, an initiative by a group of NTU students to campaign against cyber grooming.[+8 sentences] The campaign encourages youths to flag out uncomfortable or predatory online conversations and to have candid conversations on such experiences with their loved ones. They ran a powerful, immersive exhibition at the National Library called “45 minutes in the PreyGround”, P-R-E-Y, PreyGound, where visitors were led to step into the shoes of victims to understand their experiences of being preyed upon online. I went through exhibition. It was enlightening and very moving. And I reconnected with them recently. Because of COVID, they have focused their advocacy effort on Instagram, sharing stories of victims and bite-sized infographics and videos. They have reached nearly 40,000 individuals online. They even came up with a card game to encourage conversations amongst friends! The Government can support this national movement by convening platforms to bring together such like-minded parties and amplify these ground-up efforts through funding and mentoring support.[+10 sentences] Another insight the NTU team shared with me was the importance of peer support, friends looking out for one another. Each of us can step in and be part of this movement. We can spread awareness, offer a listening ear to our friends or direct those in need to avenues for help and support. We can also learn how to speak about such issues in a supportive way – to push back against stigmatising such issues and provide a safe space for victims to come forward. Ultimately, kindness starts with each one of us. Put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, think before we click. Mr Speaker, Sir, before I concluded, please allow me to say a few words in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): Technologies have brought a lot of convenience to the lives of Singaporeans, but we must also be wary of the dangers that comes with technologies. Cyber bullying, cyber grooming and online fraud can cause long-term damage to the physical, mental and financial health of the victims and their families. We must take immediate actions to create a safe and kind cyber space for all, especially the young and the elderly. First, we need a government agency to coordinate and bring together the various government policies and efforts. The agency can appoint a panel that comprises professionals and for the panel to study the issue in a holistic manner and make relevant recommendations to the government.[+17 sentences] Second, we need the full support of different stakeholders groups in society. For example, tech companies and social media companies can study how to provide safer online services and products, and work with the government to promote cyber security awareness. Parents, on the other hand, can pick up relevant knowledge and provide a safe space at home, so that children can seek advice and help when they need it. Finally, we must mobilise the entire nation to create a safe and kind cyberspace. We can each do our part too, for example, helping to promote cyber security awareness, lending a listening ear to friends when they are troubled, providing them with guidance, or encouraging them to turn to existing channels for help. Technology is a double-edged sword. We cannot shy away from the internet just because there are risks. Instead, we should learn how to make good and full use of it while protecting ourselves. Everyone needs to take responsibility to protect ourselves in cybersecurity. (In English): Mr Speaker, Sir, Mdm President spoke about the need to build a fair and just society. As our world becomes increasingly digitalised, we must also pay special attention to how the most vulnerable amongst us not just access, but also navigate the digital space. My wife and I just had our baby. Isaac will be turning a month old this weekend. He and other children of his generation will grow up in a very different world from all of us, where they will spend a large part of their lives in cyberspace. It is the duty of our generation to do all that we can to make sure that our children and seniors can grow up and grow old in a safe and caring online community, where there is no digital divide, where our people have the confidence and skills to ride the digital wave; where just as they are at ease moving around in the physical neighbourhood, they can have the same peace of mind navigating the digital space. We need to act boldly and decisively now before it is too late. So, let us all step forward, step up and step in to be part of this national movement.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Louis Chua.
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis (Sengkang)2700 words
[+3 sentences]Mr Speaker, it is my honour to address this House in support of the Motion of Thanks to the President, which she delivered at the Opening of the Fourteenth Parliament. The President mentioned in her speech that we are starting a new term of Government under the shadow of COVID-19. Indeed, COVID-19 has created unprecedented challenges to the lives and livelihoods of the people around the world and Singapore is, unfortunately, not spared from this global crisis. As pointed out by Mdm President, we are facing our worst recession since Independence and we have already seen Singapore's GDP shrink by 13.2% year on year in the second quarter, with total employment seeing the largest quarterly decline on record at 131,500 workers.[+7 sentences] Yet, despite the devastating headline economic statistics, I have no doubt in my mind that Singapore will weather the COVID-19 crisis and our economy will continue to grow again. But the bigger question to me is: what does it mean for us to emerge stronger as a nation and how do we define our success? It is unfortunate that it takes a crisis, such as COVID-19, to expose some of the weakness of our economic structures and our lack of social protection for the vulnerable. To the lucky few amongst us, COVID-19 is just a passing storm or the proverbial rainy day where we can rely on our past savings to tide us through. But to the less privileged Singaporeans who are struggling to make ends meet on a daily basis, COVID-19 is a tsunami which threatens not just their livelihoods, but possibly even their lives. Today, Singapore is already one of the wealthiest countries in the world as measured by GDP per capita. Yet, we are also often perceived to be an unequal society where the benefits of growth may perhaps not be evenly distributed and with inequality threatening to weaken our social fabric. It is perhaps time for us to have a rethink of what we value as a society and who have we left behind in our pursuit of headline economic growth. I call on the Government to evaluate its success not just based on a set of economic terms, but to take a more holistic, multi-dimensional approach in measuring the progress of our nation. We should base our policy decision-making on not just maximising financial value, but on maximising the overall well-being of all Singaporeans, particularly the most vulnerable amongst us.[+10 sentences] To this end, I note that New Zealand embarked on its first well-being budget in 2019, recognising that economic growth, while important, does not guarantee improvements in living standards. Bhutan, too, has a Gross National Happiness Index which captures multiple indicators across nine domains. While these may not be directly replicable in the context of Singapore, it is imperative for us to start assessing how each and every Singaporean is doing, and how best to address the unmet needs of our people in a sustainable and equitable manner. Mr Speaker, COVID-19 has been a catastrophic crisis and we must not let the lessons from this go to waste. On that note, I would like to highlight four areas for reform to build a stronger and more resilient Singapore society, post the current pandemic in this crisis. The first area of reform is in relation to workers' protection. COVID-19 has, undoubtedly, been an unprecedented healthcare crisis, leading to a simultaneous demand and supply economic destruction. Yet, with the shortening of business cycles and hastening of technological disruption, the threat of widespread job losses and rapid job irrelevance is only going to rise in future. Direct assistance to companies, such as the Jobs Support Scheme, could arguably provide indirect support to employment. But as we have seen in the second quarter employment change numbers, subsidies to companies and moral suasion cannot prevent job losses. The ratio of job vacancies to unemployed persons reached a historical low of .71 as at March 2020 and with the demand outlook remaining poor and arguably the worst of retrenchments and unemployment perhaps still ahead of us.[+7 sentences] Many more workers will be without a job despite their best intentions to be employed. Rather than providing blanket wage subsidies across companies, it is perhaps the workers themselves that are most in need of direct support and financial buffers in the event of unemployment. The Singapore Government has taken pride in creating a pro-business environment through its economic and manpower policies. It is now time, in my view, however, to strengthen our employment laws to better support and protect workers and raise the standard of work for all. The Global Financial Crisis in 2008/2009 saw the introduction of Kurzarbeit in Germany, a short time work programme that has been a key feature of the German safety net since, which was a useful template for many countries to model on. Building a more resilient workforce in society starts with strengthening our social safety nets for workers, and we now have an opportunity to do just that without necessarily impairing the incentive to work hard. The second area of reform is in relation to housing. In its Addendum to the President's Address, the Minister for National Development wrote about taking care of Singaporeans' housing needs, such as ensuring that public housing remains affordable, especially for young families, while enhancing schemes to help our seniors tap on their flats' value to supplement their retirement adequacy. However, it is precisely our flats' value that is in question where the HDB resale market has been affected by concerns over lease decay in the past few years.[+3 sentences] This has serious implications for the retirement adequacy of Singaporeans, as much of Singaporeans' assets are being tied to their primary residence, which is their HDB flat. The Government has said earlier in 2019 that it will consider all alternative suggestions and ways to manage the expiring leases of HDB flats and we cannot continue to ignore the elephant in the room. And this is an issue which I believe should rank high on our national agenda. Ultimately, more than 80% of Singaporeans live in HDB flats, with the overwhelming majority relying on their CPF Ordinary Account balances to finance their flats.[+3 sentences] With many Singaporeans entering their golden years, the knowledge of their HDB flats steadily losing value as they approach the tail-end of their leases can become a significant source of mental stress and insecurity. The third area of reform is in relation to support for families. Our houses may be built from bricks and mortar, but the family is the basic building block of society. Singapore's Total Fertility Rate stands at a record low of 1.14 in 2019 and many couples could potentially be further delaying their marriage and parenthood plans amidst the economic uncertainties today.[+5 sentences] I believe that sustainable growth is not only defined by fiscal sustainability, but by the future sustainability of our people, our human resource. We need to recognise that family-friendly policies boost rather than reduce productivity and reject the notion that dedicating time for our care-giving responsibilities hurts the employment prospects of workers. The silver lining to the circuit breaker period was that it institutionalised flexible working arrangements and showed us that economic competitiveness need not come at the expense of our families. On a personal level, I started working from home even before Phase 1 of the circuit breaker measures and, as a father to a newborn baby, I am thankful to have witnessed his various development milestones over the past year and to partake in the joys of parenthood while continuing to stay productive at work. I recognise that MOM will support employers to offer flexible work arrangements and work-life harmony initiatives. Yet, there is so much more that we can do. We need to give employees the legislative right to flexible work arrangements rather than non-legally binding advisories.[+10 sentences] We need the Government to lead by example and demonstrate to companies what progressive HR policies look like. More importantly, we need to devote greater resources to families to support their parenthood aspirations. Mr Speaker, we cannot expect incremental efforts to result in extraordinary results. We need to take bold and decisive steps and provide greater financial and non-financial support to Singaporean families, recognising that the stresses on families and our low fertility rate, if not urgently addressed today, would have significant long-term socio-economic cost to Singapore. The last area of reform is on the use of reserves. I agree with the Government's fiscal prudence and policy that our expenditures cannot and should not be more than our revenues for long-term sustainability. However, national policy proposals that tap on the reserves must be seen in the context of Singaporeans' growing needs across healthcare, ageing and retirement adequacy. As such, there needs to be thorough evaluation of alternative sources of revenue that remain untapped. Currently, some Government revenues, including land sales, are excluded from the official Budget. However, capital receipts, such as land sales, represent strong recurring cash revenues that are actually received by the Government, particularly with land being sold on a leasehold basis. As such, one of the ways that the revenue shortfall could potentially be met is by tapping no more than a fifth of the approximately $15 billion per year in land sales that the Government typically collects. The other area that could potentially be looked at as an alternative source of revenue is to increase the Net Investment Returns Contribution by up to 10%.[+17 sentences] While we would need to safeguard our reserves for potential contingencies, let us also acknowledge that increasing the percentage of returns generated will only vary the pace of reserve growth, but will not cause the reserves to fall. Arguably, deploying our reserves into more productive uses by investing them into our people, our human capital, could generate far superior returns in the long run and boost the future sustainability of our nation. Mr Speaker, let me now say a few words in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): Singapore is an affluent country, ranked at number eight in the world in terms of per capita GDP. However, we are often described as an unequal society with a widening income gap, weakening social cohesion slowly. Perhaps it is time for us to rethink what we should value as a society, and whether we have overlooked certain groups in the society while chasing economic growth. I urge the Government not to continue to measure the success of governance solely based on economic data, but to adopt a more holistic approach and measure the progress of the country in various ways. Policies should not be formulated purely on the economic level, but to give priority to the welfare of all Singaporeans and pay attention to the disadvantaged groups in society. Mr Speaker, COVID-19 is a crisis, but it also presents an opportunity for change. Today, I would like to raise four areas for improvement so that we can build a stronger and more resilient society after the pandemic. First, we must better protect our workers. Global demand is softening, many companies have no choice but to retrench staff, and many Singaporeans have to face unemployment. For businesses, the Jobs Support Scheme, which has been extended repeatedly, may help them survive, and companies do not need to apply. But even if the unemployed can apply for other one-off assistance schemes, some will still be rejected after going through cumbersome application processes. Instead of continuing to subsidise companies, what local workers need more is direct subsidies and assistance to help them mitigate the impact of unemployment and economic recession. Many older Singaporeans, no matter how hard they work, do not have enough protection if they fall ill or are retrenched. Direct subsidies and assistance are the most needed help for Singaporeans. The Singapore Government has always been proud of the pro-business environment created through economic and manpower policies, but I feel that it is time for us to strengthen our employment laws to better protect workers' interests and take this opportunity to carry out sustained and structural reforms to ensure that our workers enjoy better financial security.[+3 sentences] The second area that needs to be reformed is our housing policy. Minister for National Development has mentioned the need to take care of the housing needs of Singaporeans, such as ensuring affordability of HDB flats, allowing young families to own homes earlier, and strengthening schemes to help the elderly use the value of HDB flats to supplement their retirement needs. However, the problem lies in the value of our HDB flats. Leases that are about to expire has affected the resale price of HDB flats in recent years. For many Singaporeans, their main asset is their HDB flat, and they have spent most of their life savings on it. However, if Singaporeans, upon entering their golden years, see resale prices declining gradually as the lease of their flat coming to an end, they would feel mentally stressed and lose the sense of security, because the HDB flat can no longer ensure that they have sufficient retirement funds.[+8 sentences] The third area is support for the family. The family is the bedrock of our society. We must realise that pro-family policies will not reduce productivity but raise it instead. It is also incorrect to think that employees spending time and taking care of their children and elderly at home will affect their career prospects. We need to take bold and decisive measures to provide more financial and non-monetary assistance to Singaporean families, because if we don’t address early the daily pressure faced by families and the issue of low birth rate, they could have a long-term socio-economic impact on Singapore. Finally, I would like to talk about how to treat our reserves. I agree that it is important for the Government to manage its finances prudently, to balance revenue and expenditure to achieve long-term sustainability. However, considering that rising healthcare and cost of living have led to inadequate retirement funds, should we not assess our untapped sources of income in a more holistic manner? For example, every year, we make an average of $15 billion from land sales, but these revenues are not included in the Government's budget. I must stress that what the Workers' Party is proposing is not raiding our reserves, but to slow the reserves' growth rate.[+12 sentences] What we are doing is not to cut this tree of reserves, but to allow Singaporeans to take shelter from the forest as represented by the reserves as they are under the scorching sun. (In English): Mr Speaker, to conclude, COVID-19 will not be the only challenge for Singaporeans. There will be many more foreseeable white swan events and unpredictable black swan events which we may not be fully prepared for. To build a more resilient society, we need to foster a culture of open-mindedness where dissenting views are not only accepted but actually encouraged and where bold, innovative ideas are championed instead of being squashed. I believe that change has to come from the top and it starts from the context of the Parliament and the Government of the day. To this end, I am comforted by the President's assurance that the Government will be open to constructive criticism and rational debate, and to new ways of doing things. As a first-time Member of Parliament, I am honoured and privileged to be a Member of this House, and I believe voters have put their faith in us because of their greater desire for diversity in Parliament, more robust Parliamentary debates and a bigger say in Government decision-making so as to achieve the best outcomes for all Singaporeans. We must continue to be the voice for our constituents. But beyond mere words and statements of intent, it is our actions that define us. I sincerely hope that the Government will have the courage and political will to translate the breadth and depth of ideas that Members bring to this House into concrete policies to take Singapore forward. A united Singapore Together is not one that speaks with one voice. A united Singapore is one with a diversity of voices sharing our common belief for a better future and working together as one.
Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin (Ang Mo Kio)2167 words
[+7 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I join the other hon Members of this House in adding to the chorus of support for the Motion of Thanks. In her address, Mdm President highlighted that we are facing a sea of change in an uncertain and complex world. Globally, fault lines are growing more pronounced across class, political, racial and inter-generational divides. We are seeing new waves of protectionism taking root in a world more connected than ever before. How do these fault lines form? It starts within us and the biases in our mind, whether we admit them or not, and grows in the unwillingness to have conversations to understand the perspectives of people we are unfamiliar with or with whom we may disagree. The end result? Echo chambers where entrenched views take root and we end up in shouting matches on opposite ends of divisive issues.[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker, one of the core tenets of Singapore's success lies in our ability to live harmoniously with each other in spite of our differences. We got here by emphasising tolerance and mutual respect, and while mutual respect will always be relevant, we must navigate the uncomfortable but necessary shift from mere tolerance, past acceptance, to active understanding of different views.[+8 sentences] This requires us to lean into conversations on issues that may be uncomfortable. But I submit that if we do not lead the way in navigating these conversations, we leave the space wide open for others to fill in ways that may be incendiary or out of context for our Singapore. While hope for a better future is a shared aspiration across generations, the common lived experience of a Singaporean life has changed dramatically over the years. During my house visits in Cheng San-Seletar, some senior residents shared their fond memories of rubber plantations and farms in Ang Mo Kio. The world we live in today is one where these residents and people like my grandmother hardly recognise. My grandmother was given away as a child and tried to find her way back home after the war. It was a time when girls did not go to school and sometimes were considered less worthy. Her experiences shaped her own perceptions, beliefs and hopes for her children. Only a few decades have passed and now Singapore is a place where girls go to university, participate in the workforce and run for political candidacy.[+5 sentences] The stark differences in lived experiences have not spared the baby boomers, Generations X, Y, Z and Alpha from inevitable clashes. It is natural for members of each generation to feel that their experience holds the most weight, to reject opinions that do not gel with their worldviews. And it is convenient to turn to labels, which make it easier to dismiss perspectives. While these inclinations are understandable, they are unacceptable in a society which appreciates the wisdom and guidance of its elders but also trusts its youth to lead it forward into the future. "OK Boomer" and "strawberry generation" narratives are examples of reductionist caricatures. They obfuscate the path to finding common ground by pitting old versus young. This can cause tensions in the workplace as the average office environment now houses three to four generations under one roof.[+12 sentences] Generation Z comes in as interns, millennials move up in their careers to take on supervisory roles, Generation X become top executives and seniors retire later. We may even feel this in our own homes as grandparents and grandchildren disagree on political and cultural norms. If we truly want to harness the potential of our youth and tap on the experiences of our seniors, then we must not be dismissive of their thoughts, dreams and fears. While social media has amplified the space for individuals to have a voice, ironically, it can also make people more afraid to speak up for fear of being judged or flamed. In a world where tweets and memes dominate, we must also take the time to really listen and consider the details. The space that our middle ground occupies, carefully built up over the years, should be enlarged, not shrunken. Social media also accentuates the polarisation of perspectives on a global level, which very quickly trickles down to the local. We are not only exposed to shifts in global economic headwinds, now we are also exposed to shifts in social and cultural headwinds, which we must learn to navigate with equal competence. Mr Speaker, one thing I know to be certain about who we are as a people is our ability to punch above our weight. As much as we are pragmatic, we are a nation built on the backs of dreamers with the gumption to tackle the challenges of their time. We have seen this through the efforts of the Merdeka and Pioneer Generations. Driven by the promise of a stake in Singapore's progress, they pursued the betterment of our society relentlessly. The unlikely reality of Singapore building a bustling metropolis in place of what could have been an abandoned port city post war rife with ideological, economic and social strife came to past, and with that, came the promise of a stake in a young nation's progress fulfilled with citizens through education, home equity and wage growth.[+7 sentences] This greased the wheels of social mobility. Fifty-five years later, we are in a different time faced with different challenges in a world battled by COVID-19. While there are immediate challenges to tackle, it is also important to keep an eye on the longer term. After the dust settles, what does that citizen's stake in Singapore's progress look like for future generations? What will be the engine of social mobility for our sandwiched class? In times of hardship such as this, we need to sow seeds of hope for when the rain passes and a strong vision for the future. In the region and globally, we see socio-economic shifts gassed by systemic inequality. Across the world, my generation worries about rising home prices, stagnating wages and an increasingly competitive job market that could mean that we will not see the same rate of upward mobility as that of generations before.[+5 sentences] Here in Singapore, we would be in a much worse position if the Government had not invested heavily in trying to protect Singaporeans by motivating companies through stimulus levers to raise wages progressively, upscale workers and keep the Singaporean core employed. One group that has been deeply impacted are mid-career professionals. These are individuals with several years of working experience and are on track to becoming specialists in their domains. They are often at the age where they have children to raise and parents to look after. Many of my residents fall within this category. The Government recently introduced the SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways programme. The programme aims to provide 14,500 opportunities for mid-career jobseekers to gain meaningful industry-relevant experience. Those part of the full-time training programme will receive a monthly allowance.[+15 sentences] While training allowances are much appreciated, the reality is that these individuals and their families will feel the drop in income. A number of mid-career professionals already find themselves part of the sandwiched class squeeze and at times, the opportunity cost of upgrading their skills in pursuit of a potential future feels far too great. Our workers will need to adopt a longer term earning outlook but this does means that perhaps on the social side, we may need to relook what assistance schemes look like, who qualifies for them, and if there can be interim targeted support so that families can thrive and not just survive. In her address, Mdm President also spoke about the need to evolve our model of meritocracy. This resonates deeply with me. There are many schemes to support students and families from disadvantaged backgrounds. At the same time, work on the ground reveals that there are people who fall through the cracks and we must deal with these gaps with empathy. Where individuals miss the qualifying criteria by a whisker, where circumstances require our youth to take on part-time paid jobs instead of a coveted, unpaid internship, or where women drop drop out of the workforce to fulfill care-giving roles at home as hired help is beyond their means. While it may not be possible to completely eradicate inequality in the world, it is entirely within our responsibility to ensure that Singaporeans from all walks of life are not priced out of opportunities and are able to seize them in a timely way. I would like to share one story of a youth who comes from a difficult background. At 20, she did not fall automatically within the age criteria to receive certain transfers or benefit from schemes that residents 21 and above qualified for. Her parents were divorced, did not have regular employment and could not support her. She met a young man of the same age, had a baby, got married and got pregnant the second time. Despite moving in with his family in their rental flat, the youth and her baby effectively lived as a separate family unit while the husband served National Service. She shared with me her hopes of finding a job but worried there would be no care-giver for her children as her husband's vocation did not allow him to return home in the evenings and that the flat's monthly rental fees would be adjusted upwards when she became a new income earner in the house. The rental flat fees could increase by up to eight times, depending on the increase in household income. Could we consider a fixed rental fee for a longer period of time to allow such households to build up their savings for rainier days and future dreams?[+15 sentences] In my time on the panel of advisers to the Youth Courts, I have also encountered youth who reside in homes under the Children and Young Persons Act. While family is a building block of society, as spoken about by my colleague Mr Zhulkarnain earlier and the hon Member Louis Chua, sadly, there are some youth who, upon reaching the age of 19, are no longer able to stay in these homes but also do not have families to reintegrate with. The sudden shift to independent living without a routine while having to find work to pay for accommodation can be overwhelming and these youth, sometimes, are not able to reach their to reach their full potential. Having served in the youth space for many years, I have seen the shifts and in fact compassion, exercised by policy-makers. There is no doubt in my mind that our youth are deserving and that the Government recognises this and has heavily invested in building up our youth. I hope that we continue to do so and reach even more youth segments. Mr Speaker, a few words in Malay. (In Malay): I am concerned about the COVID-19 crisis occupying the minds of our community. I am however confident that this crisis is only temporary and we can overcome it. This is because, in these trying times, the Malay community has shown solidarity to help one another in order to move forward together: I have seen the spirit of mutual cooperation and collaboration between M3 and Malay/ Muslim organizations under the SG Teguh Bersatu initiative. I am also touched to see many seniors such as retired teachers as well as qualified business leaders coming forward to help the community. I am also glad to see youths taking the time to embark on initiatives and serve the community. When I look at our community, I am filled with admiration because our Malay community is a resilient one. We appreciate the guidance from the older generation and have faith in our youths to progress towards a brighter future. I am also aware that the government has drawn up various programmes to help needy families. In the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s addendum, Minister Masagos Zulkifli outlined the government’s focus on improving social assistance so that families who need it can receive services that are more comprehensive and coordinated. I welcome this effort as it enhances the government’s reach to connect residents to the last-mile service delivery. I acknowledge that assistance given in a timely manner can change one’s life.[+6 sentences] (In English): In closing, we must build bridges of understanding to deal with the shifts in the global World Order and the needs of different generations. I am confident in who we are as a people and our Singaporean values that put us in good stead during these unprecedented times. As Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said in the earlier part of the debate: adapt to change but stay true to our values. The world will change with or without us, and our Little Red Dot’s best shot at driving is to change as we stay united together. We are a young country and I believe our best days are ahead of us. Mr Speaker, I support the Motion.
