Committee of Supply – Head L (Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment)

Head L (cont) –

Resumption of Debate on Question [3 March 2021],

"That the total sum to be allocated for Head L of the Estimates be reduced by $100." – [Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang].

Question again proposed.

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Climate Change and Coastal Adaptation

Dr Lim Wee Kiak (Sembawang): Mdm Chair, the annual ice loss from Greenland Ice Sheet rose seven-fold annually during the last decade and the Antarctic ice loss nearly quadruple per year in the last decade as well. To meet the expected long-term sea level rise, the minimum land reclamation level in Singapore was raised from three to four metres above mean sea level in 2011. We have been continually shoring up our coastal areas, especially those which were reclaimed not so long ago.

Increasingly we are feeling the impact of rising sea waters. During the 2019 National Day Rally (NDR), Prime Minister presented the long-term plan of coastal protection against rising sea levels. He mentioned that from the city to our east coast areas are low-lying grounds that will be vulnerable to flooding when sea level rises. One of the exciting projects he mentioned was the building of polders following the example of the Netherlands along the coastline. These are seawalls built further out at sea and the water is then pumped out. It will create new land that could be used for housing and other purposes.

The alternative is even more exciting. This is to reclaim a series of islands offshore, from Marina East all the way to Changi, then join them up with barrages and create a huge freshwater reservoir similar to Marina Reservoir. In this way, we can further enhance our water resilience.

Prime Minister mentioned that these will be huge investments amounting up to $100 billion and we need to long-term planning up to a 100 years. Last year alone, the Government spent $100 billion in four Budgets. Since the projects will yield huge benefits for our country in the long term, can we consider bringing in these large infrastructure projects forward so we can realise the benefits even earlier? It also helps to promote and build our SMEs in their capabilities as well.

Building polders and creating new land that can also be sold and raise funds for the project. Given our finite land and sea space, how will the building of the polders and offshore islands affect our shipping lanes? Will our Navy have any more waters to sail after the construction?

Can the Ministry provide an update on this very exciting project, with what has been done since 2019? And I would like to ask the Minister whether can he share with the House how does our Government ensure that coastal adaptation measures are cost-effective and adequately resourced, given this is a long-term and large-scale effort?

Like what our Prime Minister said during the NDR 2019, we must make this effort now. Otherwise, one day, our children and grandchildren will be ashamed of what our generation did not do.

Climate Change and Coastal Protection

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin (Ang Mo Kio): Madam, growing up, we teach our children that Singapore is an island city-state and many of us have fond memories by the beach or enjoy fishing, boating or watersports. Our blue spaces are precious and debris pollution, coastal development and high usage of these spaces can have lasting negative impact on our marine environment. When we factor in climate change and the fact that only about 30% of our island is only less than five metres above the mean sea level, I believe that coastal protection needs to be a priority for now and for future generations. The announcement of the PUB assuming the role of the nation's Coastal Protection Agency in 2020 is heartening, as efforts are coordinated.

Can the Minister update on PUB's effort, since assuming this role, and what are the future plans? What are some examples of coastal adaptation solutions that will be examined under the site specific studies mentioned and to what extent will nature based solutions be considered as we must be careful about reclamation. And will there be a coastal protection masterplan similar to the Green Building masterplan?

Mitigating Impacts of Extreme Weather

Ms Hazel Poa (Non-Constituency Member): Mdm Chair, flash flooding has steadily become more frequent in the last 10 years. With climate change, we can expect such extreme weather events to become more common. As we continue to convert more of our forests into developments, we lose the many protective benefits of forests in moderating the impacts of extreme weather. For example, forests help slow the flow of water into our drainage system, reducing flooding risks. Therefore, when floods happen, we cannot point the finger solely at climate change, when we ourselves have been partly to blame. As we cut down more forests, we will have to spend more on ensuring that our physical drainage infrastructure and flood response systems can keep up.

While the Ministry has an established monitoring and response system for flooding, what are the plans to address the root causes of flooding in vulnerable areas? Does the Ministry's flood protection plans adequately account for possible future increases in extreme rainfall?

Improve Flood Resilience

Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling (East Coast): Madam, climate change has resulted in more unpredictable and intense rainfall culminating in more frequent incidences of flash floods around Singapore. Just last November, flash floods occurred in three areas and water levels in drains and canals rose to 90% of their capacity in eight other locations.

Beyond flash floods causing destruction and inconveniences, the incessant rainfall had also resulted in the uprooting of trees, posing safety concerns for Singaporeans. Thus, it is pivotal that we have a comprehensive and coordinated understanding on Singapore's level of flood resilience.

I would like to ask the Minister what is Singapore's plan in ensuring we have adequate inland flood management system to handle the increasing unpredictable weather? I would like to raise three areas for MSE's consideration.

One, improvements in existing drainage systems and buildings in low-lying areas. Many of these flash floods occur in low-lying areas with some in private estates. Unlike the public housing, the private estates do not have a dedicated Town Council to handle and address these municipal issues. Would any support be provided to enhance the infrastructure on drainage system in existing private estates and older buildings?

Two, periodic assessments of efficacy of measures to allow for nimble, adaptive changes. Since the BCA Coastal Adaptation Study was concluded in 2019, can Minister provide an update on the measures undertaken in response to this study? From the findings, are there more areas that need to be further reviewed and what would the periodic assessment on the efficacy of the measures entail?

Three, introducing contingency measures. While extensive measures have been adopted to protect our coastal areas and reduce and flood risks, however, with the best of efforts, we are always vulnerable to the forces of nature. Do we have any contingency measures in place should an incessant heavy downpour coupled with high tide conditions and maximum canal holding capacity coincide? I suggest we increase the vegetation topsoil to serve as absorbent layer for water drainage especially in areas like park connectors along the water banks or planting along the roads.

The Chairman: Mr Gan Thiam Poh, please take your three cuts together.

Mitigate Inland Floods

Mr Gan Thiam Poh (Ang Mo Kio): With climate change, comes more extreme weather conditions. Singapore is no exception and we are experiencing more unpredictable and intense rainfalls. Going forward, we can continue to expect more of such sudden and heavy precipitation. What are some of PUB's plans to mitigate inland floods in the face of this challenge?

As we continue to develop and become more densely built up, how can we ensure that we have enough green lungs and basins to absorb the surface run-off? Do our reservoirs and catchment tanks have sufficient capacities?

What upgrading and assistance measures have we implemented to protect and help residences and shophouse in older, low-lying areas? Would the Ministry provide an update on the safety measures, such as higher barricades for pavements next to drains, for the protection of pedestrians during floods?

Reduce Heat Emissions

Temperatures have been rising in Singapore, and our residents have been feeling it outdoors and in their homes. There are some measures that we, as individuals, can take to help reduce heat emissions.

Firstly, we should reduce the use of air-conditioning and switch to fans whenever possible. Air-con cools an interior by releasing the waste heat to the outside. Adjusting the air-con to a comfortable temperature of around or just above 25 degree Celsius instead of blasting colder air, will help reduce the amount of heat that it generates to the exterior.

The use of refrigeration has a similar impact on external temperatures. Reducing our demand for non-essential cold items, for example, drinks, ice-cream and desserts, is another way to help reduce heat emissions. Would the Ministry advise what more can we do to reduce heat emissions from human activities?

Urban Heat Island Effect

Increasingly, due to human activities, such as transportation and intense use of air-conditioning, Singapore is experiencing worsening Urban Heat Island effect, in short it is called UHI. This is generally understood to describe the air temperature difference between urban and rural areas. However, in the Singapore context, it would mean the difference between our built-up and green areas.

How will Singapore's urban temperature rise as a result of global warming, and how would this exacerbate the UHI effect? How does the Government measure the extent of the UHI effect and has any research been conducted? Which sectors are the main contributors to the urban heat island effect in Singapore and what has the Government done to mitigate or reduce it? Does the Ministry have any new measures to reduce this and how can we, as individuals, contribute to this effort?

The Chairman: Mr Louis Ng, please take your four cuts together.

Ranking of Top Emitters

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang (Nee Soon): Madam, I have asked several times in this House for the Government to disclose data on top emitters in Singapore. As I mentioned during the climate change Motion, Singaporeans increasingly live their lives in a sustainable way. They should be given more information with which to make their consumption decisions.

The UK already requires all big companies to include emissions data in their annual reports, and the EU provides large amounts of emissions data on all facilities level across its member states. The German Institute of Economic Research has found that such company-level disclosures work, reducing emissions by 17% permanently.

The Government has shared that company-level emissions may reveal confidential business performance. In this case, I propose that we publish a ranking of the top emitters without sharing their exact emissions level. This allows the public to make more informed consumption decisions without compromising the business confidentiality of our businesses.

Will the Ministry consider this proposal? It strikes a fair balance between the trade-offs.

Tackling E-waste

As Singapore pursues its Smart Nation initiative, we must also be smart about how we manage our e-waste. We generate more than 60,000 tonnes of e-waste annually. This astounding amount of e-waste will only increase. If not handled properly, e-waste contains small amounts of harmful substances that can threaten our health and our environment.

I am heartened that the Government has been building up its e-waste recycling facilities and capabilities. I have been raising this issue in Parliament since 2016 and I am glad that MSE announced that the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for e-waste will be implemented from July this year. Can MSE share whether we are on track to meet this target? Can MSE also share its plans on how it will raise awareness on the EPR and make recycling e-waste convenient for all, so that we can all do our part to make the EPR a success?

Reducing Consumption of Disposables

Last year, I shared with the House about the Zero Waste Masterplan in Nee Soon East. I talked about how we had saved 39,792 disposables since the launch of our Zero Waste Masterplan in April 2019. COVID-19, unfortunately, threw a spanner in the works but we will restart the Zero Waste Masterplan once we can.

I commend MSE for putting together a diverse Citizens' Workgroup to tackle this issue of excessive consumption of disposables. How will MSE incorporate the recommendations from the recently concluded Citizens' Workgroup into its plans to better manage disposables in Singapore? Will the public service take the lead by committing to end the use of all disposables at all public service events?

The Ministry also announced that it will put in place a Deposit Refund Scheme for beverage containers by 2022 as the first phase of the EPR framework for packaging waste, including plastics. Can the MSE share more details on the progress on this?

Tackling Food Waste

Lastly, food waste is one of the biggest sources of waste in Singapore. In 2019, we generated over 700,000 tonnes of food waste.

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I am currently working on a Private Member’s Bill to tackle food waste and hope to introduce a Good Samaritan's Food Donation Bill. We have completed our first round of consultations and I am glad to have the strong support from civil society and industry players.

I am also glad to see the Government taking active steps to address food waste. MSE announced that it will introduce mandatory food waste segregation requirements for large commercial and industrial premises. Beyond segregation, it is also important for companies to be aware of the amount of food waste they dispose of. Food waste represents a cost to companies. Data about food waste generated will help companies better manage their processes to reduce waste. This is both a win for sustainability and for the companies’ bottom lines.

Will MSE consider requiring companies that have to segregate food waste for treatment to also report the amount of food waste segregated?

Plastic and Styrofoam Materials

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong (Hougang): Mdm Chairperson, with Singaporeans increasingly aware of the need to be environmentally conscious, we should bolster our fight against the use of plastics. In the Green Plan, one of the key pillars is sustainable living, where policies will be geared towards propelling us into a zero-waste nation powered by a circular economy. Physical recycling is the main channel to reuse plastic, but our current recycling rate of only 4% for plastics is poor. To tackle our plastics waste issue, we will, therefore, also need a reduction of plastics consumption, especially single-use plastics. When we are just focusing solely on recycling, this neglect on reducing our waste is what drives production which, in turn, creates carbon footprint.

To put matters in perspective, a recent research by researchers from NTU and their colleagues in Finland has shown how single-use plastic bags have a global warming potential 14 times more than a reusable plastic bag. I understand that the citizens' workgroup on reducing excessive consumption of disposables was convened and it called for a fee for each plastic bag if they take three or more of them at supermarkets. I wish to lend my support to this call and ask that the Ministry also study a single-use plastics charge across retailers and F&B outlets, phased in over five years, to encourage a reduction in plastics waste and look for alternatives.

Concerns raised on the potential negative effects on lower income households can be tackled by having a rebate scheme. The authorities can also work with charity groups and non-profit organisations to give out complimentary reusable bags. I repeat my call in my Budget debate speech last year for mindsets to shift in the way we consume, to only use what we need to use. In supermarkets or shops, can we use more of good quality reusable shopping bags like this one, something that I have been using for the last nearly 20 years? If we only need to use, say, one or two plastic bags for refuse disposal a day, can we not take more plastic bags than we need? In this way, we may end up using fewer plastic bags and may still have enough bags for our refuse.

Toilet Improvement Programme

Mr Pritam Singh (Aljunied): Mdm Chair, the NEA's newly-launched Toilet Improvement Programme (TIP) extends grants to Town Councils at an amount capped between $60,000 and $90,000. The grant seeks to raise the hygiene and cleaning standards of public toilets. A corollary aim of the TIP is to encourage the removal of smoking corners. For the grant to be disbursed, Town Councils have to ensure the renovation works to their toilets – provided they are approved for innovation – are completed by 31 March 2022.

Madam, I seek clarity on the policy reasons behind tying the upgrading of toilets with the removal of smoking corners at hawker centres. While the grant can be tapped upon should a smoking corner not be removed in a hawker centre, the quantum of the grant is quite significantly reduced.

In designing the grant parameters, what impact does NEA foresee in the event of the removal of smoking corners from hawker centres with existing smoking corners? Specifically, what is the assessment of the displacement effect of smokers from hawker centres out into the community?

While I appreciate NEA and the medical advice would lean on the very reasonable hope that some smokers would quit the habit as a result of the removal of smoking corners, there is a greater likelihood, at least in the immediate term, of smokers migrating from hawker centres to other areas in the community. This includes smoking in the comfort of their own homes, potentially leading to more nuisance complaints from their fellow neighbours.

To this end, what is the policy connection between toilet upgrading and the removal of smoking corners? Quite simply, the TIP grant and its objectives, while independently commendable, will create the prospect of new disamenities in other Town Council-managed areas and, possibly, between HDB flat dwellers. Town Councils may well have to create new smoking areas somewhere else close to the hawker centres shortly after the grant is given to the Town Council, or even reinstate a smoking corner in the market after the grant has been disbursed. Would it not be a better policy for NEA to tie the TIP grant with specific compulsory criteria related to the renovation of toilets that are energy-saving, green and come with lower life-cycle costs, in line with the Government's Green Plan and targets?

To this end, some of the recommended features in the TIP include the toilet feedback management system – something I believe is akin to those found in shopping centres and/or the airport where users rate toilet cleanliness. Other additions NEA has recommended include the installation of toilet pedestal mounted bidets.

Sir, public toilets at hawker centres are heavily utilised. It is open to question whether some of these recommended features under the TIP are practical in the long term. It is difficult to imagine how much care must be taken by a cleaner to hygienically clean a toilet pedestal mounted bidet and, separately, how easily such a feature can be damaged in a heavy-use setting. I would like to make two suggestions to the scheme, along with some other questions.

Firstly, extend the programme beyond March 2022, by when toilets are expected to be completed to qualify for the grant.

Secondly, NEA should conduct a pilot scheme at a very heavily-utilised public toilet in a busy hawker centre to field trial and assess the viability of the recommended TIP features. It would be important to study the steady state condition of the pilot toilet at this hawker centre, which should be perceptible after a few months of use, allowing for a better perspective on the effectiveness of the measures proposed. With hawker culture recently added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, it would be important to get this done right so that a broadly consistent toilet hygiene standard is consistent across all hawker centres in Singapore.

Thirdly, the TIP also envisages an enhanced maintenance regime, the details of which have not been communicated to Town Councils. Does NEA envision an increase in manpower to achieve the cleanliness standards required?

Finally, can I also check whether market associations or committees were spoken to, along with Town Councils that manage NEA markets, for their feedback before the TIP scheme was considered? And in light of the tiered nature of the grant, how many hawker centres in Singapore currrently do not have smoking areas and, out of these, how many are newly constructed hawker centres and how many are legacy hawker centres?

Environmental Services Industry

Dr Lim Wee Kiak: Mdm Chairman, as we build more offices, factories, medical institutions, eating places, the demand for manpower in the environmental service sector will continue to rise and it will rise to a level that will not be sustainable, unless we tap on technology and automate. One good example comes to mind is NEA's $10.8 million Environmental Robotics Programme, with the support of National Robotics R&D Programme, for the development of robotics solutions to improve productivity. Through various agencies, including NTUC, the Ministry is working with them to support SMEs to build up their capabilities, carry out our product development and carry out job redesigning and so forth. I hope that the Ministry can speed up this particular programme and put more resources into it.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has put even more demands on this industry now as public hygiene and cleanliness come into the spotlight. Almost overnight, to control the spread of the pandemic, the use of face masks, gloves, plastics and various containers used for food deliveries has become an environmental nightmare. The indiscriminate disposal of face masks and gloves, especially if not properly done so, could choke up our waterways and pose a hazard to our environment. The situation was exacerbated during the circuit breaker period when many of the foreign workers in this particular sector could not work. Water got clogged in the drains, open parks and, in many areas, grass was not cut, mosquito breeding and outbreaks of dengue clusters became another hazard.

Then there is the volume of waste coming from medical centres, hospitals which needs to be addressed, ranging from syringes, face masks to disposable personal protective equipment. Are the existing waste facilities able to cope with this unusual volume of medical waste?

As the COVID-19 period prolongs, may I also ask what is the Ministry’s plan to support and help the industry to transform so that they are able to better cope with the new challenges they face in this particular sector?

Littering

Mr Lim Biow Chuan (Mountbatten): Mdm Chairman, for the past few years, I have been involved in litter picking in my constituency. Sadly, I do not see much improvement in the state of cleanliness in the estate. My grassroots leaders and I still see cigarette butts, empty cigarette packets, drink bottles, plastic bottles, plastic bags, used tissues, used face masks thrown all over the floor. At hawker centres, you will see chopstick wrappers strewn all over the ground as well.

Despite the increased number of summonses issued against litterbugs, I feel that the littering situation has not improved in the past five years? If this is the case, NEA should consider other options to signal that littering is not acceptable.

I urge NEA to consider amending the law to allow imposition of a corrective work order for all littering offenders, instead of only for the second offender. NEA must send a message to all litterbugs that their acts of littering have negatively affected the environment and that the litter must be picked up by others. Hopefully, with a Corrective Work Order stint, the offender will see the mess caused by their own actions and acknowledge their role to keep the environment clean. Why should the average Singapore citizen have to live with a dirty environment caused by a few inconsiderate litterbugs?

The Chairman: Ms Rachel Ong. Please take your three cuts together.

Foster Individual Ownership for CleanSG

Miss Rachel Ong (West Coast): Thank you, Madam. My first cut relates to fostering individual ownership for a clean Singapore.

Good personal and public hygiene are our first two lines of defence against diseases. Last year, the pandemic had catapulted to public attention new standards of hygiene required in the fight against public health threats. It was timely that MSE launched the SG Clean movement in February 2020 to galvanise a whole-of-nation effort to strengthen cleanliness and public hygiene in Singapore. Over the years, the Ministry has rolled out different initiatives to raise cleanliness and hygiene standards in public spaces and promote positive social norms, such as the SG Clean Quality Mark. Sustained collective action will be imperative to inculcate a sense of personal and social responsibility in the community. Could a Ministry share more on its efforts and progress of the various initiatives to soster individual and social responsibility?

Transformation of Environmental Services

My second cut relates to the transformation of our Environmental Services industry, specifically Pest Management. The Pest Management industry plays a critical role in securing premises against vectors and vector-borne diseases in Singapore and in safeguarding our public health. In 2019, the Ministry announced that the Pest Management sector will be integrated with the Environmental Services Industry Transformation Map. Many regard this to be timely as this will also accord opportunities for our local enterprises and provide meaningful jobs for Singaporeans. I would like to ask the Ministry for an update on its efforts in supporting the industry in the transformation in light of the new challenges.

Sustaining the Hawker Industry

My third cut relates to sustaining the hawker culture. Singaporeans enjoy hawker food. Many of us celebrated when our hawker culture was recognised by UNESCO in December 2020. The Ministry had previously announced that 20 new hawker centres will be built. Seven centres have been completed and the remainder 13 are to follow. We understand that the key reason we engage operators through the Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centre (SEHC) model was to leverage their private sector experience so as to better improve the management of hawker centres and meet our community needs.

The initial implementation saw resistance from hawkers due to higher cost and inflexible contract conditions that had to be worked out. Since then, the Government has announced that the remaining 13 centres will be run under the SEHC model. How will NEA continue to work with social enterprise operators to ensure that the success of these new hawker centres while also factoring in the earlier feedback from hawkers relating to the challenges they face under the SEHC model?

Promoting Singapore's Hawker Culture

Mr Leong Mun Wai (Non-Constituency Member): Mdm Chair, we salute our hawkers who had toiled to provide affordable food for generations of Singaporeans and we congratulate them, our Government and all supporters on our achievement in getting Singapore’s hawker culture inscribed on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list.

However, to protect and preserve the heritage and traditions of our hawker culture in an authentic manner is challenging.

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Hawker centres were built rapidly throughout the 1970s and early 1980s to resettle the street hawkers and to cater for the demand of the population in the new satellite towns, but they have actually been declining in popularity since the late 1980s as Singaporeans looked for a better eating environment. As a result, the number of hawker centres peaked in 1985 at about 140 and began to decline to about 100 by the turn of the millennium.

As our F&B scene become more sophisticated and diverse but also more expensive, hawker centres remain a source of good, affordable meals for Singaporeans.

