Committee of Supply − Head X (Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth)

The Chairman: Head X, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. Dr Lim Wee Kiak.

Bringing Singaporeans Together

Dr Lim Wee Kiak (Sembawang): Madam, I beg to move, "That the total sum to be allocated for Head X of the Estimates be reduced by $100."

This is an era of globalisation. Yet, international political turmoil, terrorism, threats and social division worldwide are pulling nations apart. To win popular votes, we see politicians in other countries playing up a variety of issues from religion to racism and trade protectionism. This gives rise to riot, hate crimes and, even long after the political race is over, it leaves behind deep divisions among its people.

According to a Cable News Network (CNN) report, eight in 10 Americans now believe their country is more divided on major issues compared to a few years ago. Apart from social differences, mistrust towards immigrants and fear of terrorism continue to plague and divide the likes of the US, Germany, France and so on.

The troubles of other multicultural countries, some closer to our nation, must serve as a stark reminder to Singaporeans that we must not take peace and harmony for granted. Our leaders who led the racial harmony movement were far-sighted. Beyond tolerance, they urged us to understand and respect one another's background as well as religion. So, what brings Singaporeans together?

I remember during the 1993 Malaysian Cup, the Singapore National Football Team played against Kedah and we won 2-0. Singaporeans gathered by the busloads in Kuala Lumpur to support our national team. Many were shouting their hearts out at home in front of their television (TVs). I remember the entire estate yelled. The whole town shouted. The entire nation rejoiced in one voice, regardless of race, language or religion. We had a similar reaction last year when Joseph Schooling won the first Olympic Gold Medal for Singapore. The entire nation was frozen and holding our breath during those 50.39 seconds. Again, the nation celebrated the success, regardless of race, language or religion.

Apart from sports that can bring Singaporeans together, there are many others. In March 2015, we all came together to mourn the passing of our beloved founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. More than 440,000 people queued for hours to pay their last respects at Parliament House and many others did that at the 18 community tribute sites.

Although we are one of the youngest nations on earth, we have demonstrated and risen to the occasion to overcome our race, language and religion divides and come together as one people, one nation. We must not rest on our laurels. The proliferation of Internet culture has blurred the lines between truth and lies. It is very convenient now to spread falsehood, with the purpose of inciting chaos and hatred. Frequent exposure to inappropriate ideology, along with the climate of dissatisfaction, can lead to the breakdown of our social fabric.

How does the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) intend to bring citizens closer together and strengthen that trust and the bridge that we have? What are the strategies to ensure that we remain united in the face of adversity? I would like to urge the Government on four points: (a) continue to deepen and broaden the partnerships between the people and the Government through programmes like SGCares, Our Singapore Fund, Youth Corps Singapore, Team Nila and through our culture and sports; (b) continue to grow our common spaces and values through our common experiences like National Service (NS) and the Outward Bound School (OBS), our arts and heritage and, in doing so, not forgetting those among us with disabilities; (c) strengthen and celebrate our national identity through heritage, our achievements and the Founders' Memorial; and last of all (d) I would like to suggest to have a dedicated TV and radio channel for all things Singaporean, such as Sports, Arts, Culture, Food, News, History and Fashion.

Question proposed.

The Chairman: Mr Zaqy Mohamad.

Support for PMETs

Mr Zaqy Mohamad (Chua Chu Kang): Madam, in Malay please.

(In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Madam, over the past few years, increasingly more support is being provided to workers from the professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) group through various programmes and assistance schemes like training in reskilling, job matching and others. I think few countries in the world provide such assistance.

However, it is understood that although there is help specifically targeted at PMETs, many may still experience uncertainty and doubt about their future within this challenging economic situation. This is especially so for those who lost their jobs or are employed in sectors or jobs that are impacted by the economy or have a bleak future.

I note that, for the Malay/Muslim community, many efforts have been done to help PMETs. For instance, the Council on Education for Muslim Children (MENDAKI), together with several Malay/Muslim bodies, made efforts help this group. In my opinion, for this particular group, there is a need for a more focused and meaningful assistance, for instance, by providing advice, counselling and networking opportunities. Can the Minister share what are the efforts and types of assistance that can be extended to this group?

Aspirations of Malay/Muslim Community

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap (Aljunied): (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Last November, this Chamber debated the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill. One of the issues that received attention and was hotly debated was the recommendation to hold a Presidential Election reserved for a minority race.

The Constitutional Commission made this recommendation because they felt the need to address the issue of perception that a minority race cannot assume the highest office in the land, that is, the office of President. This Chamber and Singaporeans were divided into two groups: those who supported it and those who did not support it. Those who agreed with the recommendation for a Presidential Election reserved for minorities argued that it is necessary to do so in order to signify and represent Singapore's multiracial constitution. For those who opposed, the argument is that its implementation will weaken the principle of meritocracy.

Madam, Parliament, except the Workers' Party Members of Parliament (MPs), resolved to accept the recommendation to hold a Presidential Election reserved for a minority race, in support of the Constitutional Commission's view that a Presidential Election reserved for a minority race will address the issue of negative perceptions that minorities are not qualified to occupy the highest office in the land. During the same debate, the Prime Minister announced that the upcoming Presidential Elections will be reserved for Malays.

The decision taken to reserve the Presidential Election for Malays, to me and also to many others, undeniably compromises the principle of meritocracy. I am also of the view that the decision to hold a reserved Presidential Election as an effort to address the issue of negative perceptions, shows that "where there is a will, there is a way."