The Minister of State for Home Affairs and Sustainability and the Environment (Mr Desmond Tan)2438 words
[+16 sentences]Mr Speaker, I rise in support of the Motion. Much has been said about how the COVID-19 pandemic has severely disrupted our lives and forced massive changes to the way we work, live and play. It is no exaggeration to say that this is indeed a crisis to test our generation. But it is also not without some silver linings. Let me highlight three. First, people are looking out for one another. We can take pride and draw strength from this. Many Singaporeans have gone out of their way to help others – giving out free masks to strangers, delivering groceries to those in quarantine, hawkers cooking for the hungry, customers rallying support for hawkers on social media. These are just a few examples of the great many heart-warming acts we see all around us. Second, our businesses and workforce are seizing opportunities and trying new things in response to the crisis. Traditional businesses have innovated and accelerated their adoption of tech solutions. Our wet market stallholders are hawking their fresh produce over livestream on Facebook. Many Members may also recognise getai veteran, Wang Lei, who has sold seafood, durians and even cars online. In his words, he turned the crisis into a business opportunity, or in Chinese, 把危机转成商机. Third, the enforced time-out has allowed nature and the environment to recover. The air is cleaner and humanity’s carbon footprint has shrunk with the reduction of transportation and industrial activities. At the peak of the lockdowns around the world in early April, global daily carbon emissions were slashed by 17%, dropping to levels last observed in 2006.[+14 sentences] It was my nine-year-old daughter who has noticed there are more butterflies and wildflowers in our estate during our evening walks. These silver linings give us confidence that we shall prevail. And we will continue to grow stronger as a nation. Mdm President has said that domestically, Singapore is at an inflection point of our history. This is indeed the time to chart the future we want for Singapore and Singaporeans. And our youth will be key in shaping our collective future, for they are the leaders not only of tomorrow, but also of today. Our youths, with their ideals and ideas, can play a critical role in building the kind of society we would like to have and to see in Singapore. What would such a society be like? First, I would like to see a society of opportunities for all. Second, I would like us to build a liveable and sustainable environment. And third, I hope Singapore will be a society built on trust. First, on a society of opportunities. The economic impact of COVID-19 has not been borne evenly. Lower income households are hit much harder. We have a family in Punggol in which both parents lost their jobs and finding new ones was not easy partly because they were past offenders. They got by with ComCare and COVID Support grants.[+9 sentences] But what weighs most heavily on them is their worry about the future of their four children who are all in school. There are families out there who need help. And I am most concerned about young children and the opportunities they may lose, if nothing is done. While there are various Government schemes to support individuals and families along their life journeys, there is an important role for the community and individuals to reach out to fellow Singaporeans, like what we have done during this pandemic. Two years ago, I worked with some colleagues in the public service to initiate a social programme where volunteers befriend children from the rental blocks at Casa Clementi and give tuition to them after school. Twenty-four-year-old grassroots leader, Hameed, played an active role in setting up and sustaining the centre, together with youth volunteers from NUS and ACS Independent, and even MINDEF and SAF regulars. Besides tutoring, Hameed and his team organised activities and holiday programmes for them, such as coding classes, football sessions, and trips to the Zoo and the Wild Wild Wet. During the circuit breaker, they delivered special care packs to each of the children’s homes on top of the regular Zoom sessions, just to remind them that they were not alone. It was heartening to see the students improve in their learning attitudes and in their results. Two of them even received the Edusave Bursary Award recently.[+6 sentences] I asked Hameed recently what kept him going. His answer was simple – seeing the excitement in the children when they turn up, watching them develop and grow, and simply wanting to make a difference in the community he lives in. I am sure we have many Hameeds in every community to bring all Singaporeans on board the moving escalator, to give each generation a better future. I urge Members of this House, many of whom have spoken passionately about this topic, to rally our community to step up and do something for our children who may not have a good start, to ensure they receive a good education. Together, let us ensure that there will always be social mobility in our society and that this remains deeply anchored in our value system. Second, I hope that we can build and nurture a liveable and sustainable environment for all Singaporeans. Climate change will remain an existential threat for many, many generations to come and we must never stop pushing for sustainability as a key consideration in all our decisions.[+2 sentences] Sustainability is about meeting the needs of the current generation, without compromising that of the future generations. This has become more pressing than ever with the gathering pace of climate change and its impacts. As a low-lying island with limited natural resources, Singapore is especially vulnerable to rising sea-levels and disruptions in global supply chains of critical resources like food and water.[+4 sentences] So, it augurs well for the future of our common home that sustainability is a high priority for many of our youth, as studies commissioned by the National Youth Council have shown. Many of them are also stepping forward to make their voices and their actions count, and some are working together to make a bigger impact with their efforts on sustainability. In Pasir Ris, we have residents who are keen to turn seaweed and mussels into bioplastics and then into alternative fuel. We have youth who want to champion rooftop farming, clean up beaches and estates, promote car-lite by improving cycling path networks and so on. There is no lack of ideas and energy from all our residents. We now have a Pasir Ris Sustainability Action Group with over 20 volunteers and growing, from both young and old. I am excited now to be in MSE, which has committed to plans for a green recovery from COVID-19, one that supports a transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient future. MSE will galvanise sustainability efforts across the Government, promote green growth, ensure resource resilience and pursue circular economy.[+33 sentences] We will create new jobs in the green sector and develop a pipeline of talent to support sustainability in Singapore. But sustainability requires a whole-of-nation effort. Besides working with businesses and other partners, we must actively engage and create opportunities for youth to play a bigger role in co-creating and co-delivering solutions. We must take our youth’s efforts seriously because they are not an interest group – they are taking ownership to lead in fighting climate change, to make Singapore a more liveable and sustainable city. I will certainly do my best to support their efforts. Finally, and most importantly, I hope that we can build a society based on trust. This is more relevant and important now than ever. How does a society built on trust look like? I believe that such a society is characterised by a sense of togetherness where individuals and groups are willing to sacrifice their own interests for the larger good of the society. A good example in our history is our Land Acquisition Act of 1967. As a young growing nation, our kampungs and squatter huts had to make way for high-rise HDB buildings and industrial development. Our Pioneer and Merdeka Generations understood that, and they reluctantly moved from places they were familiar with to the HDB flats. There was trust that this was indeed necessary for the greater good of our nation. Today, our world class housing bears great testament to what we can achieve when there is trust between the Government and the people. As our founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew once said, “Our greatest asset was the trust and confidence of the people.” COVID-19 has shown this trust still exists today. We saw this when workers accepted wage cuts so that more of their co-workers could remain employed, and when we all responded and stayed home to break the infection cycle and preserve our healthcare system for those who needed them most. I hope that we can continue to build and nurture this trust. The question remains: how do we build this trust between the Government and people, and amongst people? We often hear the phrase that trust has to be earned. Over my career in the Army and public service, I found that this adage, while may be true, may be counter-productive sometimes because until someone earns it, we hold back trust to protect ourselves, build policies on the premise that a small minority may abuse the trust, and sometimes we micro-manage down to the dot. Instead, I believe when we are in a position of leadership, trust has to be given. I learnt this as a young father. When my firstborn was in Primary school, I was called up by the school for an incident that he was involved in. Without even verifying with him, I chided him in the car on the way home for getting himself into trouble. He remained quiet for some time and then turned to me and asked, "Dad, why don’t you trust me when I said I didn’t do it?" Like all fathers, I wanted to earn his trust. That day, I learned that I have to give him my trust first. I hope we can build a culture of openness and trust and continue one in which the Government listens, consults and engages regularly with citizens. This may mean being more transparent about our considerations and trade-offs when developing policies. For instance, since the start of COVID-19, our Prime Minister and the Ministers have been sharing very openly and regularly with Singaporeans about the pandemic, trusting us to rally together to do the right thing. Beyond sharing information, our policies also need to reflect trust in our people in their delivery. In some areas, the Government can trust citizen groups to lead and execute policies and projects. One initiative that comes to mind is the youth-led Somerset Belt Masterplan, which is a product of the ideas and aspirations of over 40,000 youths on what they wish to see in Somerset and how they can achieve that. It is a good example of how innovative concepts and plans can develop when we give autonomy and trust to our youth who can take ownership of the projects they feel strongly for.[+7 sentences] On the other hand, an engaged citizenry must be prepared to listen and understand the various perspectives, considerations and trade-offs. We must create a discourse that is based on data, science and facts, not one based on rhetoric and ideology. I hope to be part of this constructive engagement process. Trust is, ultimately, a two-way street. It is only when we give trust, that we gain trust and achieve great things together. Mr Speaker, let me conclude. I urge all of us Singaporeans to come together to build a society with opportunities for all, that is liveable and sustainable, and founded on mutual trust. Let us learn to listen well to one another, and communicate with more empathy. Consulting my two boys on the use of social media so that I can relate to the younger generation, I learnt that if I want them to understand me, I need to first connect with them in their channels, sometimes using their language. I hope to see better engagement, especially with our youths.[+18 sentences] Together, let us build on the solid foundation that the Pioneer and Merdeka Generations developed for us, and create a society that we will be proud to pass on to the generations to come. With all Singaporeans on board, we will surely get there and grow stronger in the process. Mr Speaker, in Mandarin, please. (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, I would like to share the lyrics of a xinyao song; the title is "Singapore Pie". Do not worry, I am not going to sing it, I am just going to read out the lyrics: "Dad said I was born in the 60s. I was only one-year-old when Singapore was born. Back then, nobody believed in the Singapore brand and there were people migrating overseas. Gradually, we went into the 70s, the chimneys in Jurong were rather grand-looking. Then, we entered the 80s. MRT made this legend spread faster. Friends said that the more I live, the more I was as real as Singapore. In a blink of an eye, we are in the 90s and now it is people from other places migrating here. Who do not love the Singapore brand?" Due to the time constraint, I shall not recite the whole song. If interested, you can go online and listen to it. The reason why I mention this song today is because it tells the Singapore success story. In the early days of nation-building, nobody believed that Singapore would succeed. Some people even migrated overseas. With collaborative efforts from the people and the Government, our Pioneer and Merdeka Generations have made Singapore into a prosperous and orderly country.[+3 sentences] Those who have migrated also started to return. This is Singapore's success. The last two lines of the lyrics are: "We will write our own stories. The future will depend on the next generations.” What kind of Singapore are we and our next generations going to build? We must all ask ourselves, do we want a Singapore of mutual trust or suspicion?[+4 sentences] Do we want a Singapore that people blame each other or help each other to find solutions? Do we want a Singapore where people keep asking "what can I get" or "what can I do"? Mr Speaker, I only want to say that one day when I am old, I want to leave my children a Singapore that they can be proud of. Thank you.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Alex Yam.
Mr Alex Yam (Marsiling-Yew Tee)1810 words
[+12 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, needless to say, we are facing a crisis of a generation. Across the world, there is economic chaos, business foreclosures, job instability – perhaps more painful and poisonous than just economic disruption – and a healthcare crisis, its divisions, strife and an "Us versus Them" dialogue. In Singapore, we have been lucky so far. We have our reserves, we have strong Government, we have a united people, and we have avoided most of the communal upheavals that others have experienced so far. Yet, we cannot and must not assume that the worst is over. The cases of COVID-19 infections may be coming down, may be stabilising, but the economic storm is still yet to hit us fully. And with that, our societal fabric will be strained, perhaps fray, and may well start to tear as well. That we have come through a General Election where passions have been aroused is perhaps a symptom of the times. Today, more than ever, we need to re-emphasise the importance of coming together, a message that perhaps is both important and well encapsulated in Total Defence. Even if the enemy that we are facing today is unseen, even perhaps unknown, we can see clearly where our military and civil defence have been important. At this point, it is perhaps apt to recognise the work of our SAF, the SCDF, our healthcare workers and many frontliners, who have been serving with great passion, dedication and also compassion during these difficult times. But just as the Prime Minister said in February 2020, the real test of this pandemic is our social cohesion and psychological resilience. In economic defence, the challenges we have met them so far with our various COVID Budgets. Our MTI colleagues have been on the front lines as well, perhaps less unseen than the rest, to ensure that we have sufficient and constant access to food, supplies, resources. They have ensured that our stockpiles are replenished, our sources are diversified and local production increased; all this despite global disruptions in supply chains. Our reserves, which has been spoken so much of during the course of this debate, are also an important weapon and armament in our fight against COVID-19 and its effects.[+9 sentences] They have staved off the enemies of joblessness and economic stagnation. But we, the people of Singapore, must also do our level best. COVID-19 has accelerated many trends in our economy – driving automation, reconstruction of value chains, e-commerce, logistics, all sectors that are now growing because they are new norms in our COVID-19 world. This is perhaps the best impetus for us to change. And as a people, we must not fear adaptation to explore new areas of growth, to re-skill and upskill. For us, for our families, for our nation, we must remain fearless, relevant, not only to ourselves but also to the world. This is not the time to hide away, or to say that if only we could just turn back the clock, because we cannot. But there are bright moments and there is a lot of motivation as well. Just recently, the five CDCs held our SkillsFuture Festival, the first fully online festival, and we had very encouraging participation. Over the course of the week, we had over 7,000 people taking part in various courses. We had almost over 20,000 people taking part in our online interactions as well.[+27 sentences] And many, in their feedback, have said that they have learnt something new and they have enjoyed that process. Some have also shared that they had fears initially, but have found that once they take the plunge, it became so much easier. Changes, therefore, are necessary. But, at the same time, we cannot ignore the fact that change will bring with it some discomfort. It heightens differences as well. Our social defence is, therefore, also at stake. COVID-19, as we have seen in the rest of the world, has exacerbated inequalities, built up tensions in communities. We see this in various forms, for example, as we work from home and also in home-based learning during our circuit breaker. It is not unapparent that most of us who can work from home, perhaps, can claim to be better off. It is those who cannot, who are on the ground, who have to be physically present, that are feeling the true brunt of this crisis. Home-based learning also shows up the differences in access to technology. Different family situations give rise to starkly different learning outcomes during the circuit breaker. In as much as we try to provide more equal access, yet, different circumstances still lead to different learning outcomes. All this comes back perhaps to a word that we use very often in our discourse – meritocracy. Meritocracy underpins so much of our social structures in Singapore and we can justifiably be proud of how we provide equal opportunities for everyone in Singapore. Yet, today, equal opportunities, perhaps, is insufficient. It is also about ensuring that we have equitable outcomes, not equal outcomes, not as what Dodo in Alice in Wonderland says at the end of the caucus race, "Everyone wins and therefore everybody deserves a prize". We must have equitable outcomes because, if we do not, then it is even worse than not having meritocracy. For this, we must engender change in our attitudes across Singapore in all sectors – at home, at work, in our economy. We need to rethink our values, redefine success, refocus our beliefs, interests, causes, passions. This is the only way we can stop perpetuating the sense of inferiority or feeling of being unrewarded despite trying our best, amongst different groups in our society. We should, therefore, revalue vocational and technical skills as much as academic dexterity, shift out perception of value based on work or academic performance alone. In many other societies, being a plumber, being an electrician, is a valued skill set. Can we revived that in Singapore? That way, we can ensure that our social fabric is strengthened, not because we are one giant piece of cloth but like a warm comforting blanket comprised of different multiple equally important layers, so that we can all play our role equally in society. The Members before me have spoken very passionately also about the digital sphere. Digital defence is important to us as well. Amidst the crisis that we are experiencing with COVID, it is also a primary concern because good communications is key in preventing the spread of this disease and reducing its impact.[+2 sentences] But we must have factual communication. We see this impact of negative communication overseas. People who decry the use of masks, expounding conspiracy theories figures, fake cures, false advisories, even scams, during this period of time. It is therefore, no better time than now to improve digital inclusion and media literacy, especially amongst our elders those who are most vulnerable during this period of time.[+4 sentences] All this depends also on the most fundamental pillar of Total Defence and that is our psychological defence. Our psychological resilience and our sense of security is important. Again, it is now more than ever that we are in this together. But we see various examples, many of us in our constituency, we hear more and more comments like these, "My neighbour, formally Malaysian" or "you know, that chap who came from India". This idea of you being more Singaporean if you are homegrown or older or spent more years versus those who are newer who have spent less. But, all of us make an equal contribution to our society because we are all Singaporeans here, regardless of how long we have been Singaporeans.[+33 sentences] As disputes arise, we must strengthen our identity of Singaporean. Again, regardless of how long you have been here, you must be proud, to belong to Singapore. All of us here are proud to be Singaporeans, but some of us were not born in Singapore. Yet, we serve fellow Singaporeans in this House. Many out there in society are doing the same thing as well. And they too, are valuable Singaporeans, they too, are our brothers and sisters. Mr Speaker, let me end off with a short story. A group of pigeons, led by their mother, was searching for food. Driven by hunger, they came across a pile of rice. As they started eating, a little sparrow came by. The sparrow asked one of the brothers, "Could I share in your meal?" The brother said, "No, we found it first." Yet, the mother pigeon said, "There is more than enough, let us share." And so, she welcomed the little sparrow. As they ate and were filled, they were preparing to fly away when suddenly a huge net came across them. The pigeons panicked, they flew off in different directions But, as they struggled in different directions the more tangled they got. In a distance, they saw the farmer coming at them with a club. It was the little sparrow who suddenly said, "Stay calm. Let all of us take one part of this net and fly in unison. And they did. As they did so, they managed to lift the net and the farmer could only look on as the net flew higher and higher way. But, they were still trapped in that net. And so the little sparrow also said, "I know of a friend, he is a little mouse who lives across the hill. I brought him food once during the winter. He might be able to help us". So, they flew across the hill and met the little mouse. The little mouse said, "I can get you out of this quandry," as he bit through the net and freed them one by one. Mr Speaker, it does not matter whether we are a large bird or small sparrow. We are all looking to survive. And where we have more of, we can share. But, we should also not belittle those that are smaller than us, or less skilled than us, or appear to be weaker than us. Because they too, have a role to play in our society and in our country. Perhaps it is them who have the street-smart, who can tell us when we are in trouble, how to get out of there mine. At the same time, there might be others who are very different from us, but in our time of need, can chew us out of that net. So for all of us in Singapore, this crisis is an opportunity for us to re-emphasise what it means to be Singaporean, why we should be proud of who we are.[+3 sentences] I think, in the course of these few months, we have shown the capacity to be proud of who we are, Singaporeans and to be proud of Singapore. Thank you very much. I support the Motion.
Mr Speaker44 words
[+5 sentences]Order. I propose to take a break now. I suspend the Sitting and will take the Chair at 5.00 pm. Sitting accordingly suspended at 4.37 pm until 5.00 pm. Sitting resumed at 5.00 pm.
The Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai)20 words
[+1 sentence]Mdm Deputy Speaker, before I begin my speech, with your permission, may I ask the Clerks to distribute some handouts.
Mdm Deputy Speaker7 words
[+1 sentence]Yes.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai4985 words
[+10 sentences]Thank you. I will refer to these handouts briefly in the course of my speech. Madam, at first glance, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth seems like a potpourri with ingredients thrown together out of convenience – culture, community, youth, and of course, sports. These four strands hold and bind Singaporeans and Singapore society together, for the long term. And I would say – they are no less important than the foundations of our country’s economic and security framework. Like Mr Sitoh earlier, I believe these four strands coming together synergistically is critical not only to providing an outlet to rebound from the current pandemic, but also to our long-term goals in nation-building. They foster a national identity and consensus in a way that no other facet of society can. I am honoured and very humbled to be given this opportunity as Minister to lead in this endeavor, to build on the solid foundations established by my predecessors. In this speech, I will focus on youth, and on the kind of society that we want to foster. There is no strict definition of youths. In MCCY, we have defined youths as those between 15 and 35 years – sadly excluding myself. So, this covers everyone from Secondary school to young adults in their thirties, either just left school or entering the workforce. This group makes up about a quarter of our population in Singapore.[+23 sentences] Our young people are a crucial segment of our society. The youths of today are the leaders of tomorrow. So trite but very true. They are the people who must have a say in the kind of society they want to be in, and play a part in shaping the kind of future for Singapore that they want to leave behind. The Government is here to help them reach their personal and collective potential, but the future is in their own hands. There is a Chinese saying, “年轻有为”. It is usually used to describe a young person who is capable and outstanding. Unfortunately, there is no equivalent of this for older people. No one talks about “年老有为”. While this saying usually describes young people, it also describes a very positive and hopeful state of affairs with being young and associated with being young – the young are full of potential, promise and eventual accomplishment. For the young, with the luxury of having time on their side and the endowment of energy and imagination, the sky is the limit. However, amid the backdrop of COVID-19, there is a perceptible sense that the positivity in our youths might be somewhat diminished and I understand their concerns, as I am sure many of my colleagues in this House do, about the impact of the pandemic on bread and butter issues. This is only to be expected in the current climate, but we must ensure that while we are realistic and we remain aware of the situation, that our youths do not become discouraged, do not become defeatist or disenchanted. The pandemic will pass, but our aspirations and dreams must remain. 年轻有为 still applies. And perhaps even more so in today's context. In the last few weeks, I have spoke with a number of youths, across a broad range of backgrounds. I asked them about their concerns and their aspirations, and what they felt we should address in this new term of Government. I promised them that we would bring these up in Parliament and let me just share a few of their thoughts with you. Understandably, many of the concerns revolve around the current economic climate: will I be able to find a good job when I graduate? Will my skills still be relevant in a post-COVID-19 world, where there have been disruption upon disruption? Will I be able to stay competitive, especially in this climate when foreigners can compete for the job and perhaps even do it remotely from another country? Will I be able to afford the things that matter to me most at this point in my life: getting married, buying a home, looking after my parents, whilst trying to start my own family? At the same time, they are also thinking deeply about the way we live, as a people, dealing with broader societal issues, and the values and ideals that they wish to see in society. While previous generations chased the traditional 5Cs, this generation is concerned with some other Cs – climate change, constant competition and caring communities.[+11 sentences] At the top of their minds are questions such as: how do we care better for one another? Can we better support vulnerable communities and how do we ensure that we leave no one is left behind? How can our society be more inclusive? And can we move from just tolerating, to truly embracing our diversity? Youths also asked hard questions about the fairness and the tone of political campaigns at the recent General Elections. They asked to see more diverse views in Parliament, more checks and balances and more open debates on constructive policy alternatives. These concerns and questions are entirely valid and reflect the rapid changes in our economic, political and social environment, amplified, catalysed by the effects of the current COVID-19 situation. A participant, one of them from my youth engagements, summed it up as follows, and I quote, “Youths seem to be dealing a lot with uncertainties – clashing ideologies, existential threat of climate disruptions, fundamental economic shifts. It’s scary having to navigate a future that feels so hostile and full of unknowns.” I think all of us would have a lot of empathy for this sentiment – the future is uncertain. But I would also say to this group and to those out there – that we are at the cusp of a very different future that is promising in so many ways. The COVID-19 pandemic has animated a strong spirit of care, cohesion and active citizenry in our society, from ground up, with many organising their own initiatives to assist those in need. For example, Project Stable Staples raised $150,000 in funds to give NTUC vouchers to 2,500 individuals they saw and identified as having been affected financially by COVID-19. The Youth Corps Singapore volunteers supported food distribution drives and delivered meals to nearly 9,000 beneficiaries.[+30 sentences] Various student groups have helped to share messages of encouragement and also translate content for migrant workers staying in the Changi Exhibition Centre Integrated Community Care and Recovery Facility. Others have contributed through SGUnited, a movement and one-stop digital portal for Singaporeans to contribute toward the national response for the COVID-19 outbreak, and they do so through donations, through volunteering and, of course, also in taking part with others in community-led efforts. What is striking about all these initiatives is that they were initiated by volunteers, who stepped up, even as they themselves were, at the same time, worried about their own lives and livelihood. This is very heartening and we need to encourage more of these efforts, work together with them and build on them. In the best of times, the Government does not have all the answers. Today, in an uncertain environment with complex challenges ahead of us, all the more we must chart a path together. As a Government, we need to partner with the community including our young people, to leverage on our shared values and forge a way forward. Today, I hope to address some of these concerns raised – not just through our policies and our programmes – but also in our broader efforts to partner and work with young people to catalyse the solutions and tackle these issues together. I will be addressing two broad questions that our youths have raised. First, how can I secure a good future and achieve my aspirations in these turbulent times? This question deals not only with bread and butter issues in these uncertain times, but also how we can collectively address longer term challenges, like climate change, sustainability and the environment. Second, how can I help realise the vision of Singapore as a more caring and inclusive society? How do we become the kind of society we want to live in, and would be happy to leave behind, for our children? This second question is both philosophical and also practical – how do we weave the Tapestry of Singapore’s society to accommodate a diversity of threads seamlessly, so that the Tapestry is at once both beautiful to behold and also comforting to touch. Sometimes, the Tapestry can be more beautiful to behold from afar than to touch and feel textually. Keeping it together, keeping it nice, beautiful, soft to the touch is a constant work in progress. The threads are woven together, sometimes by suasion, sometimes by policy, and the feel can be kind of uneven and rough on occasion. Sometimes a thread or two might come loose and we have to put it back with some effort. But we have to, because each thread that comes loose from this fabric is Tapestry, it threatens the integrity of the thread next to it, and if left unchecked, eventually could unravel the entire fabric. This is an important aspect of the work in my Ministry and I will come back to this point. Let me start with the first question. The youths of today face intense competition once they start formal schooling. Globalisation presents new opportunities of exchange, but also opens up academic competition beyond national boundaries. This competition gets sharper in the workplace. And it is exacerbated by the current COVID-19 pandemic when global economies are in recession and opportunities are fewer to come by. My colleagues have outlined the steps to protect Singaporeans better, but the hard truth is that competition is a fact of life and we cannot influence the trajectory of other countries. Yet despite this, I want to encourage our youths to realise that competition drives us to excel, competition pushes us out of our comfort zone to be more than what we thought we could be and realise a better version of ourselves. We will support you in this journey as best as we can. Whether it is in getting work experience, facilitating job and training opportunities or skills development. Let me outline a few recent efforts. Together with the National Youth Council or NYC, MCCY has set up a Youth Corps Internship Scheme to allow our students from Institutes of Higher Learning to be placed into on-the-job training to ready themselves for experience for the job eventualy.[+1 sentence] Internships and work experience in these times could otherwise be more difficult to come by. NYC has also launched the Asia-Ready Exposure Programe (AEP) for youths to acquire cross-cultural skills in a global world, that is important, cross-cultural skills to understand the region better, to widen their prospects and with that the range of opportunities.[+1 sentence] We have also set up a portal called gradgowhere.sg that contains resources for youths looking for jobs. The National Jobs Council is coordinating efforts to provide 100,000 jobs and skills opportunities for jobseekers, including graduates and working youths, under the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package. MCCY and NYC will also set up a "YouthTech" programme to equip 1,000 youths, in the first instance, with digital skills and training, and then deploy them into the community and social service sector to help this sector to upskill and to digitalise.[+8 sentences] These programmes to equip youths with skills and provide more employment opportunities and will help address their immediate concerns about day-to-day living. For more details on these programmes, I would like to ask Members to look at the handouts that I have just given out. At the same time, while youths are concerned about the immediate bread and butter issues, they also reflected to me that they are equally concerned about the broader, longer term questions, such as looking after our mental well-being and how do we better entrench our environmental sustainability efforts. These are important issues, and I know that many young people angst over them. Our youths are very much at the front and centre of these efforts. They have called for action to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, and greater awareness and openness in seeking help. Young people in Singapore, like their peers around the world, are the vanguard for an environmentally sustainable future, advocating not only new ways of living, but also new ways of making a living. In this way, they are really our active agents of change and we need to tap on this dynamic resource. We will expand our partnerships with youths on these and other issues. We have been working with youths through projects such as the Youth Mental Well-being Network, which was launched earlier this year. We have started a Youth Circle with MSE to partner youths to create proposals and workable solutions that can improve our environment and enhance sustainability for the long term.[+16 sentences] The hon Ms Raeesah Khan said, I think two days ago, that youths need to have a seat at the table to look at such issues, and we agree. The above are just some examples of how we want to engage our youths to participate and contribute actively to their own future, having a say, being an architect in their own future and also on matters of national importance. We will continue to create more opportunities and avenues for youths to partner the Government and society on issues that matter to them, and we will do so on a regular and sustained basis. Let me now turn to the second question – what drives a caring and inclusive society and how can our young people help to realise the vision of such a society? When we engaged youths under the SG Youth Action Plan last year, they outlined their vision for a better society not just for themselves, but for Singaporeans. And inherent in this push for a more caring and inclusive Singapore are key considerations of (a) reducing social inequality; (b) building a more tightly knit society; and (c) improving civic discourse and participation. Which in turn brings up even more fundamental questions of what kind of social compact and politics we desire for our country, both now and in the long term. An important consideration for me is how we can harness youthful energy to bring about positive change, to allow our young to blossom, instead of allowing uncertainty and discontent to fester amongst our young and resulting in negative confrontation? I see two things. First, we need to allow the young to give voice to their dreams and aspirations. We need to give them the space and the avenues to engage with the rest of society, and have conversations with older generations to implement change, whilst at the same time understanding the constraints and trade-offs that age and experience sometimes can give a better insight to. The older generation in turn needs to be a little more patient, accepting and appreciative of generationally different views. So, both sides need to come together. These shared ideas have indeed help take us forward. Let me give you some examples. We have been working with Singaporeans across the age spectrum, across the generations to reflect on our shared identity, and to think deeply about the values and legacy that we want to leave behind. More than 80,000 people of all ages have contributed their ideas and views to the Founders' Memorial to date, on how best to honour our past and create a beacon of inspiration, for our future. This year, 74 Singaporeans aged between 17 and 73 – a fairly broad spectrum of almost six decades – have come together to discuss and put together what they think every Singaporean ought to know, and create content to update the Singapore Citizenship Journey for new citizens.[+5 sentences] We are a society comprising both the young and the old and neither can exist alone, and we must learn to recognise that all of us have a part to play in moulding our future. Second, societies need to give the young hope – hope of a brighter future, including good jobs and good lives. Many of the young in developed countries see the dreams of their parents slipping beyond their grasp and are reacting against a system which they might feel is no longer capable of giving them hope. We cannot let this happen to us here in Singapore. Our society needs to remain meritocratic, but not ossified. The forces that enabled the Boomers and Gen X to progress ought not be allowed to stratify society. We must therefore work hard to ensure that meritocracy does not develop into structural inequality.[+20 sentences] We need to make sure that our society remains fair, transparent, has equality of opportunities and that the fires of the Singaporean dream keep burning. The story of today's Singapore youth, like the youth before them, must therefore be woven from the fabric of hope. So, I return to the Singapore Tapestry metaphor I mentioned earlier. That Tapestry is really the heart of Singapore. A Singapore for all Singaporeans. The Singapore Tapestry will always have yarns of different colour, sizes and even nature. Some are old threads, some are young threads. But whatever the case, there are certain enduring truths about the Tapestry. Each of us, each thread and each fibre, is part of a larger whole. All of us have a role to play in keeping the Singapore Tapestry from fraying or worse, from being stretched and ripped apart. Yet, even as there is only one single Tapestry, we remain individuals, with our own identities, our own dreams and our own aspirations. In fact, it is this very diversity of yarns that make Singapore exciting and more beautiful. In contrast to a Tapestry which had it been spun out of a single spool of fibre, single colour, one type, one nature that would have yielded a uniformly plain and monochromatic Singapore Cloth. You can see the difference. Our differences, our diverse ethnicities, our cultures, different backgrounds and heritage and beliefs, they make for a collective which is far richer, and for a whole which is far greater than the sum of its parts – and that is the Singapore Tapestry. At the same time, because of the diversity inherent in this Tapestry, texturally we can be a little rough at times. There will be rough and tough times when some threads in the Tapestry wonder why they are in this Tapestry, or why other threads are in the Tapestry. And these questions do not just revolve just around questions of race and religion, but to newer, perhaps more divisive and contentious issues, including questions concerning LGBT, equality, personal freedoms. How then do we weave the Singapore Tapestry tightly, but at the same time, ensuring enough space in between the different threads for diversity to exist harmoniously? This is quite a paradox, but it is a paradox that we must, and we can and we have to overcome. Ms Sylvia Lim, on Tuesday, spoke about becoming a race-blind society. We share the same aspiration, recognising the individuality of each of our races, but at the same time, reaping the strength in that diversity behind the common Singapore identity.[+14 sentences] Race is one of the primary threads of our social fabric, and the fact that different races are acknowledged while also bound by a shared belonging is what make our Tapestry strong, cohesive and also highly unique. This is an ideal that we have been striving towards for more than 55 years, since we started our little nation – the day we became independent. On Separation Day itself, Mr Lee Kuan Yew affirmed that Singapore is "not a Malay nation, not a Chinese nation, not an Indian nation. Everybody will have a place in Singapore", and that is how we started. And after decades of nation-building, we are today less race- conscious and more tolerant of each other. More "one united people, regardless of race, language or religion". The young especially, are closer to this ideal than perhaps, their parents and grandparents. But we must also ask ourselves, how did we get here? There was certainly nothing natural or expected in the progression from Singapore to Singaporean, as the tagline for the Singapore Bicentennial last year put it. If it were indeed an expected natural trajectory, or a natural progression, it would have occurred elsewhere in the world naturally, including among our neighbours in ASEAN. We got here precisely because we have worked hard at it consistently and systematically, through policies that touch almost every aspect of our lives. We live together, our children play together, they study together, and our sons do the National Service together. We recognise that communities can be narrow and exclusive, as well as generous and inclusive, and our policies must be aimed to promote the latter and counter the former. Common spaces like our public parks, schools, libraries, sports facilities, and public housing where all races interact, deliberately and accidentally, help to promote a more open and shared outlook across communities by creating opportunities for social mixing and simply doing things together. The whole gamut of policies and programmes that Senior Minister Tharman once famously described as the "most intrusive". And amongst them, the EIP, which Senior Minister Tharman described as our "most important" social policy, and our "greatest strength".[+6 sentences] There is absolutely nothing natural or inevitable about any of this. It did not happen by itself, and it is not something which will endure by itself. We must not think that we have arrived or that we have reached an ideal post-racial state that has been attained and that no further more effort by way of these policies need to be put in place. Race and religion remain faultlines and they remain highly emotive issues. And the risk of regressing on what we have achieved is always there. And we cannot assume that our progress will be a straight line. Yes, we are by no means perfect and discrimination remains a viscerally `rt lived reality for some, as hon Members Faisal Manap and Carrie Tan have pointed out earlier, and we must always continue to find ways to do better.[+7 sentences] In Singapore, consciousness of race cannot be erased – nor should it be. Indeed, if we were all the same, we would have nothing unique to contribute, nor learn from anyone else. Because we are not the same, we each have something unique to contribute, to bring to the table, something only we can give to the common good of all of us. The more diverse we are, the richer our culture becomes. We should view difference from the lens of contribution, and not separation. Nor should being "one united people, regardless of race" mean that we should renounce our cultural affinities or discourage people of the same community from coming together to support each other, and others in the community. The affinities of race have been harnessed to foster a spirit of self-help among our communities. The ethnic self-help groups or SHGs have rallied their respective communities to serve the more vulnerable across the spectrum of race and ethnicity.[+3 sentences] For example, Vibrance @ Yishun organises programs to serve all ethnic groups, even while it conducts its own programmes specifically to meet the needs of respective communities. SHGs may be race-based, but they are far from race-bound. And not only are the beneficiaries of these gropus across racial lines – so are the volunteers. Almost a quarter of the volunteers at MENDAKI today are not from the Malay race.[+30 sentences] Our ideal is that one day, we want to see a Singapore, where we do not need such SHGs. But that is not going to come about by wishing the differences away. It can only come about by working at it actively, daily and consciously. And on critical issues such as education, economic upliftment, beyond the main efforts by the Government, the communities and SHGs are mobilised, ground up with their own initiatives to help people, help community, and this must be welcomed. Our diversity and geography means that we must always be conscious and do what we can to sustain our multiracial society. We are not starting from a blank slate, but we cannot take the peace we enjoy for granted, nor can we take our social fabric, built up over generations, for granted. And we must recognise that it takes years to weave a good Tapestry, but mere moments to destroy it. And once the threads start unravelling, it will be difficult to bridge the social divide, the racial divide, the ethnic divide and to stitch the Tapestry back together, will be a mammoth task. I believe our youths must have as much a voice in this discourse as anyone else. On issues of race and other aspects of our Tapestry, not only between youths themselves, but across generations, with other people. We need to talk about how we can refresh and revitalise the bonds that bind us, because the social solidarity that we enjoy today, that we sometimes take for granted today, has proven so important, especially in today's pandemic and the crisis. It needs constant attention. The ructions and the affray that bedevil a migrant society such as the United States is constant a reminder that inclusiveness will always be a work in progress for us. Nor are older societies, like Germany, where an anti-lockdown movement is emerging, immune from divisions and distrust that cause society to fracture under stress. When society is torn apart by xenophobia and prejudices that appeal not to our better self, but to our worst instincts, it becomes impossible to even talk about a caring society. And that must be something we always keep at the back of our minds as we build a nation for tomorrow, as we build a more inclusive and caring society. How do we apply all of this to the desire to build a more inclusive society? It means a few things, starting with having to practise and work on inclusiveness every day. We must acknowledge our differences and accept that despite these differences, we live peacefully together, happily because we are in the same boat, in the same place. I should add that inclusiveness is not about ignoring or just living with differences or denying that different groups have different or even conflicting agendas. It is about accepting that there is always going to be some give and take, and appreciating that everyone is entitled to their own positions as long as those positions do not encroach on another group's right to also have a position, albeit a different one, and perhaps even one that you might disagree with. Inclusiveness is about acceptance and appreciation and not about changing others to something in your own image. This requires a certain maturity of thought in order for a meaningful discourse to take place. It also requires common values that anchor the social compact between Singaporeans as well as between the Government and the people. The Singapore Tapestry that I spoke of can magically enlarge the space that we share beyond the physical limitations of our small, tiny city-state island, and it mysteriously also deepens the roots of our young country. It exists beyond the realms of material goods, physical infrastructure and GDP growth. And so I return to the discussion on the pillars of MCCY. The four pillars of MCCY may be more software than hardware but they play a big part in holding the Singapore Tapestry together. Sports, arts, culture and a shared heritage are the avenues which help connect people and lead us to a better understanding of ourselves and of who and where we are in our community. In this vein, MCCY will play a part in this journey of deepening our roots and increasing our common spaces so that a more inclusive and caring Singapore will come into being. Our SG Arts Plan, SG Heritage Plan and Sports Vision 2030 are just some of the master plans that MCCY will be working on with Singaporeans from all walks of life to build a better home together.[+1 sentence] Mdm Deputy Speaker, I would like to end by returning to the basics of what makes Singapore, well, Singapore. Our country has been forged from our shared belief in the tenets of democracy, multi-culturalism, multiracialism, religious harmony, rule of law and meritocracy.[+3 sentences] Our security framework ensures our political existence as a nation while our economic activity supports our physical prosperity. These two are critical but are in themselves insufficient for our long-term survival as a sovereign and thriving city state. There is always that something more, something abstract that makes our nation great. In our case, I think it is the heart and spirit of Singapore which is embodied by the Singapore Tapestry – a tapestry that is woven out of diversity and adversity, its colours brightened by the idealism and energy of our youth, its threads tightly bound by a shared sense of community, culture and, ultimately, destiny.[+1 sentence] To our youths, I want to say this. Do not stop dreaming and never lose that youthful sense of optimism. This is not a lost generation despite what some have said. This, in fact, is a generation of opportunity. Whether you want to be an engineer or a dancer, a sports man or woman, a doctor or a content creator, stay true and committed to your goals. We will work with you to realise your dreams.[+4 sentences] And one day, you can look back and tell your own kids of how mom and dad overcame the crisis of a generation. How did they do that? By uniting with fellow Singaporeans and by leaving behind a more beautiful and tightly knitted Tapestry as a legacy for generations of Singaporeans to come. Madam, I support the Motion.