However, high rentals and running costs have caught up making it very difficult for new hawkers to enter the market. Even allowing some hawker centres to be run by social enterprises did not solve the high running cost problem. But the most pressing problem of the hawker trade is to replace an entire generation of retiring hawkers. Today, the median age of hawkers is 60 years. Many of them do not have successors because their children mostly do not want to take over the back-breaking trade and it is also their wish not to have their children taking over from them.

There is also the inherent clash between providing affordable meals which means that the hawker trade will be of low profitability and attracting young Singaporeans into the industry. Hence, there may be a need to review the policy of positioning our hawker food as a source of cheap meals.

Perhaps our focus should be on the preservation of our food culture and recipes, much like the intellectual property in other industries, whilst allowing the form of the hawker centre to evolve in tandem with society.

But above all, when promoting a hawker culture, we should not forget to take care of our ageing hawkers to ensure that they have a well-deserved retirement for preserving our local food culture and recipes through their decades of hard work.

Hardship Scheme for Hawker Centre Stalls

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap (Aljunied): Madam, I would like to suggest to make our hawker culture industry more inclusive, compassionate by re-introducing the Hardship Scheme for hawker centre stalls. This scheme was started in mid-1970s and was meant for those aged 40 and above whose family income fell under stipulated threshold and who had dependants to support to rent hawker stalls at subsidised rates.

I made the call to introduce this scheme in 2016. The Ministry responded that the scheme was discontinued in the early 1990s as was deemed ineffective due to low take-up rate and there is no intention to revive it.

I am repeating my call today as within the last four years, I have met a number of needy residents, a couple of them are ex-offenders, who shared that they have culinary skills and expressed their aspiration to run hawker stall with an affordable operating cost.

The hardship scheme may not be a standalone scheme. It could be a sub-scheme under the Incubation Stall Programme or ISP, specifically targeting two groups – needy Singaporeans and ex-offenders which are specifically beneficiaries of ComCare scheme and Yellow Ribbon Project. I suggest that the scheme be re-introduced and to implemented as a Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centre (SEHC) model which would be congruous with its social mission, a point which Senior of State Dr Amy Khor has alluded to before in this House.

Providing such opportunity and support to needy individuals and ex-offenders, among us, via the hardship scheme for hawker centre stall is, indeed, a very noble social mission.

The Chairman: Mr Gan Thiam Poh, please take your three cuts together.

Hawker Succession

Mr Gan Thiam Poh (Ang Mo Kio): Our efforts to honour our hawker trade had culminated in the successful inscription of our Hawker Culture on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. We must continue to support and sustain the hawker trade so that it will prosper for many more generations to come.

NEA and SSG launched the Hawkers’ Development Programme last year to attract and train prospective hawkers, aspiring hawkers. I would like to ask if the programme will ensure the teaching of diverse heritage recipes and preparation methods.

I support the Government’s effort to match older retiring hawkers without successors with suitable aspiring hawkers, so that they can pass on their crafts or stalls. How would the Government identify these hawkers, and what will be done to support both the retiring and aspiring hawkers during these transitions?

Progress of New Hawker Centres

Our hawker centres are our national canteens and provide a wide range of affordable and delicious food. They are highly desired in neighbourhoods and many residents in the newer estates request for them.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our everyday lives significantly, including our construction sector. Many building projects had to be postponed and works are being delayed. I would like to ask the Government how has COVID-19 impacted the progress of the construction of new hawker centres? Would the Ministry give an update on the new completion dates of the centres in the pipeline? I would also like to find out if the new centres will continue to come under the Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centre (SEHC) model?

Foster Public Hygiene

One of the most important qualities of a civilised society is public hygiene. Each one of us need to step up to keep our environment clean. Over the years, the Government had conducted several campaigns to encourage individuals to do their part. The encouragement include keeping premises clean and pest-free, refraining from littering, keeping toilets clean and dry and so on.

I agree with many concerned citizens that we need collective action to achieve our vision of a clean Singapore, instead of a "cleaned Singapore" relying on an army of cleaners to pick up after us. We should aim for high cleanliness standards even after the pandemic is over. In what other ways and through which channels would the Ministry tap on to continue to encourage socially desirable behaviours, and foster individual and social responsibility?

The Chairman: Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin, please take your four cuts together.

Enhancing Hawker Centres and Wet Markets

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin (Ang Mo Kio): Thank you, Madam. These cuts are about food.

First, our hawker centres. The recent recognition of Singapore's Hawker culture as an intangible cultural heritage under UNESCO and the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us many lessons about our wet markets and hawker centres. Wet markets are such an important part of our culture and I recently had the opportunity to interact with two young women Pam and Tahira, who initiated the Pass the Pasar Movement to encourage more Singaporeans to visit our wet markets and share the experiences.

Such efforts continue to make these precious spaces relevant for the next generation and, as someone from the younger generation I disagree that hawker centres are less popular among my generation today as many of us "tabao"-ed these places during the circuit breaker.

Will the Government be considering further enhancements to the infrastructure of our hawker centres to ensure they will: firstly, be safe and clean; and secondly, continue to be relevant and exciting for our people from all walks of life.

As we embark on our sustainability push, will the Government also be looking into how to make hawker centres and wet markets more sustainable in the long run and reduce food wastage at scale?

Support for Local Food Production

COVID-19 has shown that food security is of utmost importance. During critical periods when supply chains could be disrupted, the delivery of vital goods could be impaired and in Singapore we are investing in increasing local food production as a safeguard.

In 2020, SFA launched the 30 by 30 Express Grant to help farms accelerate the ramp up in local food production. What is the progress of the farms that were awarded the 30 by 30 Express Grant and successful tenderers of the agri-land and MCSP plots and are we on track to meeting our goals? How will the Government ensure that the new support schemes meet painpoints and are effective in helping our farmers to grow the local agri-food sector capabilities? Can we also have the Government's assurance that the boost in locally produced food will go first and foremost towards meeting domestic consumption, or if they are grown for export, will that count towards our "30 by 30" target?

Sustainable Aquaculture and Clean Oceans

As of 2019, there are around 220 licensed land-based and sea-based farms in Singapore. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted Eco-Ark, our first high-tech fish farm, which is able to produce 166 tons of fish a year. Achieving our aquaculture goals should be done in a sustainable and resource efficient manner that is friendly to our marine environment.

Some of our sea-based farms are located near community spaces. For example, near Bendera Bay in the Southern Islands. For such farms in close proximity to our blue spaces, I hope we are extra mindful of the potential impact. Could the Government elaborate how close containment sea-based farming systems are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional sea-based farming systems? Does the Government have additional plans to increase the resilience of the aquaculture sector? And does the Government plan to have support for the labour market to adjust to these new technologies?

Ensuring Food Safety

Finally, on safeguarding food safety. It has been more than a year since the formation of SFA. How has the consolidation of food functions into a single agency benefited the industry?

As we evolve into a new norm, food delivery services have also played an important role over the past year with more people handling food before it reaches the consumer. Beyond consumers indicating how many stars out of five on food delivery platforms, can we indicate cleanliness and hygiene, for example, and will delivery riders be equipped and trained to better handle food?

Growing Singapore's Agri-food Eco-system

Mr Don Wee (Chua Chu Kang): Mdm Chair, during the COS debate last year, the Ministry announced that it would masterplan Lim Chu Kang to optimise food production using our limited farming area. Given the potential impact on livelihoods and the environment, how had the relevant stakeholders been involved in the masterplanning process?

Will these experienced farmers and their staff be invited to participate in the new plans and be given assistance to change or upgrade their operations so that they can be part of the new production initiatives? For those who choose to retire or discontinue, what assistance or compensation will be provided for them?

Will there be any disruptions to our food production during this transition period.

Next, I declare my interest as the Council Member of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants and I am working with a Singaporean bank. For a new eco-system to flourish, availability of financing is important. Will the Ministry consider working with MAS and Association of Banks of Singapore to develop Singapore into a global, if not a regional green trade financing hub.

Next, concepts like sustainable financing and carbon credits are still relatively new to many local companies which are unsure of the accounting treatment. Thus, I also urge the Ministry to work with the Accountancy body or Singapore Accountancy Commission to formulate a prescriptive set of accounting standards and framework. I am confident we can be the credible accountancy and financing hub for sustainability.

Food Security

Dr Lim Wee Kiak (Sembawang): Mdm Chair, the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic certainly jolted many in Singapore about the importance of a robust supply chain system in place. The scenes of panic buying at the supermarkets are still fresh in our mind from last year.

As an island state, while we are ranked as number one in the EIU Global Food Security Index against countries like US, Switzerland, Norway and Germany. But this does not give us comfort when you start to read about countries shutting down their borders, sea and airports and also thousands of workers, farmers and truckers stricken by the virus.

Ninety percent of our food comes from overseas, and we buy from 170 places worldwide.

Yes, during this pandemic, we did well. We were able to draw on our stockpile each time the shelves were emptied. We were able to ensure not only food but medical and petrol supply were flowing and essential services were not disrupted, giving assurances to the population.

Now that the pandemic has gone global, I am sure many countries who did not do their maths would be scrambling to get their supplies of essential food stuff and others. The market would be more competitive for everyone.

Disruption in supply can not only be caused by a global pandemic. Today, we live in an age of increasing uncertainty. We have in recent years seen unforeseeable disasters, some man-made and others natural. For example, wars, terrorist attacks, earthquakes, tsunamis, epidemics and nuclear reactor accidents, and even climate change resulting in crop failure or destruction of farmland due to wild fires.

As a land-scarce country, limited manpower supply and not exactly having the best climate for growing crops, is it realistic for us to aim for 30% of our food supply being produced locally by 2030? Maybe we should aim to get Temasek and our other local enterprises to increase their overseas investments in food production, in food supply so that we can further enhance our food security together with our neighbours.

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Are we building up a pool of talents in the field of agriculture technology? Can Minister share with the House what is the Government's overall plan to strengthen our food security, to prepare for any unforeseen supply chain disruption?

Safety of New Food Technology

Mr Gan Thiam Poh: Madam, in December last year, Singapore approved the sale of Eat Just's cultured chicken. We became the first country in the world to grant regulatory approval for the sale of cell-cultured meat.

Increasingly, with the growing demand for meat substitutes, we will see more novel foods for sale, such as plant-based proteins, cultured or lab-grown meat and edible farmed insects. Without the history of safe use, how can we ensure that new food production technologies, such as lab-grown meat, are safe for our consumers?

In the past, we had referred to the guidelines and the experience of other nations with bigger populations. As a pioneer, we do not have such data on human consumption to depend on. How will the Ministry assure the public?

Energy Efficiency in Water Treatment

Ms Poh Li San (Sembawang): Mdm Chairman, water usage in Singapore is about 430 million gallons a day. This consumption rate will likely double in 2060. Taking into consideration that water treatment technologies can be energy intensive, what are PUB's targets to improve its energy efficiency of water treatment?

In 2020, PUB announced that it has commenced the construction of the 60 megawatt-peak floating solar photovoltaic system on Tengeh Reservoir. What is the progress of that project and how many other reservoirs will be similarly equipped with floating solar panels?

In 2018, PUB and NEA announced that Tuas Nexus will be first in Singapore to treat both used water and food waste in the same facility to generate bio-gas for electricity production. Are there more plans to develop similar facilities to enhance sustainability? I hope the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment would shed light on these queries.

Enhancing Water Sustainability

Mr Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang): Mdm Chairman, despite new challenges to our water supply, Singapore has been successful in closing the water loop. We are collecting every drop of water and recycling it where possible. Some of it is purified into NEWater, one of our four national taps and recycled into our water supply. This is made possible with PUB's robust network of tunnels and sewers, including the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System, which funnels used water from households and industries to our water reclamation plants for treatment. This water is then further treated into NEWater in the NEWater factories.

I will talk about three areas in enhancing our water resources.

First, safeguarding used water resources. Used water is a precious resource that must be protected. Some companies irresponsibly discharge toxic waste and prohibited substances into our sewers. This could potentially disrupt the water reclamation process, and even compromise our NEWater supply. What are the Ministry's plans to deter such harmful and dangerous practices? In 2019, it was revealed that over a five-year period, nearly 120 companies were fined for illegal waste discharge. Some were even repeated offences. Do the penalties serve as adequate deterrence? Will there be more surveillance and harsher deterrent measures to protect our water supply?

Second, we need to improve our water efficiency. Singapore's success in re-using water is borne out of necessity, as we have very limited water resources. We cannot rest on our laurels, as we face significant challenges ahead. Our water demand continues to rise and is projected to almost double by 2060. Most of this demand will be driven by non-domestic use. Many older buildings which have older fittings, they are less efficient in using water compared to the newer systems. Older toilets also use more water when flushing, compared to newer and more water-efficient systems. This can contribute to higher water consumption, particularly in the buildings with higher human traffic, like shopping malls and offices. What plans does the Ministry have in place to manage the increasing water demand and improve water efficiency?

Third, we need to leverage on technology. It is insufficient to rely on regulations alone to manage water demand. Every individual, household and organisation in Singapore must make an effort to manage their water consumption and reduce usage where possible. Educating the public and businesses on water use can help to identify abnormal water usage and encourage the adoption of water-saving habits.

The Smart Water Meter Programme by PUB presents a good opportunity to leverage on technology to help people to save water. Some of my residents informed me that while they would like to reduce their water usage, they are unable to identify which activities consume the most water from the monthly data in their bill. Some even come to my Meet-the-People sessions to enquire about this and about their water bills. Daily water usage data tracking would be very helpful to help consumers quickly identify and change water wasting habits. Can the PUB provide updates about the new technologies to monitor and improve the efficiency of water use?

Managing PUB Pipe Leaks

Miss Cheng Li Hui (Tampines): Mdm Chairman, Singapore has some 5,700 km of water pipelines, supplying potable water to 1.6 million customers island-wide. Ageing waterpipes, corrosion and changing soil conditions can lead to pipe leakages. When pipes leak, precious water is lost and wasted from the system. There have been cases of large leaks or pipe bursts where a huge volume of water shoots out from the ground. Water supply is thus disrupted in some cases, causing inconvenience to some residents and businesses. As most of the pipelines are underground, small leaks can go unnoticed and may eventually develop to bigger leaks.

What are the steps by PUB to manage these pipelines and whether they are new technologies that can be adopted to better detect and prevent leaks?

The Chairman: Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean.

The Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security (Mr Teo Chee Hean): Mdm Chairman, climate change is the defining crisis of our time. In 2020, the world had to battle record-breaking forest fires, the most active Atlantic hurricane season on record until they ran out of alphabets to name the hurricanes, more frequent floods and droughts and other weather events leading to large-scale devastation.

As a low-lying island, Singapore remains fundamentally vulnerable to the impact of climate change, which poses an existential threat to us. We take a considered, committed and collective approach to the global climate crisis. My colleagues from five Ministries which are taking key measures for climate action in our Green Plan, are collectively responding to the points that Members have raised during this Budget debate and Committee of Supply and presenting the comprehensive action we are taking to put words into action to fight climate change.

I chair the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change which was established in 2007 to coordinate a whole-of-nation response. While we respond as individual Ministries, we have a collective thought out action plan behind this. This Committee has two important tasks. First, to formulate and execute our national plans to prepare ourselves for the impact of climate change. Second, to ensure that Singapore contributes to global climate action.

Last year, we submitted our enhanced 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and our Long-Term Low-Emissions Development Strategy (LEDS) under the Paris Agreement – our NDC and our LEDS. We made these commitments, well aware that they are challenging, given our national circumstances.

Mr Louis Ng, Mr Liang Eng Hwa and Ms Poh Li San will be glad to know that the goals which we have set are not meant to be static. We will press ahead with the measures which are within our control, and we will halve our emissions by 2030. But how soon we can achieve net zero, that means eliminate the other half, depends not only on what we do but it depends on what is done internationally in areas such as evolving and maturing key technologies, as well as international collaboration on key areas, such as carbon markets as well as the import and export of green electricity. We will continue to review our climate goals with the aim of achieving net zero emissions as soon as viable.

Allow me, Mdm Chairman, to take a step back to explain the thinking and guiding principles behind how we approach this global crisis.

For a small island city-state like Singapore, climate change poses an asymmetrical challenge. While Singapore contributes around 0.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the totality of global emissions, 100%, including the other 99.9%, affects us too and often, more seriously than it affects larger better endowed countries. So, we must do our best to tackle climate change, but ultimately, we depend on a collective global effort to address the issue at a global level.

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked about what Singapore is doing to promote this global collaboration. Singapore has been working hard to strengthen consensus and galvanise climate action regionally and globally. This has been especially critical at a time when the multilateral system is under strain from protectionism and unilateral action, further exacerbated by the challenges of COVID-19.

Singapore is often called upon, as a knowledgeable, fair and honest broker, to facilitate discussions to forge consensus for the work under the UNFCCC and its implementation rules. Unfortunately, COP-26 did not take place in Glasgow last year due to COVID-19. But our officials have continued to work actively on important international issues, such as rules for carbon markets and more stringent reporting of national emissions and climate action. We are also actively shaping multilateral discussions on reducing international transportation emissions, as suggested by Ms Mariam Jaafar.

At the same time, we have been carefully planning and implementing, in an integrated and coordinated long-term manner, the measures we need to take domestically for a low carbon future. As a small country with limited alternative energy sources, land and manpower, our trade-offs are much starker than what most countries face. Our carbon emissions set real cross-cutting constraints on our development and the daily lives of Singaporeans. We need to find ways to break out of these constraints through careful long-term planning and innovations in policy and technology. We look for synergies to give ourselves the space to grow, but when it is needed, we also have to make well-considered, real trade-offs.

Miss Rachel Ong, Ms Yeo Wan Ling and Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked about these trade-offs and how we are pursuing decarbonisation despite our constraints. Let me cite a few examples.

First, land use. Singapore is both a city and a country. Within our small land space, we need to accommodate not just housing, parks and commercial centres, but also power plants, reservoirs, air- and sea- ports, and industries. The trade-offs are real, and often the choices are difficult. We cannot wish these away. For example, unlike bigger countries, we do not have large plots of land for extensive solar farms. There are many competing land users, as we have debated in this House over these last few weeks. But we do strive to maximise solar energy by aggressively deploying panels on the rooftops of suitable HDB blocks. My colleague, the Minister for National Development will update us on this later.

Nationwide, we aim to deploy at least two Gigawatt-peak (GWp) of solar power in Singapore by 2030, which supplies energy equivalent to the consumption of about 350,000 households for a year.

We look for synergies. To supplement our limited land, we are also using our reservoirs for floating solar farms, something which several Members asked about. This allows us to use our reservoirs not just for water but also for solar power and to provide green lungs for recreation and water activities as well.

11.30 am

Last year, the new solar farm at Tengeh Reservoir began construction, and this will be among the world’s largest such facilities. It will generate enough solar power to meet the demands of our five local water treatment plants, making Singapore one of the few in the world to have a fully green waterworks system.

Second, securing our water and food supply is a key national priority. We are making significant progress for water. When I hear Members speak about recycling, do not forget that water recycling is recycling too, and we are one of the leaders in the world in water recycling. And when we count water recycling, our recycling rate is really very high. Last year, our desalination plant in Marina East commenced operations – our fourth such plant. We are making a major push for food security as well. Deputy Prime Minister Heng announced the new Agri-Food Cluster Transformation Fund for technology adoption in our agri-food sector.

We actively engage A*STAR and our Institutes of Higher Learning to develop novel, resource efficient approaches for food and water. These will help us break out of our constraints to secure our food, through careful long-term planning and innovations in policy and technology, and keep costs affordable while minimising carbon emissions. In that one long sentence, we can see the dilemmas and the trade-offs that we have to make in each one of the steps that we take.

Third, economy and jobs. Since the time Mr Lee Kuan Yew called for us to create a metropolis out of mudflats, we have always balanced development, conservation and the environment. This is reflected in Singapore being among the best 20 countries in the world today in terms of Emissions Intensity (EI), that is, emissions per GDP dollar. We have been able to grow our economy, create jobs, while keeping our emissions per GDP dollar one of the lowest in the world. And this is in spite of all of our constraints.

I listened very carefully to the speeches made by all the Members, but was particularly struck by the thoughtful analyses made by Ms Mariam Jaafar and Prof Koh Lian Pin. They have deep knowledge of these areas and they understand well the trade-offs as Singapore seeks new ways to grow our economy within a carbon-constrained envelope, and how we can balance conservation, development and jobs. They have made several good suggestions and useful proposals which we will certainly study very closely.

Mdm Chairman, companies will have to adjust their business models. Our workers have to shift to jobs in new areas of growth. One example is the energy and chemicals sector. Mr Abdul Samad, who is with us in this House, will be well aware of this. He and his unions are doing the actual work – they are doing the work helping workers to cope with this challenge and make the transition.

The switch to cleaner energy will reduce demand for more carbon-intensive fossil fuels. However, demand for sustainable fuels and higher value-added petrochemical products and specialty chemicals will grow. The modern green eco-system needs such products, such as in solar panels, batteries, thermal insulation for buildings, durable and light-weight parts for electric vehicles. And we are investing in sustainable energy too. Neste, the world’s largest producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, is expanding its production capacity here. They are already here, and they are expanding their production. When completed, Singapore will be home to Neste’s largest renewable products plant, creating new jobs.

Many of the major energy and chemical companies in Singapore have also committed to reach net zero by 2050 and Singapore will partner them in this shift.

The public sector will lead by example, by embarking on a comprehensive whole-of-Government programme, called GreenGov.SG, to reduce our resource footprint and carbon emissions, and to enable the rest of the economy to do likewise. The Minister for Sustainability and the Environment will speak more about this later.