I have said many times before in this Chamber that among the aspirations or concerns of the Malay/Muslim community in Singapore is the sense or perception of discrimination that there are no equal and fair opportunities. For instance, there are still concerns among our community about Malay/Muslim individuals not being given equal opportunities to hold the rank of General in the army or a Permanent Secretary in a Ministry. Minister Yaacob spoke about and acknowledges this concern. During a dialogue session organised by the Feedback Unit's Reaching Everyone for Active Citizenry @ Home (REACH), the Minister said in English that "The Malay community is concerned not just about the President, but also Malay Permanent Secretary, Malay General... because we want to see representation across the entire Singaporean life". I would like to add that the Malay/Muslim community is also concerned about Muslim women being allowed to wear the tudung when serving in uniformed groups like the army, the Home Team and nursing.

As I said before, Madam, "where there's a will, there's a way." I sincerely hope that the Government can do something to address the concerns of the community.

Promoting Lifelong Learning

Mr Saktiandi Supaat (Bishan-Toa Payoh): (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] In order to be adaptable and future-ready, lifelong learning is a must for every individual. This will allow us to easily transit to a new industry or improve what we are already doing. The Muslim community understands this aspect and, as such, efforts by philanthropic organisations, mosques and self-help groups, like the Family Excellence Circles and MENDAKI Social Enterprise Network Singapore Pte Ltd (SENSE), have been dedicated towards education and upskilling.

Additionally, the creation of a MENDAKI division to promote SkillsFuture for Malay/Muslims was met with great interest from the community who welcomed it. I would like to ask the Minister if there are new and comprehensive plans to help the community make lifelong learning a way of life.

SkillsFuture for the Community

Mr Zaqy Mohamad: (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] SkillsFuture is more than just about providing SkillsFuture credits. Our hope is that the concept and objectives of SkillsFuture, including increasing awareness and fully taking advantage of this scheme, are understood by all Singaporeans, including Malay/Muslims.

All levels of society should make use of this scheme, from housewives to students, workers and also entrepreneurs. However, in order for SkillsFuture to be truly beneficial for them, it will require an understanding and knowledge on the best way to use it. A more focused help and guidance may be required by the Malay/Muslim community. For instance, students may need to know which roadmaps are relevant and which career paths will emerge. Some may not have the confidence and need guidance. Can the Minister provide the latest update on this effort?

Syariah Court − Building Capabilities

Ms Rahayu Mahzam (Jurong) (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] The Syariah Court is one of the major institutions for the Muslim community in Singapore. This institution has overseen divorce matters since 1958 and, over the years, we have observed and continue to expect innovations and improvements in terms of its administration and management of duties in Court.

Last year, I asked about the review on the Court's processes and the application of technology, where possible. The Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, spoke about the establishment of a Quality Service Unit that will strive to ensure that every query will receive a prompt reply and Court users will have a positive experience. In addition, there is also the "Differentiated Case Management Process" where certain cases involving family violence will receive attention. I would like to ask if there are any other plans that the Syariah Court is implementing or will implement.

Apart from improvements to the Court's processes and systems, it is also important to ensure there is an adequate and trained workforce in order to address future challenges. These include the community's demand for speedier processes, legal issues that are increasingly complex, and a more holistic service for families.

What plans are being made to strengthen the capabilities of the Court's workforce, particularly in ensuring a continuous pipeline of talent who are suitable for service in the Syariah Court?

(In English): Last year, the Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs highlighted that the Syariah Court was improving its Court processes. I believe there is a need to continue to review the processes and incorporate the use of technology, where appropriate. Could the Minister share on any further plans currently being implemented or planned for the Syariah Court? Also, it is important to develop the manpower and the capabilities of the officers serving in the Court. Is there a viable talent pipeline in place such that there will always be capable people ready to serve in the Court?

Support for Low-income and Reconstituted Families

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef (Marine Parade): Madam, in Malay, please.

(In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] The Malay/Muslim community has excelled and achieved a lot of success in many fields. However, there are still some who are trapped in a vicious cycle. At the constituency level, a lot has been done to help this group, in terms of financial assistance, jobs, groceries, learning and many more. At the national level, other channels of assistance are also being arranged.

One other group comprises families that came about from divorces and reconstituted families. Apart from the assistance schemes mentioned earlier, there are other dynamics and family challenges within this group that need to be addressed.

For this particular group, their problems sometimes get passed down from one generation to the next. How can we help them escape the situation and break the cycle? One important aspect is their mindset. What is the best way to engage them so that they can change their views and outlook that are negative and not progressive in nature, for the sake of their future?

Progressive Guidance and Preparation for Malay/Muslim Community

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar (Ang Mo Kio): Mdm Chairman, in Malay, please.

(In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Our Malay/Muslim community has become increasingly more diverse and varied as our larger Singapore society becomes more globalised and complex.

Other than matters related to faith, beliefs and practices, our Malay/Muslim community also needs to be prepared and to receive sufficient guidance in addressing global issues, such as xenophobia, racial and religious discrimination, threats of terrorism and misguided beliefs.

We are increasingly seeing more xenophobic and discriminatory acts and speeches taking place in the developed world, such as in the US, France, the Netherlands and Australia, against Muslims and people of colour and minority faiths, which have caused much concern.

Our Malay/Muslim community in Singapore needs to be ready when faced with such situations fueled by hate so that we are able to counter them with intelligence, conviction, love and patience.

In addition, there are numerous opportunities globally for us to learn new skills, develop our entrepreneurial spirit and get employment opportunities.