Mdm Deputy Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Sylvia Lim.
Ms Sylvia Lim (Aljunied)325 words
[+11 sentences]Thank you, Deputy Speaker. I would like to make some clarifications and also seek some clarifications from the Minister for MCCY. First, to clarify my own speech, which he referred to. Certainly, I do not take our multiracialism for granted. In fact, in my speech, I did acknowledge that it is a difficult task that the Government has to foster a Singapore identity in a heterogeneous population and I do not take anything away from the Government's concerns. I think I did say that in my speech. But at the same time, I think my point was that we should not keep talking ourselves down or be held back by the past. I think the Minister himself acknowledges this fact when he says that we are a Singapore Tapestry, we are not ossified. There is a fabric of hope, he mentioned. So, would he not agree with me then that to keep this Tapestry alive, really, we have to refresh our conversations from time to time about such matters. We cannot be ossified by the past. About the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP), we all know the avowed purposes of it. But I think he will also agree and probably has come across cases where there is economic hardship caused to minority families due to the nature of the limitations placed on them when they try to sell their flats. My concern is that if the unfairness is not addressed, the resentment might fester and in fact it might become quite a dangerous problem.[+2 sentences] I wonder what the Minister has to say about that. Last of all, perhaps, for now, I hope that the Government is not saying that its mind is closed on these matters because if they want to engage across generations who may have different aspirations, then we all need to keep an open mind and from time to time, we have to be prepared to look at things without being held back.
Mdm Deputy Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Minister Edwin Tong.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai311 words
[+11 sentences]Mdm Deputy Speaker, yes, Ms Lim did acknowledge the concerns that the Government has in dealing with this problem, dealing with this issue, and also acknowledged that this is not something that we can change overnight. In fact, I think I heard her say in her speech that some believe we may never get there as well. But nonetheless, it is a process that has to constantly evolve and certainly the minds are not closed to this conversation. That is why I have pitched in my speech that we must continue to have active discourse, civic participation, gain new ideas and constantly look at the problem. To the Member's third point – whether or not there are difficulties, economic or otherwise, with the problem, it is something that we have worked into the system and into the scheme for some time. It is a question of the priorities that we wish to put but also at the same time, some of these difficulties can form the conversations that we discuss – look at the trade-offs, look at the balances that we have to put in place and weave that into our discussion as to whether something ought to be changed, something ought to be tweaked. But not at any one point in time forgetting that the overarching and overriding concerns that we have is that we must build a nation that respects each race, that each race has a place at the table and that every race must be encouraged to and indeed share the common Singapore identity. That is the overarching and overriding purpose. Within that constraint, we can have the conversations that Ms Lim spoke about. We can look at the priorities that she spoke about and we can look at the different considerations. I want to assure Ms Lim that the minds are not closed on these issues.
Mdm Deputy Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Sylvia Lim.
Ms Sylvia Lim120 words
[+1 sentence]One final clarification for the Minister. I think if there were to be different competing priorities, may I ask that the Government look at the EIP as it is implemented now. I think there are many cases where families have lost out economically significantly, due to the quotas being reached. [restates an earlier point]As I said, I believe that this policy needs to be adjusted if it is not abolished.[+1 sentence] Otherwise, I believe the consequences are very serious on many families who, since I have made that speech, have written to me with their own experiences of the policy affecting them and the price differentials in the sale of flats was even higher than what I had encountered before I made this speech.
Mdm Deputy Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Minister Edwin Tong.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai110 words
[+6 sentences]Yes, Madam. Yes, certainly as I mentioned earlier, this is something that is within the factors that we will consider. I want to emphasise that we need to look at why we do something and the purpose and objective of the policy. Within that, I think we have acknowledged that it is an intrusive social policy. It has always been looked at as a balancing mechanism at ensuring that we do not tilt in favour of one side more so than another. It is a factor of looking at the balance rather than the individual specifics and making sure that we achieve the overall balance and objective that I outlined.
Mdm Deputy Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Minister Maliki Osman.
The Minister, Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Education and Foreign Affairs (Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman)5866 words
[+31 sentences]Mdm Deputy Speaker, I rise in support of the Motion. Today, I would like to share my aspirations for a fair and equitable society, with opportunities for all. One that is anchored by an education system that celebrates diversity and a social support system that recognises that while we have similar ambitions, we are not all starting from the same place. Many of my generation benefited from the broad-based social uplift that began post-independence. Our lives improved and we experienced first-hand Singapore's journey from third world to first. We know and believe that the Singapore story has been one of opportunity. I entered the field of social work when I entered university because of my passion to help families improve their lives and enable children to do better than their parents. Over the years, I have seen families with multiple and complex problems – drug addictions, divorce, domestic violence, children dropping out of school. I have seen how these and many other problems adversely affected them. Yet, with the right support and motivation, I have also seen how they overcame the odds and emerged stronger. Of course, it was not easy. They had to work hard. We had to spend more time and resources to support and to work with them to resolve their problems. But it was all worthwhile to see how their lives transformed. But there are also families where the problems appear entrenched, sometimes spanning generations. I am sure Members of the House would have met some of them. For these families, we need to support them better and sometimes differently – to walk that journey at a suitable pace and give them hope at every step of the way towards a better future. I have sometimes asked myself, as many in the House have – what more can we do to help these families? Does our support come with too many strings attached that they retreat and do not want to seek help? Are the requirements we ask of them set too high? Indeed we must continue to seek ways to uplift our families. On reflection, I believe that there are two crucial ingredients required for families to seize opportunities and progress. First, we must not undermine the importance of self-determination – the belief in the possibility of a brighter future and the willingness to put in the hard work that is needed to get there. This is the spirit of our Pioneer Generation that I have seen embodied in many of the families that I have worked with. It is the spirit that my father had taught me and the one that I pass on to my children. But at the same time, we know the challenges that these families face can be significant, complex and overwhelming. We must provide an environment that enables and empowers them, and gives them hope and opportunities to succeed. Our systems and structures need to support this. This is the second crucial ingredient. Looking back at the last few decades, many will agree that Singapore has done fairly well to ensure broad-based opportunities for our people. We have seen the results – more have moved up and experienced middle-class standards. Over the last decade, median income has increased by 32% in real terms – a substantial increase.[+1 sentence] Educational progression levels have also improved substantially. While only 22% of those born in the 1940s progressed to post-Secondary education, 79% of those born in the 1970s did so.[+3 sentences] This has increased to well over 90% today. The increases in income and education are not only substantial but also substantive – they enable people to have more choices and resources to chart their own future. Our society has also been relatively mobile. A study by MOF has shown that in Singapore, about 14% of those with parents who were in the last income quintile when they were growing up, end up in the top quintile of income earners as adults.[+7 sentences] This is higher than in other developed countries like the US and Denmark. Yet as much as we want our citizens to progress together, for some, the path takes longer and is more complex to navigate. And this leads to inequality. Inequality exists in all societies. The issue is how wide the gap is. Like many cities, our inequality has been relatively high, but we have put in place a progressive system of taxes and transfers to moderate it. We have kept our tax burden on our lower and middle income low, while providing support to ensure that they can access basic goods like housing, healthcare and education. Last year, our Gini coefficient of 0.398, after taxes and transfers, was at its lowest in almost two decades. But reducing inequality and sustaining social mobility will get more difficult with time.[+24 sentences] This is a challenge faced by many advanced countries, not just Singapore. Many in this House have spoken about this topic. Let me assure Members of this House that this is something the Government continues to pay very close attention to. Unlike in Singapore’s early years, where most of us were from humble backgrounds, over time, we have done well, and many have been able to pass on the advantages to their children. This is understandable, as we all want the best for them. But across generations, those at the bottom will face increasingly unequal starting blocks. This has been exacerbated by globalisation and digitalisation, which while presenting new economic opportunities, may also worsen wage dispersion, disrupt existing occupations and threaten to leave behind those who are unable to cope in the new economy. So, we need to monitor, review and adapt our policies, wherever needed, to ensure that they continue to serve our needs well, and that we continue to provide the right environment for families to seize opportunities and move up in life. Let me now highlight five key areas. First, investing in the fundamentals. Second, ensuring progress. Third, equalising opportunities. Fourth, building a society of equals. And fifth, preserving race relations. First, we must continue to invest in the fundamentals. We need to ensure that all Singaporeans, regardless of income, can continue to meet their basic needs, and achieve a reasonable standard of living. How do we define "basic" and "reasonable"? These mean different things to different people – what is a necessity for one, may be a good-to-have for another. Over time, these standards – on education, healthcare, housing, transport, food – will continue to change, and our expectations of them will change too. And because there are different definitions of what is "basic" or "reasonable", expectations on what the Government and the community should provide also differ. Despite these differences in views and changes in expectations, it is important that we agree on the fundamentals of our social compact, and I believe we can. These include: for our young children, it is about giving them an education that will develop their character and prepare them well as adults and lifelong learners; for our youth, that they can advance through a vibrant job market and pursue their passions; for the young couples, that they can have a home to call their own and affordably raise a family; for our adults, that they can have job security and prepare sufficiently for their retirement; for our seniors, that they can grow old with their loved ones beside them and with dignity. We want to ensure that these are achievable goals for all Singaporeans, regardless of their background. That is why we invest heavily in education at all levels for all Singaporeans and we set aside more resources for those from low-income families. Low-income families, including those living in HDB rental flats or receiving ComCare assistance, pay as low as $3 per month for full-day childcare at Anchor Operator pre-schools. They also pay zero school fees for Primary, Secondary, Pre-University, and ITE education, and receive additional support for other school expenses.[+1 sentence] We recently enhanced bursaries for our full-time diploma and undergraduate students. The cash outlay for fees for low-income students has been brought down to $150 a year for Polytechnics, and $2,000 a year for most undergraduate courses.[+2 sentences] Our investments extend beyond school, to encourage lifelong learning. Through the SkillsFuture movement, we support our workers to re-skill and up-skill, so that they can find good jobs and seize opportunities in growth sectors in the economy. Public healthcare today is heavily subsidised – up to 80% – and those who are still unable to afford their bills can apply for MediFund assistance. We have one of the highest rates of home ownership around the world and provide significant housing subsidies – such that the majority of first-timer families can pay their mortgage instalments using CPF, with little or no cash outlay.[+33 sentences] But even as we continue to invest in these fundamentals, our conversations on the kind of social compact we want must continue. There needs to be societal consensus on what is a basic and reasonable standard of living that we commit to provide to all Singaporeans, bearing in mind that increases in support and benefits provided are not free, but ultimately paid for by everyone through taxes. We must remain committed to the fundamental aim of Singapore being a place where our efforts are rewarded not just in economic terms, but in the quality of life we enjoy; and a society where everyone has a place that is valued equally. Second, to achieve greater social mobility and reduce inequality in a sustainable way, we need to ensure progress for all. Relative social mobility is important, but by itself, and its focus on comparison, it is always a zero-sum game, where a step forward for one is a step backwards for another. We fail to see that both can actually still be doing well and better in their own ways. Indeed, for mobility to be meaningful, we also need absolute mobility – a system where everyone is progressing together. Senior Minister Tharman has likened this to a moving escalator. If the escalator is moving up, being overtaken by someone matters less. The differences between each step is less stark because overall, our lives are still improving. Even as we deal with the COVID-19 crisis, we must press on with our long-term commitment to build a strong and dynamic economy that can give our workers good jobs, reasonable wages, and sustained wage increases with commensurate increase in productivity and skills. At the same time, we may have to accept that rapid growth may be more difficult, as our society matures. For those that grew up in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s – like me – we started from a low base. We saw significant improvements in our lives and made a quantum leap in a generation. We are now at a much higher base, and we may not be able to replicate the same quantum leap of improvements. Steady progress is still possible if we continue to invest in creating good jobs for our people and supporting our industries to transform and remain relevant to the world. This has taken on greater urgency given the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19. In this new phase of development, can Singaporeans’ aspirations continue to be met? My view is that our well-being and success should not be defined solely by the academic qualifications that we possess, or how much money we earn, or how big our house is, or what kind of car that we drive. It is something we must define for ourselves. And we know this must evolve with successive generations based on the circumstances they grow up in. Third, while we cannot ensure equal outcomes, we must strive for greater equality of opportunity. This is not just about access to education, health, and other public goods, which I spoke about earlier. But rather, that our starting point in life should not dictate our ending point, and that with hard work, ability, and ambition, we can succeed. We must strive as much as possible to level uneven starting blocks, and to provide opportunities at every stage of life. MOE has made significant moves in recent years to address this, and in the years ahead, we will continue to do more, to give all our students opportunities to excel. First, we have broadened our definition of merit – to go beyond grades and paper qualifications, to skills and ability – to allow more to access opportunities in society. We have made major changes across our education system – our PSLE scoring system, how we admit students into schools and institutes of higher learning – to recognise the diverse skills and talents of our students. We are also providing multiple pathways and opportunities to cater to our students’ different learning styles, abilities, and interests, and to allow them to pursue their diverse aspirations and achieve their fullest potential. A key part of this is our efforts to move beyond streaming, to full subject-based banding. We have also been enhancing porosity and creating more pathways to the higher education sector. For example, through the expansion of aptitude-based admissions, including for working adults. We are also creating more pathways for young Singaporeans, including Polytechnic graduates, to take up a publicly-funded degree. Our Autonomous University Cohort Participation Rate, or CPR, was 27% in 2012. This year, we expect it to increase beyond the originally planned 40%, by up to two percentage points.[+1 sentence] Over the years, the increase in our CPR has benefited Polytechnic graduates. Around one in three students admitted to our Autonomous Universities today are Polytechnic graduates, up from one in four in 2012. On top of this 40% CPR, we also cater another 10% for working adults to upgrade to a university degree.[+6 sentences] This is real progress, far from tokenism. All this is also in the spirit of the SkillsFuture movement, which represents a continuous and broad meritocracy where people can continue to learn and access new opportunities throughout life. But, fundamentally, for real change to be felt, society must be ready to accept and act on broader definitions of merit. This has to be reflected in our personal choices: as students, choosing an educational path not because it is the most popular, but because it is aligned with our interests and passions; as parents, giving our children the encouragement and space to do so; and as employers, in the way we hire and recognise our workers. Second, on top of expanding opportunities and broadening merit throughout life, at MOE, we are investing additional resources and effort to uplift the disadvantaged and help them benefit from these opportunities. We are enhancing access to quality and affordable pre-school education, to temper inequalities from the start, and lay a strong foundation for every child. By 2025, 80% of pre-schoolers will have a place in a Government-supported pre-school, up from just over 50% today.[+21 sentences] Children from low-income families also receive upstream support through programmes like KidSTART, which supports parents in areas such as health, social and child development. To ensure that every child can develop to their full potential, we provide more manpower, including teachers, and funding to schools with greater needs, to allow them to provide effective targeted interventions. These include programmes to support academically weaker students, as well as priority access to after-school care and subsidies for student care fees for those from disadvantaged families. Many of these programmes, such as literacy and numeracy support programmes, are conducted in smaller pull-out classes of eight to ten students, to provide more focused support for lower progress students. For students with special educational needs, we ensure that they are supported – whether they study in our mainstream schools, where they are supported by teachers trained in special needs and Allied Educators in Learning and Behavioural Support; or in our Government-funded Special Education schools, which are a more customised learning environment where they can thrive. At the same time, we are thinking hard about how to transform the way our programmes are delivered, to ensure that we can better journey alongside those that need help, so that no one is left behind. One example is UPLIFT – or the Uplifting Pupils in Life and Inspiring Families Taskforce. Through UPLIFT, we are looking at the unique circumstances of such students and their families, and ensuring that they get the help that they need. First, we are going upstream, to strengthen support to those who show early signs of emerging issues such as irregular attendance in school. By identifying and addressing their needs early, we can build in protective factors and provide sustainable support to prevent their situation from deteriorating further. Second, we are strengthening partnerships across Government, and with the community, to provide wrap-around support for disadvantaged students and their families. One key initiative is the UPLIFT Community Pilot, where an UPLIFT Town-Level Coordinator works closely with disadvantaged students and their families to link them up to local community programmes and resources, such as social workers and social service agencies. We will also explore expanding UPLIFT efforts to the Polytechnics and ITE students. Ultimately, the question is the kind of society that we want to be collectively. Just last week, I asked a few youths in my constituency about what a fair and equal society meant to them. One of them told me that she had felt looked down upon when her schoolmates found out that she was receiving financial assistance. Another shared that he felt an invisible divide between himself and some of his other University mates, because he had come from a so called "less prestigious" school. Both of them were passionate about their desire to change society, so that others would not have to feel the same way as they did. This conversation left me somewhat unsettled, about how material divides can translate to social divides, yet still reassured by the drive of our youths to better society and make a difference. Ensuring opportunities in society cannot just be about systems and structures. It is also about the values that shape our actions and define us. A society of opportunity must be undergirded by: first, egalitarianism – where we treat everyone as equals regardless of their background, with respect and dignity; second, humility – where we recognise that our achievements in life are not just our own, but those of our families and the communities that have supported us; third, responsibility – where we care for not just ourselves, but for our fellow man and our environment.[+9 sentences] These values are both organic, and carefully nurtured. Education has always played a critical role in the latter. Through our Character and Citizenship Education or CCE curriculum, we strive to instil in our students a strong sense of values and purpose, so that they can prepare for a dynamic future, where issues of diversity and inclusiveness may increasingly come to the fore. These values cannot be just learned within school, but also applied in life. We have revamped the CCE curriculum to go beyond the classroom. We strive to have our students internalise values into their hearts and not just in their minds. We hope that as they go out and clean our beaches, they will come home and contribute to ensuring the cleanliness of their own neighbourhoods; or as they spend time in senior homes, that they will come home and connect with the lonely elderly in their own neighbourhoods. We want to encourage our students to engage in deeper conversations about topics such as equality and inclusivity, to relate these to real-life issues, and take concrete steps to address them and put their values into action. This is really the heart of our education system. What is core to building a fair and equitable society is to strengthen our racial and religious harmony, and our multicultural ethos. We all want the ideals of a "race-blind" society, one where there is no racial prejudice and discrimination in our attitudes and practices, including in the way we treat one another, and select people for jobs.[+5 sentences] But we must not confuse this with being blind to the genuine differences and contexts across races, neither should we ignore or underestimate the severe and sometimes unintended negative consequences that can easily occur with unrestrained comments on race relations and related issues. It is in this spirit of respect for all races, social cohesion, nationhood, and togetherness, that I want to reiterate several fundamental principles that I hope we will continue to agree on. First, to be an inclusive society, we must accept that there are differences across races, and approach these differences constructively. These could be differences in cultural traditions and practices, emphasis on priorities and what matters more in life, but also the specific community problems or issues that members of a race group find that they have to grapple with, that require dedicated attention and assistance. An inclusive Singapore must recognise, appreciate, understand and accommodate these differences, and allow this positive sense of racial identity to exist and develop, and have a comprehensive set of policies and community initiatives, including self-help groups, to address issues and be part of a larger ecosystem that provides help and solves problems effectively and with empathy. Second, from our own individual experiences, as well as psychological research, we know that there is in fact no inherent contradiction for an individual to have both a strong racial identity and a strong Singaporean identity.[+1 sentence] To be truly Singaporean does not at all mean that we must forgo or dilute our racial identity, or pretend that we are not of a particular race, or cannot see the race of a fellow Singaporean. On the contrary, to be truly Singaporean is to understand and respect these race differences. So, having the CMIO framework does not make us less Singaporean and doing away with it does not mean we will become more Singaporean either.[+14 sentences] This leads to my third point. We need to be aware and respect differences. This common attitude has contributed to the richness of Singapore’s culture, and did not mask the race groups as if races and their differences do not exist. Our policies, practices and public discussions must avoid playing up misunderstanding ethnic differences, as well as not deny and mask genuine differences. Finally, how we discuss issues about race publicly and push the boundaries of dialogue will evolve with time, but we must always remember to put in concerted effort to be inclusive, especially when we interact in common spaces, and build mutual understanding. The underlying value and guiding principle must be mutual respect for differences and strengthening social cohesion. Mdm Deputy Speaker, being born both a Singaporean and a Malay in the year of Independence and growing up in multi-cultural Singapore, I have a strong sense of identity as both a Singaporean and a Malay at the same time, and I am proud to be a Malay Singaporean. And I believe I speak for many in my Malay community. We are proud of our rich Malay culture and heritage and beautiful Malay language. Now, allow me to speak in my Malay language. (In Malay): Mr Speaker, to build a fairer and equal more equitable society requires everyone to play a part. Apart from the Government, our communities also play a key role. I will now discuss three areas that we will require to strengthen our Community's Core. First, religious leadership. Last year during Minister Masagos’ official visit to Egypt, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar and the Grand Mufti of Egypt shared their views that our Malay/Muslim community is the model of a successful minority Muslim community living and functioning in a plural society.[+18 sentences] This is because our Muslim community lived harmoniously with other communities in Singapore. Other foreign visitors have marvelled at the modern facilities that they saw in our mosques and at Muis, a statutory board, to oversee the religious needs and development of the community. What we have here is not always the case in other countries, where there are cultural rifts between races, where minorities may be marginalised, and often times, socioeconomic opportunities and the aspiration to succeed differs with other communities. It is a result of over 55 years of painstaking effort and belief in the common desired outcome of racial and religious harmony, supported by policies that may not be popular but necessary. Every community understands the importance of placing this above their individual needs and are prepared to make adjustments and at times, sacrifices. Our Malay/Muslim community has also played its part. We have been committed to building a Community of Success, forging a progressive identity in a plural and contemporary Singapore. Like all other religious groups, Muslims are free to practice their religious beliefs and customs. However, maintaining our racial and religious harmony requires continuous effort on all fronts and by every community. We need to adapt quickly to evolving issues and challenges as we maintain harmony. Interfaith and inter racial relations, are dynamic and evolve over time. These relations can be influenced by regional and global trends, creating fault lines. These fault lines can easily be exploited by internal and external elements, if we are not cautious or careful. To help our community navigate such issues, Muis envisioned the Singapore Muslim Identity, which details the 10 desired attributes of Singaporean Muslims. This vision and its attributes have guided us, a minority Muslim community in a multicultural society, encouraging us to be progressive, adaptive and inclusive in our religious life and live harmoniously in Singapore’s multiracial and multireligious society. Living together can sometimes give rise to disagreements, despite our best intentions. We must manage these difficult conversations sensitively, via constructive dialogue on our differences while preserving the social cohesion that binds us together as Singaporeans. We need a strong religious leadership core, who can help the Malay/Muslim community navigate these sensitive issues. Mr Fahmi Aliman asked about the importance of equipping our future religious leaders with the right skills, so that they can provide strong guidance to the community within our country's unique context. That is why I chaired the Committee on Future Asatizah, or COFA, last year. COFA looks into transforming the religious sector, to ensure that our religious teachers keep pace with the latest developments in science, in our demographics and socio-economic issues, and its effect on the community.[+5 sentences] This enables them to lead and guide competently and confidently. For example, our asatizah demonstrated their optimistic and progressive attitude during this COVID-19 pandemic. The advent of COVID-19 meant that we could no longer go to the mosque or attend face-to-face religious classes. Some of our younger asatizah, particularly in the Asatizah Youth Network, had already been doing extensive engagements on social media. The rest of our much older asatizah were quick to upgrade themselves and pick up new digital skills, so that they could conduct online sermons and classes, to ensure continuous access to religious content for our community. The Office of the Mufti and our senior asatizah worked with medical professionals, demonstrating their confidence and leadership in issuing religious guidance on issues such as the suspension of Friday prayers in the mosques and deferring this year's Haj pilgrimage.[+8 sentences] Even though these were difficult decisions, and I am grateful that our religious leadership took early and decisive action. The essence of leadership is the ability to make sound and well-considered decisions, even if they are unpopular and are difficult to be accepted by some segments of the community, but should be done in the interest of the larger community and society. Our asatizah made these decisions as they understood the context of virus transmission in Singapore. We are also aware that religious authorities in other countries, made the similar decisions, in the months that followed. The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges. Therefore, our future asatizah will face unprecedented dilemmas and challenges, and they need to be ready to equip themselves with knowledge in new areas, as well as adopt new methods in providing leadership and guidance to members of the community, in a fast-changing and uncertain world. Second, our efforts to help the vulnerable to achieve their aspirations. Our community has done well over the past decades. For instance, now more than 90% of Malay students in each cohort attained post-secondary education; the number of those who attained first class honours multiplied 10 times in 7 years; one in three of our workers are in PMET jobs.[+2 sentences] However, there are still those who are saddled with multiple social challenges – impacting adversely on their children’s growth and potential. We will continue to help them. For children of these families, we will strengthen our support through UPLIFT, managed by the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social and Family Development.[+25 sentences] Through UPLIFT, we will approach children who show early signs of emerging issues, such as irregular attendance. We will also strengthen partnerships across Government, and with the community, to mobilise energy and resources and provide comprehensive support for students and their families. We understand the challenges of these families. Many face social challenges. They have worked hard to take care of their basic needs. Often, they are unable to contemplate longer-term issues, such as education, upskilling and financial planning. They live from paycheck to paycheck, and COVID-19 has only made their situation more complex and challenging. I am often told about their dilemma – many are self-employed and do food deliveries. Their income is quite attractive. I was told that if they work hard, they can earn as much as $2,500 a month, in cash. Their hours are long, from morning until late at night. However, they are actually at a disadvantage and lose a lot of benefits, compared to those who take on permanent employment – such as employer's CPF contribution (17%), paid leave (at least 14 days), hospitalization leave (60 days), and better career opportunities, but with a lower take-home pay. The main issue is that if they do not work, there is no pay, for instance, if they fall ill. The risk is high to themselves, their family and their own finances. This is a real trade-off for the family – whether they can pay the bills, or support their children’s education and other longer-term needs. I understand these trade-offs are never easy for them. Yet I worry if these families continue with this trajectory. But if we rally together as a community, we can help relieve some of these pressures for fellow members of our community and citizens; to stabilise them and work together to chart a brighter future for their children. The third aspect that we need to strengthen is our spirit of self-help, with strong institutions like M3 (Mendaki, MUIS, and Mesra) and other Malay/Muslim organisations serving the community – particularly helping to uplift vulnerable families. Under the M3 initiative, the Bersamamu programme supports soon-to-wed and newly-wed couples to start strong families. Community volunteers act as "marital first responders" to provide basic marriage advice to vulnerable Malay/Muslim couples. With a more comprehensive wrap-around care, these couples will have early access to guidance and support as they meet various challenges. We will also ensure our community has access to available opportunities to improve their employability. Thus, to complement the national SkillsFuture movement, the community set up the SG Teguh Bersatu Taskforce, to support those affected by COVID-19. The Taskforce which comprises Mendaki SENSE, the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI), and other Malay/Muslim Organisations, as well as NTUC, aim to encourage our community to reskill and upskill to enhance their employability, build resilience and provide assistance to the community. For example, Mendaki SENSE organised the JUMP virtual career fair which offered more than 3,000 job vacancies across various sectors. More than 10,000 job applications have been received and 600 job seekers have been successfully placed into jobs so far.[+4 sentences] KURNIA@WGS is yet another initiative that demonstrates the strength of our community – with eight Malay/Muslim organisations working hand in hand to help families seeking help at WGS via a one stop centre concept. The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on many within our community. People are losing their jobs and the economy is increasingly bleak. But we quickly banded together to as a community to mobilise our resources to help one another. For instance, with the support of community contributions, Muis administered the COVID-19 Muis Support Fund to support those within the community who face severe financial hardships due to the pandemic.[+1 sentence] Muis received over 7,700 applications throughout the application period. MENDAKI has allocated $1.9 million to support, among other things, students' Home-Based Learning by leasing laptops, and providing interim allowance to ITE students who have lost their part-time jobs or if their families had income loss amid the pandemic.[+8 sentences] Taken together, these efforts demonstrate the strength of the Singapore Malay community in being self-reliant, while working together with the perseverance of every member of the community. Through this, we grow stronger as a Community of Success – one that is adaptable and stands united in overcoming any challenges, while contributing to the common good of Singapore. This is the impact when we are self-reliant – we are able to find solutions to problems and challenges we face while contributing to the development of the nation. These efforts exemplify the spirit of the Singapore Together movement, where Singaporeans partner with the Government, to own, shape and act on our shared future together. (In English): Mdm Deputy Speaker, now let me conclude in English. I started my speech by talking about how the Singapore story has been one of opportunity. It has allowed many of us from humble beginnings to not only do well today but also do good to uplift others. But like many advanced societies, inequality and social mobility is a challenge and the path ahead will not be an easy one. We will need to decide how to define the basic commitment that we will provide all citizens what our aspirations are for ourselves and for our society, and how best to get there. We will have to make difficult trade-offs, in how we allocate limited resources among competing needs, and balance across conflicting objectives. We will need courage to make tough decisions, boldness to change the status quo, and humility to listen to feedback and suggestions to improve. Above all, we must continue to put the interests of Singapore and the well-being of Singaporeans first. We will need to build an environment that not only supports us to seize opportunities, but also equips us with what behavioural science calls “psychological capital” – the self-efficacy, optimism, hope and resilience – that we need, to adapt and emerge stronger and better.[+2 sentences] The crux of this is harnessing the diversity on which Singapore has been built, and how we have thrived all these years. This diversity has enabled us to not only be competitive in the world, but also colourful as a nation. Our success in creating a society where people of different backgrounds live harmoniously must be translated into our education system, our workplace, and indeed, our society, where what makes us different individually, makes us stronger as a nation.[+1 sentence] Mdm Deputy Speaker, I support the Motion.