At the national level, our comprehensive carbon tax, which covers 80% of Singapore’s carbon emissions, one of the most comprehensive coverages in the world, encapsulates these trade-offs by better aligning the real cost of carbon emissions with the emitter. Mr Sharael Taha asked about our plans for carbon tax and the resulting impact. As Deputy Prime Minister Heng said in his Budget speech, the Government will be reviewing the trajectory and level of the carbon tax, post-2023, in consultation with industry and expert groups. We seek a carbon tax level that will incentivise companies and consumers to switch to carbon friendly products, services and activities, while promoting industry innovation and new green growth.

There are already significant new investments in sustainable industries in Singapore. I just spoke abut Neste. Hyundai is constructing a research and development centre and electric vehicle pilot production facility in Singapore. These examples illustrate how Singapore can leverage and is leveraging our strengths in R&D, advanced manufacturing and logistics to create more opportunities and good jobs for Singaporeans.

In addition, we are taking steps to establish Singapore as a centre for carbon credits trading and services, for sustainability consultancy, and to play a significant role in green finance for sustainable development in a growing Asia. In fact, we are calling on Prof Koh Lian Pin on his expertise to help us develop in this area. This will also create new high quality jobs.

We are similarly taking a proactive approach to protect ourselves from the effects of climate change. This requires forward planning as climate change threats require solutions that span many decades. We have not been sitting on our hands. In fact, we are taking significant steps to protect ourselves from a rise in sea levels of up to one metre, which can be upon us by 2100.

Ten years ago, in 2011, we had raised the minimum level for new land reclamation by an additional metre to take this into account – to bring the minimum reclamation level of new land to two metres above the highest ever recorded tide in Singapore. Taking early action will often cost less in the long run, than trying to raise land levels or put in protection later. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment will be elaborating on our plans.

Being prepared for the future also includes developing new sustainability solutions, not just for ourselves but also for the rest of the world. Our $25 billion five-year Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan includes a significant portion for Urban Solutions and Sustainability (USS).

R&D plans in our USS domain include enhancing our resilience in energy, water and food, and developing more cost-effective solutions to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. We will also increase our R&D efforts in the use of renewables and emerging low-carbon technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation and storage, a subject which Miss Cheryl Chan is very knowledgeable about and spoke very lucidly on.

We will also develop solutions against rising sea levels, urban heat island effects, and other challenges brought about by climate change. As a “living lab”, we will continue to serve as a test-bed for innovative solutions that can be exported globally in cities around the world.

Mdm Chairman, I have outlined the principles which have guided our considered, committed and collective strategy on climate change – first, supporting and galvanising global action; second, finding synergies and addressing our trade-offs with creative solutions; third, turning constraints and challenges into new opportunities; and fourth, planning many decades ahead to prepare for the future and taking action now, and not waiting for the future to be upon us.

But most important of all, we need to overcome this existential challenge together, as a whole-of-nation. Ms Hany Soh asked how the Government intends to achieve this whole-of-nation effort.

Mdm Chairman, I am heartened that on 1 February this year, this House unanimously passed a Motion moved by Mr Louis Ng and his fellow Government Parliamentary Committees (GPC) Members, that acknowledged the seriousness of the global threat of climate change and called for action. This augurs well.

Last month, five Ministries collectively announced our Singapore Green Plan 2030. The Green Plan reflects this Government’s aspirations and commitment towards sustainable development for us. Many Singaporeans, especially young Singaporeans, are motivated and energised by this vision and want to play an active role. And our desire is to partner every Singaporean to transform Singapore into a glowing global city of sustainability. My colleagues from the respective Ministries will be elaborating on the initiatives under the Green Plan and responding to the specific comments from Members.

Our enhanced NDC, LEDS, and Green Plan have set challenging and ambitious goals for Singapore. I am confident that by rallying together as one, we will rise to the challenge, re-invent Singapore and create a brighter and sustainable future for all Singaporeans. [Applause.]

The Chairman: Minister Grace Fu.

The Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien): Mdm Chairman, with your permission, I would like to ask for a few requests. First, 4 March being the World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, I think it is an appropriate time for this House to recognise the many hard-working engineers that are contributing impactfully, positively to the sustainable development in Singapore. So, with your permission, may I put on record our recognition for all the engineers out there. [Applause.]

The Chairman: Yes, Minister.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Second, with your permission, Mdm Chairman, we will like clarifications on the various speeches given by Senior Minister, myself and the fellow Ministers coming after me on the Singapore Green Plan 2030, to be taken after Minister Chan Chun Sing's speech.

The Chairman: Yes, Minister.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: With your permission, Mdm Chairman, may I ask the Clerks to distribute the factsheets and infographics?

The Chairman: Please proceed.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Thank you. Mdm Chairman, Senior Minister Teo has set out the principles that guide Singapore’s response to climate change, taking into account our challenges, and the opportunities before us.

Climate change is one of the gravest threats facing mankind and Singapore. What is at stake is the survival and future of our small island state. One or two more degrees Celsius increase may not sound like much but if sea level rises a few metres, our sunny island could literally be in the sea. Climate change could also threaten our food and water supply. We have to take climate change seriously, study its impact and start preparing ourselves now. We have to develop a long-term climate action plan to both mitigate and adapt to climate change. This plan will span several generations to protect Singapore and our children.

This was why the Prime Minister spoke at length about climate change during his 2019 National Day Rally, and I quote: “Both the SAF and climate change defences are existential for Singapore. These are life and death matters. Everything else must bend at the knee to safeguard the existence of our island nation.” We must take climate change seriously. The Government is fully committed to take decisive action to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impact.

Last month, following a six-hour debate on the Motion tabled by six PAP Members after extensive engagements by the Young PAP, this House passed a motion to acknowledge climate change as a global emergency and a threat to mankind. I was most encouraged by the passion and concerns shown.

But our efforts alone will not turn the tide. Climate action requires urgent, collective and coordinated efforts by all countries, big and small. We have been working actively within ASEAN and the broader international community to deliver a global response to climate change and contribute to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

11.45 am

Madam, the course of human history has been shaped by innovation and discovery and we are on the cusp of yet another revolution today – a global sustainability revolution. Just as the invention of the steam engine and discovery of fossil fuels propelled us into the industrial age, the energy transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy will redefine how we power the global economy. This revolution will be driven by policy makers, consumers, inventors and investors who recognise the opportunities that will arise from a circular, low carbon economy. We must catch and ride this new global wave of sustainability.

Many MNCs are putting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations at the core of their business and investment decisions. I am happy that companies like Temasek are strongly committed to sustainability, embedding it in both their operations and investment approach. Singapore is well-positioned. We are not starting from scratch.

Since Independence, instead of pursuing growth at all costs, we have insisted on quality, inclusive and sustainable growth. Each generation of Singaporeans must see ourselves as stewards of our nation. We must pass on a better Singapore to the generations of Singaporeans that will come after us, just as the previous generations had done for us. We must build on our past achievements, strive to overcome our present limitations and pioneer new solutions for a more sustainable future.

Getting to that future will be a whole-of-nation effort, requiring every Government agency, individual, business, research institution, community group and civil society organisation to work in unison.

Sustainability is not an isolated programme or initiative but about engineering a whole system and cultivating a new way of life. Each challenge and its associated solution will impact on another. This requires hard trade-offs to be made and close coordination in execution.

This is the purpose of the Singapore Green Plan 2030. It is a commitment of this PAP Government to our present and future generations, to chart a common vision for a sustainable future and a roadmap for everyone.

Through the Green Plan, sustainability will shape our economy, our infrastructure, our way of life. It will fundamentally change how we live, work and play. The Government will set the broad policy direction and the public sector will lead the change. Through the GreenGov.SG initiative, it will exemplify sustainability in its actions and lead market demand for sustainable products and services.

More importantly, we want the Green Plan to spark a national conversation and energise Singaporeans to take action. Every Singaporean must be involved in this transformation because, first, sustainability is not costless. Just as we pay for our security and social services, we will have to pay a bit more for greener goods and services, adjust to less convenience in our daily lives, or reskill for green jobs in new industries. We cannot incur these costs without a national consensus.

Second, while climate change may feel abstract for individuals, it is our individual actions that determine the collective outcome. For example, if every household in Singapore raises the aircon temperature by one degree, we will cut carbon emissions by 23 kilo-tonnes, equivalent to the annual carbon emissions from 7,000 cars. Our consumption patterns drive industry. If we avoid disposables, buy locally produced food and prefer energy-efficient appliances, greener and more sustainable business models will emerge.

Third, we are excited about the new business opportunities that the sustainability sector can bring that will benefit Singaporeans and Singapore.

The Green Plan will also contribute to the international sustainability agenda and global climate goals. The Green Plan will lay out our priorities for collaboration with our international stakeholders. It is in our interest, and that of the world, to catalyse the development of green solutions, such as green hydrogen, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage.

We are well placed to contribute to the global effort. As a living lab, where new solutions can be test-bedded and exported to the region and beyond. And as a financial hub and talent hub, where green capital can find common objectives with skilled entrepreneurs and workers. This will allow us to pace our green transition correctly and stay in sync with the global trajectory so that we do not move too hastily and hurt our economic competitiveness and the livelihoods of Singaporeans, or move too slowly and get left behind.

Some have asked if the Green Plan is just a compilation of existing initiatives. Madam, it is not. The Green Plan is a long-term and living plan that will evolve as we go along. We will update our targets and strategies as new technologies and practicable solutions avail themselves.

The Green Plan is also not just an MSE or even a Government plan, but a blueprint that we have set out for ourselves as a nation and therefore, we have six other Ministers speaking on it.

Everyone must work together to achieve our vision. While some targets are existing, new and enhanced targets have been included. Even in areas where targets remain the same, we are putting in place comprehensive and concrete near-to-medium term plans to achieve our targets.

The Green Plan positions us to achieve our goal of net zero emissions as soon as viable. Beyond the specific mitigation strategies, it envisions a new future where sustainability is embedded in our DNA.

Madam, our targets and strategies are both ambitious and credible. Climate change is a global emergency. Our efforts alone will not turn the tide. Singapore contributes only around 0.1% of global emissions. But if we can succeed in our plans, we will show the world how a small country with severe constraints is nevertheless able to take bold action and pave the way for other countries to adopt new solutions.

Let me now give an overview of the Green Plan. There are five pillars: City in Nature, sustainable living, energy reset, green economy and resilient future. They represent the priority areas in Singapore's sustainable development over the next decade.

The first pillar on City in Nature seeks to create a green, liveable and sustainable home for Singaporeans. Minister Desmond Lee will talk about our efforts to infuse nature into our urban fabric.

Sustainable living is our second pillar. Conserving resources must become our way of life – consume less, recycle more and take public transport. Minister Lawrence Wong will share how we will nurture future generations to be more environmentally conscious. Minister Ong Ye Kung will speak about greening our commutes at MOT's Committee of Supply. I will elaborate on our transition towards a zero-waste nation.

To lower our carbon footprint, we will need to employ cleaner energy, and use it more efficiently and this is our third pillar, energy reset. Minister Tan See Leng will speak on plans to make our energy and power systems cleaner and more efficient. Minister Desmond Lee will share how we will make our built environment and urban spaces more sustainable and Minister Ong Ye Kung will make the case for electric vehicles.

Sustainability can be a new engine of jobs and growth as we pivot towards a green economy, the fourth pillar. Minister Chan Chun Sing will share how we will help our enterprises seize new opportunities in sustainability and prepare Singaporeans to take on green jobs. With our position as the regional financial and services hub, carbon services and green financing will be new areas of growth.

Finally, we must adapt to climate change to ensure Singapore's long-term survival. This is what the fifth pillar of the Green Plan is about – building a resilient future.

Let me speak on three aspects of the resilient future pillar. Additional details will be shared in my second speech later.

First, coastal defence, which Ms Poh Li San asked about. PUB, as the lead coastal protection agency, will work with other agencies to conduct site-specific studies and develop coastal adaptation pathways and protection measures that are adaptive to climate uncertainties. We target to complete the formulation of adaptation pathways at coastlines along City-East Coast, Lim Chu Kang, Sungei Kadut and around Jurong Island by 2030.

Second, keeping Singapore cool in a warming world. According to the Meteorological Service Singapore, it is almost one degree Celsius hotter today than in the 1950s. Apart from global warming, it is also driven by the Urban Heat Island effect, or UHI for short – a phenomenon where an urbanised area is warmer than its surroundings because of the built environment and increased human activities. The UHI effect is a complex topic that requires in-depth studies.

We will chart a science-based roadmap to holistically and decisively moderate temperature rise in Singapore.

Third, strengthening Singapore's food security by growing local in a resource-efficient way. With climate change bringing about widespread extreme weather events and soaring global demand for food, the global food market will be more volatile and unpredictable. And this is a critical risk for Singapore as we import over 90% of our food supply.

In 2019, we announced our "30 by 30" goal to produce 30% of our nutritional needs locally by 2030. We will do so with a keen eye on energy, water and land efficiency. This complements our other strategies of diversifying import sources and growing food overseas to strengthen food security.

To support the agri-food sector, we will make available space and infrastructure, ramp up funding support to build R&D capability and provide incentives for conventional farms to adopt technology to transform into highly productive, climate-resilient and resource-efficient farms.

While the five pillars of the Green Plan will map the way forward, the public, private and people sectors must come together for us to succeed, as Ms Hany Soh highlighted.

The Public Service will lead on sustainability as part of the GreenGov.SG initiative which Deputy Prime Minister announced in his Budget speech. We will have four shifts.

First, we will set more ambitious goals for the Public Service, including a carbon target for the first time. We aim to peak the public sector's emissions around 2025, ahead of the national target of around 2030.

Second, we will expand the scope of GreenGov.SG beyond Government offices, to include other public sector infrastructure and operations. GreenGov.SG will encompass a far wider array of assets to include waste-to-energy plants, public transport infrastructure, hawker centres and healthcare facilities. With this expanded scope, the public sector will take on a greater responsibility to enhance the sustainability of our operations.

Third, we will embed sustainability practices in the public sector's core business areas and influence our service providers and suppliers to be more sustainable. One key tool is in green procurement. As a major consumer of goods and services, the public sector can and will influence the industry towards sustainable business choices and practices by incorporating more sustainability requirements in our procurement framework.

Fourth, we will build an organisational culture of sustainability and grow the movement amongst Public Service officers. More details on GreenGov.SG will be released over the course of the year.

Besides the public sector, the private sector plays a critical role in the Green Plan, as Ms Janet Ang so eloquently argued for.

We will support companies in their sustainability journey through the green economy pillar. They can both do well and do good, particularly as consumers and investors increasingly prioritise sustainability.

This includes working with our researchers and companies to develop new solutions that push the frontiers on sustainability, such as through the Research Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2025 plan.

12.00 pm

As part of Singapore Together and to involve every Singaporean in the movement, as Ms Hany Soh, Miss Cheryl Chan have highlighted, the Government will launch a series of Green Plan Conversations. This is part of our efforts to partner, encourage, and support ground-up efforts and catalyse new partnerships. Projects in line with the Green Plan, and Alliances for Action will be launched in the coming months.

Through the $50 million SG Eco Fund, we will also support ground-up projects that involve the community and advance environmental sustainability. Ms Hany Soh asked about the current progress of the fund. The first grant call saw overwhelming interest with over 200 applications received, in areas like waste management and urban farming. We are evaluating the proposals and I look forward to sharing about them in the coming months. Madam, in Malay please.

(In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Climate change poses grave threats for Singapore. Last year was one of the hottest ever, with frequent and heavy rainfall events. We need to make deep transformations in all aspects of our lives and work together to tackle climate change.

To chart our pathway to a sustainable future, the Government has launched the Singapore Green Plan 2030, for a whole-of-nation action.

Everyone, regardless of age, race, and background can and must play a part.

As individuals, we can change our daily habits, by consuming and wasting less resources, recycling more, taking public transport where we can, or turning our air-conditioner up by one degree higher.

As businesses, we can use less packaging materials, adopt energy and water efficient manufacturing processes, and recycle our waste better, into useful resources.

The public sector will drive a nation-wide push towards sustainability using the tools and levers at our disposal, such as green procurement.

Our children' future depends on what we do today, to preserve our resources and protect the earth.

Let us work together to make Singapore a City of Green Possibilities.

(In English): In Mandarin, please.

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Climate change poses grave threats for Singapore. Last year was one of the hottest we have experienced, with frequent and heavy rainfall events. Climate changes has also brought about more severe natural disasters more frequently. We need to make deep transformations in all aspects of our lives and work together to tackle climate change.

To chart our pathway to a sustainable future, the Government has launched the Singapore Green Plan 2030, for whole-of-nation action

Everyone, regardless of age, race, and background can and must play a part.

As individuals, we can change our daily habits, by consuming and wasting less resources, recycling more, taking public transport where we can, or turning our air-conditioner up by one degree higher.

As businesses, we can use less packaging materials, adopt energy and water efficient manufacturing processes, and recycle our waste better.

The public sector will drive a nation-wide push towards sustainability using the tools and levers at our disposal, such as green procurement.

In the spirit of Singapore Together, through conversations and other channels, we will engage Singaporeans and businesses to harness more ideas and put them into action to enrich the Green Plan.

We will also update our strategies and targets as new technological solutions emerge.

Our children's future depends on what we do today, to preserve our natural resources and protect the earth.

Let us work together to make Singapore a City of Green Possibilities.

(In English): Let me conclude. A few months ago, I was struck by a question from my son. He is in his early 20s. He asked if I would still have had children, given how our planet is struggling to support a growing population, with the daunting challenges that climate change will pose. For him and his generation, the question is not hypothetical. My reply to him was absolutely, yes! Because I believe that humanity has the wisdom and ingenuity, and the collective will to find solutions to combat global warming.

The Green Plan is a solemn pledge to future generations of Singaporeans that there will always be a Singapore, come 30, 50 or even 100 years from now: a shining jewel in the oceans, if we work together. We will face many grave threats, but we will transform challenges into opportunities. This is the Singapore DNA.

We will take bold and collective action to create a sustainable and liveable home. This is a pledge that Singaporeans today must keep to give our children the confidence to pursue their dreams, raise their families with hope and optimism, and look forward to a brighter, better future.

Madam, climate change must not be exacerbated on our watch. Let us make the right choice today, so that our children and grandchildren can look back and be proud of the direction we have set. Together, let us work to make Singapore a City of Green Possibilities. [Applause.]

The Chairman: Senior Minister Teo, you have some clarifications?

Mr Teo Chee Hean: Thank you, Mdm Chairman. I would just like to take the opportunity to correct two dates which I mentioned in my speech.

First of all, we are halving our emissions by 2050. I may have misspoken and said "2030".

And when I referred to sea-level rise of one metre, it should be 2100, not "2010". I think the future is going to be upon us faster than we think. Thank you very much, Mdm Chair.

The Chairman: Minister Desmond Lee.

The Minister for National Development (Mr Desmond Lee): Mdm Chairman, Senior Minister Teo has just laid out the nature of the climate challenge facing Singapore, while Minister Grace Fu has set out the impetus for the Green Plan and outlined its five key pillars. I will now describe our plans to make our urban environment more green and sustainable under the City in Nature and Energy Reset pillars of the Green Plan.

As an island city vulnerable to climate change, the development of climate-resilient buildings is crucial to our survival. Beyond climate adaptation, we must also reduce carbon emissions from our urban environment. And we must continue greening Singapore. Given our tight land constraints, we must find innovative ways to weave nature into our urban fabric more intensively. And even as we face developmental pressures, we must strive to protect our most ecologically important areas.

Members have also asked about our plans to achieve these goals. We will make a big push on three fronts. First, transforming Singapore into a City in Nature; second, making our buildings, HDB towns and districts even more sustainable; and finally, driving research and development in urban sustainability.

Let me first start with our City in Nature push. Last year, we set out our goal to transform Singapore into a City in Nature. Ms Nadia Samdin asked for an update on our efforts. I will give a fuller update at the MND COS debate later today, but I will set out our plans for the future now.

First, we are greening our urban areas more intensively. Under URA’s Master Plan 2019, we will be adding another 1,000 hectares of green spaces over the next 10 to 15 years. As part of these efforts, we will add over 130 hectares of new parks over the next six years. At the same time, we will also enhance about 170 hectares of existing parks. These parks will feature more lush vegetation and natural landscapes. Altogether, Singaporeans can look forward to over 300 hectares of such parks by end-2026 – almost four times the size of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

As part of our plans, we are also expanding our nature park network, by setting aside 50% more land for nature parks. This will provide 200 hectares of new nature parks by 2030. Singaporeans can immerse themselves in the nature parks’ lush forests and enjoy nature-based recreational activities. Our new nature parks also act as buffers to protect our nature reserves against urbanisation, and provide more habitats for native flora and fauna to thrive.

Ms Nadia Samdin and Prof Koh Lian Pin also asked about how we can continue to improve connectivity between our natural spaces. This is important. It is a key strategy of our City in Nature vision. Not just to conserve specific pockets of greenery and nature, but to look at Singapore and our map from an ecological connectivity point of view. Habitats that are ecologically connected increase the chances of survival for flora and fauna in our city. That is why we have been strengthening Singapore’s ecological connectivity. We are doing so by studying faunal movement patterns and flora dispersal mechanisms and pathways both on land and in the water. This understanding of the connections between our natural spaces has, in turn, enabled us to conserve key habitats that are important for ecological connectivity.

For example, we recognised that the forests at the future Bukit Batok Hillside Nature Park and Bukit Batok Central Nature Park are important stepping stones between the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the future Tengah Forest Corridor. That is why we dedicated these nature parks as part of the Bukit Batok Nature Corridor. They will be kept lushly forested, so that they can strengthen not just the area’s green network, but also ecological connectivity between the Nature Reserve and Tengah. We also designated Sisters’ Island as a Marine Park, because modelling studies indicate that it is a key source of coral larvae, which are widely dispersed and enrich other areas in the Southern Islands.