Our mainstream school students are being prepared to be globally-ready and future-ready. Our full-time madrasah students would also need to expand their skillsets and knowledge base, beyond just being trained to be asatizahs.

Can the Minister share how the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) can help our asatizahs to be better equipped to address such global issues and also help our madrasah students to be globally-ready and future-ready?

Asatizah Recognition Scheme

Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (Nee Soon) (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Madam, last year, the Minister announced that the Mandatory Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS) will be implemented from January this year. This scheme can help to ensure that those who offer religious guidance and training are qualified to do so. Many Singaporeans I have met are supportive of this initiative.

Can the Minister update the House on the progress of the scheme's implementation?

Support for Madrasahs

Mr Zainal Sapari (Pasir Ris-Punggol) (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Madam, there are three areas that I would like to bring to the Minister's attention regarding the support being provided to madrasah students.

Firstly, there is presently a growing demand from the Malay/Muslim community who want their children to undergo an alternative education that also includes their desire to provide a more spiritual upbringing for their children. However, many Malay/Muslim residents lamented that they were unable to do so due to the quota. Could the Minister, therefore, share whether the quota of 400 students per cohort is adequate to fulfil the religious needs of the Malay/Muslim community? Does MUIS have plans to request for an increase in this quota to meet the community's demand?

Secondly, the madrasahs are expected to meet some outcomes based on their performance at the national examinations. Hence, could the Minister also share whether the performance of madrasah students in the national examinations have shown improvement over the last five years?

Finally, the Prime Minister announced at the 2015 National Day Rally that the Government will work with MUIS to strengthen the teaching of secular subjects in our madrasahs by providing financial support to upgrade teachers of secular subjects and also fund awards for students who do well in secular subjects. Can the Minister provide the latest update?

Upgrading Madrasahs

Mr Saktiandi Supaat: Madam, in Malay, please.

(In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Last year, the Minister announced plans for Madrasah Al-Arabiah to have a new home in Toa Payoh. This is good news as the existing building is old and a makeover is long overdue.

However, what is important to me is the madrasah's environment and not merely its physical aspect. These days, mainstream schools that are part of the national education system are equipped with facilities and technology to keep up with the times and provide the children with the necessary exposure to the relevant technology.

I would like to know how the building design and the infrastructure of the new madrasah will encourage the learning of new skills and knowledge among its students and are also relevant for our modern society in this digital era?

Furthermore, how can the students and the school interact with and contribute to the heartland community around the area?

Rejuvenating Mosques

Mr Amrin Amin (Sembawang): Mdm Chairman, in Malay, please.

(In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] The Muslim community's monthly contributions to the Mosque Building and MENDAKI Fund (MBMF) was reviewed and increased last year. Can the Minister clarify how the increase has spurred the construction and upgrading of mosques to fulfil the community's socio-religious needs?

Last year, our community celebrated the construction of the Maarof Mosque in Jurong West. This year, we are looking forward to the opening of the Yusof Ishak Mosque in Woodlands. Can the Minister inform us when the Yusof Ishak Mosque will be officially opened?

Update on Administration of Muslim Law Act

Ms Rahayu Mahzam (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] The Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) is an Act that, among other things, makes provisions for the administration of MUIS, the Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM) and the Syariah Court. It is an important piece of legislation that sets the basis for matters relating to the administration of the Muslim community in Singapore.

This Act was last amended in 2009. Given that some time has passed since then, may I ask if there are plans to review and update this Act so that it adapts to present circumstances?

In particular, are there any plans to amend the provisions within AMLA and the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Rules (MMDR) that decide on matters relating to the processes of the Syariah Court?

(In English): AMLA makes provision for three key institutions in the Malay/Muslim community, namely, MUIS, the Registry of Muslim Marriages and the Syariah Court, amongst other things. The last time it was amended was in 2009. Given that some time has passed since the last amendment, could the Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs update us on whether there are plans to amend AMLA?

In particular, are there any plans to review AMLA and MMDR to see if the provisions match the existing circumstances of the community as well as the current practice of the Syariah Court? I believe that efforts can be put in place to further enhance the Syariah Court's delivery of services through a review of the Act and the Rules. Issues, such as jurisdiction, the hukum process, the talak declaration process, may be some of the areas that the Court may wish to review. It is useful to look at the existing procedures and forms and amend AMLA and MMDR accordingly to make the process more expedient to better serve the community.

Tuition Centres at CCs

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong (Non-Constituency Member): Madam, Community Clubs (CCs) are meant to be common spaces for shared activities to promote the social bonding of all Singaporeans, regardless of race, language or religion. However, the number of private tuition centres that have sprung up in the CCs raise several questions.

First, are these private tuition centres offered subsidised rent for operating within the premises of the CCs and, if so, what is the basis for the subsidy? If the private tuition centres are paying competitive market rent, then the question is: is it right for CCs to monetise the common space for private ends? What are the communal activities that are being displaced by the tuition centres?

The more fundamental question is whether this contradicts the Government's education policy. Two years ago, then-Minister for Education Heng Swee Keat said, "Singapore needs to make the transformation from a 'scarcity mentality' that focuses on a single pathway to success to an 'abundance mentality' with multiple pathways". He was responding to concerns raised by Members of this House regarding Singapore's pervasive tuition culture. CCs should not be reinforcing this tuition culture.

The Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim): Madam, I seek your permission to display some slides on the LED screens.

The Chairman: Yes, please. [Some slides were shown to hon Members.]

3.30 pm

Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: Madam, more than ever before, we face an uncertain world. The past year has seen a culmination of trends of many years in the making. Global economies are facing difficulties. Communities in many countries have become more fragmented, while social support systems are straining in the face of growing challenges.