Mdm Deputy Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Sylvia Lim.
Ms Sylvia Lim215 words
[+6 sentences]Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. First, let me say that I appreciate where Minister Maliki is coming from. In fact, we are of the same age. So, I think we do understand each other to a large extent. To clarify, he earlier mentioned that we should approach society's future with boldness. And certainly, I think all of us celebrate the ethnic diversity. I do not think any of us is pretending that we are ethnically uniform or that there are no racial differences. But I wanted to ask him whether, for the community expertise that he mentioned that is in the self-help groups, is it not possible to bring everybody under one national umbrella so that we do not lose that expertise in that sense?[+3 sentences] At the same time, with such a national body, there will be the advantage of pooling of national resources from the whole population that will be contributing to this pool. And it will also have the additional uplifting effect for some that they are actually contributing to a race-blind fund. I wanted to ask whether he thinks that this discussion can be opened, and I think will be interesting to find out whether Singaporeans prefer to contribute monthly to a race-blind fund or to contribute monthly to a community-based fund.
Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman403 words
[+2 sentences]I thank Ms Sylvia Lim for her comments. Indeed, we are in the same age group, born in the same year, and went through similar experiences, I guess. The self-help group concept has worked for over almost 40 years now.[+5 sentences] MENDAKI started in 1982. Because of the success of MENDAKI and ability for us to reach out to the Malay community together with support from the Government, SINDA and CDAC were formed. Today, I am sure Ms Sylvia Lim also knows that we do not work in silos. Over the years, we have made efforts to work together. But while we work together in different platforms, we also recognise that the uniqueness of each self-help group does serve our respective community better to a certain extent. Because we do understand our cultural nuances, we do understand our cultural history, we do understand what we stand for as individual communities. So, I think it is not about whether we want to pull everybody together and just have one race-blind fund, but it is also to be able to give each community the space to understand their respective issues, their respective challenges, work in their own pace and find their own strengths.[+5 sentences] This is what we often talk about – unity in diversity – and I think we should continue to celebrate this diversity. I personally have been involved with MENDAKI. For many, many years, I have worked with SINDA; I have worked with CDAC. We acknowledge the value of working together. But I think my personal belief is that we should continue along this line, and where possible, where we can galvanise our resources together, we can do that. Today, the tuition programme, for example, we have seen great coordination – any child who would like to participate in any of the tuition classes can participate in a tuition class organised by CDAC, SINDA or MENDAKI based on the proximity of where he or she lives.[+2 sentences] But backend, MENDAKI, SINDA and CDAC will then proceed with the necessary administrative processes that they have put in place. So, there are already efforts at collaboration, and I think it has worked well, and I think is useful for Ms Sylvia Lim to also perhaps get further feedback from the other self-help groups, and I think we should continue to allow this diversity, to continue in the way we have managed issues faced by the respective communities.
Ms Sylvia Lim54 words
[+3 sentences]I thank the Minister. Certainly, I would be most keen to take feedback from all groups available. But I certainly hope, in the same vein and more importantly, that the Government will also have a sensing with Singaporeans, and particularly the younger generation, whether this is the model that they want to continue forever.
Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman180 words
[+8 sentences]I want to assure Ms Sylvia Lim that we have been talking to the younger generations for the many years we have been in politics and even before that. Those in the younger generation do also grow up, and when they grow up, sometimes their perspective change too. Today, we will continue to talk to our younger generation. We have the MENDAKI Club, which is the younger generation of young Malay activists; CDAC has their younger Chinese activist club, and so does SINDA. I think each of our communities do talk to each other; each of the members of the young communities in MENDAKI Club, CDAC as well as SINDA will continue to talk and engage in conversations. The Government continues to engage them too. And I think we remain open to look at what evolves. My point is that as we talk about all this amalgamation as suggested by Ms Sylvia Lim, we do have to also look at the uniqueness of this cultural nuances that is very necessary, sometimes, to find those solutions required for the respective communities.
Mdm Deputy Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Leon Perera.
Mr Leon Perera130 words
[+7 sentences]Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. Just one point of clarification to the hon Minister, Mr Maliki Osman. He spoke about the continued relevance in the eyes of the Government of the CMIO framework that we are members of different ethnic groups in terms of how we are viewed by Government systems and processes and so on, and that it is important to keep that in mind. Over time we have seen more and more interracial marriages between Singaporeans of different ethnic groups. The Government has more recently allowed double-barrelled ethnic classification on the NRIC. I think that has become a process that has gained some momentum. As time goes by, we may even find more marriages between a Singaporean from an interracial marriage and another Singaporean from an interracial marriage.
Mdm Deputy Speaker6 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Perera, please ask your question.
Mr Leon Perera34 words
[+1 sentence]Yes. My question is: how will the Government adapt to these changing realities? Would children who are offsprings of such marriages be asked to classify themselves as "Others", or how would that be approached?
Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman116 words
I think as the Member has rightly put it already, they are allowed to decide for themselves. The parents are allowed to decide for themselves because of the double-barrelled classification policy that we have put in place.[+2 sentences] So, I do not think it is an issue as to how the children should identify themselves. When I come across mixed marriages, both parents are equally proud to want their children to grow up in the respective cultures. I think that provides diversity for the child growing up in such a family. So, I will leave it to the children and the double-barrelled policy allow them to make the decision on which identity they want to take up.
Mdm Deputy Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Leong Mun Wai.
Mr Leong Mun Wai (Non-Constituency Member)112 words
[+6 sentences]Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. I have one clarification for the Minister. I have heard from what he said that there are few things that we have to take note of and cultivate in a person in education, like in character, moral values, intercultural interactions and also lifelong learning. I think the important thing is while we have all these ideals and objectives that we want to achieve, what are the supporting changes that we are going to make to the curriculum, the delivery, the assessment and the pathways. Of course, I think the Minister has covered some of them. If you can share more on those, I would appreciate very much.
Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman205 words
[+10 sentences]I think I would encourage Mr Leong to raise this at another platform because I think this is not the right forum to elaborate on what the Ministry is doing. But suffice to say that I have shared in my speech that we are looking at education beyond just the academic. About character building, I have elaborated quite significantly on Citizenship and Character Education. I have talked about experiential learning. There is a lot of progress that has been done in the way we educate our children, because we know these are very important skillsets and values that are required for children in the future. Much has been talked about in terms of changes that we have put in place in the education system. I invite Mr Leong to look up some of this information. If he needs further information at another platform, I invite him to file questions or raise some of these issues. I just find that this may not be the right forum because I think there could be many other speakers. I also invite Mr Leong to look at my speech again and see how I have elaborated on the various changes we have put in place in our education system.
Mdm Deputy Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Minister Iswaran.
The Minister for Communications and Information (Mr S Iswaran)282 words
[+12 sentences]I wanted to ask a clarification of Ms Sylvia Lim. The reason I rise is because I was the first CEO of SINDA. At the time that I was CEO of SINDA, we worked collaboratively with MENDAKI which was helmed by Mr Zainal Abidin Rasheed. We worked with the CDAC which was led by Mr Chan Soo Sen, and also with the Eurasian Association, which was, at that time, led by the Chairman, the father of our Deputy Speaker, Mr Timothy de Souza. I understand where she is coming from about the questions that have been raised. When I was asked to be the CEO, I had the same questions. But I think after involvement and seeing the evolution and not just in individual silos, but I think in the collaborative way in which our self-help groups have operated – be it in the context of educational support, be it in the sharing of expertise, be it in the area of working with the Government on various policy initiatives, I think it is fair to say that our self-help groups have not been ossified. They have evolved. There has been a response to not just the feedback from population, but also from the evolving needs of the different communities and how we can work together. I think the Member is also fully aware of the range of programmes that are now being mounted individually and collectively by these self-help groups, and the number of people that are being helped. With that understanding, with that appreciation of the evolution, the question I have for her is: does she feel that we would be better off without the self-help groups? Is that her assertion?
Ms Sylvia Lim139 words
[+2 sentences]Mdm Deputy Speaker, I respect Minister Iswaran's experience and that is his perspective from having worked in SINDA before as the CEO. His question is whether I am positing that society be better off be better off without the self-help groups. First of all, in my speech, I had acknowledged the good work done by the self-help groups, especially for the under-privileged and children in particular. But the question, of course, is whether similar outcomes or even better outcomes can be achieved with an amalgamation.[+3 sentences] This is something I am calling for an open conversation about. I am not trying to be prescriptive to say that the answer is to amalgamate. But it was put forward as a suggestion from me as something that could be discussed in the national exercise and that was the spirit of my speech.
Mr S Iswaran95 words
[+5 sentences]So, I take it that the Member's position is not that she is advocating — because an amalgation is an effective dissolution of the existing entities. So, assuming she is not recommending that, her proposition is that we should have an on-going dialogue in terms of how we can work closer together. And that in fact is what has been working all along. That is why the self-help groups have evolved the way they have. I am not quite clear what the Member's proposition is, or is there a specific proposal that the Member has.
Ms Sylvia Lim199 words
[+9 sentences]Mdm Deputy Speaker, as I have said the spirit of my speech is to call for an open conversation on whether the self-help groups should remain distinct as they are different entities. Even if they collaborate, the question is whether it would be something that society wants to move on about, to have these, all the work done under a national body, in that sense. I can share with the House as well. I think the Minister is a bit older than me, but it does not matter. The fact is that there are many people in my generation, as I had mentioned in my speech, who grew up during Mr Rajaratnam's time. Our distinct memory was quite different from the reality that I sensed today. In fact, many of my contemporaries wrote to me thereafter to say that they are very uncomfortable with the self-help groups as they are. So, I respect that there may be different views on this, as I have said. But I think it is important for us to have a conversation, and as the President said, in a spirit mutual respect and being open to the possibility that things may not be static.
Mr S Iswaran71 words
[+7 sentences]Madam, the hour is late; I do not want to prolong this. But there are so many things wrong with that. Firstly, about age, I am not that much older than the Member but I will leave that for now. More specifically, calling for an open dialogue, I think is very welcome. We can all do that. But when you start the dialogue, what is your starting position? That is unclear.
Ms Sylvia Lim82 words
[+3 sentences]Mdm Deputy Speaker, I think in my speech I made a suggestion that we might look into whether the self-help groups should be amalgamated into a national body. I did not say that this is the answer, but this is something which I think should be in the discussion. And at the end of whole national exercise, the consensus is, "No, we should not do it", I will respect that but I think we need to have a starting point for discussion.
Mdm Deputy Speaker6 words
[+1 sentence]Senior Minister of State Dr Janil.
The Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information and Health (Dr Janil Puthucheary)285 words
[+4 sentences]Mdm Deputy Speaker, I echo Minister Iswaran's apologies for prolonging this matter. I would just like to reframe the matter. Perhaps Ms Sylvia Lim is coming to this a little bit late. That such a body exists. In fact, we have several such bodies that exist that engage in non ethnic-based help, across a number of communities, across a number of causes, across a number of ages. This includes the People's Association (PA) – and I know Ms Sylvia Lim and her colleagues have particular views of the PA but it is not limited to the PA. But one of those bodies was actually founded by the self-help groups coming together several years ago and we celebrated our 10th anniversary a few years ago; I happen to be the Chairman of OnePeople.sg.[+1 sentence] Indeed, we have been engaging in such conversations with a wide variety of people. Rather than talking about getting rid of existing bodies or creating new bodies, perhaps, we should work with the bodies that already exist.[+10 sentences] And Singaporeans can volunteer for more than one body, more than one organisation. They often do. Singaporeans can contribute funding to more than one body, and often do. There is plenty room in Singapore for us to work through a variety of means to achieve this common aim. I just wanted to put that on the table. This is not a new idea. It has been posited before and there are people who have actually made this happen. And if people would like to come and find out a bit more about what these bodies are doing, I would be very happy to provide them some instructions. Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. Obliged for your indulgence.
Mdm Deputy Speaker5 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Sylvia Lim, last point.
Ms Sylvia Lim80 words
[+1 sentence]Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. I would be happy to make this the last point.[+1 sentence] I would like to thank Senior Minister of State Janil for sharing his efforts in promoting inter-racial unity. But of course, one of the questions which I have and is part of my suggestion, is that currently, the self-help groups are a Government-sanctioned network that makes monthly deductions from Singaporeans on a race basis. And this is something that I think deserves a second look.
Mdm Deputy Speaker4 words
[+2 sentences]Last point. Dr Janil.
Dr Janil Puthucheary24 words
[+1 sentence]Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. I just want to point out that the self-help groups do actually provide monetary contributions to OnePeople.sg as well.
Mdm Deputy Speaker5 words
[+2 sentences]It is late. Deputy Leader.
Debate on the President's Address›President's Address5 turns · 5,043w
· 43 highlighted
president-address-1470recorded 2020-09-03
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport (Mr Baey Yam Keng)2121 words
[+23 sentences]Mdm Deputy Speaker, I rise in support of the Motion. I will first speak in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): The sudden and unprecedented COVID-19 crisis has completely changed the global environment, economic activities as well as our lifestyles. More importantly, it has forced us to re-position ourselves under this new normal, and reconsider the mode of survival and thinking, in the context of country to country, people to people, and how people relate to themselves. Fifty five years ago, when Singapore was forced to become independent, we were like an abandoned baby and no one expected this tiny country with its inherent inadequacies to survive miraculously. But we not only survived but thrived. Yes, it is the hard work and the wisdom of our forefathers that have made Singapore what it is today. We have limited land and our natural resources are even less, an innate condition that cannot be changed. However, these constraints did not stop our creativity from expanding. Even without domestic flights, Changi Airport and Singapore Airlines have become world-renowned leaders. Of the world's largest container terminals, four out of the top five are in China which has a huge market. Singapore, with its very minuscule market, managed to occupy a place among them. Today, the world's situation has changed. COVID-19 has turned every country into an abandoned baby, and the world is facing a serious pandemic. Every country seems ill-prepared. Drastic economic downturns and the challenges that follow have caused many people to complain or feel lost, anxious and even panic. History tells us that with each crisis, there will be some people who will be ruthlessly eliminated, but others will be able to clench their teeth and go against the tide. They will find opportunities amidst the crisis and eventually emerge victorious by creating history. Indeed, to survive, you must be brave enough to change. You must not be afraid to change. You must even embrace the changes. I will give an example. Not long ago, K-pop boy band BTS held a virtual concert during the pandemic. They transformed a physical concert with limited capacity into an online concert with limitless reach. This breakthrough in thinking resulted in the concert selling 750,000 tickets, which is equivalent to holding 15 concerts in normal times.[+10 sentences] In this crisis, we have to face the key element of survival, and that is the change in the mindset. Our people have to change; our businesses have to change; our Government has to change. What we have to do is to re-shape a new Singapore that is vibrant, full of opportunities, full of vitality and wisdom. In this process, we need more synergies from the top to the bottom, and vice versa. This includes tolerance, openness and support from the Government as well as trust, buy-in and participation from the people. Only when the whole nation works together as co-creators can we overcome the difficulties together and once again create the next chapter for Singapore. (In English): As the world shut down and more people stayed at home in our battle against COVID-19, many people turned to the Internet for information, services and entertainment. Many of these online offerings tend to be available free of charge or supported by public funds. The same problem faced by media companies for many years with a weak business model for online content still exists today. However, a virtual concert streamed by K-pop boyband BTS in June turned out to be the world's largest paid online music event. The show reached a peak of 756,000 concurrent paid viewers in 107 countries and territories.[+4 sentences] The 100-minute show allowed fans to enter and navigate through BTS’ virtual house, where they could choose close ups and full shots among six multi-view screens playing simultaneously and enjoy the group’s highly choreographed performance of 12 songs. There were also intermission-type talk segments, similar to a physical concert. The successful transformation from a conventional to an online concert calls for mind-set changes and innovation. Let me draw some analogies between this concert and the approach that the Government, business sector and people could adopt to address the challenges in a COVID-19 and hopefully soon to come, post-COVID-19 world. The BTS concert’s paid viewership was the equivalent to 15 shows at a 50,000-seat stadium, but the concert was streamed from a much smaller venue, a studio in Seoul.[+5 sentences] The concert venue is like the environment and infrastructure provided by the government for companies to do business and for people to make a living and to lead their lives. With an economy built largely by MNC and enterprise investments, the Singapore workforce has for many years, been trained to find a good job, work hard for a promotion and salary rise, or change job when there is a better opportunity and higher pay. That is, to be an employee with a company. I am glad and heartened that among its extensive range of assistance schemes to help businesses and people cope with the pandemic, the government came out with SIRS to specifically help self-employed persons – people who do not have a formal relationship with any employer. In 2007, I spoke about the freelancers in the arts sector. Thirteen years later today, some 180,000 people have been helped by SIRS. Besides arts freelancers, it has helped sports coaches, taxi and private hire car drivers, food delivery riders, tourist guides, home bakers and many others making different livelihoods.[+16 sentences] While NTUC has stepped up to help administer the scheme, I hope the Government would proactively gather useful knowledge from NTUC’s experience on the many different ways that SEPs are operating. Even before COVID-19, the gig economy has been growing. During and after the pandemic, there will be and have to be new ways to make an honest living, other than working for an employer. Our rules and policies should not unnecessarily disadvantage people who are not in the formal employment that we are used to. The Government will have to be nimbler in offering different “venues” so that “virtual concerts and other new formats” could be staged. The stadium might have to be "broken up into smaller modular spaces". In terms of Government policies, I hope we can take a look at the CPF system. It was set up to help build financial adequacy for citizens in retirement. Over the decades, it has become intertwined with financial provisions for housing, healthcare and education. It has become a very complicated system that many people unfortunately do not understand the full benefits. Once, a resident wanted to appeal for early withdrawal from her Retirement Account (RA) to settle some personal loans. She was honest enough to tell me that, actually, she has savings in a fixed deposit account. But she did not want to touch it because she does not want to lose the interest. So, when I shared with her that she is actually getting up to 6% interest in her RA which is probably much higher than what the bank would pay her, she immediately changed her mind. The CPF has been built around an employer-employee model where both parties contribute a part. However, SEPs do not have any employer and most do not make their own contribution except maybe for their MediSave. Many Government support schemes, like the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS), are based on CPF contributions and, inevitably, SEPs who do not contribute will not qualify easily.[+2 sentences] They may not even be captured in our system or be counted in any statistics. Unlike employees of a company, they also do not have HR or Finance departments to help them. There is, naturally, a high inertia for them coming on board the CPF. So, I applaud the MOM for piloting the Contribute-As-You-Earn (CAYE) scheme to help SEPs with their MediSave contributions. However, we need to do more and to do better to explain the CPF system to SEPs and encourage or even incentivise them to make contributions so that they can benefit from this national system.[+7 sentences] Let me move to business. As a commercial entity, whether MNC, SME, social enterprise or sole proprietorship, its primary objective has to be sustainable and profitable. But when the industry, technology or consumer preferences change, the business model has to evolve. For example, the music industry has gone through and survived the vinyl record, cassette tape and CD eras into digital music. To supplement the lower revenue from digital music, singers and musicians have to do live performances and concerts. However, it is unlikely that large scale concerts will be resumed anytime soon. So, the BTS concert example demonstrated that an online concert can be commercially viable, too. The ticket price for the online concert was about S$35, just 5% of the average price of a BTS concert in 2018. However, with hundreds of thousands of online tickets sold, the total revenue reached almost S$26 million, just for one performance.[+23 sentences] Good news for BTS fans, they have announced an "offline and online" concert in October and, this time, there will be some limited seating for live audience. So, they are also not sitting on laurels and are now moving on with a new formula. Certainly, talent, showmanship and popularity are key to their success. But it is also the willingness and out-of-the-box thinking to reformat the concert that made it possible, to be accessible and profitable, probably more so than a physical concert. Hence, I urge businesses to seriously think about their own future in a different world. By all means, make good use of the Government’s help to stay afloat and retain your staff. But if a business is surviving just because of the Government’s help, it is probably not going to last very long. Businessmen and entrepreneurs have the natural instinct to adapt and to sniff out new opportunities. This is what the commercial world is good in, and that is not the forte of the Government. The Government can help by being open and supportive, or even more open and more supportive, and we should not stand in the way for new and creative ways of doing and trying out business. As consumers and members of the public, we must also do our part in a different world. While there were netizens who complained about needing to pay for the BTS concert, many fans who tuned in found that it was really worth the price. For a fraction of what they used to pay, they can get up close and enjoy a different experience watching their idols. Of course, they must accept that the screen on their device cannot compare with the set-up in a concert venue. In a stadium, audience can enjoy the sound system, lighting effects, air-conditioning or even the refreshments sold there. But when we are watching an online concert, it becomes our own responsibility to ensure that we have a conducive environment to enjoy the concert, and we cannot complain about it. So, in the new normal, when almost everyone is affected by the pandemic, we all share a common enemy. We must stand united against this same enemy. Each of us will have to do our part to get out of this crisis. Recently, a netizen complained to me that it is not fair that he could not qualify for SIRS because his wife earned more than $70,000. He said that that is his wife’s money, not his. Well, I understand for many couples or maybe some couples, the husband’s money belongs to the wife money, but the wife’s money is hers. But during difficult times, we should turn to our immediate family for help and support, especially if they have the means. The Government is not our spouse, not our parents, not our children. I have also received some appeals for financial assistance for the various schemes under the four Budgets on the basis because their friends got it, not because they are in financial difficulties and need the money.[+1 sentence] Madam, the Government has dug into our current and past reserves for the four Budgets. Likewise, we should also tap into our own reserves. Our reserves are not just our personal savings; but our reserves are our reservoirs of concern and care for our family and loved ones, compassion and empathy for others, especially the more vulnerable, and the mental strength to overcome adversity.[+4 sentences] Over the last few months, we stayed at home more, spent more time with our family, and forged closer ties with our loved ones. The skies have turned bluer, we see more rainbows and more wildlife around us. One day, this pandemic will be over. Hopefully, we will be wiser to know what the truly important things are in our lives.
Mdm Deputy Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Darryl David.