And we will do more. For example, as I shared with the House last week, we are developing a more comprehensive picture of our islandwide eco-system and connectivity of green and blue spaces, so that we can better consider how specific sites connect to our nature cores, buffers, and corridors. And we are creating ecological corridors on the ground by doing physical planting, to better connect our green spaces. For example, we are planting native trees and shrubs more intensively to re-create forest-like structures along our roads known as Nature Ways, to augment our network of ecological corridors between key habitats.

At the same time, we are expanding our Park Connector Network, so that we will have 500 km of Park Connectors by 2030. I am glad to share that we will develop new recreational routes across our island, in the next phase of expansion of our Park Connector Network. We will provide more details on these new routes at MND’s COS debate later today.

Together, these moves will not only strengthen ecological connectivity, but also provide Singaporeans with greater access to green spaces close to home. By 2030, every household will be within a 10-metre walk from a park.

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Our urban areas will also be naturalised and greened even further. By incorporating natural designs and plantings into our parks and streetscapes, they can serve as nature-based solutions to help provide shade, cool the environment, improve air quality, enhance flood resilience and beautify our city. These are just some of the benefits and outcomes that we hope to see from our City in Nature efforts, which Prof Koh Lian Pin had asked about yesterday.

One example of this can be seen at Jurong Lake Gardens, our third national garden. We converted a concrete canal into a series of meandering streams with vegetated wetlands that play host to charismatic wildlife, such as otters and herons. Such naturalised waterways can help slow down water runoff from surrounding areas, reducing the risk of flash floods. We will naturalise more waterways and waterbodies in parks and gardens in this manner as part of our City in Nature efforts.

We are conserving our rich biodiversity too, through habitat restoration and species recovery programmes. For example, as part of our Marine Conservation Action Plan, we placed purpose-built intertidal pools along a barren stretch of seawall, to provide a habitat during low tide for coastal and marine biodiversity to thrive.

We are also working with the community to improve how we co-exist with nature and wildlife, by taking a science-based approach towards wildlife management and harnessing both ecological and social tools to minimise human-wildlife conflict.

The active support of the community is crucial to making our City in Nature vision a reality. That is why we are working with the community across many areas, from continuing to support community gardening, to the OneMillionTrees movement. Through this movement, we are doubling our annual tree planting rate and planting one million additional trees across Singapore between 2020 and 2030, to underpin our City in Nature efforts.

Madam, some Members of this House have asked why there is a need for the OneMillionTrees movement, when we could instead forgo clearance of vegetated land and conserve all existing greenery.

We appreciate that many Singaporeans have a strong sense of affinity for our existing green spaces. That is a good sign of the maturity of a City in Nature.

However, the OneMillionTrees movement is not merely a quantitative effort to increase our island's tree numbers or to engage in ornamental planting. Instead, it underpins our qualitative transformation into a City in Nature – not just nature, but a city as well.

Indeed, even if we were to hypothetically forgo some of our people's needs and halt all new development on vegetated land, we would still need to plant more trees at an accelerated rate in light of our climate challenges.

The trees we are planting offer us many benefits. I mentioned some of them just now – mitigating urban heat to increase our climate resilience, providing more habitats for local biodiversity in our existing green spaces and strengthening our eco-systems' resilience by creating ecological corridors.

Indeed, even in the heart of our core forests, we are doing tree planting and forest restoration, as part of our OneMillionTrees movement.

At the same time, we are also proactively removing invasive species, like Albizia trees, Dioscorea and oil palms, to allow our native rainforests to regenerate.

This is because we need to actively manage our forests to make them stronger. By doing so, we are assisting our early secondary forests to transition into more mature and diverse rainforests over time and improving habitats for native biodiversity. These efforts strengthen the resilience of our forest landscapes to climate change.

This is painstaking, long-term work and we are deeply appreciative of our community of volunteers who have rolled up their sleeves and have been working alongside us to make our native eco-systems healthier and more resilient.

But even as we continue greening Singapore, we must also continue to meet our people's needs. This balancing act between conservation and development will become even more challenging given our tight land constraints.

Prof Koh Lian Pin also spoke about our Environmental Impact Assessment or EIA framework and public consultation on preserving green spaces.

As I shared last week, we are reviewing whether it would be better to centralise the management of EIA consultants, instead of having individual developers manage their own. I thank Prof Koh for his views on how the EIA framework as a whole can be improved and strengthened. We will take them into consideration as we continue our study.

And as I mentioned earlier, NParks will continue to study and model our biodiversity's movement patterns, to inform our understanding of ecological connectivity across Singapore and how to strengthen it. So, studying ecological connectivity, in a city and urban environment, to infuse City in Nature all through our urban landscape.

Given Singapore's land constraints, we will not be able to keep every vacant land undeveloped. As a city-state, we must cater for everything that a country needs within just our city limits. We need space to continue meeting our people's needs, ranging from industry and food production, to more public housing for Singapore families.

However, we adopt a range of strategies to make good use of existing land, as good stewards ought and in so doing, enable us to retain more green spaces of significant biodiversity.

We are also committed to engaging stakeholders, including members of the public and the nature community, further upstream in our planning process and will work with them at suitable platforms to identify these areas of interest. My colleague Minister Indranee Rajah will share more about our plans to discuss these issues with Singaporeans as part of our national conversations on long-term land use planning, at MND's COS debate.

Madam, I now move from City in Nature, to Energy Reset. Buildings account for over 20% of our emissions, so we need to push hard to make our city more sustainable. To achieve this, we will use cleaner energy and increase our energy efficiency.

Miss Cheryl Chan asked for an update on the Singapore Green Building Masterplan. Over the past year, BCA and the Singapore Green Building Council have worked together to develop the next edition of the Singapore Green Building Masterplan together with industry stakeholders and the community. The Masterplan captures our collective commitment to pursue more ambitious sustainability standards in our city.

We have set ourselves three targets – I call them "80-80-80 in 2030".

First, we will green 80% of our buildings by Gross Floor Area by 2030. This is an existing target, to ensure that the majority of buildings that we use in our everyday lives will be sustainable and energy efficient.

To date, we have made good progress by greening over 43% of our buildings, but we have more to do.

Beyond that, we must push more owners of buildings to pursue best-in-class standards and become Super Low Energy buildings, or SLE buildings.

SLE buildings, which achieve at least 60% improvement in energy efficiency compared to 2005 levels, represent the next wave of our green building movement. They are key to our transition to a more sustainable, low carbon Built Environment.

Hence, our second target is for 80% of new buildings to be SLE buildings from 2030. The Government will take the lead in SLE buildings. In so doing, we will build industry capability to develop SLE buildings and provide more use cases for the private sector to take reference from.

Our third target is for our best-in-class green buildings to see an 80% improvement in energy efficiency compared to 2005 levels by 2030, pushing the boundary further. We will ramp up research and innovation efforts to push the boundaries of energy efficiency and accelerate deployment of cost-effective green technologies.

Since 2014, our Green Buildings Innovation Cluster (GBIC) programme has supported the research, prototyping and demonstration of green building technologies and helped to bring these solutions to market. We are seeing how we can further enhance funding support for GBIC to help us achieve this ambitious third target.

Sustainability has always been integral to our transformation plans for the Built Environment and we should build on the green movement to drive transformation across the entire value chain and create more opportunities for our firms and our local workforce. Minister of State Tan Kiat How and I will elaborate on how we plan to do so at MND's COS debate later.

Beyond individual buildings, we also want our towns and our districts to be more sustainable.

Our new HDB towns will be greener and more sustainable. For example, Tengah will have centralised cooling systems, electric vehicle charging points and extensive deployment of solar panels.

HDB is also incorporating technology into the design of towns to improve ventilation and reduce heat gain.

Within their homes, residents will be able to use technology and apps to monitor and optimise the use of their home appliances and equipment, enabling them to conserve electricity, save money and participate in our sustainability efforts too.

Members also asked about our plans to make existing towns more sustainable. MND and MSE are working together to turn every town into an Eco Town, by encouraging residents to live more sustainably. To achieve this, we will make use of infrastructure solutions under the HDB Green Towns Programme to help our existing towns reduce their energy consumption by 15% by 2030, from the levels in 2020.

We will achieve this through both technology and design. For example, we are using smart LED lights to reduce energy use, doubling total solar capacity on HDB rooftops and converting the top decks of suitable multi-storey carparks into urban farms, community gardens and green landscapes.

Since we announced the Green Towns Programme last year, we have made good progress. So far, HDB has called or awarded tenders to implement solar panels on more than 5,700 HDB blocks. Installation of these solar panels is in progress and will be completed in the next two to three years, achieving more than 50% of our 2030 solar capacity target of 540 megawatt-peak.

HDB and SFA have also awarded tenders for urban farming at nine multi-storey carparks and will be working closely to do more.

In addition, residents or organisations with interesting ideas to promote sustainability can tap on MSE's Eco Fund for their initiatives. And if these prove workable, MND and MSE will work together to see if these can be scaled to more HDB estates under the Green Towns Programme.

We will share more about our efforts to enhance liveability and strengthen predictive maintenance in housing estates at MND's COS.

We are also developing eco-friendly districts as demonstration projects to show how it can be done. For example, Jurong Lake District will be developed as a model sustainable mixed-use district. Future developments in the District will seek to meet higher sustainability targets that are above our national goals, where possible.

We envision the District to be a model for how innovative solutions and technology can enable a more liveable, sustainable and healthier urban environment. It can also serve as a testing ground for such innovative urban solutions.

Indeed, innovation enables us to keep moving forward on the journey of sustainable development. That is why R&D is part of our long-term strategy for urban sustainability.

Since its launch in 2017, our Cities of Tomorrow (CoT) research and development programme has supported R&D that helps to address urban sustainability challenges. For example, HDB and NUS are exploring urban designs that harness solar heat to create temperature differences that enhance air movement through a building. This can help create natural drafts to cool the environment, thereby minimising residents' air-conditioning needs. We will build on the good progress of CoT and extend it for another five years.

Miss Cheryl Chan and Ms Nadia Samdin asked how we will support R&D into nature-based solutions. Under Cities of Tomorrow, R&D that supports our efforts to become a City in Nature will be a key research area that we will significantly invest in. For example, we will support research and development of technology that seeks to enhance biodiversity, explore nature-based solutions for climate adaptation, and more.

Madam, transforming Singapore into a City in Nature, making our buildings, towns and districts more sustainable through an Energy Reset, and driving sustainability-related R&D all have one thing in common: they require all hands on deck.

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Transforming our urban environment to be greener and more sustainable will always be an on-going task, which requires the Government, the private sector, academia and our communities to come together – each playing our part but working together.

Sustainability is a marathon which we cannot run alone. We must be in it for the long haul – to be responsible stewards not just for our children, but for their children after them. In that spirit, let us come together: to push ahead in the next bound of our sustainability journey, to make the Green Plan a reality, and to build a Singapore that we can be even prouder of.

The Chairman: Mr Lawrence Wong.

The Minister for Education (Mr Lawrence Wong): Mdm Chairman, my colleagues before me have shared about the SG Green Plan that will take us a major step forward in building a more sustainable Singapore. Beyond specific policies, we want to instill a broader mindset change and new environmentally conscious habits. These will take time to take root in our society. We must start young and inculcate these mindsets in our students through education. Several Members have highlighted this in their speeches, including Mr Abdul Samad, Miss Cheng Li Hui, Ms Nadia Samdin, Dr Shahira Abdullah and Mr Xie Yao Quan. I thank them for their speeches and suggestions.

Environmental education is not new in our schools. It is part of the curriculum and many schools have programmes to help our students learn to be more environmentally conscious. We will build on our foundation and take it further.

In particular, we will strengthen and deepen the current strands of environmental education in schools and weave these together to create an Eco Stewardship Programme in all our schools, from Primary to Pre-university. The term "stewardship" represents our individual and collective responsibility to take good care of the environment – not just in the short term, but always with an eye for the future and for future generations.

Doing so requires responsible and informed decision-making, and choosing to do what is good and right through our daily habits. It also entails an innovative spirit and a mindset of growth, where we can pioneer new ways of doing things in caring for the environment.

Through this Eco Stewardship Programme, we aim to inculcate informed and responsible sustainability habits in our students for life. We aim to empower them to make a positive difference in their schools, in their homes and in the community. Under this Programme, environmental sustainability will be holistically integrated into the school environment and we will do this through four approaches which we call the 4Cs.

The first C is the Curriculum. Environment and climate change education is already integrated into subjects like Science, Geography and Social Studies. As Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin and Miss Cheng Li Hui highlighted, we can do more to enhance the teaching and learning of sustainability in both the Sciences, and the Humanities. For example, in the new upper Secondary Geography syllabus, the topics will be organised around the theme of sustainability where students will understand the impact of sustainability issues. We will also refresh and strengthen the Singapore perspective on sustainable development.

To make the learning come alive, we will develop more learning resources which feature sustainability initiatives within our school environment. These learning resources will help students connect their learning to their actual lived experience in schools, and make the learning more authentic and engaging.

The second C is Campus. We will progressively enhance the infrastructure of our schools with a range of green features. We now have about 130 schools on the SolarNova programme with solar panels being progressively installed on their rooftops. We will extend this to cover most of our remaining schools in the coming decade.

We will improve energy efficiency of all our school campuses. We will embark on a programme to gradually have LED lights as the main light source in our classrooms, and more energy-efficient Direct-Current fans.

Some schools have already actively harnessed sustainability features within their campuses to enrich students learning. For example, I visited Commonwealth Secondary School recently. They have several eco-habitats, including the Rainforest, the Stream and the Wetland. These outdoor classrooms provide students with real eco-systems that they can study and observe. Students also plant their own vegetables in the school’s nursery, which are harvested for the canteen’s use. Through this immersive environment, students develop a better appreciation for nature and biodiversity.

MOE will, therefore, continue to green our schools and testbed new innovations, so that our school buildings can be more sustainable and our school campuses can become learning laboratories for our students to see sustainability in practice.

Beyond academic learning and infrastructure, we also need to instill the right habits in our students. This includes encouraging them to reduce waste, to recycle right and to reduce energy use as a matter of habit.

The third C is, therefore, about Culture and through the Eco-Stewardship Programme, we aim to strengthen the eco-culture in schools towards sustainability. We will build on existing efforts to instill daily habits of environmental consciousness. We will expand our everyday responsibilities to include sustainability habits. It could be simple activities like switching off lights and fans upon leaving the classrooms and, in fact, some schools have also encouraged students to reduce and recycle food waste.

For example, Elias Park Primary School has a food waste management programme, where students are taught and encouraged to order only what they can finish and use the bio-digesters in the canteen for food waste recycling. We will expand such good practices to more schools and pilot ways for students to see that their daily habits can make a discernible impact on the environment.

We will also help students champion sustainability mindset and practices through leadership opportunities so that they can encourage their peers and friends towards more sustainable living.

Building a culture of sustainability requires schools, families and the community to complement one another’s efforts. The learning from schools will reinforce our community efforts, and in turn, will encourage and cultivate more good habits to create a ripple effect on society.

The Eco Stewardship Programme will also encompass the Community and that is our fourth C. Schools are part of a larger community eco-system. We will work closely with partners, across different Government agencies and also with the private and people sectors. We will widen and enhance the platforms for students to participate in meaningful community projects to care for the environment and to promote sustainable living.

MOE will also work with partners to strengthen students’ awareness of future “green jobs”. Dr Shahira Abdullah suggested a greater push for youths to consider a career in the environmental and sustainability sector. And I agree that this is, indeed, a growing sector where we can raise awareness and appreciation amongst young people of the opportunities in this space. So, we are equipping our teachers and school Education and Career Guidance counsellors to build students’ awareness of these future opportunities and to help them discover and explore their interests.

These opportunities to explore and prepare our students for more careers in the environmental and sustainability sector will continue beyond schools to our Institutes of Higher Learning, or IHLs. Our IHLs will connect students with relevant industry partners through career fairs and the support of Education and Career Guidance counsellors. They will also work with industry partners to curate internships to expose students to jobs in these sectors.

Beyond a greater push for our youths to consider a career in these sectors, the IHLs are also enhancing green infrastructure and promoting sustainable living initiatives within their own campuses. For example, The National University of Singapore has developed a Climate Action Plan 030 to cool its campus by four-degree Celsius and to build a carbon neutral campus. Other Universities, too, are embarking on their own sustainability journeys.

To further complement these education efforts at the school and IHL level, we will also leverage on the new Science Centre at Jurong Lake District. The Science Centre will champion public education on sustainability. It will serve as a showcase for innovative technologies through programmes and exhibits to engage youths and the public. With all these, we hope it will also inspire sustainable lifestyle changes among Singaporeans and in our society.

So, Mdm Chair, through the Eco Stewardship Programme, we aim to reduce carbon emissions from our schools significantly. We aim to achieve a two-thirds reduction of net carbon emissions from the schools sector by 2030.

We will work towards at least 20% of our schools to be carbon-neutral by 2030, with the rest to follow thereafter.

We will start by piloting sustainability features and related concepts in some schools. We have identified as a start four schools to be on-board and they are Elias Park Primary School, Mee Toh School, Commonwealth Secondary School and Tampines Secondary School. These schools have already adopted a holistic school-wide approach to sustainability. So, we will work with them to further reduce net carbon emissions from the school buildings and to encourage students to actively reduce their individual carbon footprint. We will learn from their experiences in the pilot, and progressively scale up good and practical solutions across all our schools.

Mdm Chair, we have set ambitious plans for ourselves. They are not just hard targets in reducing carbon emissions. But, equally, if not more importantly, they are about nurturing our young with the values, skills and know-how to become responsible stewards of the environment.

We hope to see in every student an eco steward for life – where they will have a sensible sensitivity towards the environment, and understand what it means to live sustainably.

Through our concerted efforts, we can seed and grow a sustainability movement where we can create a greener future for our children to harvest, then they can look forward with confidence to a better and brighter future for their own children, and for many more generations to come in Singapore.

The Chairman: Minister Desmond Lee.

Mr Desmond Lee: Madam, I wanted to make a correction on what I said earlier. I said earlier that by 2030 every household would be within 10 metres' walk from a park. I suddenly realise that we do not have enough land for that.

The Chairman: That would be nice, though!

Mr Desmond Lee: Our target is every household will be within a 10-minute walk from a park. Thank you.

The Chairman: It would have been nice to have a park every 10 metres. Minister Ong Ye Kung.

The Minister for Transport (Mr Ong Ye Kung): Mdm Chair, I will try to get all my dates and all my numbers right.

The Chairman: Thank you.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Mdm Chair, I will be talking about electric vehicles. Throughout my speech, I will refer to electric vehicles as EVs, then as for traditional vehicles running on fossil fuels through an internal combustion engine, I will just refer to them as ICEs.

Let me start with Prof Koh Lian Pin’s question, which is the net carbon savings due to transition from ICEs to EVs. There is a net carbon abatement by switching from ICEs to EVs, even if the electricity is generated by fossil fuels. In Singapore, where most of our power is generated from natural gas, the net carbon savings by switching from ICEs to EVs is about 50%. You halve it.

Today, in aggregate, vehicles on the whole emit about 6.4 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent per year. If the subset of light vehicles all ran on electricity, the total net carbon abatement would be about 1.5 to two million tonnes per year of CO₂-equivalent per year. So, this abatement is about 4% of our total annual emissions, so not insignificant.

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Hence, the Singapore Green Plan includes a push for EVs. We have a 2040 target to phase out ICEs and have all vehicles run on cleaner energy. To realise this vision, and given that COEs for cars last for ten years, we will require from 2030 all new car and taxi registrations to be of cleaner energy models. They can be electric, they can be hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell cars, and so on. As these technologies are evolving rapidly, we will monitor developments closely, and finalise the definition of registrable models well before 2030. To further pave the way for greener vehicles, we will also cease new diesel car and taxi registrations from 2025. As we know, diesel cars emit PM2.5 and they are even more pollutive.

Several Members have asked what steps will be taken to encourage the take up of EVs in Singapore and meet these targets, the 2030 and 2040 targets. Some Members have asked whether there are further interim targets. We used to have a 2040 target; we have just set a 2030 target. So, give us some time. When we gather momentum, maybe we can have more interim targets. For now, it is just these two.

I think three aspects will make a difference: taxes, regulations and chargers. Let me talk about them in turn.

First, vehicle taxes. The objectives of the COE system and upfront vehicle ownership taxes such as the Additional Registration Fee (ARF), are mostly to manage congestion, to which there is no difference between ICEs and EVs. Therefore, it is not appropriate to waive all or almost all vehicles, on electric cars, as suggested by Dr Lim Wee Kiak, Mr Ang Wei Neng, Mr Lim Biow Chuan.

Technological advancement is narrowing the price differential between ICEs and EVs rapidly. Experts think price equalisation will happen in 2025 or earlier. To give Members an illustration: the main cost of an EV is in the battery. In 2010, the cost was about US$1,000 per kilowatt-hour of battery power. By now, it is about US$140. So, it fell, in 10 years, from US$1,000 per kilowatt-hour to about US$140. Experts feel that when it reaches about US$100 per kilowatt-hour, this is the tipping point when there will be price equalisation between EVs and ICEs. In the meantime, while the prices are falling, we will offer tax incentives to EV owners.

We introduced the EV Early Adoption Incentive this year. Together with the enhanced Vehicular Emissions Scheme, the cost of owning an electric car can be lowered by up to $45,000. Since the start of the year, there have been about 100 new electric car registrations in Singapore. It is a small number, but we will ramp it up. Many mass-market electric car buyers still cannot benefit from the full $45,000 rebate, because there is a minimum payment of $5,000 for the ARF. So, to enable mass-market electric cars to benefit from the full rebate, we will remove the $5,000 minimum ARF.