However, I am confident we can find a way to remain resilient. Our community has worked hard in partnership with the Government and we have come far. In a uniquely Singaporean way, we have embraced diversity and forged strong bonds with people of other races and religions. We can never be certain of the future, but we can be stronger if we look out for one another. We can be confident of success if, together, we build a more resilient and confident community.

Madam, we will achieve this through three key strategies. First, our community institutions will enhance efforts to develop a future-ready and resilient workforce. Second, we will strengthen and safeguard our families. Third, we will nurture a strong socio-religious sector.

To ride the transformation in our economy, we must work together to expand the opportunities for our community to be upskilled and ready for the jobs of the future. Yayasan MENDAKI currently provides assistance to low-wage workers and their families through its subsidiary, MENDAKI SENSE. However, as Mr Zaqy Mohamad highlighted, we should also support the lower-middle income PMETs. I have heard their anxieties and worries. MENDAKI SENSE will step up its efforts for PMETs to better prepare against employment setbacks.

In this regard, Madam, I have asked Parliamentary Secretaries Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim and Mr Amrin Amin to lead this important task. They will co-Chair a new committee to help lower-middle income PMETs. This committee will focus on helping this group retrain and rebound from potential employment setbacks. One area for improvement is the community's take-up of national skills-upgrading initiatives, such as SkillsFuture. As of December 2016, out of 126,000 Singaporeans, only 8.4% of Malays have used their SkillsFuture Credits. More can be done to explain and link them to SkillsFuture and other national schemes. We will push hard to encourage more to try and, for those who do, we want to support them.

One individual who worked hard and benefited from skills-upgrading is 34-year-old Dzahri Bin Dzulkifli. Dzahri was an information technology (IT) Technician for six years before he took on an enhanced, multifaceted role as an information and communications technology (ICT) analyst and trainer. To add value to his new role, Dzahri attended MENDAKI SENSE's International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) course in 2016. He has completed six modules ranging from Basic to Advanced programmes, putting in hard work outside of work. Dzahri is now into his fifth year in this role and continues to find meaning in what he does. Dzahri's example shows that while training may not be easy and may not pay off immediately, it pays off with perseverance.

To help workers like Dzahri, MENDAKI SENSE will step up its efforts, in partnership with Workforce SG and SkillsFuture SG, to provide good employment opportunities that resonate well with the community. But at the same time, more must be done to make continual learning and training a social norm or a natural impulse of our community.

So, as Mr Saktiandi Supaat has asked, how can we help grow this culture of lifelong learning? Madam, Yayasan MENDAKI has always pursued efforts to empower our community through education. This year marks MENDAKI's 35th anniversary (M35), which it will be celebrating through a series of initiatives.

Let me share on three M35 measures. The first is Digital Learning@MTS. This is a pilot programme to promote e-learning among students in the MENDAKI Tuition Scheme (MTS) and to engage them beyond the usual three-hour weekly MTS sessions. Digital Learning@MTS was recently launched on 18 February 2017 with 150 Primary 4 and Primary 5 students at three MTS centres.

Second, MENDAKI is producing the Keluarga Bestari book, a collaboration between MENDAKI and Singapore Press Holdings which features the success stories of Malay/Muslim families. We hope that these stories of ordinary and everyday heroes will inspire the rest of our community. Further, the sale of these books will contribute to the Educational Trust Fund, which supports the education of children from nursery up to the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).

Third, MENDAKI will organise an Education Symposium to discuss the important positive role that parents must play in their children's development. MENDAKI will be inviting 500 key stakeholders and national partners to discuss issues and research on early childhood education at the symposium.

I have outlined some of MENDAKI's plans to promote learning at an early age, but more work will also be done downstream. Mr Zaqy Mohamad asked for an update on MENDAKI's Future Ready Unit. Launched last year, the unit has conducted several engagement sessions to promote SkillsFuture, particularly among students and parents. These efforts have reached out to over 1,000 students and young adults to better understand and support their aspirations.

Moving forward, MENDAKI will run more of such programmes to forge a future-oriented mindset among our young. It will also introduce a new Future First programme for Malay/Muslim students in the Higher National ITE Certificate (NITEC) courses this year. Starting with about 150 students, the Future First programme will take a skills-based approach to developing competencies, such as critical thinking, communication and IT skills.

Mdm Chairperson, our key community organisations are working hard in partnership with Government agencies to support the community in the areas of education, employment and employability. There are families facing socio-economic challenges and we must do all that we can to help them.

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked how Government agencies and community organisations have been coordinating efforts to better support the low-income and stepfamilies. One way we do this is to nurture strong and stable families and ensure that the services we provide meet the needs of these families. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) partners Persatuan Pemudi Islam Singapura (PPIS), on the Vista Sakinah programme. Launched in 2011, Vista Sakinah provides specialised marriage education and support programmes for remarrying couples and stepfamilies. Since its inception, more than 1,600 couples have benefited from the remarriage preparation programme and more than 1,200 families have benefited from the post-marriage support.

Vista Sakinah will continue its good work for remarrying couples and stepfamilies. One initiative involves tapping on our asatizahs, or religious teachers, who have relevant skills and good outreach. We want to encourage our asatizahs to broaden how they can serve the social needs of our community, and remarriages and stepfamilies are one group which requires support.