Mr Darryl David (Ang Mo Kio)1751 words
[+4 sentences]Mdm Deputy Speaker, I rise in support of the Motion of Thanks to the President. Many Members have already spoken about the need to mitigate the crippling effect of COVID-19 on our economy and our people during these challenging and unprecedented times. I am very heartened also that while the methods and the means might differ, that both sides of the House are united in the approach that we have to strengthen the Singapore Core and support Singaporeans through this difficult time. What I would like to focus on is what Mdm President said in her Address last week with regard to how Singapore’s model of meritocracy has to evolve and change. Meritocracy, which can be defined as “a social system in which advancement in society is based on an individual's capabilities and merits” has served Singapore well as a fundamental principle for the past 50-odd years.[+19 sentences] However, I find that we would need to move beyond too narrow a definition of meritocracy, especially vis-a-vis our education system. I am heartened that in the speeches shared earlier by Minister Maliki and Minister of State Sun Xueling, they both stressed that we have to move away from the focus on the academic arena to move into other broader, non-academic arenas, as it were. My point is to look at it from a slightly different perspective, Mdm Deputy Speaker, and that is to make the point that we have placed too much focus, not so much on academic qualifications per se, but on examination-based academics for too long. Our children and students are often judged by a grade or a mark that is determined by how well they are able to perform in an examination. But, yet, there are many students who are not able to deliver an examination-based performance, but who are no less intelligent or capable than their peers who are able to do so. I spent more than 16 years in the Polytechnic and worked with students who had less than stellar grades based on their examination-based academic results. Yet, when they were exposed to an academic system that was based more on coursework and project work, they were able to score well and achieved very good GPA; thus achieving, and I quote, “academic success”, albeit in a less examination-centric system. So, grades and GPA, Mdm Deputy Speaker, are important; they do give us some indication of how students perform. However, I would hope that MOE can continue to work on how we can create more academic systems that are less examination-focused and more coursework based. In short, let us work on different grading systems, broader grading systems, which allow different students different paths to achieving good grades. Take the PSLE, for example. I recognise and applaud the fact that there already are alternative routes that students with differentiated intelligences and capabilities can take to move on into Secondary schools, such as the DSA. I also applaud the fact that MOE is moving towards PSLE scoring bands, as opposed to using absolute T-scores. But the fact is that the PSLE still remains the “mother-of-all-examinations”, one that relies purely on students’ ability to replicate what they have learnt over the years in a few hours. And if we look at it, Mdm Deputy Speaker, what does a PSLE score tell us? How intelligent a student is? What the true potential of that child is? Or is it simply a snapshot of how well that child can be drilled to take an examination at a particular point of their life? I am not suggesting that the PSLE be scrapped any time soon. I understand that it is a sorting mechanism for Secondary school placement.[+1 sentence] I get that. However, just as almost every Primary school has a combination of coursework and examinations that determine their pupils’ year-end grades for each Primary level from Primary 1 to Primary 5, I strongly urge the MOE to see how they can make each Primary 6 student’s grade a final grade, a combination of coursework and their PSLE examination score.[+2 sentences] Mdm Deputy Speaker, a good examination score is only a reflection of what one can reproduce in certain controlled situations. It is no indication of what one can truly achieve. And we are living in a world where it is increasingly not so much about what you know any more; rather, it is about what you can do. So, I would hope that the MOE can examine the methodology of allocating a final grade to all Primary 6 students that is based on a combination of school-based coursework and the standard PSLE examination, instead of all students being simply reduced to a one-shot, high-pressure, examination-based mark. And while we aspire to move beyond examination-based academics, why not challenge ourselves to go beyond academics altogether as we broaden the definition of “merit” to redefine what “excellence” should look like.[+2 sentences] In moving beyond traditional definitions of success, we have the opportunity to redefine what "great" looks like, looking further past academic achievements and to those who have not only walked roads less travelled to the beat of their own drum, but achieved the highest standards in their chosen field. It is not just about celebrating mavericks per se, but mastery of a chosen field by those whose efforts merit recognition and reward for their unrelenting pursuit of excellence. In sport, for example, let us pop our heads out of the pool for a second and look at athletes who have made an impact, such as Irving Henson, the Singaporean Powerlifter who broke the world record, and the indoor skydiving phenomenon that is Kyra Poh.[+4 sentences] In the culinary scene, our Singaporean chefs regularly take home Gold at top international competitions. At the 2016 Culinary Olympics which are held once every four years, Louis Tay, Teo Yeow Sian, Tristan Fang, Alan Wong, Roy Lim and Alex Chong took on the best in Germany and the world and they came out tops. Yet, I wonder if more can be done to celebrate our Singaporean gastronomical rock-stars in the same way that we herald the international chefs cooking in Singapore’s kitchens. So, why not extend the definition of excellence in the arts to beyond the classical? Let us have more arts scholarships and bursaries, not just for the traditional fields, but in other non-traditional fields, too.[+17 sentences] And if we do have someone who is able to make a mark for Singapore on the international stage in the performing arts and raise the profile of our country – for example, Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng talked about BTS, the Korean phenomenon, although I must admit I am more of a Blackpink fan myself, thanks to and purely because of my daughter, nothing else – I would love it if, one day, we had a Singapore pop phenomenon who succeeds at the global level, we should celebrate and promote this achievement because they have brought the Singaporean brand name to a global international level. We have a chance now, as a collective society, to recognise merit across a broader level and this can only make for a richer and more diverse representation of who we are as Singaporeans. Mdm Deputy Speaker, I seek your indulgence in closing my speech with not a grandfather story but a grandmother story. My grandmother, who is now 92, used to make my sister and I quilts when we were much younger. Coming from the tough, hardy Pioneer Generation, my grandmother did not believe in wasting money on new blankets and made these quilts from various scraps of cloths that were sewn together. Some of these cloths had more of some prints than others; some were leftovers from a blouse, or even excess scraps from pyjamas – all were unique, none were the same. Sometimes, the prints clashed, sometimes they were complementary. But it worked. The quilt kept us warm when we needed it; at other times, it was a pretty reminder of my grandmother’s love because, as my sister just reminded me recently, quilting is hard work. Which is why in some cultures, quilting is a real communal activity – many hands make light of hard work. And when there is a tear, everyone comes together to mend the fabric. Mdm Deputy Speaker, earlier, Minister Edwin Tong referenced the Singapore Tapestry. In a sense, I think of the Singapore identity as a quilt. The metaphor is quite similar, although I think, in the Minister's term, the tapestry is something more grand and majestic, which I also see Singapore as. The reason why I picked the quilt is because the quilt, for me, is something that you hold close to you, it keeps you warm, gives you comfort and protects you. Our Singapore identity as a quilt is a patchwork of many cultures and multiple identities that we have stitched together and that has stayed together over the past 55 years. But, like any quilt, over time, we do have the occasional tears in the fabric, too, and some parts of our quilt maybe they are fraying at the edges. But, perhaps, these are the parts of our community that we have not always heard, engaged or connected with, and who are somehow feeling more like a discarded scrap of cloth, rather than part of a beautiful and wonderful quilt. So, it heartens me to note that the Government is intending to convene the Emerging Stronger Conversations so that all Singaporeans can have meaningful dialogues about important societal issues. These conversations, Mdm Deputy Speaker, have the potential to be the stitching that will reinforce and strengthen the parts of the quilt – but only if we are able to take a long, hard honest look at ourselves and have the difficult conversations that need to be had.[+2 sentences] And only if we are able to do so with kindness. After all, if we start to turn on each other and start to be unkind – if we flame, criticise, destroy, tear down, burn down rather than build, construct and work together, then we begin to rip the quilt apart. And if that should happen, then I fear that Singapore is finished. But if we come together in these conversations and treat each other with dignity and respect, then I am confident that not only will we mend these tears, but – working together – we will all craft a better Singapore quilt, a stronger Singapore quilt, one that will provide warmth, comfort and security for many generations to come.
Mdm Deputy Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Miss Cheng Li Hui.
Miss Cheng Li Hui (Tampines)1164 words
[+9 sentences]Mdm Deputy Speaker, Parliament convenes for a new term at this critical juncture. Mdm President has charted the way forward in her Address. What a time this is. We have witnessed how an intertwined unprecedented economic and health crisis has affected our lives. Those who understand that this is going to be the new normal are preparing themselves for the rough journey ahead. In this pandemic, it is now more imperative than ever to push on with our continuous efforts to create a robust and inclusive education system for our children and youths. From a young age, parents, family and teachers heaped praises on our young ones, to encourage them to be the very best they can be. Every parent wants the best for their children and push them towards their own notion of success. When these children grow up, many become fixated on this notion of easy success and they want it and want it quickly. Some despair when they realise that success in real life takes time and endurance. I often remind parents in Edusave ceremonies that in their workplace, their colleagues get promoted not based on academic results. Academic results offer that first step into their careers but then, it is their interpersonal skills, attitude at work, such as commitment, drive and leadership skills, that lead to promotion.[+16 sentences] Our education system is exemplary when it comes to imparting knowledge and skills for the future economy. We have received worldwide recognition for this. Yet, given how fluid and competitive today's economy is, all these will come to nought if our youths are incapable of reacting well to changes and setbacks. Just before the pandemic hit us, I spoke about resilience in individuals and as a nation in the first Budget speech of 2020. Resilience is a critical skill that all educators, both at home and in school, should impart. Some of the methods to incorporate resilience in the classroom include discussions and reflections on goal-setting and perseverance, sharing stories of success and failures, understanding strengths and weaknesses through student-led report cards. Our education system has been evolving in this direction, reducing the emphasis on academic results and nurturing talent across different arenas. I hope more can be done to expose students to more experiences that will encourage resilience and perseverance in our children and youths. Mdm Deputy Speaker, when my friends and I graduated in 1998, Singapore's economy was still suffering from the aftermath of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. The job market was bleak and we could not see the glorious rainbow that we were looking forward to. But the mountain tops also have valleys in between. It is in these "valley" moments that we grew more robust, more determined and resilient, and soar out of these valleys. I read with interest in the Straits times in April of fresh graduates facing lower salaries and rejections, and I reminisced about our days in 1998. Then, my NUS friends and I sent out hundreds of job applications, too, and we had low starting pay. Thankfully, MOE was recruiting teachers, and some took up the offers, yet some others became administrative staff. As for me, I studied insurance and did real estate work. Both became very useful in my later career. I also remember chatting with my friend, then an administrative clerk earning $1,600, wondering how we would ever be able to afford a flat.[+1 sentence] She worked hard and did a part-time ACCA. Ten years on, she was earning a more than comfortable $12,000.[+22 sentences] I saw articles of graduates' concerns of low starting pay affecting their future earning power. I say to them, "Do not worry about this. Go out there, learn and gain experience, even if it is not your field of study. You will gain other useful skills, such as teamwork, communication and planning skills, that will pay dividends well into your future." Those of us in this House that do yoga or pilates will be familiar with a pose called the "plank." It is a simple exercise similar to a push-up position. You support your body with your elbows and your back in a straight line to your ankles. Hold that position. The muscles that ache later? That is your core. It holds you upright and improves your stability and core strength for the next time you need to sprint. Perseverance and resilience are our society's core muscles. Like all workouts, you cannot do it with just one repetition and expect results. It requires a quiet determination to push forward through the pain, uncertainty and ambiguity. We need to have faith in our family who provide our hearts inspiration, encouragement from our friends, and trust that our Government will leave no one behind. I want to encourage all those seeking jobs not to wait for a better job with less work and more pay. Instead, look at investing in yourself, build your toolkit with new skills, grow your library of experiences. Develop a strong core of perseverance and resilience, and I promise you, when we are out of this valley, it will be your time to soar. Mdm Deputy Speaker, the Finance Minister has handed out almost $100 billion in subsidies and assistance to our people and businesses to help them tide over this crisis. Yesterday, we heard the Prime Minister remind us that this is possible due to the hard work and sacrifice of our founding generations. He called the reserves our rainy day money or coffin money. I know many people and businesses are struggling in these tough times. The money from the Government has given them some reprieve from severe hardships and difficulties. However, I am concerned that some people may be tempted to keep asking the Government for more money, even if they can survive with some sacrifices.[+4 sentences] I met some residents, a couple, who were staying in a 5-room flat. Their children had married and moved out to their own flats. They were not on talking terms with their children. They even had a Court Maintenance Order to require their children to support them. Yet, they refused to downgrade or right-size or do a lease buy-back of their paid-up flat in case they wanted to leave their flat to their children in spite of all this. They were retired and asked the Government to give them more money. While these cases are few, it is, nevertheless, a cause for concern if more people think like them. As the Finance Minister has explained, we need to use the money wisely, to save for real rainy days, and we are in the middle of a very long and heavy thunderstorm right now. I would go further and urge that we look for ways to cut back on spending, and reduce Ministries' budgets. Now is the time for all of us to be resilient and work together to restore our financial health, even as we battle the virus to restore our physical health.[+1 sentence] Madam, I support the Motion.
[+2 sentences]. (proc text)] [(proc text) 'We, the Parliament of the Republic of Singapore, express our thanks to the President for the Speech which she delivered on behalf of the Government at the Opening of the First Session of this Parliament.'." – (proc text)]
Mr Speaker6 words
[+1 sentence]Senior Minister of State Sim Ann.
The Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information and National Development (Ms Sim Ann)2463 words
[+8 sentences]Mr Speaker, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): Thank you, Mr Speaker, for allowing me to participate in this debate. A month ago, a young girl emailed me to inform me that she had seen me and my grassroots leaders working together to resolve school traffic problems in her neighbourhood. She also wanted to do her part for the community and had worked out a plan with her two sisters. They had pooled together her prize money from sports tournaments and their combined Edusave awards money. Their parents matched the sum dollar-for-dollar. They wanted to donate the entire sum to the community and asked me what use it could be put to. It just so happened that my team has been distributing free meals to vulnerable residents at Clementi Avenue 4 since the start of the Circuit Breaker. The number of beneficiaries under this programme had increased from 30 to 90 people.[+13 sentences] I told the girls that their donations would help to cover the costs of five meals and invited their family to join us in the distribution. The residents were very moved to hear that such young girls had paid for their meals. The mother told me that her father used to be a construction worker and they would have to go without meals at times because his job was unstable. Now that she has the opportunity of guiding her daughters to give back to the community, she has this special sense of satisfaction. I was also very touched by the mother’s words. In fact, meal programmes are not new. Many charity organisations do this. However, this was a first in my community. Normally, we would issue cheques or grocery vouchers to residents who apply for financial assistance. During the Circuit Breaker period, we were worried that some of them would not be able to buy their own groceries and meals, which was why we decided to set up this meal programme. We observed that as many people walked past the distribution point, some who are in need would approach us and apply to join the programme. Those who are not in need also noticed and commended us for organising such an initiative. Some residents, like the three sisters, who are in a position to give, even offered to sponsor a few meals or some daily necessities to be distributed together with the meals, giving full play to the kampong spirit of looking out for one another. While the Circuit Breaker period has ended, some people still face financial difficulties and we plan to carry on with this programme for as long as we can.[+12 sentences] This might be a small anecdote, but it does reflect that our community is undergoing changes because of COVID-19. The pandemic has hit the economy hard and affected the ability of some families to fend for themselves. However, it has also ignited the spirit of mutual help in our community. The Government has introduced many large-scale assistance programmes for Singaporeans, but there are finer areas where the grassroots can make themselves useful. I have seen more residents engage in charitable work and even become volunteers. Our team of volunteers have become more like social workers, actively organising various assistance programmes. For us Members of Parliament, we also seem to have become a clearing house to match donations to needs. The items I have received and given out range from face masks and hand sanitisers to food, second-hand laptops and cash donations. We have been kept busy, but we also learn to adapt, transform and grow. During the debate over the past few days, we have had in-depth discussions on economic issues. I would like to talk about the social aspect, especially the building of our society post-COVID-19. While we will prevail against COVID-19 one day, life will probably not return to what it was. In her Address, President Halimah Yacob noted that the global and domestic situations have changed and there would be no going back to the status quo.[+15 sentences] Rather than long for the past, we can seize the day and shape the future. Let me start with the ways in which we have surpassed ourselves in this pandemic. While fighting the pandemic, Singaporeans have been surpassing ourselves in many ways. I am not only referring to the courage of healthcare staff or the dedication of frontline personnel. I am also referring to ways in which each and every one of us has been stretching ourselves. First, many of us have acquired new DIY skills, especially during the Circuit Breaker – cooking, baking, growing vegetables and sewing masks, to name a few examples. Baking is both a hobby and also a wage-earning skill. Sales of baked goods and desserts were suspended during the Circuit Breaker, but home baking also flourished. Now, when I make door-to-door visits, I sometimes am presented with cakes made by self-professed “Circuit Breaker Bakers”. In the early weeks of the pandemic, face masks were in short supply. Those who could sew answered the call to make fabric masks for family, friends and strangers. I, too, joined in. In the process, I learned that my sewing machine was not as difficult to use as I had imagined – the key was whether I had the motivation to figure it out. As for farming, we already have many enthusiastic hobbyists growing plants and vegetables in community gardens all over Singapore. But with the pandemic disrupting food supply chains, Singaporeans grew concerned about food security. When NParks offered free packets of vegetable seeds, the response was so overwhelming that they had to increase the number of packets from 150,000 to 400,000.[+3 sentences] Looks like we have hopes of grooming more urban farmers! Second, we have become more caring towards the vulnerable in society. The meal programme I talked about at the start of my speech is only one among thousands of charity projects. From January to May 2020, Singaporeans gave about $90 million to the Community Chest, Community Foundation of Singapore’s Sayang Sayang Foundation and through Giving.sg. The amount received over this period is about equal to the overall donations received by the Community Chest and through the Giving.sg portal for the whole of 2019.[+4 sentences] Many also responded to the call to donate their $600 Solidarity Payment to help those who might need it more. Third, we have become more appreciative of migrant workers and frontline personnel. Most of the donated face masks and bottles of hand sanitiser that I had received were from donors who specified that these were meant for frontline personnel, such as cleaners, security guards and pre-school staff. I have also had the privilege of participating in COVID-19 relief projects for migrant workers. Migrant Workers Centre, the Centre for Domestic Employees, the Textiles and Fashion Federation and many donors came together under project “MaskForce” to raise 870,000 mask kits for migrant workers and domestic helpers. Project Belanja, organised by several groups, including migrant worker advocacy group It’s Raining Raincoats, the Restaurant Association of Singapore and Blossom World Society, raised over $2 million to deliver more than 460,000 meals to migrant workers, of which more than $1.3 million was contributed by local bank DBS.[+29 sentences] I hope these examples of extraordinary efforts would not be ephemeral, but set new benchmarks for ourselves in the post-COVID-19 society. I hope that fellow Singaporeans who have acquired new DIY skills will continue to use them to the benefit of themselves and others. In a highly commoditised consumer market, just about anything can be bought ready-made. It hardly seems economically efficient to make anything on your own. But the pandemic has also brought about a “DIY renaissance”. If this leads to a more independent and sustainable approach to living, and greater appreciation for the labour of others, it is not a bad thing. I also hope that our care and concern for the vulnerable, for frontline personnel and migrant workers will be sustained. The post-COVID-19 society should be one that is caring and cohesive. I hope those who stepped up to help will continue with long-term volunteering, and that donors continue to support those who need help. With times being hard, I can well imagine that cash donations will be harder to come by. But even so, I believe there are many who are willing to give their time, or give in kind. If we make a conscious effort to encourage, support and mobilise ground-up initiatives, then we would not lose this heightened desire to help one another as we transit into the post-COVID-19 society. The pandemic is a grave threat but also a great force of transformation. The proliferation of work-from-home and flexible work arrangements demonstrates this. Digitalisation is also a good example. The Government has been encouraging enterprises and individuals to go digital. Everyone understands the broad direction, but adoption remains uneven on the ground. When it comes to enterprise digitalisation, the most challenging segments are neighbourhood enterprises, such as stalls in hawker centres, wet markets and coffeeshops. Helping seniors go digital, such as learning to use smartphone features, was similarly challenging. The two segments are closely linked. Neighbourhood enterprises count seniors among their most important customers, while many stallholders themselves are seniors. And the daily lives and consumption preferences of many seniors revolve around the neighbourhood. When encouraging stallholders to go digital, some will decline, saying that their customers would not go digital. When teaching seniors to use digital technology, some also decline, saying that they would not need it at hawker centres and markets. These mindsets are changing with the pandemic. In particular, during the Circuit Breaker, many conventional F&B and retail businesses were affected, while e-commerce and food delivery boomed. Many neighbourhood enterprises began exploring going digital in earnest. More people also recognise the benefits of minimising the use of cash and using electronic methods of payment. These trends have created unprecedented conditions for us to help seniors and neighbourhood enterprises go digital at the same time. For this reason, IMDA established the Singapore Digital Office to make a nationwide push for digitalisation. We have recruited Digital Ambassadors who have reached out to over 16,000 stallholders from 112 hawker centres/markets and coffeeshops.[+1 sentence] The “Hawkers Go Digital” programme is progressing well. Five thousand four hundred 5,400 stallholders have already signed up for SGQR e-payment.[+25 sentences] We have also launched Seniors Go Digital, to help seniors gain basic digital know-how. We know that many seniors have children and grandchildren who are digital natives. But they might not have the patience to teach the seniors how to go digital. Never fear – we have SG Digital community hubs where Digital Ambassadors are prepared to guide seniors one-on-one. We will also focus on cybersecurity awareness, so that seniors can remain vigilant against potential cyber-crimes and gain confidence in online transactions. For those with financial difficulty, the Mobile Access for Seniors scheme can equip them with subsidised smartphones and accompanying data plans. Our wish is for more seniors to be familiar with basic digital functions – that they can interact remotely with loved ones and friends, that they can make purchases electronically and to use digital forms of identification to transact online with the Government. I hope those who take up the challenge can become Digitally Savvy Seniors. What would a day in the life of a digitally savvy senior look like? She could be any “ah ma” in the neighbourhood. In the morning, she gets on a bus to the market. At the bus stop, she checks the MyTransport.SG app to see when her bus will arrive. Since she has four or five minutes to spare, she takes a selfie and sends it to the family WhatsApp chatgroup to say good morning to everyone. At the market, she buys vegetables and groceries using PayNow on her mobile phone – no need to take out her wallet. On her way home, she swings by a parcel locker to collect prescription medication sent by the hospital, saving her a trip to the hospital pharmacy. She spots what looks like stagnant water in a drain and snaps a photo for the OneService app. After getting home, she checks her Healthy365 app to see how many steps she has managed and what rewards she can redeem under HPB’s National Steps Challenge. She browses YouTube for new recipes. Over lunch, she and her husband chat about new articles that they have read using e-Newspaper services on the NLB Mobile app. And, since her grandchildren are back home from school, she chats with them over videocall and asks them what they would like her to cook at the next family gathering. In the afternoon, her mobile screen lights up with the latest Gov.sg WhatsApp message on the COVID-19 situation. In the evening, after dinner, she sees a message saying that a pair of trainers she ordered online have now arrived and are ready for collection in-store at a nearby mall. She gets her husband to join her on a stroll to the mall, but not before checking spaceout.gov.sg to make sure it is not crowded. At the mall, she uses SingPass Mobile for SafeEntry. And, before going to bed that night, she browses all the well wishes sent by friends in her chat groups and wishes them good night. Such is the daily life of some of our already digitally savvy seniors. We can and should redouble our efforts to help heartland enterprises go digital, so that more of the heartland shopping experience can be replicated online or in a mobile-friendly way.[+1 sentence] This is good for customers and also for business owners. With the on-going implementation of Pick!, the nationwide parcel locker network, we can also improve on last-mile delivery and collection for e-commerce. Add to that the efforts of SDO and our Digital Ambassadors, I believe even more seniors can enjoy the convenience and comfort of being digitally savvy.[+5 sentences] Mr Speaker, times remain challenging. It is a tough road between now and the “post-COVID-19 society”. But, undeniably, we are seeing encouraging signs as we respond to the immediate challenges posed by the pandemic. The “post-COVID-19 society” is taking shape bit by bit. I hope that the “DIY renaissance” will contribute to vibrancy and a sense of autonomy in the post-COVID-19 society. I hope our care and concern for the vulnerable will bring about a cohesive and heartwarming post-COVID-19 society. I also hope that by helping all to go digital, we can bring about more inclusivity, greater advancement, convenience and security in the post-COVID-19 society. Such a society would be better prepared for future challenges, including Disease X which Prime Minister Lee mentioned in his speech.[+2 sentences] Such a society would also be a Little Red Dot brimming with positive energy, always ready to forge ahead. Mr Speaker, I support the Motion.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Gerald Giam.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied)1871 words
[+14 sentences]Mr Speaker, I support the Motion of Thanks to the President for her Address. I would first like to express my gratitude to the voters of Aljunied GRC for giving me the opportunity to contribute in this House again. I cherish the trust that you have placed in my teammates and I, and we will do our very best to represent your concerns and work towards a better future for Singapore. While we may be called the Opposition for historical reasons, we stand here not necessarily to oppose but to work with Parliamentary colleagues along and across the aisle to refine existing policies and propose new approaches to the challenges we face as a nation. Singapore's economic, social and security challenges have grown more complex over the years. The policy responses must rise to the challenge. To do so, we need earnest and robust discussions on substantive policy matters both in and out of Parliament. Today, I would like to discuss ways in which we can improve how we care for some of the more vulnerable members of our society. I will touch on the concerns of people with disabilities, means testing, healthcare expenses and welfare of migrant workers. First, on people with disabilities. People with disabilities, or PWDs, are not a homogeneous group but a diverse community. They include individuals with physical, sensory, intellectual and developmental challenges of varying degrees. I raised disability issues seven years ago, during my previous term in Parliament, specifically about improving public transport and pedestrian infrastructure accessibility for the visually impaired. I am glad to see some progress has been made since then, although some gaps still remain. For example, most junctions with traffic lights still do not have audible pedestrian signals or APS and for those that do have them, the chirping sound is turned off at 9 pm or 10 pm to avoid disturbing nearby residents.[+10 sentences] This could pose a safety risk for visually impaired pedestrians who are out at night. I hope MOT will reconsider my proposal back then to add vibro-tactile walk indications at the crossings. These are special buttons positioned at the traffic signals which vibrate when it is safe to walk. These complement the APS and can continue to operate even late at night without disturbing the peace. In my conversations with PWDs, the number one issue on their minds is jobs – not unlike many other Singaporeans. They are not asking for handouts but more equal opportunities in employment. However, PWDs face much higher hurdles and not just because of their disabilities. One such hurdle is that it is common for employers to assume PWDs will not be able to perform on the job as well just because of their limitations. PWDs have shared with me their unpleasant job search experiences where they met all the job requirements, only to be rejected when the employer learned that they had a disability. In fact, with modern assistive technologies, PWDs can be as productive at work as their able-bodied colleagues. The Government has done well to provide schemes like the Enabling Employment Credit and the Assistive Technology Fund. This needs to be complemented with better public education for both employers and the general public in order to clear misconceptions about PWDs in the workplace. We also need to ensure that employers do not discriminate on the basis of disability by introducing anti-discrimination legislation.[+3 sentences] Another area that needs to move forward faster with the times is our approach to means testing for social assistance schemes. The process often requires too much paperwork and imposes an undue burden on the very people we are trying to help. Mr Leon Perera also raised this issue in a speech on Tuesday. The application for public assistance, for example, requires applicants to submit at least 10 documents to prove their neediness.[+11 sentences] Some of these documents require applicants to log into Government websites with their SingPass and print out documents such as CPF statements, both of which can be an obstacle for those with no computers and printers at home. When they apply for assistance schemes with other Government agencies or need to renew their assistance, the same exercise has to be repeated. The process for PWDs applying for disability support is not a walk in the park either. They need to get a doctor certification of their disability and pay the clinic for this service. Then, they need to repeat this process for every agency they are applying for support from. All this is a painfully low-tech way of means testing. In fact, we already have the capability to integrate and automate such systems. For example, My Tax Portal from IRAS pulls data from multiple sources to fill in a taxpayer's income deductions and reliefs, and computes their taxable income after just a few clicks. The Government has also been building its capabilities and data analytics. We clearly have the technical capabilities to collect taxes efficiently and seamlessly. Can we now develop the same capabilities for dispersing social assistance to deserving individuals and families? For PWDs, the Government could create a centralised system that keeps track of each individual's disability, which can be tapped into by various agencies to assess if they are qualified for disability benefits. I am glad to learn from the Minister-in-charge of the Smart Nation initiative in his Addendum to the President's Address that all Government services will be digital from end-to-end by 2023.[+8 sentences] I hope our means testing process will be one of the first to go paperless and presence-less. By doing so, deserving citizens can receive the help they need more quickly and conveniently, and will not fall through the cracks just because they have difficulty gathering and submitting the necessary documents. My third area of concern is helping Singaporeans cope with the burden of healthcare expenses. Chronic diseases are imposing an increasing burden on our ageing population. MOH has said in its Addendum to the President's Address that it will look into identifying best practices that can help us in our fight to better manage diabetes and other chronic diseases. A key challenge in chronic disease management is ensuring that patients follow their treatment regimens and show up for their regular appointments with their family doctors. I have met residents who have lamented about the high cost of treatment for their chronic conditions. Some have shared about missing appointments because of cost concerns. In the long run, missed or delayed treatments will cost both the patients and the healthcare system more if their conditions worsen and they need to be hospitalised. I welcome the introduction of the MediSave700 scheme, which allows patients with multiple conditions to draw up to $700 a year from their MediSave accounts. This is up from $500 a year currently.[+1 sentence] However, I remain concerned about the limitations of the scheme. Patients whose condition is not one of the 20 chronic conditions specified under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) or whose treatment costs exceed $700 a year still have to fork out cash for their treatment.[+18 sentences] I have two suggestions for MOH to consider. First, that MediSave withdrawals be allowed for the treatment of all chronic conditions, not just those on the CDMP list. This will ensure that no one is excluded just because they suffer from a less common chronic condition. Second, the annual withdrawal limits for MediSave should be removed for patients with sufficient MediSave balances and are over the age of 60. To reduce the risk of a buffet syndrome, these two changes can be rolled out first at polyclinics and restructured hospitals, where tight procedures are already in place to ensure that only medically necessary treatment is prescribed. Sir, in Mandarin, please. (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, healthcare costs are a heavy burden for many Singaporeans, especially those who have been battling chronic diseases for a long time. Therefore, I hope the Government will further reduce the restrictions on the use of MediSave and help the elderly to reduce the medical expenses that have to be paid in cash. Many residents have complained to us about the high medical costs. Some even forgo follow-up treatment because they cannot afford it. In the long run, if a patient's condition deteriorates to the point where he has to be hospitalised, the burden will increase, both for the patient and for our healthcare system. In view of this, I would like to suggest that MOH include all chronic diseases in the list of allowed MediSave withdrawals, and remove the annual withdrawal limits for people over the age of 60. I believe this arrangement will reduce the mental stress on elderly persons caused by medical expenses and allow them to seek medical treatment with greater peace of mind. (In English): Sir, my fourth area of concern is the welfare of migrant workers. These are some of the most disadvantaged yet invisible members of our society. They are neither voters nor Singaporeans, but they are part of the Singapore community and their interests must be protected too as is befitting a developed country like ours. At the heart of the many issues that migrant workers in Singapore face is their lack of bargaining power vis-a-vis other parties like employers, the Government and employment agencies. This makes them susceptible to being taken advantage of. NGOs have reported that migrant workers often pay as much as $10,000 to secure jobs in Singapore.[+1 sentence] The costs include agent fees, course fees and sometimes kick-backs. When their contracts end, some are asked to make cash payments of up to $4,000 to third-party agents to renew their contracts or find subsequent jobs.[+13 sentences] For both these fees, they take up huge loans and spend many months servicing them on the back of their salaries of about to $500 to $800 a month. This makes them almost like indentured labour for much of their time in Singapore. A few unscrupulous employers are in on the act, working with illegal agents to profit off the workers they employ. Because such payments are usually made in cash, there is often no paper trail to prove the offences if they file a complaint with MOM. Furthermore, workers risk losing their jobs if they are being sent home when their employers find out they have filed a complaint. Hence, many violations go unreported. I urge MOM to step up enforcement and intelligence-gathering, so that errant parties can be taken to task and made an example of. We could also set up a jobs portal for employers to list available jobs so that workers do not have to go through intermediaries to find new companies to work for once their contracts end. This will reduce the opportunities for collecting kick-backs and correct some of the power imbalance that currently exists. Mr Speaker, it has been said that the true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members. The President alluded to this in her Address to. We have come so far as a country, uplifting the standard of living of generations of our people. Let us take this progress to the next level as we further improve how we care for the vulnerable members of our society.