As for road tax, it is a more complicated matter. We just implemented a significant downward revision for electric cars from 1 January this year. For certain models, the reduction is significant, as much as 40%. Notwithstanding this, we decided to review the matter further. Let me explain why.

A large part of road tax is a luxury tax. But luxury is subjective and hard to measure. So, for a long time, we have been using engine capacity as a proxy for luxury. The bigger the engine, the bigger the car, the higher the road tax. The same approach can be applied to electric cars. They do not have engine capacity, but we can design the road tax schedule based on propulsion power, measured in kilowatt-hour, as a proxy for luxury. Then, we should set the electric car road tax schedule such that electric and ICE cars with roughly the same look, feel and level of luxury are subject to the same road taxes. And this is inherently a subjective exercise and would not be very scientific. But it reflects the policy objective, which is that a large part of road tax is a luxury tax.

And if we take that approach and we then eyeball through the models of ICE and electric cars using their prevailing road tax schedules, we find that for the small and medium electric and ICE cars, their road taxes are quite comparable. But for the larger cars, they are a little bit off.

To illustrate, let us compare a 105 kilowatt MG EV, that is the most popular EV in Singapore now, and a 1,800 cc Renault Megane. Both are medium-sized family cars. Both subject to similar annual road taxes of around $1,000.

But for the slightly larger, mass market segment cars, it becomes a bit off. To illustrate again, a 150 kilowatt Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Utility Vehicle (SUV) is subject to about the same road tax as a 2,000 cc Audi Q5 or Q7. But I think Members will agree with me, the level of luxury between the two models is quite different.

Similarly, an entry model of the Tesla, which is the 225 kilowatt Tesla Model 3, and 3,000 cc Porsche Cayenne are subject to about the same road tax. So, also a bit off.

This problem exists because we have thus far linked the road tax schedules of electric and ICE cars by propulsion power, so quite scientific. And hence, we have inadvertently penalised the more power-efficient electric cars.

To address this, we will adjust the road taxes further for electric cars in the 90-230 kilowatt band.

With your permission, Mdm Chairman, may I ask the Clerks to distribute a handout showing the current and new electric car road tax schedules?

The Chairman: Yes. [A handout was distributed to hon Members. Please refer to Annex 1.]

Mr Ong Ye Kung: I have been reminded by the Clerk to tell Members that you may also access these materials through the SG-Parl MP mobile app. That will save paper.

So, we will merge the current electric car road tax bands of 30-90 kilowatt and 90-230 kilowatt, merge them into one band and subject them to the current road tax formula of the lower band, the 30-90 kilowatt band.

The long and short of it is, we will bring down the road taxes of electric cars in the upper band. Using the examples earlier, a Hyundai Kona Electric will see its annual road tax fall from about $1,400, to $1,100. That of a Tesla Model 3 will drop from $2,300 per year, to $1,500. And this will make their road taxes comparable to ICE models with a similar look and feel.

Some car enthusiasts have observed that for big electric cars, those 230 kilowatt, 300 kilowatt, the road tax schedule is also a bit off. To illustrate, some have told me an electric Porsche Taycan is subject to significantly more road tax than a Porsche Cayenne. I acknowledge the concerns. But these are all big luxurious cars. I prefer to leave them alone for now. What is important is that we have now established the principles and policy for charging road tax on electric cars. As more models emerge, we will review the road tax schedule further, with a view not to over-charge electric cars vis-à-vis ICE cars.

The second area of work is to improve our regulations and standards. With your permission, Mdm Chairman, may I show an illustrative slide on the LCD screens please?

The Chairman: Yes, go ahead. [A slide was shown to hon Members. Please refer to Annex 2.]

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Members may be wondering what these are. They are not the latest emojis, they are different kinds of plugs for EVs used around the world. And we have settled on two of these plugs, the one that is with a red border around it, which is Type 2 for AC charging and CCS 2 for DC charging. These are the most widely adopted now internationally, and we will adopt these as our national public charging standards.

The set of technical standards and safety precautions that governs the EV charging systems in Singapore is called the Technical Reference 25 (TR25). It is administered by the Energy Market Authority (EMA). To give dedicated focus to this work, we will amend legislation to transfer the role of regulator of EV charging systems from EMA to LTA.

LTA is also leading a comprehensive review of TR25 in partnership with industry players and various stakeholders and experts. We expect the review to be completed by end of this year. The idea is to make TR25 friendly to industry development, while ensuring safety.

While the review is on-going, LTA plans to set up regulatory sandboxes for commercial players to test and introduce new charging solutions. It is very important we get this right, because it will determine the level of private sector involvement in finding solutions to build up the infrastructure and drive EV charging and adoption.

A couple of Members also raised the issue of disposal and recycling of used EV batteries. This comes under the regulation of NEA and will be addressed at the MSE's COS speeches later.

But this leads us to the third point, which is how to expand the EV charging network, and is a point raised by several Members.

We are doubling our 2030 targets, from 28,000 to 60,000 by 2030. This comprises 40,000 in public carparks and 20,000 in private premises. If we assume one-third of cars are EVs by 2030, this translates into a EV to charging point ratio of about 5:1. And this ratio is better than many public estimates of the optimum ratio, which ranges from 10:1 to 5:1. But we are aiming for 5:1 by 2030.

The key to unlocking more charging facilities is to not insist on high-powered, or "fast" charging. Because that would require a major upgrading of almost all the power substations and the grid infrastructure all over Singapore, as envisaged and raised by many Members. It would be costly, time-consuming, stall the development and expansion of charging infrastructure, and severely impede the adoption of EVs.

I understand why Members like Mr Ang Wei Neng want charging to be faster. Given a choice, I think we all want charging to be faster. But the cost will be immense. And I think for most drivers, the deterrent to switch to EVs for now is the sheer lack of charging points. We can move much faster in making charging points available if we accept that for most users, instead of high-powered "fast" charging, "slow" or "overnight" charging is actually alright.

In US, Europe and Japan, EV users predominantly use slow charging, with fast charging, and they define it as 22 kilowatt and above, estimated to account for 10%-20% of charging demand. So, this requires drivers to change our habits. Drivers are used to a very quick visit to the petrol kiosks, pump, buy a drink and go. And so a mindset shift is required. After all, we are used to patiently charging all our electronic devices whether they are smart phones, smart watches or laptops, while we sleep, or while we are in office doing work. It will be the same for EVs. For this mindset shift to happen, we will need to make chargers available and accessible.

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The average electric car, now, it has a range of 300-500 km, typically and it is increasing. That should require a typical user to fully charge about once every five days. Not every day. But once every five days. So, charging points will need to be shared, with different drivers charging on different days and at different times, especially in public car parks.

That way, we will be able to minimise electrical infrastructure upgrades. We can tap on the spare electrical capacity in all our public carparks and install charging points as quickly as possible.

And where the infrastructure supports it or where we decide to selectively upgrade the infrastructure, fast chargers can then be installed. And today, we can already find fast chargers in certain petrol kiosks, shopping malls, industrial and commercial premises.

As for fleet operators, P2P operators, for example, and in response to Mr Xie Yao Quan, about 60% of our taxis are already petrol hybrids. Our car fleet operators are committed to 100% cleaner energy fleets by 2040. But unlike typical car users, fleet operators will need fast charging in order to support their business operators. Mr Ang Wei Neng mentioned charging farms. It is not far-fetched. These are issues that Government and fleet operators will need to sit down, discuss and try to work out.

But let me say this: fleet operators will need to be prepared to invest in building up the infrastructure to support their operations. They can amortise the investment over many vehicles over many years of operations. Cost of electricity will very likely still work out much cheaper than petrol or diesel now.

How do we go about installing charging points? Where do we start? As Mr Lim Biow Chuan and Mr Xie Yao Quan suggested, we plan to make it mandatory for carparks in HDB towns, private residences like condominiums and commercial buildings to cater sufficient electrical capacity to support EV charging and ensure that a minimum number of charging points is installed. But we can only do this for new developments or developments undergoing major changes.

As for existing carparks, if they are in public housing estates, public sector agencies, such as HDB or URA, will drive the installation. We will implement this in phased packages, well-spread across the island and we will take a town-centric approach.

We aim to have at least seven "EV-Ready Towns" by 2025, where every HDB carpark will be fitted with charging points. They are, in alphabetical order: Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Choa Chu Kang, Jurong West, Punggol, Queenstown and Sembawang. I should really add Tengah. So, there will be eight.

By the 2030s, we will strive to make every HDB town an EV-Ready Town.

For non-landed private residences, such as condominiums, in fact, mainly condominiums, we will introduce an EV Common Charger Grant to catalyse implementation. This is part of the $30 million allocation announced in the Budget, to kickstart the build-up of EV charging infrastructure.

The condominiums will be able to apply for the grant to defray part of the cost of installing a charger, subject to a quantum cap per charger. This will be made available to the first 2,000 chargers installed from July 2021. LTA will release more details.

But there is another practical problem which Mr Lim Biow Chuan has mentioned. To install charging points in condominiums, the management corporations (MCSTs) will need to convene general meetings and seek approval, which may not be forthcoming even with the grant.

The private sector can provide a solution. There are already a number of EV charging players, such as SP Mobility, Greenlots and Charge+, some of which are prepared to undertake all the upfront installation costs, in return for a period where they can collect charging revenue. So, the right tender specifications and commercial model can get this going.

Today, several of such projects already exist. They price charging at about 39 to 50 cents per kilowatt-hour. And this covers cost of electricity, the grid charges, installation cost plus their margins. What does this translate into – 39 to 50 cents per kilowatt-hour translates to about seven to nine cents per km travelled, which I think is competitive and attractive.

Mdm Chairman, I have just outlined the key steps we will take to drive EV adoption. In many countries, inter-city driving is common and that causes a lot of anxiety amongst EV users because they are afraid of battery depletion – in middle of a highway, you run out of battery, you are in trouble. But with our urban environment, Singapore is quite ideal as a test-bed for the rapid adoption of EVs.

We can be at the forefront of this technology, to advance this significant thrust of the Green Plan.

The Chairman: Second Minister Tan See Leng.

The Second Minister for Trade and Industry (Dr Tan See Leng): Mdm Chairman, over the last 50 years, our energy sector has evolved tremendously.

As we face a rising need to tackle climate change and, at the same time, competing higher energy demands from our population and industry, we will have to transition gradually away from natural gas and find low carbon energy sources to meet our needs progressively.

However, Singapore lacks alternative energy such as wind or tidal power, as Ms Yeo Wan Ling pointed out. Our main source of renewable energy is solar energy which has its limitations, due to its intermittency as well as the need for space.

Therein lies the challenge for all of us here in Singapore. How can we obtain energy that is: one, secure and reliable; two, affordable; and three, that is environmentally sustainable for ourselves over the the long haul. These three objectives constitute our "energy trilemma", as seeking to achieve each will entail trade-offs for the others.

I wanted to set this context in place by explaining further how we will forge ahead in our efforts to incorporate more renewable energy in our energy sources and enhance the efficiency of our power systems, and how we can continue to manage these trade-offs arising from our energy transition and the "energy trilemma", including smoothening price volatility as well as conserving energy together.

Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked about the Government's efforts in decarbonising our electricity grid. We are greening our energy sources, by developing our four "supply switches": natural gas, solar energy, regional grids and low carbon alternatives, such as hydrogen.

First, solar energy. We are accelerating our efforts to maximise and densify suitable solar deployment spaces, which Mr Liang Eng Hwa has also asked about. This includes scaling up the deployment of solar panels on rooftops and open spaces, such as reservoirs.

Today, as we speak, we are already one of the most solar dense cities, in terms of power generation, in the world. Nonetheless, we will continue to explore even more innovative ways to deploy solar and maximise solar deployment across all viable sites, such as untapped spaces, including existing land, canals and roads. For example, Terrenus Energy, together with JTC, will be extending their Solar Land project on Jurong Island to include multiple renewable energies onsite – solar, we are piloting tidal, wave and wind. Once this project is completed, this will be Singapore's first four-in-one renewable energy site and we could potentially have the highest renewable energy produced per square metre in the world.

As solar deployment increases, we will have to match this with Energy Storage Systems or ESS deployment. Beyond 2025, we target to deploy 200 megawatts (MW) of ESS. In order for us to enable this, EMA is test-bedding innovative solutions with the industry as well as the research community. For example, we are piloting Singapore's first floating ESS which can power over 600 4-room flats and this will enable us to study how batteries can be stacked vertically to reduce land use.

I am also happy to announce that we have awarded a grant to a consortium led by a local small and medium-sized enterprise, Eigen Energy, to pilot Singapore's first smart and clean energy powered service stations in Tampines, Pasir Ris and Lakeview. These stations will have a smart energy management system to integrate solar, energy storage and electric vehicle or EV chargers to help power their operations and provide one of the fastest public EV charging, when ready in the first quarter of 2022.

As we increase solar and ESS deployment, our power system will become more decentralised. To enhance our capabilities in grid planning, maintenance and asset management, we are developing a digital twin of Singapore's physical electricity grid. And we are working closely with the industry to progressively upgrade and refresh our physical grid.

The second switch of developing regional grids. EMA will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a two-year trial of 100MW of electricity imports from Malaysia in March 2021. It is also initiating a cross-border power trade of up to 100MW under the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project or the LTMS-PIP. This will also allow us to tap on the abundance of hydropower and other renewable energies that some of our Southeast Asian neighbours have.

Prof Koh Lian Pin asked what the Government is doing to assess the carbon footprint of our electricity imports. For the upcoming trial with Malaysia, EMA will put in place steps to verify the cleanliness of our imports, including requiring importers to submit documentary proof of carbon output. And the cleaner the proposal, the higher they will be scored and the more favourably will they be scored.

But these are just first steps, small steps towards a regional grid.

In MTI, we have plans to import more electricity and these trials will help us learn and build confidence in importing electricity over the longer term, to diversify our energy sources while tapping on clean energy in the source countries.

Mr Saktiandi Supaat also asked about how we could help our existing power systems to become more efficient. Singapore, over the middle to long-term, will need and will continue to need and rely on natural gas as we transition towards cleaner energy.

We are encouraging, therefore, our power generation companies, or gencos, to adopt more efficient technologies for their generation sets through two grant calls for the Genco Energy Efficiency Grant.

We will also facilitate the entry of advanced Combined Cycle Gas Turbines (CCGT), which is the most efficient gas-fired generation technology that is available today, for new generation needs or to replace retiring generation sets.

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These measures will make our economy more sustainable, but they will inevitably involve trade-offs. For instance, while we seek to accelerate solar deployment, our land constraints and the need for back-up storage adds to the costs.

Mr Dennis Tan asked during the Budget debate last week about our plan to step up electricity infrastructure for use by EVs in the coming years. MTI will work closely with MOT and LTA to enhance our electrical infrastructure to support the onboarding of EVs. This is why we call this prong of the Green Plan an "energy reset" strategy. Because some upgrading of power generation and grid infrastructure will be required. We will pace the upgrading of the infrastructure alongside with the adoption of the EVs.

Mr Saktiandi also asked about whether the current low electricity prices would pose a challenge in encouraging consumers to adopt more energy efficient measures to cut down on their electricity usage.

Mr Liang Eng Hwa also asked how importing electricity will impact electricity prices and the considerations that the Government has in managing any price volatility.

Indeed, wholesale electricity market prices are well-depressed today. Let me explain how we came to this situation, and what we will see, going forward.

Singapore has an open and competitive electricity market where prices rise and fall depending on demand and supply. Around 10 years ago, generation companies made commercial decisions to build power plants and contract natural gas based on the bullish projections of demand growth. However, these projections did not materialise and this has led to the current glut in our electricity market. Intense competition among the different gencos to sell electricity has led to electricity prices falling below the full cost of producing electricity.

With your permission, Mdm Chairman, may I display one slide on the LCD screen, please?

The Chairman: Go ahead. [A slide was shown to hon Members. Please refer to Annex 3]

Dr Tan See Leng: Please take a look at the slide. As you can see, in red, it represents the long-run marginal cost of producing electricity. So, that is the true cost of what it takes to produce electricity today. The black line shows the current market's spot price that fluctuates over the last many years. This is the result of over capacity, currently.

This over-capacity situation will likely be alleviated in the near future. Wholesale electricity prices will also rise and normalise, with rising demand driven by the growth of sectors such as data centres, 5G networks, agri-tech, as well as the adoption of EVs. The low electricity prices today are currently also dis-incentivising the generation companies from investing in new plants.

Over the medium to long run, electricity prices normalising is inevitable. You can see from the chart, no company that is commercially-run will sell electricity below cost perpetually.

What we need to do is to prevent a swing from a glut to a severe shortage of capacity, and this will result in sharp price spikes; perhaps, even blackouts as what we saw in Texas just last month. Many electricity markets have encountered similar experiences. EMA has studied how these jurisdictions have managed their situations and we are also consulting the industry on the way forward. We will announce more details later this year and we are committed to smoothening these price surges and volatility.

Besides power generation capacity, electricity prices are also affected by the supply of energy. Please remember, all of us, we are importing close to 100% of our energy needs today. Of course, they are mainly natural gas.

In spite of our best efforts to deploy solar energy in Singapore, we will still need to rely on energy imports one way or another, and be subject to global prices, going forward.

Fuel prices had dipped to their lowest levels in the last 20 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year, but they are expected to rise, going forward, as global demand recovers. This will also likely cause electricity prices to increase as well.

The Government will do our best to manage our energy trilemma by introducing more renewable energy in our energy mix, by enhancing the efficiency of our power systems, and minimising the impact on prices. However, "right-pricing" of the energy prices is critical to encouraging prudent use of electricity.

We must adopt energy conservation as a way of life for all of us here in Singapore.

Besides managing the amount of energy we use, consumers can also help us reduce our carbon footprint by electrification. Minister Ong has already spoken about our ambitious plan to electrify vehicles.

Another example is how we can switch from using gas to electrical appliances for our cooking. It is also safer as the risk of gas leaks and fires are reduced. And some of the newer electrical cooking appliances, they do produce very, very good "wok hei", the heat that is required to give you very good hor fun. Mdm Chairman, in Mandarin, please.

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Today, Singapore's energy needs are almost 100% met by imports, mainly of natural gas. Even with our best efforts in using solar energy, we will still need to rely on energy imports. Thus, we have limited control over prices.

The Government will do our utmost in reducing the impact on Singaporeans. The key is that everyone should conserve energy and make corresponding adjustments to our lifestyles. Energy conservation must become a way of life for all Singaporeans.

(In English): In conclusion, Mdm Chairman, the Government will continue taking a long-term approach in planning our energy needs, while balancing the need to be more environmentally sustainable; ensuring continued energy reliability and security, as well as managing price fluctuations and volatility. Even when prices do go up, we will do our best to ensure that this gradient is gradual, and the Government will act, where necessary, to minimise excessive surges.

Most fundamentally, it is our exhortation to all of us as fellow Singaporeans, that we must do our part to conserve energy, just like how we conserve water, and we all have to adjust our lifestyles accordingly.

It is only when we work together, we can maintain a sustainable, secure, reliable and resilient energy future for all of us.

The Chairman: Minister Chan Chun Sing.

The Minister for Trade and Industry (Mr Chan Chun Sing): Mdm Chairman, all of us in this House have spent the last 55 years defending and securing this little red dot of ours. We tried all ways to keep it going, growing and glowing.

In the next 50 years, we will have a chance to turn this Little Red Dot into a bright green spark – a bright green spark with a new economy, with a new way of life, that will provide our future generations with more options and look back with greater pride.

To achieve this, we will do three things. We will all need: (a) to go green by embracing a sustainability mindset in our production and consumption; (b) to grow green by embracing and seizing the new opportunities in the green economy; and (c) to glow green by being an inspiration to the world on how we can demonstrate positively, constructively, how a dense urban society can use our resources sustainably and leave behind a better future for generations to come.

Let us begin by going green. We must review the way we consume. In an increasingly carbon-constrained future, our personal consumption choices will have greater bearing on the environment. Whether it is choosing to use less air-conditioning, opting for public transport, or purchasing products that are more sustainably produced, all of us – as Minister Tan See Leng said – can adjust some bits of our lifestyle to make this transition. This is a commitment that we can all make. As Minister Grace Fu said, it is a commitment not just for our own benefit, it is a commitment to our future generations.

This commitment applies not just to individuals but also to corporates. In a carbon-constrained future, being able to operate and produce more sustainably will be key attributes of successful enterprises. Increasingly, consumers are much more discerning and place a greater emphasis on sustainable products and services.

This is where Enterprise Singapore (ESG) comes in, to help build a strong breed of local enterprises that can harness sustainability as a competitive advantage. We envision these enterprises to be pioneers and experts in developing solutions that are highly demanded in the green economy. Such solutions could range from clean energy, energy efficiency, waste valorisation, water treatment, and so forth. These enterprises would also possess the mindset that every project they undertake should account for the impact on the environment. More details on the Enterprise Sustainability Programme (ESP) will be released later this year.

Businesses will be increasingly mindful of the need to embrace Environmental, Social and Governance imperatives in their business practices. For those new to this journey, we can all start small. Success is the sum of many small steps, and success belongs to the determined. Sustainability must be in our mindsets.

As we commit ourselves to a greener future, we must also grow green, by seizing new opportunities in the green economy.

Our existing industries will continue to transform. For traditionally energy-intensive sectors such as petrochemicals and agri-tech, we will need to achieve breakthroughs in carbon and energy efficiency, through innovation. With our Industry 4.0 push, we are striving to manufacture more efficiently, using less materials, as well as producing more sustainably for the world.

Our Energy and Chemicals sector is becoming more vital in accelerating our change towards environmental sustainability. It will continue to enable many parts of our economy and it will continue to produce for the world. But it will do so much more sustainably. To get there, we are taking active steps to transform the sector.