One example is Ustaz Muhammad Hafiizh Rapiee, who has been conducting support sessions for stepfamilies since 2014. These families face complex and challenging issues. To help Ustaz Hafiizh, Vista Sakinah familiarises him with the families' situations so that he can provide complementary religious guidance. Ustaz Hafiizh is currently one of 11 asatizahs engaged by Vista Sakinah.

Another example of the benefits of working together was MSF's collaboration with MUIS and MENDAKI in organising the 5th Engaging Hearts and Minds Seminar. Held last October, and themed "Seeding Resilience for Our Children", the seminar shared trends and insights on contemporary child-raising from the sociological, religious and practice perspectives. Such sharing is important so that educators, social workers and asatizahs are able to better understand the families' needs and tailor their interventions accordingly.

Ms Rahayu Mahzam asked for an update on the Syariah Court's (SYC's) plans to improve its capabilities. Over the next two to three years, SYC will be enhancing its case management system and processes to provide users with a more client-centric experience, with a focus on improving online services. With these systemic improvements, SYC will better serve their clients.

Mdm Chairperson, SYC administers the Muslim family law relating to divorces. It must, therefore, be staffed by capable people and open to a diversity of talents. I am happy to announce that two new Presidents have joined SYC last year, that is, Ustaz Muhammad Fazalee Jaafar and Ustazah Raihanah Halid, both of them are on secondment from MUIS and have the religious qualifications as well as the necessary skills and temperament to administer Muslim divorces.

The secondment is part of a broader collaboration between MUIS and SYC to ensure that there is a robust talent pipeline to lead our Muslim statutory institutions. I thank the retiring Senior President, Ustaz Mohamad Rais, as well as President Zainol Abideen Hussin, for mentoring these new Presidents so that they would be able to carry out their responsibilities well. Let me also place on record my gratitude to both the Senior President and President Zainol for their long years of service and contribution. SYC will continue to tap on their services even after their retirement.

This brings me to my third key thrust − growing a strong socio-religious sector. The Singapore Muslim community draws strength and guidance from our asatizahs. In turn, our asatizahs have the responsibility to provide the community with sound religious guidance that is appropriate for our Singapore context. This is especially so amidst an increasingly diverse and vibrant socio-religious landscape, a point that Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar has also noted.

A key example of this is our Fatwa Committee, which has the responsibility of guiding Muslims on contemporary socio-religious issues. Chaired by our Mufti, the committee comprises experienced local asatizahs who issue fatwas, or religious opinions, to help Singaporean Muslims understand and balance their religious and civic identities and obligations. In deliberating on a wide range of issues, the committee has also tapped on experts from diverse disciplines. Our fatwas have endeavoured to help Singaporean Muslims stay true to the teachings of Islam while living out their lives in modern, secular and multicultural Singapore.

At the inaugural Fatwa Conference on 11 February this year, our Mufti, Dr Mohamed Fatris Bakaram, said that "Finding answers to new questions is not as straightforward as conveniently saying, 'Let's go back to the Quran and Sunnah'…A responsible fatwa authority is one that provides guidance to real challenges faced by the community." He also cautioned against feeling contented with "the voluminous compilations of positive law produced by classical scholars however excellent these intellectual treasures might have been". I agree with the Mufti wholeheartedly and understand that the Fatwa Committee may, at times, depart from the positions of religious bodies elsewhere in the Muslim world. I hope that Singaporeans will appreciate the Committee's efforts in providing religious guidance that is contextually appropriate for the diversity in our Muslim community and in our multiracial and multi-religious society.

With this in mind, MUIS is developing a Fatwa Rulings Compilation. The first of five volumes was launched at the recent Fatwa Conference and is an important contribution to scholarship and as a source of public education. MUIS also hopes that Singapore's experience at making progressive fatwas can contribute to the advancement of global Islamic jurisprudence.

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked how MUIS can help better equip our asatizahs to meet the needs of the community, while Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim asked for an update on the mandatory ARS. The Mandatory ARS came into effect on 1 January 2017 and now covers all asatizahs, including Quran teachers. To date, more than 2,500 asatizahs and Quran teachers have registered under this initiative. Registered asatizahs are assessed to have the minimum requirements to provide religious instruction.

This system provides the community with greater assurance that those who offer religious guidance have the baseline qualifications and training. It is not just about the asatizahs' paper qualifications. Their religious guidance must also be compatible with our cherished values and way of life in modern, multicultural Singapore.

Many of our asatizahs are graduates of the six full-time madrasahs offering primary, secondary and pre-university education to more than 3,500 madrasah students. Madrasahs play an important role in developing future generations of asatizahs with strong grounding in both the religious and secular subjects.

To Mr Zainal Sapari's question, the existing madrasah quota of 400 students per cohort has been able to produce the asatizahs needed to meet our community's needs. MUIS monitors these numbers and also looks at the competencies required. To ensure that our asatizahs meet these competencies, it is imperative that we continuously focus on raising the quality of madrasah education and inspiring our students to do their best.

In the last few years, our madrasah students have improved their performance in the national examinations. In 2016, 98% of madrasah students who sat for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) were eligible for a secondary school course, up from 91% in 2012. More students are also qualifying for the Express stream. These trends bode well for the future of our asatizah fraternity and Muslim institutions.

In his National Day Rally speech in 2015, the Prime Minister announced that our Government would strengthen the teaching of secular subjects in the six full-time madrasahs. I am pleased to announce that the Government has set aside up to $1.5 million annually to support the training of madrasah teachers who teach secular subjects and provide incentives to encourage madrasah students who do well in secular subjects. Students can now look forward to about 350 new awards being given out for good performance from this year onwards. Teachers will also benefit from additional training funds and incentives that scale with their qualifications.