Ms Hany Soh (Marsiling-Yew Tee)2449 words
[+11 sentences]Mr Speaker, I rise to thank Mdm President and speak in support of Her Excellency’s Address. On 24 August 2020, I was privileged to be sworn in at The Arts House, being the Old Parliament House where our Pioneer leaders themselves were sworn in during their time. Standing in the same Chamber as they had decades before, drove home the sacred duty of being a Member of Parliament (MP), and the importance of what we do here in Parliament. Like our forefathers, we too are charged with safeguarding the interests of this country. We now face new challenges, some of which they may not have foreseen. But I am confident that, by adopting the same spirit that our forefathers had, we can overcome these challenges with perseverance, unity and the conviction to do what is best for our Singapore. I concur with Mdm President of the need to look out for our lower-wage workforce, many of whom, such as food delivery riders, are also essential workers keeping Singapore afloat throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Many of the people in this House may have heard about or watched the video concerning Mr Abdul Rahman, a food delivery rider who found himself at the tail-end of a National Day mobile column on 9 August this year. Seizing the moment, Rahman spontaneously waved to some of the onlookers, who then responded with loud cheers in return. This heartwarming incident was fortunately captured on video and quickly went viral on social media networks that very same day. I subsequently discovered that Rahman is actually a resident of my constituency and I paid him a visit at his residence in Woodgrove recently. Rahman revealed to me that he works up to nine hours a day, six days a week to provide for his family. He also shared with me that delivery riders like him typically earn about $6 per delivery, and that he would sometimes lose part of his income due to summons while rushing to complete deliveries and meeting customers’ expectations.[+2 sentences] Mr Speaker, being a food delivery rider is not an easy job. They earn their wages by being constantly on the road and weathering the elements as they go. Because of the nature of their work and the tight deadlines imposed on them, they are often at risk of incurring such penalties – around $70 for fines imposed by LTA enforcement officers and about $300 for unclamping charges imposed by the Managements of shopping malls.[+1 sentence] More or often than not, these are due to the lack of designated parking facilities for delivery riders. In this regard, I am seeking the community’s support and the Government’s backing in implementing transitional parking of about 15 minutes grace period for food delivery riders, and also hope that all commercial malls in Singapore can provide designated food delivery pick up points.[+8 sentences] This will provide a win-win situation that reduces the risk of fines and clamping charges for illegal parking, enabling a smoother food collection and delivery process. In recent years, the threat of climate change has grown ever more urgent, with reports of forest fires and floods making the news more frequently than before. While Singapore has not seen major environmental disasters in recent years, the world’s rising sea levels may soon become a profound danger that poses a risk to our safety and way of life. But the world is taking notice of the problem, with many developed countries making a push for "green living" and sustainability to mitigate the effects of climate change. In a recent survey conducted by Morgan Stanley Research with their summer interns, more than three-quarters of those surveyed plan to increase recycling efforts, while almost half are willing to change their diet to more sustainable food sources. A sizable portion of them are also reported to prefer the use of electric cars. We must do the same here in Singapore with regard to increasing awareness and taking action as a society. For the past few years, I have been involved with green living initiatives at a grassroots level, organising recycling drives for the Bukit Panjang community, and I fully intend to do more as part of what I call my "G.E.L." mission for Woodgrove, with the "G" representing "Green Living"; "E" meaning "Embracing Parenthood" and "L" being "Law Awareness". On a national level, I agree with MOT that “transport is part of sustainable development of Singapore.” Apart from looking into improving and expanding the infrastructure of the public transport system, I would also like to suggest that MOT explore opening up carpooling rights to taxi operators so as to maximise the usage capacity of each vehicle.[+4 sentences] In so doing, hopefully, we can reduce the country’s overall carbon footprint. Working towards a more inclusive transport system should involve more than just improving public transport per se. We need to look deeper to better support the less ambulant. Mr Speaker, kindly allow me to elaborate this point in Mandarin please. (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, many elderly residents in Woodgrove have told me that overhead bridges without lifts are useless to them.[+10 sentences] Most of them will opt to take public transport or walk whenever they go out to buy groceries, pick up their grandchildren or go for regular check-ups at the polyclinics as these save money. But due to the deterioration of their knee joints, it is very strenuous for them to go up and down the stairs of the overhead bridges. Whenever it rains, they would rather get drenched than to use the overhead bridge. It is even more difficult for those who have mobility issues, let alone those using crutches or wheelchairs. If we want to encourage more Singaporeans, especially the elderly and the disabled, to use public transport, we should not just focus on how to improve public transport amenities as that may not solve the root of the problem. We should at the same time, also improve the environment around these public transport. For example, ensuring that covered walkways are extended to all HDB estates, we have to make sure that these walkways access are barrier-free and that lifts are installed at overhead bridges, especially in areas and along the trails towards where the elderly and mobility handicapped would like to go to, such as Community Clubs, town centres, polyclinics, hospitals and shopping centres. (In English): During the term when I served as the School Advisory Committee Chairperson in Zhenghua Primary School, I would conduct motivational talks to the Primary 6 students prior to taking the PSLE, and I would hold intimate chit-chat sessions with their parents before they receive their PSLE results. On these occasions, I shared with them my unconventional journey in becoming a lawyer, including the fact that I actually did not do well for my own PSLE. With this revelation, I took the opportunity to encourage the parents not to choose schools purely based on their children’s PSLE scores, but where their child’s passion may lie instead. The late E W Barker once said and I quote, “Education should always seek to find and nurture the best in every student, inspiring him to contribute confidently and fully in the area of his own capabilities, rather than made to feel useless and ashamed for not having made it to the top of the school.” I wholeheartedly agree with his words, and I therefore applaud MOE’s decisions that the PSLE will soon have wider scoring bands and Streaming will eventually be phased out.[+12 sentences] This will offer students more opportunities to pursue subjects at a level suited to their strengths and interests. While this is a great leap forward for the country’s education policies, many Singaporeans are far more concerned with the perceived quality of the schools themselves, with the reasoning that only some schools are good, and only the best teachers are in good schools. Mr Speaker, I am a firm believer that every school in Singapore is a good school in its own way, able to bring out the best in every child. My alma mater, Bendemeer Secondary School, is one such example. Back then, my parents chose Bendemeer primarily due to convenience’s sake; it was just a two-minute walk away from our HDB block. They would often walk past the school when returning home and see the school motto – "From Each His Best", eventually growing fond of it. My time at Bendemeer was formative. Till to-date, I remain eternally grateful for the opportunities and encouragements that my teachers had given to me, believing that a Normal (Academic) student can become a lawyer one day if she worked hard for it. Mr Speaker, while it is true that schools like Bendemeer have conducive learning environments and teachers capable of inspiring children to pursue their own goals, it will require more effort to convince parents likewise. When I was expecting my daughter back in 2018, the first question one of my friends had asked me was not about the name I was planning to give to my daughter, but whether I had planned on which kindergarten and Primary school for my daughter to enter in future. I was taken aback by that at first, but she shared with me that this is actually a common question discussed by many parents in the "mummy" chatgroups that she had joined, where the common consensus is that the school which the first child enters is important, as that will make the applications for their subsequent children a lot easier. As a result of this mentality, many parents when registering their children for Primary 1, typically find themselves vexed by the whole process. In this regard, I humbly urge the MOE to introduce measures to break this trend and think of ways to boost parents’ confidence regarding sending their children to other, more accessible schools. One suggestion that MOE can consider is to introduce a framework for all schools in Singapore to adopt and work towards, akin to the Business Excellence certification set forth by Enterprise Singapore to recognise schools that have attained a commendable level of performance to achieve world-class standards of excellence.[+4 sentences] The whole objective of meeting the targets as set forth by this framework is not for schools to eventually be carbon copies of each other, but allow each of them to explore ways to excel with the manpower and resources available to them, enabling their students to feel motivated and inspired to pursue their passion. Mr Speaker, today, 4 September 2020, is incidentally Teachers’ Day. At this juncture, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all teachers, a very Happy Teachers' Day. Thank you for your dedication and hardwork, in bringing out the best in our students and inspiring them to pursue meaningful lives. In relation to the courses to introduce for lifelong learning, I am suggesting for the MOE and MinLaw to collaborate and introduce courses targeting our seniors to increase their awareness and knowledge on certain aspects of the law, such as consumer rights and the importance of estate planning. I was appalled to learn recently that the top 10 most common scams active during the first half of 2020 had stolen an estimated $82 million in that period of time, with e-commerce scams being one of the most commonly reported.[+9 sentences] Mr Speaker, I serve as the Co-chairperson in the Law Society Pro Bono Services’ Community Legal Clinics’ Committee and had been running a community legal clinic in a Residents’ Committee centre prior to becoming a MP. More often than not, residents come to see us when they encounter unfortunate situations, such as when they were scammed of their life savings, or when their spouses had become critically ill or passed on abruptly. They are invariably helpless and financially-strapped during these periods of time. My experience had informed me that prevention is better than cure. I therefore think that upstream legal education is important, equipping them with knowledge of their rights in order to better prepare them for potential situations concerning legal matters. During the course of the past few days of the President’s Motion of Thanks debate, I have observed that everyone in this House – both from the PAP and the Opposition parties – have affirmed the need for our country to stay united and at the same time, keep our economy and society open, and not turn inwards. I believe that speaks well of the consensus we all share in shaping the overall character and tone of our society. Ours must always be a diverse, inclusive and multi-cultural Singapore – a nation where everyone has a place and where everyone belongs. We must uphold the interests of all Singaporeans regardless of their backgrounds and origins. At the same time, we continue to welcome and integrate new arrivals who identify with Singapore and our way of life. As Minister Josephine Teo had said in her speech, many of our new citizens and PRs are the spouses and family members of Singaporeans.[+3 sentences] This is what I have observed in my constituency as well. During house visits, I often meet residents who share with me that they have worked in Singapore for many years and subsequently decided to establish their roots here. They purchased a HDB flat and set up a family in Singapore. One day, I met a Caucasian resident who had married a Singaporean and later became a naturalised citizen. He approached me, and instead of saying, "Hi", he greeted me with a uniquely Singaporean "Ho seh boh?" Mr Speaker, it has been almost 55 years since the First Parliament session took place. Many of the Members who were sworn in at the Old Parliament House are no longer with us today, or have decided to serve in other roles, making way for the younger generations to contribute in Parliament and elevate the country to the next level. But what has not changed in all these years, is the unanimity in the conviction of the members, past or present, who have taken the oath of allegiance – to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of Singapore.[+2 sentences] In Parliament, we raise issues that are vital to our people. Outside Parliament, we listen and serve our people; all of which, we have endeavoured to do, to the best of our abilities for Singaporeans. The late EW Barker once shared and I quote, "No Member will stray from the straight and narrow path if he always let his conscience be his guide." I will bear these words in mind as I assume the voice of Woodgrove constituents in Parliament and as a PAP backbencher Member of Parliament, speaking out on what is best for Singapore and Singaporeans.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Dr Tan See Leng.
The Minister, Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Manpower and Trade and Industry (Dr Tan See Leng)506 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Speaker, Sir, I would just like to provide a clarification to Mr Gerald Giam on the issue of the migrant workers. I want to reassure the House that with regard to the point that the hon Member made about the exploitation of migrant workers and so on, we have in place multiple mechanisms to ensure that their welfare is being taken care of.[+4 sentences] While the system itself is not perfect, but we are doing the best we can. And we continue to improve and it continues to be a work-in-progress in terms of how we want to cater to more of taking care of their needs. In terms of their coming onboard, employment agencies have access to them first. There are two sets of employment agencies. The ones that are based in Singapore – they are subject to very stringent regulation by our Act to make sure that there is a fair benchmark in terms of the payment of the commissions to them for bringing them here. I understand from the High Commissions that there is a separate set of employment agencies that operate outside of Singapore, that is in the home countries of these migrants coming across. This group of employment agencies, we have no jurisdiction over them.[+2 sentences] So, it is one point that you need to consider. We have repeatedly engage Embassy officials to highlight to them that they need to work closer with us in terms of working with these employment agencies, to make sure that some of them can be blacklisted, so that we can also identify who they are and dissuade them from coming and using these employment agencies. The other thing is, we have separately also, through the course of their employment here, allowed for them to transfer employers toward the end of their contract.[+3 sentences] At a certain length of time, they require to get the approval of their existing employers, and once that period has shortened, has come to the end, when they cannot get the approval towards the end, they can change an employer without getting prior approval. So, we have actually implemented all that to make sure that there is no need for the migrant workers to go back to re-apply in order to come here again. On top of that, we are also very thankful, we are very grateful to the multiple Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in working with them and continually giving us feedback. On top of that, our Ministry, we are now thinking about how to come up with an end-to-end eco-system built because we think that we need to have a more sustainable system, moving forward.[+5 sentences] If you look at the bulk of them, actually the majority of them stay here for more than two contracts. Quite a number of them have actually been here for more than eight years. So, I thank the hon Member Gerald Giam for bringing this thing up. If he has more ideas, this is constructive feedback, we would welcome them as well. So, thank you very much.
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Giam.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song233 words
[+6 sentences]Sir, I thank Minister Tan for making that clarification and I really appreciate the attention that is being paid to this issue. One of the points I was trying to make was that it is important to be able to cut out this intermediary that workers have to go through. I understand that there are jurisdictional problems and being able to reach out to them when they are not in the country. But within the country itself, very often, when their contract ends and they need to find another job – I have heard what the Minister said about helping them to be able to find the next job – what I am arguing for is more transparency, not on the part of the Government but more transparency such that the workers will be able to find a job possibly on their own without seeing a need to pay somebody to find them another job. We have to put ourselves in the shoes of these workers who are here; they do not understand the language here and they do not have the means to just hop on to MyCareersFuture and find a job. So, if there is a way that we can make it more transparent what jobs are available, then they can skip through this intermediary and they do not need to feel a need to pay this kick-back to the intermediary.
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Minister Iswaran.
The Minister for Communications and Information and Information (Mr S Iswaran)3232 words
[+16 sentences]Thank you, Mr Speaker. In the course of this week's debate, Members have discussed the geopolitical, technological, economic and social trends that have compelled a point of inflection upon us. These are forces that are beyond our control. Yet, we have to address the dislocations they will cause to our businesses, workers and vulnerable groups. And, also, we must position ourselves to reap longer term opportunities. So, the decisions we make now will have a lasting impact on our economy and our society. This is not new. Last week, as I took my oath in the old Parliament House, I vividly recall the first time I did so in the same Chamber in 1997 as a newly elected Member of Parliament of the Ninth Parliament of Singapore. So, Ms Hany Soh would be perhaps surprised to know that there still are a few in this Chamber who took the oath and that includes, if I am not mistaken, the Prime Minister, Senior Minister Teo and, also, I think, Mr Shanmugam. But what it reminded me of is the major challenges that successive Parliaments have navigated and the tenets that have helped us prevail against adversity, whilst we held steadfastly to what defined us as a nation – whether it was handling a crisis like the Asian Financial Crisis, SARS, the Global Financial Crisis, or making important shifts such as in population policy or the use of our reserves. The stakes were high and we had difficult choices to make. And each time, we were honest with Singaporeans on the choices and trade-offs. We sought to foster understanding of our fundamental challenges and forge a consensus on the way forward. And Parliament was the key forum for this, and this time is no different. So, the question is, what will determine whether this arc of inflection in our history bends in our favour? Ultimately, it lies in how we choose to respond. In particular, I believe it depends crucially on how we balance two fundamental tenets – staying open and being inclusive.[+10 sentences] And I would like to give my take on that delicate equilibrium and the role that Parliament must play in maintaining it. Staying open means a willingness to engage with the world, embrace novel ideas and seize new opportunities. And on the face of it, the need and benefits seem self-evident. Indeed, even in the course of this week's debate, across the aisle, we all agree that Singapore must remain open in order to create jobs and opportunities for our citizens. But this is easier said than done. Staying open means greater competition, disruption and constant adaptation to change. The outcomes are uneven. In other words, there are winners and there are losers. Societies around the world have fractured because of this. So, being inclusive is a critical and vital complement to this. Our efforts to embrace openness must be matched by an equal, if not greater effort, to achieve an equitable distribution of the benefits and the access to opportunities, to preserve a sense of fairness.[+4 sentences] Again, we all agree on this and that we must invest in the skills of our workers, capabilities of our enterprises, have rules of fair play and redistribute benefits. As Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat had said, we must redouble our efforts to develop everyone to their fullest potential, to take on new opportunities, flourish in their chosen pursuits. So, where does the rubber hit the road? It is in the judgements that we have to make, in translating those principles into policies and putting them into practice; when the macro benefits do not necessarily square with the micro experience; when we have to persuade our workers and union leaders to support technological change that may threaten their jobs, but yet is in our long-term interests; when our economic agencies have to convince investors that they can rely on us to be consistent in our policies, including those that pertain to manpower, even as they make long-term commitments to Singapore. Sustaining the dynamic economic and social balance between staying open and being inclusive is challenging in the best of times, what more at a time of economic uncertainty like the present? So, to do so, the foundation must be trust.[+6 sentences] Our citizens must know that their lives and livelihoods are always our priority, that we have their back. As Prime Minister said on Wednesday, "The Government will always be on the side of Singaporeans. What is the point of creating jobs for foreigners, if it does not benefit Singaporeans?" Equally, our international partners must know that we are not just fair weather friends; that we have the political will to stay the course. Building that trust is the duty of the Government, the Public Service, but, importantly, also of Parliament. It requires principled leadership. What we say, but also what we actively advocate in this House and ultimately what we do, must all be aligned – because they are all keenly watched. We have painstakingly built an open and inclusive economy – that is able to create opportunities for Singaporeans by welcoming competitive enterprises and talent.[+3 sentences] It is a precious asset that we must not squander. I was therefore reassured when the Leader of the Opposition recognised in his speech that the presence of foreign workers, and I quote, "gives Singapore a vitality that keeps us economically relevant and also provides jobs and opportunities to our fellow Singaporeans". I think this is an important signal and a good starting point. In contrast, I was troubled when Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Leong Mun Wai lamented that we do not have a homegrown CEO for DBS.[+5 sentences] By all means, let us passionately argue the case to do more for Singaporeans. But, as Parliamentarians, let us also be careful about what our words convey; in this case, the message we send to those who – to paraphrase Mr S Rajaratnam – have chosen out of conviction to become citizens of Singapore. How has our openness brought benefits for Singaporeans? Our portfolio of Free Trade Agreements or FTAs is a good example. As Minister Chan Chun Sing shared earlier this week, our network of FTAs is greater than the sum of its parts; each and every FTA adds to the network effect. Our network of 25 FTAs provides our companies preferential access to economies that together, represent more than 85% of global GDP. They also have rules that protect our companies' investments. This combination of opportunity and stability, among other things has helped attract over 750 foreign companies to establish their regional headquarters in Singapore with nearly 30,000 employees.[+10 sentences] They also generate demand for local businesses and ancillary legal, financial and other services. We have also helped our SMEs to benefit from this market access; and invested in our people so that they can take on regional and global roles. Digital Economy Agreements or DEAs are another way we are striving to keep Singapore open and connected. These agreements are the new frontier in the global economic architecture. To strengthen our hub status in the digital world, Singapore is actively developing an international network of DEAs. Clear and harmonised rules, as well as interoperable standards and systems, will enhance cross border digital trade. With an open digital trade architecture and safeguards, data can flow more freely and securely across borders, between countries. This will help more businesses manage their global platforms and digital services out of Singapore. These DEAs will give a further boost to our infocomm sector. It is one of our most promising growth areas, offering interesting and attractive jobs and careers for Singaporeans. From 2011 to 2018, our infocomm sector registered a 7.1% average annual growth rate in nominal value added to our economy.[+1 sentence] COVID-19 has given the sector, in an ironic way, a further boost, by accelerating the focus on the cloud, connectivity, collaboration because of remote working, and cybersecurity. An estimated 22,000 jobs were created in the last three years alone with a median gross salary of about $6,000.[+13 sentences] More broadly, the total employment in the infocomm sector has grown over 11% from 2016 to 2019. Despite this rapid growth, the proportion of locals has held steady at 70%. This is no mean feat, especially when you consider that the fast growth has also resulted in an intense global competition for scarce talent in this sector. We want to further increase opportunities for Singaporeans in the sector. But our talent policy must take into account the variegated landscape of the tech eco-system, with firms of varying sizes and business models, at different stages of growth, with diverse needs and thus, different staff profiles. There are the digital giants like Google, Facebook and Amazon, who have anchored their regional headquarters in Singapore. These firms are at the forefront of global digital innovation and are critical to our ecosystem. They hire many Singaporeans, both here and overseas. But, because of the nature and scope of their business, they need a globally diverse talent pool; for example in product development and some of the regional headquarter's functions. Therefore, the proportion of locals may not be as high as the national average, now or even in the steady state. For example, firms like Google and Twitter have APAC engineering teams here. The talent they require include highly skilled product managers and AI scientists, who are globally scarce. In the long term, these companies can help Singapore become an innovation centre and catalyse the growth of our local tech ecosystem. Google has collaborated with us on the programme Skills Ignition SG, which will train up to 3,000 Singaporeans for roles in growth areas like digital marketing and cloud technology.[+18 sentences] We also have local unicorns like Grab and SEA. They started with and maintained a Singaporean core, but with their rapid international expansion, they too need a strong complement of regional and global talent to be able to compete. At the same time, their increased reach allows Singaporeans in these firms to venture overseas and gain global experience. Our Large Local Enterprises like Singtel start in the sense from the other end of the spectrum, with a high proportion of local because of where they began. As they grow internationally, and branching into new tech areas like cybersecurity and cloud based services, they increasingly are seeking out global talent to complement their Singaporean Core. Then there are the IT services companies, which play an important role in supporting many other sectors such as finance. Here, as Minister Josephine Teo has explained in detail, there is more that we can and will do to reduce concentration and over-reliance on foreign manpower while strengthening the pipeline of jobs for Singaporeans. Some had suggested that we could offshore some of their functions as a solution. I want to echo Minister Ong Ye Kung's caution. This is not straightforward, as often there are linkages across different functions. We should also recognised that with increasing digitalisation, that the scope to work remotely has increased and this, as Minister of State Alvin Tan talked about, earlier this week, can work in our favour or against us. Do they want to locate those services, the people providing them in Singapore, or would they rather do it remotely. And we want them to choose in our favour, when the jobs are the type of jobs that we want Singaporeans to have. So, we need a differentiated approach for this diversity of companies in the infocomm sector. Our challenge is to work with these companies to continue creating career opportunities for Singaporeans, while recognising that we must allow them to have the necessary access to talents that are diverse, especially in emerging areas, in order to strengthen our overall position as a digital tech hub. As with globalisation, the digital transformation of our economy must also be inclusive with opportunities for every worker, regardless of his or her background; and every business, regardless of its size or stage of growth. MCI's vision is for every business to be digitally-empowered, for every worker to be digitally-skilled and every citizen to be digitally-connected. We are intensifying our efforts, working with the industry and unions to transform sectors, ease business transitions, create opportunities for jobseekers and reskill workers. Indeed, the digital economy is a bright spot, offering more than 18,000 jobs and skills opportunities under the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package.[+2 sentences] Our goal is to have as many skilled Singaporeans as possible to take up these roles. That is why we are scaling up our efforts, both in pre-employment and continuing education. In the last three years, our Autonomous Universities (AUs) trained about 1,000 local ICT graduates annually. This has almost trebled and today, the undergraduates' enrollment collectively, is about 2,800.[+1 sentence] We also have around 4,500 Polytechnics and ITE graduates annually. The Tech Skills Accelerator or TeSA progamme has successfully placed about 6,600 Singaporeans in tech jobs to date. Looking ahead, IMDA is working to place and train an additional 5,500 Singaporeans in good tech jobs over the next two to three years in functions like digital marketing, software engineering, cybersecurity and data analytics, including 2,500 mid-career professionals aged 40 and above.[+33 sentences] At the enterprise level, we have enhanced the Productivity Solutions Grant and Enterprise Development Grant, to help our companies, adopt digital solutions and succeed. For SMEs in particular, we have the Start Digital, Go Digital and Grow Digital programmes to help them, as the names suggests, at different stages of growth, from when they are formed to as they scale, and eventually as they venture overseas. We also want to ensure that our digitalisation journey includes every citizen. As such, as MCI has stated in our addendum to the President's address, we will ensure that all Singaporeans have a baseline level of affordable digital access and digital skills. We will help Singaporeans acquire the tools and skills necessary to participate meaningfully in our digital economy and society. These include affordable devices, mobile and broadband connectivity, e-payments tools and bank accounts, SingPass and a National Digital Identity to transact securely, We will provide targeted support for our seniors and low-income households. Senior Minister of State Sim Ann has shared extensively about our digital inclusion efforts, including the Seniors Go Digital Programme and the SG Digital Office, a mobilisation of 1,000 Digital Ambassadors and many more volunteers to galvanise a national movement towards digital transformation. In short, we will spare no effort in making sure that no one is left behind in our digital transformation efforts. Mr Speaker, Sir, I have outlined in detail how we seek stay open and be inclusive in the ICT sector, in order to create opportunities for Singaporeans. We do this in every sector, through the work of the Future Economy Committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Heng, the National Jobs Council chaired Senior Minister Tharman and, indeed, a slew of other efforts. Over the past few days, we have witnessed intense debates on a range of issues – our policy priorities, whether and what we should change, and specific measures to be considered. We have articulated the policy choices and the aspirations and concerns of Singaporeans. In this important and ongoing effort to strike a balance balance between staying open and being inclusive, and building a better future for our citizens, I believe Parliament can and should play a significant role in three ways. The first is to be the Voice of the People. The Leader of the Opposition used the Latin term for it, I will stick to English. The aim is this: we must express the hopes, aspirations, concerns and fears of our citizens at highest forum in our country. But, we should not and must not stop there. We must also be the Voice of Reason. To be candid about the challenges we face, honest about the choices and trade-offs, not just about what we want but also what we have to give up to get it. And ultimately, what we believe to be in the long-term interest of our citizens. And finally, and perhaps most importantly, we must be the Voice of Hope. Now more than ever, as we deal with unprecedented challenges and seek solutions, we must work with Singaporeans to draw confidence from what we have built up over the past five-and-a-half decades, the challenges that we have faced and overcome, have deep conviction in our strengths and capabilities, and look to the future with belief. If we do this, then I think we would have made a signal contribution to our nation building efforts, with a deep engagement of our citizens. In that spirit of deep engagement, we have paid close attention to calls to broaden access to Parliamentary proceedings, for example through live broadcasts or streaming online. This is a point that has been made in the past by Mr Pritam Singh, Mr Leon Perera – I think in this Parliamentary session – Mr Faisal Manap. We had others who have articulated this and, in fact, in today's Forum page in The Straits Times, Mr Wong Weng Fai has also made this plaintive call. The former Leader of the House and others have previously explained that we already provide timely and comprehensive access to Parliamentary proceedings. Anyone can watch these proceedings in person from the Strangers’ Gallery. Every speech and exchange in Parliament is recorded and made available online. Clips, categorised by topic and speaker, are uploaded within hours of each sitting. The Hansard is a full written record of Parliamentary proceedings and is available online. These already give us the full benefits of transparency, accountability and accessibility. We have been reluctant to go further for both practical and policy reasons. Demand for such live broadcasts, even of major speeches, is generally low – only 10% of that of free-to-air television news, for example.[+7 sentences] Parliament is a forum for serious debate on national issues. The debate in Parliament should be vigorous, but the tone should be sober. An element of cut-and-thrust is unavoidable, even necessary because Members want to show Singaporeans that their concerns are being expressed, and questions asked and answered in Parliament. However, it is equally important that Members come to grips with the issues and their complexities and not simply play to the gallery. Live broadcasts risk compromising this. At this point, I am sure Members of the Opposition think this is same line as before. And I want to say that we still hold these reservations. Nevertheless, we also note the global and technological trends which have made online streaming commonplace and seen legislatures live streaming their proceedings in many countries. The Government therefore agrees in principle to the live streaming of Parliamentary proceedings. My Ministry will study the technical and implementation details. Our aim, as always, will be to achieve transparency, accountability and accessibility while preserving the integrity and dignity of Parliamentary proceedings.[+3 sentences] Mr Speaker, I know that you too are supportive of this move and we will announce details soon. Mr Speaker, Sir, to conclude, at a time that is fraught with anxiety about our future, as we take on unprecedented challenges and seek out novel solutions, and as we draw on our strengths as a people, I look forward to the Fourteenth Parliament of Singapore serving with distinction as the Voice of the People, the Voice of Reason and the Voice of Hope. Sir, I support the Motion.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Pritam Singh.