We are partnering companies that are developing cleaner products and decarbonisation solutions. We are enhancing the Investment Allowance for Emissions Reduction (IA-ER) scheme, previously known as the Investment Allowance for Energy Efficiency Scheme. Apart from improving energy efficiency, the IA-ER scheme will also support projects that result in direct reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Details will also be announced later this year.

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We are also stepping up decarbonisation and resource optimisation efforts at the plant and systems levels, to transform Jurong Island into a sustainable energy and chemicals park.

Ten years from now, we will also expect that global tourism will have sprung back into a more vibrant sector. But tourists will have a greater interest in sustainable travel options, for example, eco-friendly hotels and attractions. To prepare ourselves for these opportunities, we are transforming Sentosa into a carbon-neutral destination by 2030. Through such efforts, we will strengthen Singapore as an exemplary sustainable tourism destination.

But there are also new opportunities. Leveraging our strengths as a business hub, we envisage that our future industry mix will comprise more green growth sectors. We can envisage:

Singapore as having leveraged our brand of trust to grow a carbon services sector, with a strong value chain anchored in Singapore. People will turn to us for services including project development, financing, trading, for the credits market, as well as measurement, reporting and verification services.

Singapore’s capabilities and offerings in green financing will also be deepened, to catalyse the growth of new businesses in the green economy, while enhancing our competitiveness as a hub for sustainable solutions. Just as cashflow is the lifeblood of businesses, financing is a key enabler for the green economy.

But we must also pace our transformation. We must ensure that our industries are not displaced by sudden economic structural changes. I am certain Members of this House will agree with us that when we review our carbon prices, we must be very conscious of the impact that this will have on current and future competitiveness and the consequent impact on our jobs and livelihoods for all Singaporeans.

This brings me to the next point on opportunities for our people – the centrepiece in Singapore’s economic journey. We expect to see high demand for skills to help corporates, even governments, to navigate the complexities of the green transition. The transformation of our industries and the rise of the green innovation will germinate new jobs, to help solve sustainability problem statements faced by the region, and globally.

And Singaporeans can take advantage of these bright spots by upskilling and re-skilling ourselves. We can be better placed to capture these new opportunities. We can also help our corporates deliver on their sustainability mandates, and countries to advance their charge towards a more sustainable economy. And we will continue to find our place in the green economy.

Finally, we aspire to glow green. We can be a bright green spark, by being an inspiration to the world on how we overcome sustainability-related constraints. We have done so for water over the last 50 years. We have done it also for transportation, and the way we build and organise our city. We are going to do so for energy because that will be a big part of glowing green. Not just for ourselves but for the whole world. Singapore’s birth and growth have never been defined by circumstances, challenges or constraints. Instead we have always been defined by the way we respond, overcome and create opportunities for ourselves through it all.

This is why under the Research, Innovation, and Enterprise Plan (RIE) 2025, we are attracting companies to anchor their R&D activities in Singapore. We will continue to support the start-up and innovation eco-systems in sustainability-related sectors. We endeavour to help others overcome their sustainability constraints, both regionally and globally. Innovation and transformation are symbiotic. We can strive to overcome our challenges and in turn our solutions can provide options for the world.

Mdm Chair, ultimately, growing our green economy entails a stewardship of reserves – financially, socially, and environmentally. We must strive to go from brown to green, carbon to clean. Only then can we pass on a healthy and sustainable portion of these reserves to future generations.

Growing our green economy is also about a stewardship of opportunity. The bright spots that I mentioned and the ambitions that I have shared are not lofty ideas. These are potential real outcomes that we believe Singapore and Singaporeans can achieve – together. So, we urge everyone to consider how we can each contribute, how our economy will be greener, our people will be more relevant, and our society, ever resilient. This will be our new normal, our new charge and our new opportunity.

So, yes, there is a lot at stake for the environment; but also, for Singapore’s future and our economy and the livelihoods of Singaporeans. The road ahead may be long. But with resolve and cooperation, we think we can go fast, we can go far, and we can go together. And together we will not only defend this little red dot, we will turn this little red dot into a bright green spark to be an inspiration for future generations and the world. [Applause.]

The Chairman: We will take clarifications now. Mr Louis Ng.

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang: Thank you, Madam. I was quite excited for a while when Senior Minister said we would reach half of our emissions by 2030 but then he burst my bubble. But I really hope that we can try to reach net zero emissions by 2050. If not, could I ask whether we can at least narrow the timeframe. So, instead of by the second half of the century, which could be 79 years' time, when I was hoping we can actually see net zero emissions within my lifetime. But if we can at least reduce here, maybe by 2060 or 2070. If not, can the Government at least consider to focus it on a per sector basis? So, something like what MOE has done which is that 20% of the schools will achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

The second question really is for MOE – when can we expect the other 80% of the schools to reach carbon neutrality?

Third, Minister Tan mentioned about how we are planning to import hydro power from Lao PDR and that sounds environmentally friendly. But I just wonder whether we have also studied the environmental impact of building this hydro-electric power station, how destructive it is for the environment there and for the wildlife. I hope MTI can consider not just importing the renewable energy but making sure that it does not have that big an impact on the environment in other countries.

The Chairman: Senior Minister Teo.

Mr Teo Chee Hean: Indeed, Madam, I think inherent in the series of questions that Mr Louis Ng asked, are all the trade-offs that we have to balance when we try and achieve the targets that he is talking about.

One of the things which we have to consider is whether we want to import electricity. Other jurisdictions, for example, claimed to have to achieve this target, but actually, they are importing nuclear energy from their neighbours. Is that something which Mr Louis Ng thinks is a good idea? There are different things that we need to do.

When we are considering importing clean and green energy from other countries, there are also other considerations which we have to take into account. All these things, inherently, have trade-offs.

Our targets, our LEDS by 2050 are based on what we can control ourselves and all the things that we are doing in all the different sectors within our control. We will do that to bring our emissions down by half. Roughly speaking, half of what we emit, we can control. The other half depends on what other people do and whether or not we are able to develop the technologies, some of which do not exist today; whether we are able to get importation of electricity; whether we are able to get carbon markets to work properly. Those are not things which are wholly within our control.

And as Mr Louis Ng said himself, even if we did all that, we have to consider the other consequences of all those actions.

These are imponderables which we need to consider with the passage of time. I am not in the business of bursting bubbles. And I certainly do not want to create a bubble which future generations will have difficulty trying to meet. We do not make promises which would cause future generations problems in trying to keep as well. I think Mr Louis Ng would probably agree with that.

The Chairman: Minister Lawrence Wong.

Mr Lawrence Wong: Mdm Chair, on Mr Ng's question on the school sector, we have some schools getting into net zero by 2030. Mr Ng asked what is the timeframe for the rest of the school sector. We will strive to do this as soon as possible. Certainly, I hope within my lifetime; but post-2030, we will try very hard to get all schools to be net zero.

It is not so difficult for the school sector compared to the whole of Singapore. But beyond just putting in the infrastructure to achieve net zero, what I had highlighted earlier which I think is much more important, is to get mindsets to change. We want to inculcate in our students from an early age the mindset of sustainability, to appreciate the importance of habits. I think that is far more important than just putting in solar panels and then putting in new technology and getting the school infrastructure to be net zero. That we will do; I think that for schools, because it is more compact, it is relatively easier. But getting the software, getting the understanding, the habits and the mindsets – that is an important endeavour we want to do in the school sector as well.

The Chairman: Minister Tan See Leng.

Dr Tan See Leng: I thank Mr Louis Ng for the question. For the import from Lao PDR, in terms of the hydro power, it is a pilot. We will consider all possible sources of renewable energy. One of the key aspects of this thing would be that we would be getting all prospective importers to submit information on their energy sources as well as environmental studies that have been done to see what the impacts are. And that is why at this particular point in time, it is still a pilot. We are piloting from Lao PDR, we are also piloting from Malaysia.

And as we learn more in the months and in the years ahead, we will collate and find the best way forward.

The Chairman: Mr Saktiandi.

Mr Saktiandi Supaat: Mdm Chairman, thank you. First of all, I like to thank Senior Minister and all Ministers for giving a very detailed explanation on this issue. I have got two questions for Minister Tan. First is on the switches. He mentioned the range of switches, the regional grid switch, for example. It was answered somewhat. The first question is on the weightage of the regional grid – how many percent is it, as a whole, part of the switch, a consolidation?

Second is I am concerned about the impact on electricity prices for Singaporeans. Maybe you can share with us to reassure Singaporeans over the next five to 10 years, the impact on the increase in prices. Because you mentioned that: one, the electricity prices will normalise; second, data centres and digitalisation and EV charging will come on-stream; and third, the switches on boarding, including our exposure to regional grid exposures.

So, can I ask the Minister if he can share the plans to mitigate this rise in prices, if any going forward, given the possibility of convergence of these factors.

The Chairman: Minister Tan See Leng.

Dr Tan See Leng: Thank you. Mdm Chairperson, as far as the weightage in terms of the four switches is concerned, as I alluded to earlier on, at this particular point in time, we are still managing it in a form of a very fine balance. As I have stated in my speech, we are really in this trilemma. What I am hoping to achieve is to send a message to everyone and I hope to get the support of everyone in the House, that a fundamental pillar that underpins the entire four-switch strategy is really energy conservation.

At this particular point in time, in terms of the regional power grid, they are pilots. We are trying to see how we can diversify and how reliable and how resilient and how hedged we can be in terms of applying our diversification strategy in terms of these energy imports from the different countries that is part of this regional ASEAN grid.

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We are not able to commit to a long-term target in terms of how much percentage, weightage we are going to give each one of these switches. What we are doing is that we are accelerating all three of them contemporaneously, the regional power grids we are exploring. We are also working very closely under the RIE initiative in terms of looking at the R&D of developing low carbon alternatives, and of course, going very, very long into renewable energy as well.

With time, we should be able to provide this House with greater clarity and details of that strategy and how much traction we are able to gain.

The Chairman: Mr Pritam Singh.

Mr Pritam Singh: Thank you, Madam. I thank the Ministers including Senior Minister Teo for sharing the more intricate details of the Green Plan. From an observer's perspective – a Singaporean looking at this – the targets are a very interesting part of the plan because with technology moving so quickly, I can imagine it is difficult to say when a certain thing can happen by.

I have got two questions. One was actually pertaining to a point with regard to the trade-offs that Senior Minister Teo alluded to in reply to Member Louis Ng's question about nuclear power. I recall seeing in the Government financial statements, a consultancy study that was done to study the prospect of the safe disposal of nuclear waste. And this was I think, a study that cost in excess of a $2 million. I can file a Parliamentary Question on this matter as to what were the findings of the Government, but certainly in terms of clean power, nuclear power that is a source that potentially should be looked at. So, it will be helpful to know what the Government's findings were in that regard.

My second question is for Minister Desmond Lee. We read in the mainstream media allusions to how land, forested area should be dealt with, just like how we deal with our fiscal reserves, very carefully, with a second key, almost. My question is for the public to better understand the trade-offs, because it is a sensitive subject for the members of the public to have open areas and green lungs in the country, what sort of processes take place in Government to ensure that the trade-offs that are taken to, for example, remove a forested area, is a very careful one; and there are checks and balances in that process to make sure that all other alternatives have been considered carefully?

The Chairman: Senior Minister Teo.

Mr Teo Chee Hean: Could I just ask Mr Pritam Singh whether he is saying the Government should study nuclear power as an option?

Mr Pritam Singh: Sir, I am not saying that because I do not have information on what could be the impact of that study or that proposal. But it would appear that the Government has looked into it, so it would be helpful to know what the Government's position is.

The Chairman : Senior Minister Teo.

Mr Teo Chee Hean: The Government's position on nuclear power is quite clear and we have said so several times. We are not foregoing this as a long-term option, and we do not give up any of the options that are available. However, we do not see the current generation or the coming, in fact, even one and a half generations down, of nuclear power plants as being suitable for deployment in Singapore. But we are keeping a very close eye on new developments in nuclear power plants to see whether sometime in the future, as their safety and their capabilities improve, with inherent safety of nuclear power plants, might make them viable or feasible for Singapore.

But we keep an open mind on this. We are looking even at nuclear fusion and tokamaks.

We also have to study, and I am not sure whether this is in fact the study that the Member had referred to. We fund a research centre for nuclear and nuclear safety in Singapore, in order to keep a watch on all these issues including nuclear safety. Although we may not develop a nuclear power plant in Singapore, our neighbours may well do so. So, we need to understand the safety implications of nuclear power plants within a certain radius of us.

The other thing which we need to be prepared for – and this may well be the subject of the study; I do not know which study Mr Pritam Singh is referring to – is that we need to be prepared for nuclear contamination in Singapore, either through a nuclear accident somewhere in the region or by deliberate action, say a terrorist action with a dirty bomb. We have to look at how we clean up such a device or such nuclear radioactive substances that have been dispersed in Singapore, say by terrorist action – how we collect them and how we clean them up. We actually have plans for such a thing. We have to think ahead and we do have plans for this. This may well be what Mr Pritam Singh was thinking. I do not know because I do not know the specific reference.

The Chairman: Minister Desmond Lee.

Mr Desmond Lee: Mdm Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. I had gone into significant detail in two recent Parliamentary Questions and the exchanges after that. One on Ulu Pandan and one on Kranji, where I set out in a lot of detail, the processes, both at the Concept and Masterplan level, as well as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) framework that goes into the assessment of ecological and environmental impact.

So, I will not go into all that detail unless the Member has specific questions on my answers in the last two rounds.

But broadly speaking, we have a long-term plan or what we call currently the Concept Plan. I had told Members of the House that we will soon be launching a conversation to relook at the concept of Singapore, which will then input into our land use plan.

But in finer granularity is the Masterplan. And in the Masterplan, you can see the different parcels of land, even land that is vacant or vegetated, and what the land use intention is, for that land.

But beyond that, this is an iterative process, it is a living process and the different agencies that have land use needs like transport, parks and greenery, our water body agencies, our economic agencies, our housing agencies, having consulted their respective constituencies – the interest groups, the cause-based groups, members of the public, community groups – then, discuss regularly to look at the land use and see whether to proceed with certain plans because of the needs that the agencies have forecasted, or to make some changes to the usage of different parcels of land.

So, for instance, over the last few years, a number of parcels of land that have been intended, say for industry or housing, had after discussion amongst agencies and with the input of members of the nature community and researchers, been safeguarded instead because of their ecological value as natural green spaces.

Then, of course, from the environmental point of view, from the point of view of biodiversity, there is a Nature Conservation Masterplan that was launched in 2015, a four-pillar Masterplan. The first being the conservation of cores, buffers, corridors for nature; second, species recovery and habitat enhancement; third, scientific research into ecology science and its application in our eco-systems in an urban environment; and lastly, citizen science.

And then, of course, I spoke also about the EIA framework, the processes that go into how to do an environmental impact study, when it needs to be called and the kinds of agencies that are involved, as well as the enhancement we made in October of last year to put in place Biodiversity Impact Assessment (BIA) guidelines to enhance the standards and to put in place uniform standards for BIAs, as well as to provide for enforcement through the Wildlife Act and greater transparency of environmental studies.

I also talked about the new things that we have been working on including an ecological connectivity survey at a high level with researchers as well as with the nature community, as well as looking at the feasibility of centralising EIA consultancy.

The Chairman: Minister Grace Fu.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Mdm Chairman, several Ministers have spoken earlier about climate change and our responses under the SGP30. I will now share MSE’s work in three areas: (a) building our climate resilience; (b) decarbonising our water sector; and (c) moving towards a Zero Waste Nation.

COVID-19 has underscored the importance of building resilience in our systems. We have started preparations to deal with the long-term effects of climate change. This includes investing strategically in R&D and our infrastructure.

Sea-level rise poses an existential threat to Singapore. Dr Lim Wee Kiak, Ms Poh Li San and Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked about our plans to protect Singapore’s coastlines against rising sea levels.

In April last year, PUB was appointed the national coastal protection agency to safeguard Singapore’s coastlines against the threat of rising sea levels, while managing inland flood risks. We will implement coastal protection measures in phases, beginning with the more vulnerable parts of our coastlines.

This year, PUB and JTC will embark on site-specific studies at the coastlines of City-East Coast and Jurong Island. Potential measures to be examined include sea walls, polders and nature-based solutions like mangrove planting. In developing these plans, we will search for innovation in complementing our land use, sea space needs and the natural environment. Some of the suggestions from Dr Lim Wee Kiak are interesting and we will take them into consideration.

Climate Change has caused more intense rainfall, and more serious and frequent flooding. As Miss Cheryl Chan has said, it is important to develop a comprehensive and coordinated understanding of Singapore’s level of flood resilience.

To holistically manage both inland and coastal flood risks, PUB will be developing the Coastal-Inland Flood Model this year. This computational model will simulate flood risk events and evaluate effectiveness of coastal infrastructure designs against different climatic scenarios. This will equip PUB with capabilities to plan and implement adaptation measures.

Mr Gan Thiam Poh and Ms Hazel Poa asked about PUB’s long-term measures to mitigate inland flood risks. In the last decade, PUB has invested almost $2 billion on drainage works. When designing drains and canals, PUB considers factors such as the extent and type of development, overall terrain and design rainfall intensity. Key projects include the Bukit Timah First Diversion Canal and Stamford Detention Tank.

Over the next five years, we will invest another $1.36 billion. Ten projects will commence this year, including drainage works at Seletar North Link and Serangoon Avenue 2 and 3.

Despite our best efforts to improve our drainage system, it is not possible to completely eliminate flash floods. It is not practical to build ever bigger drains to meet every extreme rainfall event in land-scarce Singapore.

This is why we introduced the holistic "Source-Pathway-Receptor" approach to managing flash floods. This addresses flood protection by arresting water at source such as detention tanks, expanding capacity of pathways such as drains and canals, and deepening capacity of receptors in low-lying areas.

As Dr Lim Wee Kiak rightly pointed out, coastal and flood protection are a long-term and large-scale effort. To ensure adequate and reliable resourcing, we established the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund under PUB last year with an initial injection of $5 billion.

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The Deputy Prime Minister announced at Budget that the Government intends to issue new bonds under the proposed Significant Infrastructure Government Loan Act, or SINGA, to finance infrastructure, including for coastal and flood protection.

Global warming and rising temperature is another issue that we must grapple with. This is compounded by the Urban Heat Island effect, or UHI for short. When temperature rises, we turn up air-conditioners, which in turn generate more heat in the surrounding, resulting in a vicious cycle. Built-up areas, such as the CBD, can be more than three degree Celsius hotter than our parks. High temperatures can be uncomfortable for our daily activities, or increase the risk of heat injuries at the workplace, sports and military training. Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked about the measures taken to reduce the UHI and heat emissions. We will adopt three mitigation strategies.

First, we will measure, gather data and close our knowledge gaps on the UHI effects by deploying a network of sensors islandwide.

Second, we will develop simulation models of the UHI effects under the Cooling Singapore 2.0 Research Project. This will help us better plan and right-site open spaces and greenery to provide comfort for our residents.

Third, we will develop and implement a UHI mitigation action plan. This will include piloting the use of cool materials, increasing urban greenery and reducing heat emissions through district cooling.

Decarbonisation and improving energy efficiency will continue to be our focus. Mr Louis Ng asked if we can publish a ranking of top emitters. We agree on the need to provide a strong impetus for companies to reduce emissions and we will continue to study how we can spur this meaningfully.

Next, on decarbonising our water sector. Ensuring resilient water supply has been our focus since Independence. With bold and innovative solutions, we have closed the water loop and reused our water endless times. However, our water demand will continue to rise with population and economic growth, even as climate change brings about more erratic rainfall and dry spells. Weather-resilient sources, such as NEWater and desalination, will be key pillars of our future water strategy.

We must ensure that in achieving water sustainability, we do not become more reliant on energy and increase our carbon footprint. In the same bold and innovative spirit that enabled us to close the water loop, MSE will strive to break new frontiers in decarbonising the water sector.

Last year, we announced the construction of one of the world's largest floating solar panel system at Tengeh Reservoir. We are on track to complete construction this year. This will generate enough solar power to meet the energy demands of our five local water treatment plants, making Singapore one of the few in the world to have a fully green waterworks system.

Ms Poh Li San asked for our plans for future floating solar panels and for improving energy efficiency of water treatment. PUB will complete the deployment of two floating solar panel systems at Bedok and Lower Seletar Reservoirs this year. PUB and EDB are also exploring potential deployments in Upper Pierce and Kranji Reservoirs respectively. The environmental impact assessments are underway.

Decades of R&D efforts led to our NEWater and desalination solutions. Today, PUB is undertaking R&D efforts to reduce energy use. One promising example is the Flow Reversal technology in the reverse osmosis stage of NEWater production. This has been shown to improve NEWater recovery rate from 75% to 90% with the same energy consumption.

Through scaling up more efficient technologies, PUB aims to reduce the energy required to produce one cubic metre of desalinated water from 3.5 kilowatt hours to 2 kilowatt hours, by 2025.

Even as we opened our fourth desalination plant in Marina East, I am pleased to announce that our fifth desalination plant in Jurong Island will be completed this year. The Plant will be co-located with Tuas Power's existing Tembusu Multi-Utilities Complex, boosting resource synergies across energy and seawater intake and outfall structures.

Last year, we reported that work has begun on Tuas Nexus – Singapore's first integrated solid waste and used water treatment facility. It is set for completion in phases from 2025. It will harness synergies across the water-energy-waste nexus to maximise energy and resource recovery, enabling it to be fully energy self-sufficient and even export electricity to the grid.