I would also like to share that MUIS will match the Government's assistance in the form of new student awards and teacher training grants for religious subjects. This partnership between the Government and the community will encourage our madrasah students and teachers to continue to improve themselves and be the best that they can be.

As part of its wider support for the madrasah sector, MUIS is also developing a new Madrasah Al-Arabiah campus in Toa Payoh. Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked for an update on the design of the campus. This new campus will have up-to-date IT infrastructure and facilities to aid learning and is estimated to cost about $17 million. MUIS has set aside $10 million for the new campus, with Madrasah Al-Arabiah engaging the community to co-fund the remainder. MUIS will consult the school's community on the campus design in the third quarter of 2017.

Mdm Chairman, MBMF is a uniquely Singaporean approach to meet our socio-religious needs. In response to Mr Amrin Amin's question, I would like to update that MBMF collections within the first six months of the revision have been healthy. The support for the changes to MBMF is an affirmation of the affluence of our community and of our spirit of self-help. Through MBMF, we come together to build our mosques, strengthen our religious education and uplift Muslim families.

The rate revision last year will also help ensure that there are sufficient funds to pay for current and future mosque developments. Mr Amrin Amin had asked for an update on the construction of the Yusof Ishak Mosque in Woodlands. Funded by MBMF, the Yusof Ishak Mosque is the 26th mosque to be built under MUIS' Mosque Building Programme. I am happy to update that the mosque is nearly complete and will open to the public in April 2017. With a unique architectural design and a capacity to accommodate 4,500 congregants, the Yusof Ishak Mosque will be an institution that we can all be proud of.

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Beyond building new mosques, various other upgrading works have also been carried out, such as the Sallim Mattar Mosque, Al-Falah Mosque, Al-Khair Mosque, Al-Muttaqin Mosque and a temporary prayer facility at Al-Istighfar Mosque. I am happy to report that since MBMF was used for MUIS' Mosque Upgrading Programme in 2009, MUIS has provided a total of 23,200 additional prayer spaces for the Muslim community.

Lastly, Madam, Ms Rahayu Mahzam asked for an update on plans to amend AMLA. Our agencies have been working closely together to finetune this key legislation for our community. The proposals seek to reinforce Muslim institutions, enhance the management of Muslim assets and further strengthen Muslim families. We will be putting up the draft proposals for public consultations on Tuesday, 14 March. Allow me now to continue my speech in Malay.

(In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Madam Chairman, in view of the uncertain global climate, the Malay/Muslim community has no option but to be prepared to continue adapting ourselves so that we can progress together with the other communities in Singapore. I believe that we are able to do it because we are in a good position as a result of our close partnership with the Government for over 50 years. We are now more confident to face challenges.

I have mapped out three strategies to further strengthen our collective endeavours. Firstly, our community organisations will intensify the efforts to shape a resilient and future-ready workforce. Secondly, we will fortify and safeguard the institution of family. Thirdly, our socio-religious life will be enriched further.

With the expected slowdown in the country's economic growth, there is a need to upgrade the skills of Malay/Muslim workers at all levels. Efforts to increase the community's awareness and encourage them to take advantage of national skills upgrading schemes like SkillsFuture, must be intensified. Community organisations will work with the Government to ensure that Malay/Muslim workers can obtain better job opportunities. Low-wage workers will continue to receive assistance from MENDAKI SENSE. However, we are also aware of the challenges faced by the lower-middle income group comprising PMETs. To that end, a committee co-chaired by Parliamentary Secretaries Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim and Mr Amrin Amin will be formed to help PMETs, in particular, to address employment challenges. Among other things, they will receive help in retraining and making preparations in case they are retrenched.

In preparing for a more challenging future, we need to acquire and embrace the spirit of lifelong learning. Therefore, Yayasan MENDAKI will focus on efforts to inculcate lifelong learning, in addition to empowering the community through education.

On the occasion of MENDAKI's 35th anniversary, several initiatives will be introduced to achieve this objective. These include the launch of Digital Learning@MTS to encourage online learning for students from MTS; publishing a book titled "Secrets of Successful Families" that showcases success stories of Malay/Muslim families; and an Education Symposium to discuss the important role of parents in their children's development.

Strong families are pillars of the nation. Hence, Malay/Muslim community organisations will continue to complement national programmes to strengthen the family institution. SYC, as an important institution that administers Muslim family law, will ensure that family interests will be a key priority. The case management systems and processes at SYC will be enhanced to make it more user-friendly, especially by improving online services. SYC also received two new Presidents last year, Ustaz Muhammad Fazalee Jaafar and Ustazah Raihanah Halid. They are officers seconded from MUIS. This collaboration between MUIS and SYC is part of the efforts to ensure a continuous flow of talent in order to strengthen the administration of Islamic institutions in Singapore.

Madam, several MPs asked about the efforts to strengthen our socio-religious sector. Last February, MUIS organised the inaugural Fatwa Conference to share how the institution of fatwa or Islamic legal rulings has guided our community. Since 1968, the Fatwa Committee has issued fatwa that touch on various aspects of life so that our community can lead a religious life that is suited to our context.

I applaud MUIS' efforts to publish a compilation of fatwa that not only serves as a source of reference, but also shows that we, as a minority Muslim community, are able to contribute to the development of global Islamic jurisprudence.