Mr Pritam Singh (Aljunied)192 words
[+3 sentences]Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the Minister for his speech and the point about live Parliamentary broadcasts. I welcome the Minister's comments that the Government is going to look into this matter. Since the issue has been brought up every now and then, my colleagues and I have reflected on the Government's reasons for not proceeding with live broadcasts.[+4 sentences] I note Minister has shared that Government still has those reservations. I believe the Senior Minister of State in the previous session, Mr Chee Hong Tat, used the word "theatrics" – there was a concern about Parliament being turned into that sort of a forum. I understand and my colleagues and I have tried to reflect on this. But it is our view that that element of theatre will be exposed and the public will conclude fairly quickly, if not immediately, fairly quickly who is here to turn Parliament into a theatre and who is here to be serious about Parliament as a forum where serious matters are discussed. So, I just wanted to make that point and hope it provides some assurance for the Minister in his deliberations on this matter.
Mr Speaker1 words
[+1 sentence]Minister.
Mr S Iswaran184 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Speaker, Sir, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his assurance, which is given in earnest. And I think we all accept that all of us in this House are committed to ensuring that the dignity and integrity of Parliamentary proceedings is preserved, notwithstanding how it is conveyed to a larger audience. However, I think it is important to also bear in mind the experience of other countries does not give us a lot of reason to be optimistic, in terms of the tone and nature of debates in Parliament and the impact such streaming or broadcasting will have.[+4 sentences] Is there a causal relationship? We do not know for sure. But there is reason to have concerns and that is why I articulated what I did. So, what it means is that at the end of the day it is not axiomatic one way or the other, and it depends on all of us as Parliamentarians to maintain the decorum, the dignity and the integrity of our proceedings through vigorous debate, based on facts and focused on the long-term interests of Singaporeans.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Leong Mun Wai.
Mr Leong Mun Wai (Non-Constituency Member)127 words
[+6 sentences]Thank you, Mr Speaker. In response to Minister Iswaran's point, I would like to reiterate and confirm that PSP is committed to an open and inclusive society and economy. However, we have differences with the Government, probably, with regard to the many issues on how we want to go about achieving that. And I think this Parliament has started the ball rolling to get us in that direction. Over the last few days, I think we have debated on the issues of foreigners and jobs. There are differences there. PSP would like to see this population growth being slowed down, would to see a cap on the foreigners, at least for the immediate future, and to ensure there is skills transfer.[+1 sentence] The disappointment that I expressed —
Mr Speaker13 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Leong, are you seeking clarification or are you making a new speech?
Mr Leong Mun Wai6 words
[+1 sentence]I am seeking clarification on —
Mr Speaker5 words
[+1 sentence]Come to the point, please.
Mr Leong Mun Wai67 words
[+2 sentences]— on the point that our disappointment on DBS still not having the homegrown CEO now is because of the process. I want to ask the Minister whether the debate that we are conducting over the last few days when we are questioning certain issues, rebalancing certain issues that we are looking for is against the spirit that he is trying to explain to us just now.
Mr Speaker8 words
[+1 sentence]Minister, can you attempt to respond to that?
Mr S Iswaran404 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Speaker, I thank the NCMP for his clarification. Let me start by saying this. The process of reviewing and evolving our policy predates the Fourteenth Parliament, predates the Thirteenth Parliament. It is, in fact, an on-going venture and if you look at any one of our policies – and the foreign worker policy, the manpower policy is no exception to this – it is an evolutionary effort because it has to respond to the economic environment, the population's needs and concerns; and we have to then adapt and move along.[+14 sentences] Indeed, in this Parliament, if the Member had heard the detailed exposition by the Minister for Manpower, for example, we are taking even further measures. And the Prime Minister has already spelt out that the Government will look at various policies in detail, but never compromising on the fundamentals and always keeping our eye on the long-term interests of Singaporeans. So, the issue is not about process. The process can continue. And, indeed, in my comment, I have made the point that we can always advocate the case for doing more for Singaporeans and I have no problems with that. The issue is when we lament that a Singaporean occupying a certain position is somehow not homegrown. Then, I think we really have to ask ourselves the question: as Parliamentarians, as elected representatives, what is the message we are sending to our citizens? I am not sure what the Members means by homegrown, but all our citizens but also, in particular, to those who have, as I said, out of conviction, chosen to be Singaporeans, given up their home citizenship to take up Singapore Citizenship. And also, what does it say to those who are the spouses, the children of Singapore Citizens who have become naturalised Singaporeans? So, the question I would put to Mr Leong is after this debate and all the information that has been shared, does he still lament that DBS does not have a homegrown CEO? Does he acknowledge that as one example – and I am only talking about DBS because he raised it – whether he acknowledges that, in fact, much has been done in the organisation. There are, in fact, a large number of Singaporeans at the senior levels. In fact, this is a clarification made by one of our colleagues Derrick Goh. Unfortunately, the Member was not in the Chamber when the clarification was made.
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Leong.
Mr Leong Mun Wai186 words
[+10 sentences]Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the Minister for the clarification. I still hold on to my disappointment. I still keep to that, although I do appreciate the clarification given by Member Derrick Goh on the senior management of DBS Bank. In terms of why I want to keep to my statement is because when I gave the speech, when people listened to the speech, including the new citizens and foreigners in Singapore, they would have appreciated that I said it was over a period of 22 years. Why did the Government not put in certain safeguards in the process or certain other rules to ensure that we have the skills transfer. Localisation is not the word anymore, but at least to ensure that Singaporeans will be groomed to take over the job. In that context, I do not think that it will taken very, very negatively by the international community. Singapore is open enough. Foreigners know that we are very, very open. In fact, if we failed to do certain things to safeguard the interests of Singaporeans, I am afraid we may be laughed at.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Ong Ye Kung.
The Minister for Transport (Mr Ong Ye Kung)305 words
[+1 sentence]Thank you, Mr Speaker. I think I have to reiterate some of the things that I have said on Tuesday, when I explained and traced back – and I went into some detail – how from the 1960s, Singapore started as a foreign exchange or FX trading centre.[+4 sentences] Then, from there, the first banks that came in and did FX trading, they were foreign banks. Bank of America was the first. Gradually, we brought in investment banking, wealth management, insurance, so on and so forth. Now, we are doing green finance and fintech. That whole process started 40 to 50 years ago. That process started when we brought in foreign expertise and then put in a lot of effort to groom local talent. Grow our own timber, learn from the foreign expertise and from there, many of our own rose up to take senior positions.[+6 sentences] I gave quite a lot of data requested by various Members to show that we are holding our own by being open to the world and I think that is the best way for us to grow, that is the best way for us to serve Singaporeans. Do not make ourselves a pond. A small pond. Live in the pond and feel that we are great because we are a big fish in the pond. But open out to the lagoon, open out to the sea. Have a much more exciting and diverse eco-system but also invest in our own people and hold our own. That is what we have been doing for decades. But we have never reached a stage where we say the only way to achieve this – set the quota.[+1 sentence] Set the rule. It must be a Singaporean CEO and born here, before we declare it a success.[+1 sentence] I think that would be the wrong approach.
Mr Speaker9 words
[+1 sentence]Minister S Iswaran, would you like to add on.
Mr S Iswaran150 words
[+12 sentences]Mr Speaker, I think Minister Ong has made the point very clear. I just want to go back to a point I made in my speech. As Parliamentarians, we must be not just the Voice of the People. That is important, which I think the Member has been articulating – the concerns of the people that he has spoken to. But we must also be the Voice of Reason. Do not take that lightly. Because what we say cannot be unsaid. It is there for the record, for the future and everyone. Singaporeans, new citizens or Singapore born. Others who are here will all be looking at this. I think we in this House as elected representatives must hold ourselves up to a higher standard. If we do not, then I think we fail our duties as Members of Parliament and I think we ultimately do a disservice to Singaporeans.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Chee Hong Tat.
The Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Transport (Mr Chee Hong Tat)179 words
[+11 sentences]Thank you, Mr Speaker. Sir, I would like to just clarify a factual point on something that Mr Pritam Singh mentioned earlier. He said I used the word "theatrics". I think we can check Hansard. I do not recall using this word in my response to Mr Pritam Singh when we were having a discussion on this issue when I was with the Ministry of Communications and Information. If my memory serves me correctly, I think we were talking about whether we should have live broadcast of Parliament proceedings and I was explaining to Mr Singh that the demand for such broadcasts was not high. And then later, we had a discussion about whether instead of a broadcast, maybe it can be done through live-streaming. And again, if my memory serves me correctly, because this was several years ago, I did say that this is something that we can discuss and review. So, I just wanted to clarify that factual point. I do not think I used the word "theatrics" in my response to Mr Singh. Thank you, Sir.
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Singh.
Mr Pritam Singh71 words
[+4 sentences]To the Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat, I do apologise if indeed my memory failed me. For some reason, that word "theatrics" was in my mind. But I think the larger point was about concern that Members of Parliament would play to the gallery. I believe that was the point but rest assured, I do not mean to misrepresent what the Senior Minister of State said at that point.
Mr Speaker16 words
[+2 sentences]That is why the Hansard is even more effective than live-streaming. Dr Tan See Leng.
Dr Tan See Leng245 words
[+9 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to raise a point of clarification to Mr Leong. I think that this whole idea of talking about using DBS as an example, maybe I would like to share a perspective having come from the private sector and especially having run a public listed company. Public listed companies have their own boards. They have independent directors on the board and there are committees, sub committees, under the ambit of the main board. Some of the committees are nominating and remuneration committees, and you have the audit and risk management committee. All of the transactions, I would say, are done at arm's length basis and the process of selection of a CEO and managing director of a company is subject to a very rigorous process of going through an international search firm, by virtue of meritocratic principles and the best person for the job. There are many listed companies, which I think many funds have invested in. I think Mr Leong himself as the CEO of Timbre Capital, a private equity firm, would have made significant investments in terms of wanting to secure returns for his limited partners (LPs) and people who have invested in his fund. Perhaps, he can clarify that in companies where we clearly state quotas or perhaps, a certain percentage of the senior management has to be of a certain nationality, would it be something that his private equity firm would freely and happily invest in?
Mr Leong Mun Wai93 words
[+2 sentences]Thank you, Speaker. I thank Minister Tan. When we do our investments, we actually look more at – of course, now, we are talking about private equity investment, venture capital investment. We are more concerned whether the company is – when we want to invest in a particular market – we are more concerned whether the company really has the local connections and so by implication, whether they have enough local talents, including the CEO on the company.[+1 sentence] That is what we are more concerned about in terms of making the investment decision.
Mr Speaker5 words
[+2 sentences]Thank you. Mr Pritam Singh.
Mr Pritam Singh150 words
[+2 sentences]Thank you, Mr Speaker. Just a quick matter of propriety, in view of what Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat has said and he is indeed right. My memory on the matter was inaccurate and that attribution to him was also inaccurate. I refer to a letter sent by the press secretary of the former Leader of the House, Minister Grace Fu, and this is dated 15 May 2020. This is what was said in that letter to the press: "Live broadcast of Parliament risks turning the House into a form of theatre and do not add to the transparency," the spokesman for the Leader of the House Grace Fu said on Friday, 15 May.[+2 sentences] This was in response to a letter from a TODAY reader. So, just to make the point clear to Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat. And to put on record, my incorrect attribution.
Mr Speaker60 words
[+7 sentences]Thank you. Order. I would like to invest the next 20 minutes in a tea break. I propose to take a break now. I suspend the Sitting and will take the Chair at 4.00 pm. Sitting accordingly suspended at 3.40 pm until 4.00 pm. Sitting resumed at 4.00 pm.
Miss Rachel Ong (West Coast)1441 words
[+5 sentences]Mr Speaker, may I express my appreciation to the President for her thoughtful Address to our nation. May I also thank our residents in Telok Blangah Division for welcoming our team and I. Mr Lim Hng Kiang has served our nation with distinction over the past 29 years, and our residents and I appreciate him so much and we propose to build on his work. What a privilege it has also been to work with a team of committed volunteers and leaders across the West Coast GRC. To the Public Service agencies and NGOs who often go the extra mile to support the needs of our people, we thank you. The Singapore we have today is a nation by design. At the SUTD Ministerial Forum in 2018, our Prime Minister Lee noted that nothing we have in Singapore is by chance. Our racial harmony, economic growth, international standing are the products of deep deliberation of issues, leading to options that were proto-typed, tested and delivered. Without using the term, our founding fathers employed design thinking approaches to overcome the many impossibilities to be the Singapore of today.[+1 sentence] The challenge of re-inventing Singapore continues. I believe we now have the opportunity to become a nation by design, not just through the collective efforts of our leaders, but also by the collective efforts of a people empowered to live a life by design.[+52 sentences] What does it mean to live a life by design? And how might we empower our people to do so? These are the two questions that I would like to explore this afternoon. The first – a life by design. In the past 25 years, serving in the corporate and social sector, I remain energised by two things: to see every youth succeed and to see adults flourish in all that they do. A life by design starts when a person's passion and skills intersect with the needs of the world – also known as "finding your niche". Here is what I notice when one is operating in their niche. You know who you are and who you are not. You are energised by what you do and you know the people group you are called to serve. When a person finds his or her niche, learning is no longer out of necessity, but a desire. Discipline flows naturally. You can continually seek out new opportunities to grow so that you can give your best, whether it is at home front, school, work or the community. You make these places better than when you first found it. The second question – how might we empower a life by design? Mr Speaker, may I propose three ways we can empower individuals to live a life by design. The first is to clarify possibilities of growth at every age and life stage. I have shared recently about a colleague of mine who, 10 years ago, then in her late 40s, joined our team. Her question during the interview was "Am I too old to start a new career in a new sector?" We assured her, "Your age qualifies you. It is precisely your age and your experience that we value." Today, at 58, she is flourishing at work. Her experience, competence and who she is, are impacting lives, honouring both people and results. We continue to cheer her on, believing for even greater years ahead of her! We often hear this: "You are too old to do this" or "You are too young to do that". There never seemed to be a right age. But if we do not see age as a barrier but rather as a qualifier, then there is nothing stopping us in exploring new possibilities for our lives. We do not have to be afraid. Your age qualifies you. Instead of focusing on limitations, what if we could help our family and our residents identify what they can do at every age and every season of their lives? This is not about having a positive mindset, but a mindset of possibilities. We do not have to be limited to traditional career paths. Entrepreneurship, volunteerism, participating in the gig economy are also productive options to discovering our niche. Whether a person is a young graduate, stay-at-home mum, working single, working parent or retiree, we can carry valuable skillsets that our community needs. We should support our people to build a holistic life portfolio instead of just a work-focused one. They should include competencies beyond formal employment, such as transferable skills and experiences from care-giving, volunteering and personal interests we pursue. A familiar example is our stay-at-home mothers, who may aspire to work from home because of the recent work trends. Many are skilled in wide-ranging areas but may not be sure of their fit in the workforce. If we continue to find ways to help our people to consider alternative pathways and identify their full range of skills at different life stages, we open up new possibilities for them and, in the process, strengthen our Singapore Core. The second thing we can do is to provide opportunities to explore possibilities. A life by design requires deliberate exploration. Time and space must be given to explore. My friend Mag was in the real estate industry for 20 years before making a switch to become a speech therapist. This was not an overnight choice. As she crossed her 10-year mark in the industry, she could not see herself doing this work for the rest of her life. In the journey of exploring possibilities, she was encouraged by friends to volunteer to help children. Mag discovered then that she really enjoyed being with children. She went on to take an early childhood education degree, which led to an advanced diploma in special education and, subsequently, a Masters in Speech Therapy. Today, Mag is 50 years old and has been a speech therapist for the past five years and she loves her work. But her story will not end here. As a hobby, she has taken up photography, and I am inspired by what she said recently: "Who knows what will happen post-speech therapy?" Mag had time and space to explore possibilities and a boldness to design her life. We recognise that not everyone will be able to make time and space for themselves like Mag. For many, this space has to be created for them. We must build school and work cultures that allow time, mental and physical space for our people to pilot-test their growing vocational interests in the same field or different ones.[+1 sentence] At the same time, we need to improve towards a work culture that respects the need for rest and recreation. For those who face social and economic barriers to access these resources, we will need to work towards a sustainable solution.[+7 sentences] Mr Speaker, a life by design does not just explore current possibilities alone but creates new ones. This brings us to the third point – nurture creativity that opens possibilities that are yet to exist. Singapore has a super resource still to be maximised – the creative capacities of our people. As oil is fuel to industry, so is creativity to the mind. The difference is this: creativity is renewable. The more it is used, the more of itself it generates. But the opposite is also true, that if we do not tap into the creative capacities of our people, it will diminish and we will miss out on the multi-fold possibilities for our people and our nation. Together with our people, we can build a workforce that not only takes up jobs in the new economy, but also creates jobs in economies yet to exist. We can and should be intentional to complement training critical thinking skills with creative thinking ones. These will have broad implications on not just the "what" of education and training, but the "how" of doing so, requiring intentional shifts in our PET and CET approaches.[+8 sentences] Mr Speaker, may I summarise the three ways to empower our people to live a life by design. First, we can support our people to identify possibilities at every age. Second, provide time, space and resource to explore them. And third, nurture creativity to form new possibilities for Singapore. I am fully persuaded that if our people live a life by design, we will uncover a new strength of Singapore yet to be seen before. Our workforce will be increasingly versatile, our families and communities will flourish. May we continue the legacy of our forefathers to be a nation by design, transform from the inside out. With this, Mr Speaker, I support the Motion.
Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong (Jurong)2296 words
[+18 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Motion of Thanks to the President. I would like to declare my interest as a Director of an investment company. Being the final speaker on the list, you have given me the privilege to listen to my colleagues' full-hearted views on what Singapore needs to do going forward. We debated on Singapore's immediate concerns surrounding COVID-19, the Singaporean Core, support for SMEs and strengthening of social compact. We shared our hope for the future in emerging trends, sustainability and sci-fi. In this speech, I wish to focus on relevance. This requires an exploration of our history, a deep reflection of who we are, a stoic acceptance of reality, and a call to stand united in our relevance in the year 3000 and beyond. There is a Chinese saying: "夫以铜为镜，可以正衣冠；以史为镜，可以知兴替；以人为镜，可以知得失." To better reflect on our future, it is not enough to dip our fingers into the changing of winds. To build our starship, we must weigh anchor, raise the sails and adventure to the past of Bugis pinisi, Chinese junk, Arab dhow and Chola kappal. Singapore had a history steeped in uncertainty. We were tossed in the storms of relentless competition, and weathered storms of successes and failures. Please bear with me for a moment as I recount what is often forgotten. Earliest known settlements arose in maritime Southeast Asia more than a thousand years ago. Temasek then was one of many ports. In the west, there was Lambri in present day Aceh between the 13th and 14th centuries. And in the east and north of Singapore, Langkasuka in today's Kedah and Tambralinga in south Thailand. Competition was fierce and there was a fight for relevance and survival. Temasek grew in relevance at the end of the 13th century.[+8 sentences] It did well by being part of sub-regional systems of economic exchange between the peoples in the hills and coastal settlers, and by connecting these local and regional networks internationally – its true, unique competitive advantage to exist. Wang Dayuan, a Yuan Dynasty traveller, documented his travels to South Asia and Temasek. In his book, he recollected that Temasek offered products that distinguished it from other ports. It was "top-quality hornbill casques, lakawood and cotton". I emphasise here – "top quality". Hornbill casques, a highly sought after substitute for ivory, were found only in the Malay Peninsula, Temasek, Borneo and the Riau Archipelago. Lakawood was used as an incense, a red dye and as a disinfectant. Interestingly, it was available in 19 other regional ports, but only five offered good-quality Lakawood, and Temasek was one of them. Temasek's open and connected nature, coupled with its competitive edge, allowed it to thrive and prosper within a short span of 50 years.[+8 sentences] But Temasek's prosperity eventually waned. It reflected several factors. For one, its success drew much interest from regional powers, including Ayuttaya to the north and the Majapahits based in Java. According to some records, without the ability to defend herself, Temasek was brought under the influence of Ayutthaya and its revenue was forwarded to the court. Temasek was also overly dependent on trade with the declining Yuan Dynasty in China. To exacerbate the decline of Temasek, a new port settlement at the Melaka River, seized opportunities offered by the new Ming Court, fundamentally changing trading networks. This led the merchants who were previously based in Temasek to hollow out and move to the new port-settlement. Internal conflicts that led to a foreign invasion dealt the final blow. Eventually, Temasek was ceded to Melaka in exchange for an annual payment of gold and was swapped away like a common chattel, with no control over its own destiny.[+14 sentences] For the next hundred years. Temasek, became nothing more than a feeder port. Mr Speaker, Sir, it is now a brave new world. The age old threats have not disappeared but are supplanted by pandemics propagated by pathogens – created or evolved. Discord has moved online, anonymous and lethal, disrupting our hard-earned relationships. An interconnected world makes us vulnerable to the dictates of others. And to add to this conundrum, climate change poses a threat to our future generations. Mr Speaker, Sir, we must be a nation that embrace the realities of this changing world. Only with this understanding, can we seek relevance. We are a city-state, competing with the most driven. Relevance is not a simplistic yes or no, one or zero. We must remember that competition is relative. Being relevant today does not equate relevance tomorrow. This is the perennial Darwinian test. Singapore's Future must be relevant to the world.[+1 sentence] We must have strong and deep relationships. I agree with Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat that Singapore needs to find new ways to be a vital node, with rich and deep interconnections with the rest of the world.[+11 sentences] Our international and regional outreach must continue. This responsibility is not just of the state's but on every Singaporean. We must believe that all of us can be ambassadors of Singapore. We will develop friendships, advocate for opportunities, and explore areas of cooperation that makes Singapore relevant. We must operate as an ecosystem of differentiated capabilities. We can no longer operate linearly, as a single company, a single domain or group. We must collaborate, and build one another's strength to be a formidable entity that is multi-faceted. As an example, legal services have been expensive and time-consuming. The emergence of Machine Learning and AI have changed the legal landscape. We are now in a digital age of cross-disciplinary collaboration where lawyers and technologists will work hand in hand and new positions such as legal engineers are becoming part of the profession. This next example struck a personal chord with me as I first published a peer reviewed journal research on Bi-jective Neural Networks just 15 years ago, building blocks of learning algorithms. SmartLaw, a home-grown company, has developed an AI tool that leverages powerful natural language self-learning algorithms, which can sift the most relevant references and judgments, from an immense number of documents, within split seconds.[+1 sentence] SmartLaw is working closely with local law firms to create competitive solutions. According to market estimates, the APAC legal industry is a $100 plus billion market that is growing at 5% CAGR and Singapore legal industry is about $2 plus billion.[+18 sentences] There is a huge potential for this industry which will create more jobs for Singaporeans. The most successful companies today are established because of their ability to develop an ecosystem of capabilities. Think Google and Alibaba. They are able to build layers of different capabilities and products, enabling their users to remain within their ecosystem, adding to their relevance and resilience. This must be of the future. A dynamic and resilient ecosystem that is differentiated in all levels, layers, and domains. Mr Speaker, Sir, to remain relevant, we must strive to do exceptionally well in whatever we choose to do. The years volunteering in the grassroots and organisations such as Tasek Jurong, enforced my belief that we must continue to be open, and open the world for our young to a range of possibilities. We should encourage our children to learn how to learn, to have omni-directional capabilities. I am heartened by the emphasis in the Addendum to the President by MOE on broad based common core curricula. At the same time, we must encourage expectation that, it is crucial to achieve mastery in the subject matter of choice. Mastery cannot be purchased or outsourced. It requires a culture of embracing its arduousness. This discussion brings to mind Dr Mark Lim, a teacher with a passion for physics. He is a co-founder of Aliena, a homegrown space tech company, which literally believes that the sky is not the limit. The deep space plasma engines that Aliena is developing aims to bring Singapore's first satellite to the Moon and beyond. In addition, Aliena has commissioned the region's largest privately owned jet propulsion test facility and nanosatellite integration centre, promoting an eco-system for the co-development of critical satellite platforms. A good example would be the collaboration between local IoT company NuSpace and Aliena. Together, they developed the world's smallest nanosatellite platform that is equipped with a fully functional Hall-Effect thruster or better known as an Ion thruster, with record breaking operational power. This satellite will be deployed out of a SpaceX Falcon 9 in second quarter of 2021.[+10 sentences] I say this with great enthusiasm because I too was a plasma dynamics researcher 16 years ago. Then, we replaced mechanical flight control surfaces using plasma dynamics. Aliena and Dr Mark is a prime example of how through the pursuit of mastery, young Singapore companies and individuals can leverage on expertise within their domains to do well on a global stage and to break new ground in emerging frontiers such as space, And how an ecosystem fosters the translation of technology to the market in a domain that seem inaccessible. Mr Speaker, Sir, to remain relevant, we must invest in the future of technology. Through history, technology has never failed to contribute toward the evolution of industries and our way of life. With rapid scientific discoveries and high tech engineering, cities and societies, if complacent, can become irrelevant and disconnected from the rest of the world. We must be courageous to be the leader in emerging technologies. Technologies such as Quantum computing, AI and advanced materials will eventually shape the future. Mainstream quantum computing may arrive sooner than anticipated and we must be ready. Its value extends beyond solving problems faster than conventional computers and holds untapped potential to address global challenges, including climate change, cyber-crime, discovery of drugs and vaccines. Just last year, Google's quantum computer achieved a significant milestone when it solved a 10,000-year problem in just mere seconds.[+9 sentences] From a medical standpoint, this would enable researchers to crunch data on more than 40,000 genes from 17,000 genetic samples, approximately 2.5 billion genetic combinations. This effort may better allow us to better understand the COVID-19 virus strain and to synthesize a viable vaccine. In fact, this was what happened at Oak Ridge National Lab in Tennessee just recently. When the first generation of computers became commercially available, it revolutionised the workforce and created new fields of jobs that never existed. We must be ready to ride on the next wave of opportunities. Singapore leaders have had immense foresight. Twenty years ago, in the desire to remain relevant, we started our biomedical industry. Today, the world faces shortage in technology and equipment in the fight against COVID. My work involves addressing this gap, and I witnessed how Singapore is able to bring to bear capabilities in diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. For diagnostics, we developed the Resolute test with Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Diagnostic Development (DxD) Hub and A-Star.[+8 sentences] C-Pass with Prof Linfa with Duke-NUS. In Therapeutics, we have Tychan, Hummingbird and DSO. Years ago, had we not had the ambition, the foresight, the guts to make these investments, and put in the hard work, all these would just be a pipe dream, and Singapore would have been dependent on others for survival. This courage must be coupled with sound strategies reflected in MTI's Addendum to the President's Address. I am heartened by the emphasis. I agree with many of our colleagues including the hon Ms Jessica Tan, Mr Melvin Yong, Mr Don Wee and Mr Edward Chia, that these decisions will need to support local SMEs, the bedrock of our economy. I agree as well with the hon Mr Patrick Tay, that economic incentives will need to result in proactive and sustained knowledge and skills transfer to Singaporeans. Mr Speaker, Sir, to remain relevant, we must also have a deep understanding of our national identity. No empire, nation state or city state existed in the same form forever and the important factor is distilling the essence of being Singaporean, such that the very core of who we are, does not wane and flow with the tides of time.[+1 sentence] Deep trust and mutual respect will need to form the basis of the relationship between fellow Singaporeans, earned through the help and sacrifices that we give one another. We need to maintain a profound respect for plurality in Singapore and find shared layers above this diversity.[+1 sentence] As I listen to matters highlighted in this debate, I want to acknowledge the tough decisions and hardiness of those who came before us, which under wise stewardship, brought Singapore peace and prosperity. As a nation, we were never endowed with the best cards, but we never used it as an excuse from what needs to be done.[+4 sentences] Singapore's progress is not build on mere rhetoric. Singaporeans are resilient people that have weathered numerous storms. Today, there is a new fight. Mr Speaker, Sir, as you reminded us last week, "All hands on deck, as we embark on this next lap of journey together", and indeed I hold the same wishes of "god speed, fair winds and following seas, as we seek safe habour from this almighty storm that we find ourselves in". Prime Minister Lee's statement struck a very deep chord in me, "Jewel will shine again, Changi will thrive again and SIA will be a great way to fly once more.[+10 sentences] The economy will prosper anew and Singapore's children and grandchildren will continue marching forward to build a fairer, ever more just and equal society". I am hopeful. We will be relevant. We are constantly looking into the future but are well aware of our history. We are small, but courageous in our ambition. We are diverse but united in our cause. Mr Speaker, Sir, We will not be relevant unless we make ourselves relevant. We will be ordinary unless we make ourselves extraordinary. We will, prevail. Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Motion.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Minister Desmond Lee.