Building on Tuas Nexus, NEA and PUB plan to co-locate a food waste treatment facility at Changi Water Reclamation Plant. The co-digestion of food waste and used water sludge generates additional biogas, providing more electricity for Changi Water Reclamation Plant. Co-location also reduces the carbon footprint, as food waste collected in the east can be sent to Changi, instead of to Tuas Nexus in the west. NEA expects to embark on the preliminary design study for the food waste treatment facility in the first half of this year.

Through our green waterworks, low-energy water production and low-carbon water treatment, the next chapter of our water story will be written in a green and sustainable manner.

I will now touch on waste. We set ambitious targets under our Zero Waste Masterplan in 2019.

Our national goal is to achieve a 70% overall recycling rate and reduce the amount of waste sent to Semakau Landfill per capita per day by 30% by 2030.

Under the Green Plan, we aim to frontload our waste-to-landfill reduction efforts over the next five years, to achieve a 20% reduction per capita per day by 2026.

We can achieve this if everyone plays their part, consuming less, wasting less and recycling more. At the same time, we need a paradigm shift from a linear "take-make-throw" economy to a circular economy where waste is turned into resource and used over and over again. The Government surely cannot do this alone. We need businesses, individuals and all partners to come on board.

Let me share our plans on three priority waste streams: e-waste, food waste and packaging waste, including plastics.

Let me start with e-waste. As Mr Louis Ng pointed out, Singapore generates about 60,000 tonnes of e-waste a year.

E-waste contains valuable resources like precious metals, which we can recover to reduce mining of raw materials. However, only about 6% of the e-waste disposed of by consumers is recycled via public recycling programmes.

This is why we have introduced the Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR framework for e-waste. This places responsibility on producers to collect and send their products for proper end-of-life treatment at e-waste recyclers licensed by NEA.

Mr Melvin Yong and Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked about EV batteries. It will be included in this framework. The recyclers will have to adhere to depollution requirements and meet material recovery targets. This ensures that our e-waste does not pollute the environment and useful resources are recovered for reuse.

To Mr Louis Ng's query, we are on track to start the EPR this July. We recently appointed ALBA Group as the Producer Responsibility Scheme, or PRS Operator to manage the physical collection and treatment of e-waste on behalf of the producers, who will finance the scheme. NEA is working closely with ALBA and industry stakeholders to set up the collection infrastructure.

Come July, the public can look forward to more ways to recycle e-waste. In addition to the mandatory requirement for large retailers to offer instore collection service, we have secured support from owners of other premises, such as shopping malls and Community Clubs, to place e-waste recycling bins at publicly accessible areas within their premises.

To ensure the success of the EPR, NEA is working with premises owners and ALBA to raise awareness. ALBA intends to launch a website and mobile app to provide information on the EPR, including the types of e-waste covered and the recycling locations.

Individuals, too, can drive ground-up efforts on e-waste recycling. Take Mdm Lalitha for instance. She chairs the Woodlands Environmental Committee and led an initiative to install e-waste recycling bins that was well-received by residents in Woodlands. Between October 2018 and March last year, about 338 kg of e-waste was collected. Mdm Lalitha had the following message to share, and I quote, "Environmental conservation is a self-initiated mission. When you lead by example, others will be inspired to follow." Let us play our part for the environment, just like Mdm Lalitha and inspire our families and friends to do the same.

Next, on food waste. We are driving nationwide efforts to reduce and recycle food waste through outreach efforts and regulatory measures.

Last year, we announced the requirement for food waste at large commercial and industrial premises to be segregated for treatment. Mr Louis Ng asked if these premises should also report the amount of food waste segregated. Indeed, we are considering a framework for these premises to measure and report the amount of food waste segregated for treatment. This will highlight to them the amount of food waste they generate and the potential to reduce wastage. We will start industry consultations on this in the second quarter of the year.

Aside from mandatory measures, we will closely support businesses in their efforts to close waste loops. NEA has been seeking applicants for its 3R Fund, a co-funding programme to support businesses in implementing waste reduction projects. Parkway Parade received funding to install a new food waste treatment system on its premises and actively reached out to tenants to segregate their food waste to be treated. Between 2017 and 2020, Parkway Parade successfully diverted 1,200 tonnes of food waste from disposal.

Packaging waste is our third priority waste stream. It accounts for about one-third of domestic waste disposed of, comprising materials, such as plastic, paper, metal and glass. While incineration reduces the volume of packaging waste, we can do more to reduce, reuse and recycle them. We will put in place an EPR framework for packaging waste, starting with a Deposit Refund Scheme, or DRS, for beverage containers.

To Mr Louis Ng's question, we have been engaging the community and industry to develop a DRS framework for Singapore. We plan to introduce the legislative framework for the DRS by 2022 and implement it in 2023. The transition period will give industry time to set up the collection and recycling infrastructure. We will continue to engage stakeholders and we welcome all to participate in shaping Singapore's own DRS framework.

Another important aspect in recycling packaging waste is building up our local recycling capabilities.

More than half of our domestic packaging waste disposed of is plastics. We are pursuing both mechanical and chemical recycling solutions, the latter which can take in contaminated plastics that are not suitable for mechanical recycling.

NEA and Shell are jointly studying the feasibility of chemical recycling in Singapore, including the carbon savings potential of diverting plastic waste from incineration to produce pyrolysis oil, or NEWOil, as feedstock for petrochemical plants.

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One issue that has captured public attention is the excessive consumption of disposables. This includes single-use plastics which Mr Louis Ng and Mr Dennis Tan have asked about. Disposables have a short lifespan and contribute significantly to our carbon footprint and waste. Under GreenGov.SG, the public service is considering measures to reduce the use of disposables and will be announcing more details later in the year.

Citizens are also actively co-creating solutions with us. In line with the SG Together movement, we convened a Citizens' Workgroup in September last year. Fifty-five citizens of various backgrounds jointly came up with recommendations to address the issue of excessive consumption of disposables. They presented their recommendations to my Ministry and NEA in January.

We are heartened by the wide range of ideas, from policies such as a mandatory carrier bag charge, to behavioural nudges such as visual cues in supermarkets. We will share our responses to the recommendations next month and publish them on the Clean and Green Singapore website. Where feasible, we will co-deliver them with the participants and other partners.

It is our hope that all Singaporeans will have a growing consciousness to care for the environment, reduce their consumption and waste less. In so doing, we can make sustainable living a way of life and achieve our vision of becoming a Zero Waste Nation together.

Mdm Chairman, 2020 has been a rough year for Singapore and the world. It has shown us that the current way in which we consume, our habits and the way we treat our planet is not sustainable. But amidst the gloom, there were also many new and hopeful beginnings. We look forward to working with all Singaporeans to take a green leap forward in 2021 towards a sustainable, resource-efficient and climate-resilient future for our nation. I will now hand over to Senior Minister of State Dr Amy Khor.

The Chairman: Senior Minister of State Amy Khor.

The Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment (Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan): Mr Chairman, I will now talk about building a liveable and endearing home by safeguarding public health and sustaining hawker culture. I will start with public health.

COVID-19 has underscored the importance of personal and public hygiene. Last year, we launched the SG Clean movement to urgently shore up our public health defences. Practices like hand washing have become the norm. Over 30,000 premises have achieved the "SG Clean" Quality Mark. We passed the Environmental Public Health (Amendment) Bill to introduce mandatory baseline environmental sanitation standards.

But the battle is far from over. Gastroenteritis incidents affected more than 1,200 persons in 2018 and 2019. Such cases persist.

Satisfaction levels of public cleanliness at premises like markets, hawker centres and coffeeshops remain low. On average, only 30% of patrons return their trays. Birds, which are attracted by food remnants, continue to be a nuisance, with about 90 feedback cases on this every month.

We need to do more. But it is not prudent to rely solely on scarce public resources, whether for cleaning, surveillance or enforcement.

A lasting solution requires everyone to play their part. For example, on littering, which Mr Lim Biow Chuan raised, we have increased fines, deployed camera surveillance and reviewed the Corrective Work Order (CWO) regime. We can continue stepping up enforcement, including by sending every litterbug for CWO, but this is not sustainable for the long term. Instead, we will work with three main stakeholder groups to build and sustain a clean Singapore – with premises owners to uphold high public health standards; with the environmental services industry to transform the sector; and with individuals to engender greater social responsibility to keep Singapore clean.

First, working with premises. We will continue to promote the adoption of good hygiene practices with the "SG Clean" Quality Mark and waive certification costs this year. We will implement the Environmental Sanitation or ES regime, as planned. Under this, premises managers must meet new mandatory baseline ES standards and proactively clean their premises. For the initial phase, we target to cover more than 2,000 pre-schools, schools, youth and eldercare facilities, hawker centres and coffeeshops by end of Fiscal Year 2021.

The ES Technical Committee has completed the technical guide which sets out the national baseline ES guidelines like daily cleaning frequencies for high-touch surfaces and toilets, and prescribed periodic cleaning for hard-to-reach areas. The guide can be customised to develop sector-specific ES standards, such as for eldercare facilities, which will be ready from mid-2021.

Training of over 2,000 Environmental Control Coordinators (ECCs) appointed to assist premises managers in developing an ES programme, will start from this month. Eligible participants will receive up to about 90% in course fee subsidy. Clean public toilets are critical to public health. Even with mandatory baseline standards, ageing infrastructure at some hawker centres and coffeeshop toilets remains an impediment to maintaining cleanliness. This is why we introduced the Toilet Improvement Programme (TIP), which Mr Pritam Singh asked about.

This is a one-off grant, where we co-fund hawker centres and coffeeshop operators to install better fittings and adopt productivity measures. Our priority is to make toilets easier to clean and maintain. That is why we mandated features, like toilet pedestals, with anti-stain technology and a VORTEX flushing system that says "WATER", in the same spirit as our Green Plan.

Cleaners will also be helped to work more efficiently. Feedback systems will allow more targeted cleaning. Similarly, ammonia detection systems will send alerts when cleaning is needed. Mr Singh suggested to pilot the TIP at a hawker centre at a hawker centre with heavy footfall. In fact, the mandatory components of the TIP have already been tested at NEA-managed hawker centres. They were effective and practical. NEA has consulted and will continue to consult the Town Councils on the TIP. We will consider their suggestions including to extend the implementation timeline of the TIP.

Mr Singh asked why we provide additional subsidies to hawker centres, which remove their smoking corners? Protecting patrons from second hand smoke and providing patrons with clean toilets are both important public health priorities. All new hawkers centres built after 2011 are smoke free.

We have been encouraging the remaining 27 centres with smoking corners to remove them. A higher TIP co-funding amount can help to accelerate the shift second. Second, we will work with the Environmental Services Industry to transform the sector, which has experienced increased demand in the current pandemic. With your permission, Chairman, may I display the slides on the LCD screens?

The Chairman: Yes, go ahead.

Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan: Thank you. Since we launched the Environmental Services Industry transformation map or ESITM in 2017, the industry has made great strides to transform itself. For instance, 800 Super have secured better contracts locally and successfully ventured overseas. It achieved this to digitalisation and building capabilities, such as GPS fleet management systems. Now, he offers integrated environmental solutions and boast an integrated energy and resource recovery facility that powers industrial laundry services and animal feed processing.

As suggested by Dr Lim Wee Kiak, we will support the industry to future-proof their businesses beyond COVID-19. I will highlight some key areas.

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

One, we will move away from headcount-based contracts. The Government has taken the lead by requiring outcome-based contracting for our new cleaning contracts from May 2020. This ensures clear outcomes for service buyers and encourages cleaning companies to innovate and be more productive, which in turn creates better jobs and address manpower constraints. To date, more than 110 public and private sector organisations have adopted outcome-based contracting.

NEA will roll out a refreshed outcome-based contracting guide for the cleaning industry this month, which will encourage better service delivery through technology adoption and process improvements. It includes an easier method to measure service outcomes and sample contract clauses to cater for contingencies such as COVID-19. Service buyers and cleaning companies can agree on deploying more resources to meet additional cleaning requirements, based on the prices that cleaning companies have quoted upfront. This offers flexibility to adapt to changing requirements.

Two, we have extended the Productivity Solutions Grant until September 2021 to support companies to adopt automation.

Three, the Progressive Wage Model will be extended to waste management workers. The Tripartite Cluster for Waste Management will develop job ladders, training requirements and wage benchmarks. We also have initiatives for the pest management sector, which Miss Rachel Ong spoke about.

We are encouraging premises and pest management companies to jointly pilot customised digital solutions through the INCUBATE programme. For example, NEA and Enterprise Singapore (ESG) recently closed a joint grant call with INCUBATE partners to seek solutions for a digital platform that integrates cleaning, waste and pest data. We will also work with the sector to develop outcome-based contracting guidelines for pest management contracts, targeted to be ready by end 2021.

We will grow the talent pool of pest management professionals. NEA is working with IHLs and the industry to revise Continuing Education & Training and Pre-Employment Training courses, such as the joint ITE-NEA certification courses for pest management. Lest Members have the wrong impression, pest management goes beyond catching rats, killing cockroaches and controlling the mosquito population! It takes serious science to deal with these pests and prevent their multiplication.

The third prong in our strategy is to foster individual responsibility around public hygiene, as Mr Gan Thiam Poh mentioned. This involves behavioural change which is very challenging, but it is the only sustainable way forward.

Recently, I launched the Clean Tables Campaign at hawker centres, coffeeshops and food courts. As Miss Rachel Ong asked, we are adopting new ways to spread the word. It is an uphill task to get individuals to clear their tables – old habits die hard – but it can be done. For example, at Bukit Merah Central Food Centre, the Hawkers' Association customised trays with educational messages, and worked with hawkers and table cleaners to encourage patrons to return trays. They have achieved an exemplary tray return rate of more than 70%. I urge other hawker centres to follow their lead.

In the coming months, we will roll out the campaign at all hawker centres, coffeeshops and foodcourts. NEA will install around 75 tray return racks at hawker centres on top of the 900 today. At coffeeshops, 10% have tray return infrastructure and SFA will work with the remaining operators to implement localised solutions. NEA will monitor the campaign outcome and conduct another survey on public attitudes towards tray return. We will also consider if we need to move beyond education to some form of regulation, as some members of the public have suggested.

I will now speak on sustaining hawker culture.

Restrictions on dine-in during Circuit Breaker undoubtedly affected some hawkers, but they continued to work tirelessly to supply Singaporeans with affordable food. Many pivoted to food delivery services. To support our frontline hawker heroes, we provided five months of rental waivers and subsidies for table-cleaning and centralised dishwashing services. More than $50 million in waivers and subsidies was provided to over 13,000 hawkers. Over 1,300 hawkers have also taken up the $500 grant to adopt food delivery services. Under IMDA's Hawkers Go Digital Programme, over 5,000 hawkers received an e-payment bonus up to $1,500 each.

Despite the challenges, 2020 ended on a bright note. Hawker Culture was successfully inscribed on the UNESCO List. This is a proud moment for Singapore. I will speak on two areas – supporting hawkers and future-proofing hawker centres. Both are essential parts of our hawker culture.

First, supporting our hawkers and sustaining the trade. There is no hawker culture without hawkers. Our hawkers average age is about 60 years old. We do need to act urgently, as Mr Leong Mun Wai said, to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy our hawker culture.

Life as a hawker is not easy. I have spoken to many new hawkerpreneurs. Some do it for passion, some with ambition to eventually expand, and others to continue a family legacy. For example, Mr Fabian Tan of Skirt & Dirt at Tiong Bahru Market, a 32-year-old culinary school graduate and former senior sous chef, joined the hawker trade through NEA's Incubation Stall Programme. Fabian's goal is to eventually open his own café or restaurant.

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To aspiring hawkers, we will continue to do what we can to help you start on a good footing. Last year, the Workgroup on Sustaining the Hawker Trade made recommendations which we accepted. Implementation is underway.

First, we introduced the Hawkers Development Programme to equip aspiring hawkers with the skills to run a successful business. The programme comprises classroom training, apprenticeship with veteran hawkers and an incubation stage with mentorship support and training allowances.

I thank the veteran hawkers who have stepped forward as mentors. One example is Workgroup member Ms Sandy Tan Puay Puay, who owns Kueh Ho Jiak at Blk 6 Tanjong Pagar Plaza.

Second, we enhanced the Incubation Stall Programme. In 2019, we extended the rental rebates to a total of 15 months. We are also increasing the number of incubation stalls.

Third, we introduced the Hawkers Succession Scheme.

As Mr Gan highlighted, a critical factor in sustaining the trade is the transmission of culinary skills across generations. This scheme will also facilitate the transfer of hawker stalls and recipes, by matching veteran hawkers to aspiring successors. Mr Leong suggested that we focus on preserving hawker recipes. This scheme goes beyond that, to ensure that the recipes live on so that we can continue to savour the delicious food.

We will convene an independent advisory panel, comprising members of the hawker community, to help engage potential veteran hawkers and assess the successors' readiness to take over.

Mr Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap asked about reviving the Hardship Scheme. As he noted, we discontinued this in 1990 as job opportunities had increased, even for the unskilled. The scheme also had limited effectiveness with low take-up rate, as most hardship cases preferred to wait for a vacant stall in more popular centres.

Today, we have many schemes to help the needy upskill and find good jobs, while providing financial assistance and other support. More importantly, subsidising rentals alone will not guarantee success. Rentals are not the biggest cost for our hawkers. It is raw materials and manpower costs that make up about three-quarters of hawkers' operating costs, based on NEA's survey of our hawker centres. Sustaining a hawker stall requires entrepreneurship and passion, no different from any business. Nonetheless, we do want to support the needy who are genuinely passionate to enter the trade.

We now have schemes which are open to all, including ex-offenders. Our Hawkers Development Programme and Incubation Stall Programme offer aspiring hawkers subsidised skills training, training allowances, rental subsidies and a fitted-out stall, including at hawker centres run by socially-conscious enterprises or SEHCs, to let them test their mettle at lower start-up costs.

They can also bid for a stall through NEA's monthly tender exercise, where no minimum bids are required. As a result, the median rental of cooked food stalls in hawker centres today, including SEHCs, is much lower than the rentals in coffeeshops or food courts. This is part of our effort to keep operating costs low and reduce the barriers of entry for new hawkers. Coupled with the earlier-mentioned schemes, we hope this improves the viability of the trade to attract a new generation of hawkers.

I will now speak on hawker centres, an important component of our hawker culture.

Mr Leong said hawker centres have been declining in popularity. This is not true. An NEA survey found that close to 80% of Singaporeans patronise hawker centres at least once a week.

Hence, it is opportune to consider how we can future-proof our hawker centres as Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin suggested.

During the recent SG HawkerFest, more than 7,700 participants shared what infrastructure and features they hoped to see in future hawker centres. We received many suggestions, from improving ventilation, to providing live updates on crowd levels at hawker centres.

Building on the suggestions gathered, we will develop a Hawker Centres Transformation Programme or HTP over the next few years with our stakeholders. The HTP will incorporate lessons from COVID-19 and sustain our hawker culture.

The programme will focus on ensuring a clean and safe environment at hawker centres. For example, aisles and tables will be better spaced to minimise crowding. We will create a more conducive environment for patrons, hawkers and cleaners. We will also enhance the use of technology and support digitalisation efforts. For example, we will work towards deploying sensors for crowd monitoring and to facilitate maintenance.

Sustainability will also be a priority, as part of our effort to bring sustainability to the community under GreenGov.SG. The new Senja Hawker Centre will have features like food waste digestion, rainwater harvesting and solar panels.

We will progressively implement the HTP at new hawker centres and centres which undergo redevelopment.

We will also conduct engagements with stakeholders at a few existing hawker centres to co-create centre-level solutions for these centres, to address infrastructure gaps based on COVID-19 lessons. We hope to learn from these "test" centres and continue to refine the HTP. Mr Chairman, in Mandarin, please.

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Our hawker centres are an important component of our hawker culture.

During the recent SG HawkerFest, we received many suggestions on the infrastructure and features that the public hoped to see in hawker centres of the future.

Building on these suggestions, we will develop a Hawker Centres Transformation Programme (HTP) over the next few years. The HTP will incorporate lessons from COVID-19 and sustain our thriving hawker culture from generation to generation.

The HTP will focus on ensuring a clean and safe environment at our hawker centres and enhancing them as community dining rooms. For example, aisles and tables will be better spaced to minimise crowding. We will enhance the use of technology and support digitalisation efforts, including sensors for crowd monitoring and to facilitate maintenance.

We will progressively implement the HTP at the new hawker centres, and centres which undergo redevelopment. We will also conduct engagements with stakeholders at a few existing hawker centres to co-create feasible solutions, to address infrastructure gaps based on lessons learnt from COVID-19.

(In English): Mr Gan asked about our new hawker centres. Construction of Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre and Fernvale Hawker Centre and Market was delayed by COVID-19. However, we have made good progress since and they are estimated to open in 4Q 2021. Senja Hawker Centre is also scheduled to open early next year.

To Mr Gan and Miss Ong's question, we will appoint socially-conscious enterprises to manage all new hawker centres. The SEHC model has allowed hawkers in these centres to better compete in a tough F&B landscape. SEHC operators curate the food options and organise events to attract more footfall. We will continue to work closely with hawkers, operators and other stakeholders to refine the model.

As is our MSE tradition, I have arranged to serve Skirt & Dirt's sliders and Kueh Ho Jiak's kueh. Min jiang kueh from Munchi Delights and epok-epok from Kalsom Kuih Muih Curry Puff, both at Yishun Park Hawker Centre, are also back by popular demand. Also, in the same tradition, let me also share a zero-waste tip with Members. Today, I am wearing a necklace fashioned from old t-shirts, turning it into NewCloth, just like NEWater, NewSand and NewOil and NewFeet!

Mr Chairman, in conclusion, the past year has focused our attention on the importance of sustaining a liveable and endearing home, cleanliness and hygiene as our first line of defence and safeguarding our hawker culture. My Ministry will continue to work hard on these fronts. But to succeed, we need everyone's support.