The socio-religious needs of Malay/Muslims in Singapore are constantly met by our professional and competent group of asatizahs. Therefore, the quality of madrasah education will be enhanced further. At the National Day Rally in 2015, the Prime Minister expressed the Government's support for the teaching and learning of secular subjects in all six of our full-time madrasahs. Today, I am pleased to announce that the Government has allocated up to $1.5 million per year to support the training of madrasah teachers who teach secular subjects and to provide incentives to students who excel in secular subjects.

As for religious subjects, MUIS will match the Government's support by introducing awards for students and training grants for teachers in religious subjects. In addition, the Madrasah Al-Arabiah building will have a new look. Costing about $17 million, the new building will be built in Toa Payoh and will be equipped with the latest IT infrastructure. MUIS will contribute $10 million. The balance will be co-funded by the madrasah and the community.

I am grateful that MBMF, something that is uniquely Singapore, has been effectively supporting our socio-religious needs. The community's contributions to MBMF are still healthy after the contribution rates were revised last year. This shows that our community is getting more affluent and our gotong royong spirit is even stronger.

AMLA will also be updated so that the institution of the family is empowered, our community's assets are enhanced and the administration of our institutions is strengthened.

Madam, what I have just presented was our strategy to propel the Malay/Muslim community towards achieving our aspirations, as enquired by Mr Faisal Manap. I agree that we want to achieve even more in all aspects of life in Singapore. But this will take time, and my colleagues and I are confident that all our efforts thus far will bring about the excellence that we want to achieve for our community.

Madam, as the Malay poem goes:

"The insect struggles to destroy its prey

Boring into trees, its stab ruinous

But our struggle is to uplift the community

Wrestling against the waves of our times."

If a wave comes and spreads prejudice and suspicion, we, in Singapore, foster understanding and strengthen the ties that bind us. If a wave comes and spreads enmity, we unite to strengthen our friendship. This is the Singaporean way.

When Singaporeans form friendships and kinships that are multicultural in nature, we embody the true meaning of diversity. These norms and values reflect the stature and purity of thought.

The experience of other countries is a lesson for us on the negative consequences when we fail to take into account the public good. There will be uncertainty, suspicions will become rampant and the space for understanding will become narrower. For me, wisdom is more meaningful than a burning desire that ignores what is appropriate for public good. That is why our Pioneer leaders display wisdom when resolving complex issues. As the Malay saying goes, "When faced with a delicate problem, handle it carefully and wisely to avoid making it worse."

As a small nation, Singapore is vulnerable to all kinds of uncertainties that can affect its stability. Nonetheless, having a positive and far-sighted attitude has helped us overcome challenges and differences in a mature and sincere manner.

What is clear is that the Malay/Muslim community can take pride in our collective accomplishments and our contributions to Singapore over the past 52 years. So, let us continue to work together with the Government, to help one another and unite to overcome any obstacles with confidence, so as to create a brighter future for all of us.

(In English): In closing, every one of us in our community has hopes and dreams for ourselves, our families and our children. It was no different for our parents and grandparents, who had striven hard to forge a future in a new nation. Their future then is what we enjoy today. Our Singapore Muslim community can be proud of how far we have come over the past 52 years. Today, we stand strong because of our can-do spirit and strong Muslim institutions. We stand strong because, as a community, we work together and care for one another.

By building a resilient and confident community that stands united with the rest of Singapore and in partnership with the Government, we shall overcome whatever challenges that come our way. [Applause.]

The Chairman: Minister Chan Chun Sing.

The Minister, Prime Minister's Office (Mr Chan Chun Sing): Madam, community centres (CCs) provide community services to meet the needs of our residents. CCs are managed by local community leaders and volunteers. They determine the mix of services and programmes in consultation with the residents. Examples include social services, after school care, tuition and other forms of support.

I can understand Assoc Prof Daniel Goh's concerns with the local tuition culture. There are many forms of tuition and student guidance services. They range from those providing help to (a) students who need more guidance to keep pace with their school work; (b) others who are pursuing excellence in some subjects. The range of providers include volunteers helping less privileged students, as well as paid, organised classes.

Stopping the conduct of all tuition classes in CCs will remove access to affordable services that some residents and students legitimately need. On the other hand, many other things will need to be done to change the broader tuition culture that Assoc Prof Daniel Goh speaks of. Our communities will have to determine the balance and the type of services that they wish to provide and access at all CCs.

The Chairman: We have five minutes of clarification. Mr Zainal Sapari.

Mr Zainal Sapari: My clarification is for Mr Faisal Manap whether he is aware that there is actually a Malay Brigadier-General who is still actively serving in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) as an NSman and he is Brigadier-General Ishak Ismail.

The Chairman: Mr Manap, do you want to respond?

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap: Madam, I would just like to mention that the issue I mentioned about the General was actually a quotation from Minister Yaacob.

The Chairman: If there are no clarifications. Yes. Mr Manap.

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap: Madam, thank you allowing me to seek clarifications. I have two clarifications for the Minister. Firstly, I would like to ask regarding MUIS rendering assistance to Madrasah Wat Tanjong Islamiyah in terms of renewing its land lease. Madam, before that, I would like to declare that I have a child studying in Madrasah Wat Tanjong. I just want to know what is the update on the assistance rendered to Madrasah Wat Tanjong at the current moment. Can I know which fund is MUIS tapping on? Thirdly, can I also know whether there are any terms and conditions attached to this assistance?

My second clarification is regarding ARS. Can I get a clarification from the Minister whether religious teachers from schools of thoughts other than from the mazhab will be officially recognised under ARS?

Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: I thank the Member for the two questions. On the second question, we will consider all legitimate schools of thought which are recognised under the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). For example, I have already mentioned in my response on mandatory ARS that we will look also to include the Jafari Shia group which is recognised by OIC.