The Minister for National Development (Mr Desmond Lee)3614 words
[+16 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, this House has spent the past week debating the Government's response to COVID-19 and sharing their views for Singapore under the auspices of this Debate on the President's Address. It has been an engaging discussion, with many ideas and suggestions. It is clear to us all that COVID-19 has completely transformed our reality. Externally, Singapore's position – economically, geopolitically – is under threat. We are disproportionately affected by the global nature of the crisis and tensions between bigger powers. Within Singapore, our lives have been significantly disrupted and businesses have had to adapt rapidly to survive. Many of us hope for a quick recovery back to "normal". We are finding ways to live and work with the cloud of the pandemic over us, and stay physically and emotionally healthy. But I doubt that we will return to life as it used to be. We must adapt to the waves of change that are upon us. I would like to make three points as we reflect on the debate and think about what the future holds for Singapore. First, we have to focus our attention on our immediate challenges but also prepare ourselves for the longer term. Second, we must renew our compact as a society with justice and fairness as our pledge. Third, we must engage one another well, both in Parliament but also outside Parliament, and translate our conversations into action. We are still in the midst of an unfolding crisis. The pandemic is still raging across the world without any clear end in sight. Globally, more than 25 million people have been infected and an estimated 860,000 people have died in just eight months.[+2 sentences] To support economies and jobs that have been devastated, governments around the world have committed trillions of dollars, and debt levels are at record highs. Our Government's immediate focus is to navigate Singapore through this pandemic and the serious economic downturn because of the very significant risk to our people's lives and livelihoods. The Government has committed $100 billion in the last six months, drawing on our reserves to cushion the economic and social impact of COVID-19 on our people. Two weeks ago, Deputy Prime Minister Heng further extended support to firms and workers.[+8 sentences] This week, we heard Minister Tan See Leng and Minister of State Gan Siow Huang share how tripartite partners are helping workers to retain their jobs or find new ones. But Members have also rightly emphasised the need to think longer term and position ourselves for a strong recovery. We cannot simply hunker down and wait for things to get better. Instead, we must prepare ourselves now so that we can capture new opportunities when they come. We are not starting from scratch, but are building on strong pillars and steady improvements over the years. In the last 10 years, we have invested heavily in early childhood and continuing adult education, enhanced our healthcare and social service architecture, implemented Industry Transformation Maps to strengthen different economic sectors. These fundamentals stand us in good stead to navigate the winds of change now confronting us. Let me just share one sector and how it is dealing with its present circumstances while seeking to keep an eye on the future. COVID-19 has dealt the construction sector a very heavy blow.[+21 sentences] Due to clusters in the dormitories and work sites, companies have had to put projects on hold for months. Even after workers were cleared, it has not been easy to restart. Many changes were needed to ensure that workers were safe and despite significant Government support, many construction firms and workers continue to suffer badly. But this experience has also strengthened our resolve collectively to transform the construction sector, when the situation stabilises. We have to drive digitalisation and adopt more advanced building technologies to enhance productivity, and, through this transformation, try to attract more Singaporeans to join this sector. It will require the collective efforts of firms, workers and the Government. This crisis is neither a "pause" nor a "rewind" for Singapore. Instead, if we face this with the right spirit, we can turn this to a "fast-forward". Re-imagine new industries and markets for Singapore, learn new skills and discover new careers for ourselves and our children. Even as we deal with present challenges, we must prepare ourselves for the longer term. We must keep our resolve and look forward to emerging as a stronger society. The second area that Members discussed extensively is the social impact of COVID-19 and the challenges it has wrought in our society. COVID-19's impact is universal, but it is not equally felt. Some of us are fortunate to have jobs that allow us to work from home, or we are in sectors that have seen strong demand, like e-commerce. Others have suffered much more. In the hardest-hit industries, such as aviation, tourism, retail and F&B, workers face steep pay cuts and job losses. The road to recovery is rocky and uncertain. Older workers are worried about rising retrenchment figures. Breadwinners will struggle to keep up with financial commitments if they lose their jobs. While essential workers, such as medical staff, cleaners and public transport operators, do not have the luxury of working from home. They face risks daily to keep our country running. COVID-19's unequal effects on jobs and workers have thrown up difficult questions for all of us, as it has for many societies around the world: an increasing socio-economic divide between those who have more and those who have less; a re-evaluation of the value of different jobs and how much essential workers are paid; the kinds of financial assistance that might be needed to mitigate income and job losses in the medium to longer term; and deep-rooted assumptions and biases and how we interact with one another online and offline.[+10 sentences] This virus has shown us, quite starkly, that "none of us is safe until all of us are safe". The broader point is that our well-being very much depends on one another. President Halimah has called for this generation of leaders and Singaporeans to forge our new compact. If we want Singapore to stay united and strong, we must renew our shared understanding of who we aspire to be. Minister Maliki said that we must strive to build a fairer and more just society, with equal opportunities and a sense of progress for all. Many Members, such as Mr Louis Ng, Ms Cheryl Chan and Mr Leon Perera, echoed similar sentiments of inclusiveness and unity. These values of justice, equality and unity are enshrined in our Pledge and underpin what Singapore stands for. We would do well to keep these as our North Star. Our challenge is, therefore, to find relevant and timely ways of building on what we have. Some Members, such as Mr Fahmi Aliman and Mr Dennis Tan, have called for us to strengthen social safety nets and even out inequalities. As the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have explained, the Government has enhanced social safety nets significantly as our economy matures, introduced wage support for lower income workers, and supplemented retirement and healthcare support for seniors.[+1 sentence] At every point, these social programmes were designed with compassion for the vulnerable in our community and with care for those who need a leg up to grasp opportunities. With deeper economic uncertainty in the years ahead and an ageing society, we will commit to do more to help our people. There have been different suggestions on how to do this, including introducing a minimum wage or unemployment insurance, in addition to existing approaches we have adopted, such as the Progressive Wage Model, Workfare and increased support for lifelong learning and job matching. We will study all these ideas seriously while ensuring that our overall system remains fair and sustainable for generations to come.[+5 sentences] But we must also go beyond what the Government can do alone. It is far more impactful and powerful to have a community of care that provides an eco-system of support. What Mr Seah Kian Peng said in this debate struck a chord with me. He shared how a person's challenges can be incredibly complex, with interlocking stressors, such as poverty, domestic abuse, disabilities and mental health issues. And I am sure that many of our Members here, in your work on the ground, have seen how some lower income families struggle with these day-to-day issues. What we need is not just many helping hands but hands that help in a more coordinated and personal way to unlock specific shackles that constrain these individuals and families from progressing in their lives. We must set aside organisational differences and better coordinate across social service agencies, community and self-help groups, charities, religious organisations and Government agencies.[+37 sentences] Harness technology to improve case management and processes. Preserve our human touch of building trust and empowering and respecting the individual and family. Not just meeting needs, as Ms Carrie Tan had put it, but partnering them to grow and progress with dignity and respect. Singaporeans care. Many have demonstrated this spirit, especially during this tough period. One example is Candi and her daughter, Caitlyn. A mother-daughter team, they distributed masks with Team Nila and hand sanitisers with the Temasek Foundation. Caitlyn is seven years old, but Candy, her mother, believes that it is never too early for her to imbibe and learn to help others. This leads me to my final point on engaging with one another well and turning from dialogue to concrete action. Sir, our democracy is maturing. We have seen and will continue to see a greater contestation of views and ideas – here in Parliament, in civil society, in online discourse. We will differ on how best to take things forward for Singapore. But as the Prime Minister emphasised, we cannot afford to allow a diversity in views to lead to distrust or polarisation. Our Fourteenth Parliament reflects Singapore's diversity. Across political affiliations. Members hail from different backgrounds. We have different genders, ethnicities and faiths, studied in different schools, worked in different fields. I am glad that Members have sought to represent Singaporeans' diverse concerns and spoken on a broad range of topics in the last few days. Mr Derrick Goh, Mr Don Wee, Mr Edward Chia and Mr Christopher de Souza spoke on behalf of enterprises – their value, their challenges and how to seize more opportunities for growth. Ms Mariam Jaafar, Mr Desmond Choo, Mr Sharael Taha and many others voiced the deep concerns of workers – how to help them develop their skills all through their careers and protect them from unfair practices at the workplace. Many Members also highlighted the importance of building a strong Singaporean Core while remaining open to complementary foreign talent. Prime Minister Lee and Ministers Josephine Teo and S Iswaran have addressed these. While Ms Poh Li San, Ms Yeo Wan Ling and Ms Raeesah Khan spoke up for youth and women. Mr Xie Yao Quan, Ms He Ting Ru and Mr Yip Hon Weng suggested ideas to improve senior care. Dr Wan Rizal spoke about education; Dr Tan Wu Meng, healthcare; Mr Chong Kee Hiong, housing; Mr Sitoh Yih Pin, culture and sports, and many more. We thank Members for contributing your views and suggestions. We have had a vigorous debate these five days and I am sure for many more parliamentary sessions to come. We may not agree on every issue but, as Mr Murali Pillai and Mr Lim Biow Chuan have pointed out, we can deal with disagreements constructively. With empathy and an open mind, using facts and reason, have frank discussions with one another. We should acknowledge that there are no book answers or straightforward solutions for the challenges that we face. We will need to grapple honestly and openly with the difficulties that our society faces and will face in all their complexities – whether on our foreign manpower issues, raising the wages of lower income Singaporeans, tackling inequality and many more issues. So that through our debates, we not only share with Singaporeans more about the issues, trade-offs and possibilities, but also help find a better way forward for our country. This may not always be our default way of engaging others in this House. Sometimes, emotions will run high and we will be tempted to push our point to the fullest. But as long as we commit to putting Singapore's interests before our own, it will be possible to find common ground and move forward together. This will enable us to retain and harness our diversity as a strength and avoid the partisan division and polarisation that we see in other countries taking root here. Constructive dialogue and engagement extends beyond Parliament to all Singaporeans. Ms Tin Pei Ling, Mr Darryl David and Ms Nadia Samdin spoke about the need to engage all segments of the community to tackle issues together and build consensus across different generations and backgrounds. and Minister of State Tan Kiat How and Parliamentary Secretary Rahayu Mahzam spoke about how we should encourage such constructive dialogue, especially online. That is one reason why we launched the Emerging Stronger Conversations.[+7 sentences] Minister Edwin Tong has explained how we hope to harness these as platforms to engage Singaporeans from all walks of life in honest and respectful conversations about the kind of Singapore that we want to build together. I have hosted several of these conversations where a myriad of topics were discussed – such as social mobility, racism, xenophobia, our treatment of migrant workers. Participants were candid and raised suggestions that are worth exploring further. For example, some suggested setting up forums where people can talk openly and safely about difficult issues like differences in race, religion, language or class; or reframing how charities work by using new funding models like social impact investing. We invite all Singaporeans to participate in these conversations, reflect on our experience together during this pandemic and take part first-hand, in the important work of forging a shared consensus. But I hope that our conversations will ultimately lead to action and that we will solve problems together and pursue fresh ideas together. This is the heart of Singapore Together and we have some examples of this. In the social sector, for instance, we formed SG Cares Community Networks within each town, bringing together public officers from different Government agencies who work together with the social service professionals, local community partners and grassroots organisations, to befriend and support more vulnerable households.[+6 sentences] But another area we will need collective action is in building a greener and more environmentally sustainable Singapore. Minister of State Desmond Tan and Minister of State Alvin Tan spoke passionately about this. It is an existential challenge for us. There is no vaccine for climate change. And as an island city, we are especially vulnerable to its consequences, such as rising sea levels and increasing temperatures. That is why we are doubling down on efforts to build a low-carbon climate-resilient Singapore, for our grandchildren and their children. In the coming years, we will transform Singapore into a city nature, plant One Million Trees together with Singaporeans.[+4 sentences] We will green our buildings, towns and transport network. Our economy also needs to be more resilient. Our industries can be more energy-efficient, and we should use more renewable energy like solar power. In pursuing green growth, we can build expertise that opens up new opportunities – specialised financial or legal services and clean technology. We need everyone to be part of this effort to reduce the energy we use, reduce the waste we produce and care collectively for our environment. We launched the Singapore Together Action Networks to help translate our conversations into real actions.[+11 sentences] In June, we shared that we have three such existing networks. One of them is the Youth Mental Well-being Network, which Minister Edwin Tong also spoke about earlier. I want to highlight the markedly different approach that we took for this network. First, we made the network open – anyone could sign up. Second, we gave the network space to shape their own agenda. Early on, one participant asked me what the Government aimed to achieve through this network, and I said that we did not want to predetermine where the network would go. It is not about the Government setting the agenda all the time, then seeking input from the public. Instead, the community comes up with ideas and decides what they want to work on, while the Government supports them. Some participants have stepped up and volunteered to drive this process. They have crafted problem statements, eight areas of interest that they want to dive into, such as mental health at school, in the workplace and within families. We are excited to see where we will go and the fruits of such collaboration. Since June, we have also identified a new Action Network – the Beyond COVID-19 Taskforce for our social sector.[+4 sentences] This Taskforce headed by Ms Anita Fam, President of National Council of Social Service (NCSS), has already gotten down to work. The genesis of this Taskforce emerged from engagements that NCSS had with many of our charities. There was a yearning desire to come together, work on common challenges they faced, magnified during COVID-19, in order to reimagine and develop a social sector that can effectively meet emerging social needs, post-crisis. And as more themes emerge from our Emerging Stronger Conversations, more Action Networks can be formed in the months ahead. In the economic domain too, we have set up the Alliances for Action, which are industry-led coalitions aimed at quickly developing and testing new ideas for growth.[+6 sentences] They too represent a wholly different way of doing things – again, not just industry providing feedback to Government, but industry actually taking the front seat, taking the lead, and Government as active partners. For example, COVID-19 has shown the importance of keeping our supply chains running, especially for a small and open economy like Singapore. One of the challenges is that many players are involved along the entire supply chain – from shippers and carriers, to air and sea port operators, legal and financial service providers and government regulators. Along the chain, cargo details need to be tracked, verified and communicated accurately. But different players may have different standards, formats and platforms, which complicates the process – some things that are sometimes taken for granted, all this while. Industry says if we can use digitalisation, make the supply chain more efficient, we can harness opportunities for growth, seize this opportunity during this crisis. The Alliance for Action on Supply Chain Digitalisation aims to achieve this. The Alliance has organised seven workshops to engage players across the supply chain, involving close to 50 organisations from MNCs to SMEs and many government agencies.[+13 sentences] I joined one of these workshops and heard from participants that this was, to them, the first time something of this scale and nature and complexion was being attempted. There was great energy in the room as the participants exchanged many exciting ideas. More than ever, in these times, we need all hands on deck to steady the ship. Every Singaporean can contribute in one way or other. To young Singaporeans – we need your energy and your fresh ideas. The path ahead may be uncertain, but the best way to predict the future is to seek to create it. We will need your creativity in many exciting areas, your willingness to challenge the status quo. Climate change, which I mentioned, is one area, but there are many others, such as new applications for digital technology and new ways of organising society to help the low-income and vulnerable. To our older Singaporeans – we need your deep experience, your wisdom and your fighting spirit. You have seen Singapore through difficult times, from SARS to the Global Financial Crisis. At the same time, you may be called upon to learn new skills or trades. It will not be easy but we will support you all the way. To our enterprises and workers – we need your nimbleness to keep up with the latest changes and your commitment to long-term transformation. COVID-19 has shown us that our economic growth needs to be more sustainable and more resilient to shocks. We will help you prepare for the future, but we need you to do the same for your workers – to retrain and redeploy them instead of letting them go, groom and develop them, and bring them along your journey.[+5 sentences] To our community partners, NGOs, civil society and volunteer organisations – we need your enthusiasm, your spirit, your understanding of the ground and your extensive networks. The Government cannot reach all the right people at the right times. You can be first responders, who can identify and befriend those facing challenges. We will partner you closely in these efforts. Mr Speaker, we are entering a period of great stress and unpredictability. We do not know what the future holds ahead of us and Singaporeans are understandably concerned. But we are starting from a position of strength – learning from our past experiences in fighting disease outbreaks, drawing on fiscal reserves that we have built up over decades and generations and, most importantly, standing united in the face of challenges and adversity.[+2 sentences] Singapore Together is one of the rallying cries and spirit that will guide us through this crisis, our commitment to leaving no one behind, making space for differing views and doing our part. So, as we lift our heads high, let us face our challenges head-on, dream of a brighter future for our children, and dare to make those dreams a reality.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Patrick Tay.
Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan (Pioneer)3032 words
[+1 sentence]"We will be together through thick and thin. As one country, we will fight this virus and win. We will fight with our hearts, our minds and our souls, protecting this island that we call Our Home." Mr Speaker, Sir, over these past five days, 74 Members have spoken in support of the Motion including the Prime Minister.[+3 sentences] This includes new Members who have made their maiden speeches, and returning Members who have shared their concerns on the back of the uncertainty amidst the COVID-19 crisis. I am encouraged by all our Members' conviction to improve the lives of all Singaporeans as one Singapore. And thank you, Mr Speaker, Sir, for allowing me to round up this debate. As many of the Members of this House had put forth, we are tackling a crisis of the generation and we are at an inflection point in our history.[+14 sentences] This is indeed an unprecedented crisis that has brought about significant impact to the lives of Singaporeans and businesses. But it has been a crisis that has also brought out the best in us. Many have and continue to step forward to volunteer their time, talent and treasures. Many ordinary people have done extraordinary things including showing appreciation to frontline workers or supporting a community need. Take, for example, Jacob Neo, a Primary 6 student from Fairfield Methodist Primary School, who penned the lyrics, as quoted in my opening, and melody to an inspiring song "Singapore, Unite as One", as a tribute to healthcare workers earlier this year. There were also hawkers who delivered meals to the hungry, as well as generous organisations who returned their Job Support; and individuals who selflessly donated their Solidarity Payments to charity; and countless initiatives launched by many people to look after and support our migrant workers, as they continue to labour for us. Mr Speaker, Sir, in her Address, the President highlighted five key aims that the Government hopes to fulfill to unify us as one, and take us forward. As I listened and read all the speeches delivered by Members of this House, I will endeavour in this closing of mine to string all the recurring themes together into five important areas. First, sustainability in the midst of change. Change is necessary, moving forward, and this also requires us to change mindsets. In every crisis, there are also opportunities that we must tap on the COVID-19 crisis, to transform and to emerge stronger than before. Our ability to work effectively together to transform the economy will determine how we come out from this storm. By identifying new opportunities for growth, we will ensure the survival and success of Singapore, improve the lives of Singaporeans and build a sustainable eco-system for many generations to come. Different industries have been impacted differently with several facing structural disruption. Some sectors such as aviation, aerospace, marine and offshore, and tourism, will take a longer time to rebound.[+7 sentences] But if we stay true to the core capabilities, which we have built over the years, we will come out from this storm stronger. Some promising ideas mentioned by Members include environmental sustainability, smart commerce, supply chain digitalisation and Industry 4.0 and we should take heart that Singapore has benefited from early investments in digital transformation and while we had a head start in the race, COVID-19 has forced us into a sprint while we were mentally preparing for a marathon. These new areas and business models will create new jobs and new ways of thinking. We need to stay positive and see these risks and challenges as opportunities to transform the way we do things. In the past six months, I have seen firsthand for myself companies which have stagnated and went downhill. I have also seen how some companies stayed positive with a growth mindset and pivoted quickly and remained afloat and profitable. Many Members have rightly pointed out equipping the workforce with the right skills and, more importantly, mindset is crucial in driving this transformation. SkillsFuture, especially the additional support for older workers to re-skill, upskill and the focus on skills over people's qualifications at a workplace is a step in the right direction for our society.[+3 sentences] Last year, in support of SkillsFuture, I underwent a fintech foundation programme with our Singapore Fintech Association to get a better understanding of the fintech space and picked up useful knowledge to help me navigate in the fintech space. The learning has enabled me to gain an understanding of fintech and also open my eyes to new opportunities and possibilities in the fintech space and, of course, emphasising the importance of staying ready, relevant and resilient. I would also like to thank Deputy Prime Minster Heng for his response to my opening speech on his support to further enhance our Industry Transformation Maps to further develop our people and create more jobs for Singaporeans. As we review and formulate strategies for industries to transform and diversify, we will need to create an even stronger linkage in the form of skills maps, job redesign, job retraining and re-scaling of our workers to take on these jobs.[+17 sentences] This will not be an easy task. In the past five months alone, I have used more virtual conferencing than the past 25 years of my working career. I believe many of you would agree we had to learn the use an entire spectrum of virtual meeting and conference software, from Webex, MS Teams, Big Marker to Zoom, Skype and Google Meet. It is really quite a mouthful to swallow. In a short span of one month during the Circuit Breaker, I have to convert a storeroom of my home into a home office and had to move plans and furnishings in my home into the storeroom to improve my backdrop for live webinars and Facebook live sessions. Second, securing jobs for Singaporeans. As highlighted by President and many Members, jobs remain a core priority for Singapore at this juncture and in the years ahead. The economic and social disruption brought about by COVID-19 coupled with geopolitics and trade tensions have only served to heighten insecurities and anxieties about jobs for many segments of society, including young fresh graduates from our ITEs, Polytechnics and Universities, low-wage workers as well as older workers. I am encouraged that many Members have spoken passionately about the Singaporean Core. In fact, I was doing a count, as we progress through the speeches, and the phrase "Singaporean Core" has been mentioned over 40 times in the last four days alone. Strengthening our Singapore Core is not and must not be something which divides us. I take heart that every call to strengthen our Singaporean Core made in these Chambers has not been a call to divide but one to unite. I take heart that the ideas put forth have been in the pursuit of our key tenets of fairness, equality and with the ultimate aim of progress and growth for our people and our country. I take heart that while each of us has marked our own journeys, we share the same destination, where we keep our economy strong and competitive so that in turn our workers can have good jobs, not just good jobs, but quality jobs and opportunities that meet their aspirations and improve their lives. All around the world, anti-foreigner sentiments are on the rise because of the anxieties of job security, especially when they see that their jobs are overtaken by foreign manpower. When Singaporeans lose their jobs, but find that foreigners are still holding onto their PMET jobs, many become unhappy. We have heard multiple anecdotes from many Members the past week of jobs being filled by foreign manpower and who may not even be as academically qualified. Intense competition from the influx of foreign manpower and incidence of unfair employment practices by employers who display a clear preference for foreigners. I am heartened by Minister Josephine Teo's announcement that MOM is reviewing and taking a close scrutiny of companies whose Singaporean Core has been weakening and that Minister Ong Ye Kung has shared that the Monetary Authority of Singapore will ensure fair hiring opportunities while grooming Singaporeans as leaders and specialists in the financial sector. In these uncertain times, it is ever more important for all employers to play their part in building up their Singaporean Core and in circumstances where retrenchment is unavoidable and is the final option and employers have to choose between a foreigner and a Singaporean. I strongly urge the employers to lean towards keeping the Singaporean.[+8 sentences] Mr Speaker, for a country to remain on a sustainable path, I agree with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong that Singapore cannot look inwards. We will need to grow our economy to create good jobs for Singaporeans and raise the living standards. To do this, we need to continue to remain open to attract Investments. We cannot close our doors to foreigners and foreign investments. More Singaporeans will be able to take up the opportunities that these foreign investments create. There is a need to bring in foreign manpower to supplement the local workforce and ensure the transferability of niche skills. Local companies including SMEs will also need skillsets and expertise to grow their business. I do not think we just want to settle with having the cake and eat it but we want to grow and enlarge the cake, thereby giving Singapore and Singaporeans a bigger and better and also the best slice of it. As some of the jobs support measures will ease in in the months ahead, there will be fewer job opportunities and, perhaps, even more retrenchments.[+2 sentences] More workers will be impacted and we need to enable them to adjust and bounce back through this crisis and beyond. It will be especially tough for some group of workers, including low-wage workers and older workers. To continue to uplift our low-wage workers, we will need to ensure they acquire the skills to progress, not to forget the Triple Uplift formula of the Progressive Wage Model plus Workfare Income Supplement and, of course, the National Wages Council recommendations.[+5 sentences] At the same time, we must not forget our older workers who are generally more vulnerable and are at a higher risk of being retrenched. For this group, it will be harder for them to look for another equivalent job and more so at the same pay. Retraining and upskilling older workers will enable employers to continue finding value in them and be less likely to make them redundant. I appreciate the call to respond to older workers with a heart, H E A R T which stands for H "holding on to jobs"; E "employment assistance", A "to act fairly", R "relief", T "to tough it out", and to redesign jobs, shift workplace culture and HR policies to institutionalise new possibilities for a maturing workforce. Government, businesses and citizens must work together and expand opportunities for our senior workforce. [restates an earlier point]As mentioned Prime Minister, the best unemployment insurance is, in fact, the assurance of another job.[+4 sentences] Third, President Halimah also called on all of us to build a fair and just society and to look after our low-wage workers, especially during this crisis. As we negotiate through these stormy seas, we must not leave anyone behind. The digital disruption and economic transformation in the next normal and low-touch economy, therefore, must be even more inclusive and further fortify social cohesion. The new social compact must be practical, balancing the needs of Singaporeans in the areas of social security, affordable and quality housing, healthcare, education, public infrastructure and environment with their aspirations and dreams. To facilitate social mobility, I look forward to the Government's continuous investment in our people with the necessary training and opportunities. As we deal with the major changes in the economy and labour market, it is important to strengthen our social safety nets and keep inequality in check.[+2 sentences] Our starting point in life should not dictate our ending point. With hard work, ability and ambition, we can succeed. We must strive as much as possible to level uneven starting blocks and to provide opportunities at every stage of life. It is also our hope that our education system will always remain a social enabler so that everyone, especially those who may have started with less, can have the hope and confidence that in Singapore, they have equal access to opportunities to do well, achieve their aspirations and find happiness.[+28 sentences] There was also recognition of the trade-offs and sacrifices that women make in their careers to look after their children and to reduce the burden of care-giving. I was especially reminded by hon Member Mr Louis Ng's example of Oasis water park ladies' toilet in Nee Soon East which he used to illustrate the issue of gender stereotypes. Related to gender and poverty is a larger conversation about discrimination in our society. We need to expand our empathy to our minority communities. It is essential that we rise above our differences and find common ground. Occasional setbacks need not trip us in our perseverance to continue to make progress. Harmony in diversity will always be a work-in-progress. We may not always agree, but we cannot let our disagreement turn into division. Otherwise, change will cause a rupture in society as we have seen elsewhere. Our first President Yusof Ishak did not see our diversity of race, language, religion as an obstacle to progress. He saw this as our strength. He saw the diversity as exactly what would make Singapore dynamic and progressive. Diversity and inclusion is an important area which we must hold dear and fast, too. Fourth, strengthening our Singaporean identity. It is the heart and spirit of Singapore which is embodied by the Singapore Tapestry, woven out of diversity and adversity. Its colours brightened by the idealism and energy of our youth or as hon Member Mr Darryl David put it "more like a quilt, nicely handcrafted patchwork", close and dear to us. Its thread tightly bound by a shared sense of community, culture and, ultimately, destiny. To our youths and young people – never stop dreaming or lose that sense of optimism. This is not a lost generation and you are definitely not a "strawberry generation". When I see youths and young people, I see vitality, vigour, tenacity, great courage and ideas. They are like arrows. There may be attention exerted to the string at the start but when we release the bowstring at the right pull and tension, it will hit the target and mark with perfection and accuracy. To our youths and young people, we want to support you for you to realise your dreams, to overcome the crisis of a generation by uniting fellow Singaporeans and leave behind a more beautiful and tightly knitted tapestry as a legacy for generations of Singaporeans to come. Deep trust and mutual respect will need to form the basis of the relationship between fellow Singaporeans, earned through the help and sacrifices that we give one another. We need to maintain a profound respect and plurality in Singapore and find shared layers above this diversity. I hope we can continue to build a culture of openness and trust, and one in which the Government listens, consults and engages regularly and widely with all. We need to continue to fight for a more caring, compassionate and inclusive society, one with a strong heartware. Given the upheaval caused by this pandemic, it is our hardware and software that will save lives and livelihoods, but it is about being inclusive in our heartware that will determine whether we will get through this pandemic as One People, One Nation and One Singapore. Last, but not least, Mdm President shared that Singaporeans have new aspirations and expectations, including a desire for more diverse voices to be heard, and stronger checks and balances.[+3 sentences] At the same time, new leaders are emerging to take Singapore forward. Moving forward, both the Government and the Opposition must share the common goal of working together to better Singapore for our people. We do this with dignity, respect, integrity, courage and grace – not forgetting the hon Member Mr Murali’s exposition of the rhino and lion, and also the indomitable neck-sticking giraffe. Members in this House have also applauded the Government for recognising the Leader of the Opposition.[+9 sentences] It is crucial to have constructive rational debates to further the interests of Singapore and Singaporeans. Mr Speaker, Sir, Singapore may have its beginnings forged in the crucible of crisis, but time and again, we have proven our mettle and prevailed against the odds. For our forebears had fought to bring Singapore forward, for the many storms we have weathered since our independence, including the Asian Financial Crisis, SARS and the Global Financial Crisis, we have prevailed. We will and we must prevail again today. We must continue to rise to the challenge, adapt and emerge stronger. We will need to prepare our lives to overcome this crisis and after this crisis. We will need to reset, refresh, review, reinvent and rethink our strategies to become successful in the next normal. We must unite so that our economy will again prosper anew. We must unite even more so as external forces seek to divide us. We must unite so that we can leave behind a better society for children and their children. I urge all of us to come together to build a liveable and sustainable society and country founded on mutual trust with opportunities for all.[+1 sentence] Let us continue to have faith and be of good courage. Listen well, look out for one another, stay strong and communicate with grace and empathy.[+2 sentences] I now call upon all the Members of this House to join me in thanking the President for her Address. [(proc text) 'We, the Parliament of the Republic of Singapore, express our thanks to the President for the Speech which he delivered on behalf of the Government at the Opening of the First Session of this Parliament.'." (proc text)]