The Chairman: Minister of State Desmond Tan.

The Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment (Mr Desmond Tan): Mr Chairman, MSE remains committed in ensuring our water sustainability and supply of safe food for future generations. Let me explain how we intend to do so, partnering businesses and Singaporeans.

Even as we commission new desalination and NEWater plants, this infrastructure cannot keep pace with demand as our economy and our population grow. We must not let up on our efforts to conserve water.

Household water consumption decreased from 148 to 141 litres per person per day or LPCD between 2016 and 2019. This increased to 154 LPCD last year with more staying home during the pandemic. We must continue to drive water conservation efforts to achieve our goal of 130 LPCD by 2030.

Mr Yip Hon Weng suggested tapping on technology to enhance water use efficiency. This is what we are trying to do.

PUB will commence the first phase of the Smart Water Programme from the second half of this year to install 300,000 smart water meters in new and existing residential, commercial and industrial premises in seven districts across the island by 2023.

Consumers can monitor their daily water use and receive notifications and tips through the accompanying web portal. Alerts will be sent when abnormal water use patterns are detected, signifying potential leaks that need to be fixed.

PUB will partner the non-domestic sector to increase its water efficiency, as the sector is projected to account for the major part of the total water demand by 2060, as noted by Ms Poh Li San and Mr Yip Hon Weng. With your permission, Mr Chairman, may I display some slides on the LCD screen.

The Chairman: Yes, please.

Mr Desmond Tan: From January 2022, the Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme or MWLES will be extended to water closets flush valves that are used in toilets in premises like shopping malls and offices. As a start, only those with a minimum two-tick efficiency rating can be sold.

PUB will also introduce the mandatory minimum water efficiency requirements for three types of commercial equipment, namely washer extractors, dishwashers and high-pressure washers.

Both schemes are expected to save about 0.72 million gallons of water per day, equivalent to 480 Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of water annually.

Starbucks managed to reduce its annual water consumption, as an example, by 2% for its outlets that have switched to water-efficient dishwashers. Six hundred and forty-five cubic metres of water was saved in a year, equivalent to about a quarter of an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and they also saved $1,800 from their annual bills.

I would like to assure Miss Cheng Li Hui that PUB will continue to minimise network water losses through smart and cost-effective measures, even though Singapore already has one of the lowest rates of water leakages in the world, with five leaks for every 100 km of pipes yearly.

PUB will install 1,200 permanent leak detection sensors by 2021 to remotely monitor approximately 500 km of large water pipelines. Advanced leak detection tools, such as the SmartBall, will be propelled by the water flow within the pipeline to survey long stretches for leaks.

Mr Yip Hon Weng stressed the importance of safeguarding our used water resources. Singapore is one of the few countries to close the water loop, returning used water to the system in the form of NEWater as well as industrial water.

PUB takes a zero-tolerance approach towards improper used water discharges and will not hesitate to prosecute errant companies because improper discharges pose health hazards to sewerage workers and cause disruptions to our water reclamation process.

PUB's enforcement efforts are complemented by advanced sensing technologies to monitor these illegal discharges.

The network of online volatile organic compounds monitoring units will be expanded from the current 40 units to 100 units by end-2021. One hundred and seventy-five trade premises will have microbial electrochemical sensors installed in their last inspection chambers, from 100 today, to alert PUB when excessive heavy metals are detected. These data help PUB more accurately identify high-risk trade premises and address emerging problems early.

Mr Chairman, Singapore has developed a multi-pronged approach to ensure our food security, including import diversification, local production and stockpiling of essential food items. We also support local companies to expand overseas and export their produce back home.

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In 2019, we announced our 30 by 30 goal to buffer Singapore from global disruptions arising from climate change. When COVID-19 hit our shores, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) responded quickly by launching the "30x30 Express" grant call to accelerate local food production. I am pleased to share with Ms Nadia Samdin that in September 2020, SFA awarded close to $40 million to nine companies out of the 40 innovative proposals received to boost local production of eggs, leafy vegetables and fish. While one farm has since withdrawn and another has yet to accept the offer, the other seven remain on track.

One successful recipient, Indoor Farm Factory Innovation is setting up a high-tech indoor vegetable farm with a vertical integration growth system of up to eight meters in height. I look forward to their vegetables hitting the shelves this year.

To produce more with less, we must continue investing in technology. Under the $144 million Singapore Food Story R&D Programme, three Grant Calls on Sustainable Urban Food Production and Future Foods on Alternative Proteins have been launched. Award results will be announced soon.

SFA has supported existing farms to achieve higher productivity through the Agriculture Productivity Fund (APF) since 2015. As of end-December 2020, $43 million have been committed from the APF to support 118 companies and farms. Homegrown company, Blue Ocean Aquaculture Technology, benefited from the APF to invest in the Recirculating Aquaculture System technology which enables it to farm fish in an indoor controlled environment and to recycle water within the production loop.

The new $60 million Agri-Food Cluster Transformation (ACT) Fund replaces the APF which expired in 2020 and provides funding support for local farms over the next five years.

On Ms Nadia Samdin’s question, the ACT Fund has been designed with several improvements over the APF. It will better cater to farms of different scales and development needs, from start-up to growth and expansion. It will have a higher co-funding quantum and wider scope in support of farms that adopt advanced farming systems which improve productivity and resource efficiency.

SFA has also made more spaces available for our local farms. Five tranches of agri-land tendered out will progressively be operational in the coming years, and the first batch of Multi-Storey Carpark (MSCP) rooftop farms will commence production this year. Seven more HDB MSCP rooftops are currently being tendered for urban farming, while the tender for our sixth tranche of land sales will be awarded in the coming weeks.

To ensure that we optimise our limited agri-land, SFA will masterplan around 390 hectares in Lim Chu Kang to create a vibrant agri-food hub that will anchor global and local best-in-class companies in Singapore. As Mr Don Wee suggested, we should co-create the masterplan with stakeholders including the food and non-food farms, nature groups, residents around the area. I have kickstarted a series of conversations with these stakeholders to better understand their needs and their aspirations for Lim Chu Kang, and we will continue these conversations through the year.

With their feedback, we will also form dedicated workgroups to develop the masterplan, and these will be incorporated with the findings of the environmental baseline and topographical studies, when we launch the masterplanning consultancy in end-2021.

We hear Mr Don Wee’s concerns about the impact to the livelihoods of affected farmers. Twenty-six farms have leases expiring and will be able to stay on until their leases expire, with most having a further short extension. We will continue to facilitate their transition plans, including feasibility of moving to indoor spaces. SFA will work with the industry to minimise any disruption to local production during this transition.

Ms Nadia Samdin asked about the plans to unlock the potential of our local sea-based farms. Most of the approximately 100 coastal farms in the Straits of Johor adopt open-net cage farming techniques. SFA has been encouraging them to invest in technology to enhance productivity and resilience against external environmental risks. Farms are also encouraged to use fish feed that minimises impact on the marine eco-system, and tap on solar and tidal energy to power their farming systems.

Farms can apply for the ACT Fund for their capital investments. And following feedback from farms, SFA will launch new sea space tenders on leases within the next few years to provide farms with greater certainty on the use of sea spaces.

To ensure that our sea spaces can sustain high-yielding production over the long term, SFA will work with the farms to monitor the impact of aquaculture activities on farming sites and measures to manage the spread of fish diseases.

SFA has engaged the industry to understand their concerns and we strive to uplift the sector, build food resilience and generate good jobs for Singapore.

I echo Miss Cheryl Chan, Dr Lim Wee Kiak and Ms Nadia Samdin’s calls to build a new generation of agri-food skilled workforce. SFA is working with Institutes of Higher Learning and local farms on courses and structured internship programmes to equip students and adult job seekers with skillsets directly relevant to the agri-food sector. Mr Chairman, in Mandarin please.

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] MSE endeavors to strengthen the production capability of our local farms and facilitate the transformation of the agri-food sector to ensure enough food supply for Singaporeans.

SFA announced in October 2020 that it will be master-planning about 390 hectares of land in Lim Chu Kang and transform this area into a high-tech agri-food zone. This will help enhance our food resilience and create good business opportunities and jobs for Singaporeans.

In addition, we will also work with local sea-based farms on ways to keep our sea spaces highly productive over the long term, including investing in advanced farming systems and monitoring impact of their activities on farming sites.

To provide farms with greater certainty on the use of sea space, SFA will launch new sea space tenders on leases within the next few years.

(In English): As our farms build capabilities and increase production, consumers can make a conscious choice to support local produce, which is fresher and lasts longer.

SFA launched the SG Fresh Produce logo in 2020 to facilitate consumers in identifying local produce. A new “Clean & Green” standard for urban farms will be introduced this year, as a mark of assurance that produce is free from synthetic pesticides and grown in a clean farming environment using resource-efficient and sustainable practices.

SFA will pilot two projects recommended by the Citizens’ Workgroup, where hospitals feature local produce in new mothers’ first meal after delivery, and wet markets will make it easier for consumers to identify local produce at the stalls.

While most farms produce for the domestic market, SFA and ESG are also assisting them to secure market access overseas.

As mentioned by Ms Nadia Samdin, the formation of SFA in 2019 brought various food-related functions under a single agency, allowing SFA to have better regulatory oversight of the entire food supply chain from farm to fork.

To manage new and emerging food safety risks as the agri-food landscape develops, SFA will introduce a new Bill this year to consolidate and strengthen its powers that currently reside in several pieces of legislation.

Last December, SFA allowed the company EAT Just, Inc. to sell its cultured chicken as an ingredient in nuggets in Singapore after rigorously assessing that all food safety risks have been addressed. With more novel food products being developed, Mr Gan Thiam Poh is spot-on in suggesting that more food safety assurances should be put in place. The new Act will provide greater legal clarity on the regulatory framework for novel foods, including mandating that a pre-market safety assessment must be done before approval for sale is granted. SFA will also inspect and sample novel food products for testing, as is being done for other food products.

However, food safety is a joint responsibility with the industry and consumers. Food companies must ensure that their products are safe and fit for consumption. And to help consumers make informed food choices, the new Act will continue to impose existing requirements for companies to label the product packaging to indicate the true nature of the food.

As pointed out by Ms Nadia Samdin, another trend accelerated by the pandemic is the proliferation of food delivery. While food delivery companies are not licensed by SFA as they are not involved in the food preparation or processing and thus have minimal risks of causing food contamination, they remain responsible for ensuring that the food is transported in a manner that does not compromise on food safety. This includes maintaining the cleanliness of the vehicle and equipment used for the transportation of food. SFA has been engaging food delivery companies on food safety practices and will explore Ms Nadia Samdin’s suggestion for these companies to indicate hygiene and cleanliness information on their platform.

Mr Chairman, I urge Members to support the work done by MSE, PUB and SFA, and to secure Singapore’s food and water supplies. Assurances on food and water security serve as social and psychological ballasts for Singapore as we build back better.

The Chairman: Clarification. Mr Pritam Singh.

Mr Pritam Singh: Speaker, just to clarify the consultancy study I referred to in my question to Senior Minister Teo, it was an NEA study on the development of storage sites for radioactive contaminated waste, not nuclear. I said nuclear, I should have said radioactive.

The Chairman: Ms Poh Li San.

Ms Poh Li San (Sembawang): Thank you, Mr Chairman. I thank Minister Grace Fu for sharing the upcoming plans such as the Flow Reversal Technology to improve NEWater recovery, the fifth desalination plant in Jurong Island and also the food waste treatment plant at the Changi Water Treatment works. These are all very game-changing circular energy and self-sufficient strategies to ensure our water supply in the long run is secure. However, these are all huge infrastructure investment.

Deputy Prime Minister Heng announced in his Budget speech that Green Bonds worth $19 billion of sustainability focus projects would be set aside such as for the Tuas Nexus project. I would like to know if MSE is open to expanding the scope of game-changing sustainability focused large-scale infrastructure projects so as to accelerate the pace of our sustainability efforts and also our own energy self-reliance.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Thank you, Chairman. I would like to thank the Member for the clarification. MSE will support efforts to promote the industry in sustainability. We will do what is necessary. But fundamentally, we must make sure that our large infrastructure must meet our needs. We will want our infrastructure to also meet our sustainability goals. With that, as the basic assumptions, we will be happy to work with any agencies to promote sustainability services, including financial reporting and verification.

The Chairman: Mr Leong Mun Wai.

Mr Leong Mun Wai: Thank you, Chairman. First, I would like to thank Senior Minister Teo and all the Ministers, the Senior Minister of State and Ministers of State for all their informative and exciting speeches. It is really very exciting. I have two questions. One on hawker culture and one on the electric vehicle.

First, on the hawker culture, I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State Amy Khor, with the declining number of hawkers expected in the future does she think it is viable to continue to increase the number of hawker centres? I am a bit worried that in the future, we may have a scenario whereby our hawker centres are no longer serving local food, but more and more foreign food. So is that a scenario that is acceptable if that happens?

Second question on the electric vehicle, what kind of changes in electricity demand pattern are we expecting with the EV introduction and how are we changing our grid system to cater for that? In other words, can our grid system cope with the surge in electricity demand? And together with that, is there going to be a very significant increase in electricity prices going forward due to this structural change?

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Of course, we have the cyclical change in the oil price and all that. That cannot be controlled. But with the change to the introduction of EVs, there will be a structural change in our energy market. Will that lead to a significant rise in electricity price?

Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan: Let me maybe share with Members that the vacancy rate for hawker centres managed by NEA is actually very low. It is about 2%. And every month, when we tender, there will always be bidders for these stalls. Through our various programmes to attract a new generation of hawkers to run the hawker stalls, we also actually have many applicants. In fact, for our Hawker Development Programme (HDP) that we recently initiated, 200 have actually gone through the training programme, 66 have completed the apprenticeship, 46 are now looking for stalls to start their incubation stall phase. Indeed, even as we have built seven new hawker centres, 13 are coming up, 10 are actually in design and construction, one is in the planning stage, the other two we have not announced the details. We also have many requests from actually many Members of this House for a hawker centre. So, as I have said, the Member is not correct to say that hawker centres are declining in popularity.

With regard to the food, recently, we had our hawker culture listed in the UNESCO Representative List and we need to sustain, and we want to sustain, the hawker trade as well as safeguard our hawker culture. To do this, we also need to ensure that the food served, as well as the environment of the hawker centre, evolves according to the needs of Singaporeans. Increasingly, all kinds of food will be served cosmopolitan because we are a cosmopolitan, multicultural, multiracial country. So, I do not think we need to be too concerned about this. What we need to do is ensure that our hawker centres continue to provide affordable delicious food in a clean environment.

With regard to heritage food, we also have programmes. Recently, we announced the Hawker Succession Programme that is actually for veteran hawkers who want to retire and we do not have anyone to take over the stalls and they do not mind passing on their culinary skills and recipes to a new breed of hawkers. We are starting this. We have 70 veteran hawkers who are actually mentoring our new breed of hawkers. I think the fact that hawker culture is the pride of everyone in Singapore, there is great hope that we will be able to sustain it together.

The Chairman: Mr Ong Ye Kung.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Thank you, Mr Chairman. There was a study done. If let us say, by 2040, the entire vehicle population runs on electricity, and needs to be charged, this is what we call an energy reset. So, instead of every vehicle having a little combustion engine and generating power, you now feed them with electricity and then you generate the power centrally somewhere else. The increase in generation demand is estimated to be about 600 to 1,200 megawatts-peak. That is equivalent to one to two generating units. And one to two generating units are equivalent to 8% to 16% of the current generation power. So, that is what we meant by an energy reset if we move the entire vehicle population to electricity. But it is a much more efficient way of generating power and will reduce carbon emissions.

How would that affect electricity prices? We really cannot tell. I do not have a crystal ball. But this is a functioning market. If there is a demand, you will attract plantings, you will attract investments. So long as there are plantings of new generation units, you fundamentally do not change the supply and demand conditions in the market.

Of course, there is downstream impact that Mr Leong Mun Wai asked, which is the grid infrastructure. I mentioned just now that so long as we do not insist on fast charging, the upgrade of the infrastructure is towards the last mile, which is not huge. If we can live with slower and overnight charging, it is not a huge investment. And all these services are already happening in Singapore. You do find these charging stations around in Singapore. They buy from the grid, pay grid charges and then add to their installation cost plus their margin, they are able to sell electricity at 39 cents to 50 cents per kilowatt hour. So, the right comparison is, compared to paying for diesel and petrol, it is actually a lot more attractive and competitive.

The Chairman: Mr Yip Hon Weng.

Mr Yip Hon Weng: Thank you, Chairman. I have a clarification for Minister of State Desmond Tan. What is the impact of the minimum water efficiency labelling scheme on the industry, and whether existing equipment needs to be replaced with the two ticks when the minimum water efficiency labelling scheme kicks in?

Mr Desmond Tan: Mr Chairman, I thank the Member for the question. PUB has consulted the industry quite extensively on these minimum labelling requirements and we assess that the requirements will have minimal impact in terms of compliance costs. In fact, it is expected to be saving water and also save costs for the consumers as well. So, maybe I will just break it down into two parts because the first part is about the water closet flush valves which will only affect industry and not the residential part. So, in this respect, there is minimal impact to the industry as there are sufficient models out there that meet the minimum standard today. And water-efficient models are also not more costly than the less water-efficient ones.

Just to also answer the Member's portion on whether those who are on one-tick, would they need to be replaced, the mandatory requirement will only apply if consumers wish to purchase new WC flush valve or replace their existing non water-efficient ones. So, there is no requirement for all existing flushes to be replaced.

On the commercial equipment side, we have also done a study in consultation with the industry and, likewise, the impact is not high because there are sufficient models out there. And the cost, in fact, for the more water-efficient ones are even lower than their less water-efficient counterparts. Likewise, there is no requirement to replace all existing equipment washers if you do not meet the current requirement. It is only for those who are either replacing new ones or intending to buy new equipment.

The Chairman: Mr Leong Mun Wai. The hawker fare is calling for us. [Laughter.]

Mr Leong Mun Wai: Thank you, Chairman. I just have one more question to seek clarification from Minister Ong. Because this is also a question from the residents and also I have not enough technical knowledge. What he saying is that if, at night, everybody starts to charge the battery for the car, would it not lead to a sudden surge in the demand and then if it causes blackout or things like that, something similar to like sometimes, at night, you cannot get access to the Internet properly. So, can the Minister enlighten us on this?

Dr Tan See Leng: Mr Chairman, I think to answer Mr Leong's question, it is, indeed, a function of supply and demand. What we are doing in terms of the grid is to expand and upgrade the grid. And as I have alluded to earlier in my speech, we will pace it out and we have quite a number of years to invest and to expand and also to upgrade the grid. Of course, if everyone chooses to go into charging their vehicles over a very set period of time, then that peak will go up to about 16%. I think that was the point that Minister Ong talked about.The range is between 8% and 16%. So, there are plans that are needed for between one 600 megawatt generator to two 600 megawatt generators to generate that peak power that is required.

The Chairman: Mr Louis Ng, can you very quickly withdraw your amendment? Oh, Minister Ong.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Sorry, Chairman, I just want to add one point. If people start to charge their vehicles at night when we all sleep, it is actually quite welcomed. It is at night that the usage is generally lower. In the day time, there are lots of economic activities. So, if some of these economic activities move to the night, you are charging, actually it smoothens out the generation capacity. It is to be welcomed.

The Chairman: Mr Dennis Tan, do you have a question?

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong: Thank you, Mr Chairman. Just a quick clarification for either Minister Chan or Minister Ong. In the Budget debate speech, I said I understand the Government has been studying the potential of battery swapping as a complement to EV charging. I am just wondering whether the Government can provide the House with some update on its study so far.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Thank you. I missed out answering that question. I think we do not rule out any technology. From now to 2030, you can still see more technologies, including battery swapping.

But I would say this. From the current trend, it has become quite clear. EV-charging has taken off. The electric train has left the station. So, if you look at whether it is US, Europe, China, they are all going quite big now on electricity charging. Tesla is probably, I believe, the fastest selling EV in the world now and you cannot swap a Tesla battery. It is the entire plate and chassis of the car.

So, I think it is something that we can ride on and start to develop the infrastructure. And if you follow my speech just now, we are not going big guns and build a huge infrastructure that can bear the risks of being stranded should technology move. So, if we use existing spare capacity, install last-mile installation charges, I do not think we are at great risk of any stranded technology risk. So, I think it is a no-regrets move based on current trajectory, based on current technological advancement, based on the fact that, in a few years' time, we are going to see parity between EVs that are based on charging, and ICE vehicles.

The Chairman: Mr Louis Ng, would you like to withdraw your amendment?

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang: Sir, I thank all the Members for speaking up. I would like to take this opportunity to also thank the officeholders and the public servants at PMO, MOE, MND, MSE, MOT, MTI and the MSE Statutory Boards PUB, NEA and SFA for their hard work, both in front and behind the scenes. I thank you for the clean air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, for the clean environment we live in and for our healthy planet that we call home, for releasing the male mosquitoes to make sure that mosquitoes bite us less and on my pet topic of protecting us from second-hand smoke.

But I believe we had one of the longest COS and I also believe MSE is one of the most loved Ministry because we focus on something that Singaporeans love – food. And I know the hawker fare is waiting for us. So, on that note, Sir, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $1,848,794,400 for Head L ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates.

The sum of $1,113,534,200 for Head L ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.

The Chairman: Order. I feel compelled to take a break now.

Thereupon Mr Speaker left the Chair of the Committee and took the Chair of the House.

Mr Speaker: Order. I suspend the sitting. We will give ourselves an extra five minutes. I will take the Chair at 3.40 pm.

Sitting accordingly suspended

at 3.15 pm until 3.40 pm.

Sitting resumed at 3.40 pm.

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Debate in Committee of Supply resumed.