To the Member's first question, I cannot reveal the full details. Things are under negotiations. We recognise that we want to assist Madrasah Wak Tanjong because it is part of our entire madrasah ecosystem. The lease issue is a bit complicated. There are details which have been worked out between MUIS and the Madrasah Wak Tanjong. But suffice for me to say that our first principle is to ensure that Madrasah Wak Tanjong continues to exist.

Secondly, that Madrasah Wak Tanjong continues to receive the support from MUIS to upgrade its curriculum which we have been doing thus far. So, whatever support we have given to the Joint Madrasah System (JMS) madrasahs is also extended to the other three remaining madrasahs. Once the details are out on how we can work together to ensure that the lease for the space for Madrasah Wak Tanjong has been approved, we will announce the details.

The Chairman: Mr Saktiandi.

4.00 pm

Mr Saktiandi Supaat: I just have two clarifications following the Minister's announcement about Madrasah Al-Arabiah, which I think is good news. My first question is about the estimated completion time of Madrasah Al-Arabiah in Toa Payoh. The second question is whether, with the new location, there will be an increase in student capacity in the new school.

Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: I must apologise I do not have the details of the timing. But I suspect it will take about three years because we have to demolish the building. As I mentioned in my reply, we will consult with the mosque community on the design in the third quarter and, certainly, we will draw upon the Member's experience in Toa Payoh to help us also to see what is the best design possible.

In terms of capacity, as you know, we have an intake of 400 every year. So, we have to design for the steady state. But at the secondary level, we do allow students coming from other systems to come in, too. The numbers are stabilising. But I have instructed MUIS to make sure that we plan it in such a way that if we want to expand to one or two more classes, we should have the capacity to do so. Since we are building the building from fresh, from start, it is a green field, we might as well plan ahead for some additional capacity, just in case.

The Chairman: We will proceed with the other cuts. Mr Henry Kwek.

Partnering Singaporeans for the Future

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry (Nee Soon): Mdm Chairman, generosity is written in our hearts. But work is needed to bring out this generosity. And as our young society matures, we must establish the social norms that encourage our people to take care of one another, to build a shared future together, to create ties that bind us together.

Establishing such social norms is important. To reword a famous phrase by Winston Churchill, "First we build a society, thereafter the society builds us".

And no one group by themselves, including the Government, has a monopoly on the ideas to build an ideal Singapore. That is why I am heartened to see MCCY's emphasis on encouraging our citizens to step forward to co-create Singapore.

As such, can MCCY provide an update on how the Government is progressing to: one, encourage more Singapore Citizens to actively participate in volunteering and charity work? Two, to partner with citizens, social service organisations (SSOs) and corporations? Three, to move forward initiatives, such as Our Singapore Fund, SGCares, Champions of Good, and Company of Good Fellowship?

Senior Volunteerism

Ms Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar): Madam, I would like to see more of our senior citizens volunteering as part of active ageing. Volunteering connects our seniors to others in our community, provides fun and a sense of fulfilment, and benefits their mind and body. Many studies have found that volunteers report higher levels of happiness. Researchers at the London School of Economics even discovered that the more people volunteered, the happier they were. Among weekly volunteers, 16% of those in the study group felt very happy, an increase in happiness comparable to having an income of US$75,000−$100,000 versus US$20,000.

How is MCCY partnering senior citizens, SSOs and corporations to encourage more seniors to actively participate in volunteering and charity work?

I understand many organisations encourage and express appreciation for their volunteers through various incentives. For example, museums invite their volunteers for previews and provide them with priority for shows. However, public awareness is not high. I would like to suggest that MCCY raise awareness through more publicity in the media and road shows, for example. We should acknowledge and recognise our senior volunteers' efforts more publicly and this will help draw even more seniors to our cause.

Our Singapore Fund (OSF) supports initiatives to bring our community together and promote our Singapore Spirit and shared values. I would like to ask if there are any projects supported by OSF initiated by seniors and, if so, how many such projects there are to date and whether the Ministry can share examples of these projects.

Support for Institutions of a Public Character that Internationalise

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang (Nee Soon): The Government is providing funds to help firms internationalise and build capabilities to operate overseas. We should do the same for our Institutions of a Public Character (IPCs). We should support our local IPCs which internationalise, fly the Singapore flag proudly overseas and lend a helping hand to our neighbours. Let us be seen to not just venture into other countries to compete, to take, but to also give and to help. Can the Minister share if there are plans to provide this help and, in particular, to remove the 80 is to 20 Fund Raising Rule for local IPCs which have projects overseas? We should let the public rather than the Government decide on how donations are spent.

Strengthen Social Fabric and Build Identity

Mr Alex Yam (Marsiling-Yew Tee): Mdm Chairman, walk down South Bridge Road and you will have a little microcosm of Singapore's history, culture and hard-won harmony. Within sight of one another are the Chulia Mosque, Sri Mariamman Temple, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Fairfield Methodist Church, each unique in its faith tradition but integral parts of Singapore's short 50 years of being.

But we know from our own history that what we have today was born out of painful memories and a collective wish never to return to the tensions of the past.

We also only need to look around us and realise that things can change very dramatically. Terrorism in Nice, Istanbul, Berlin, Paris, Jakarta, Baghdad. Racial and religious tensions in Syria, Pakistan, Myanmar, even in the US.

Singapore is an open society. People are free to come and go. Public places, including places of worship, can become targets. When I am at my own parish church on Sundays, we have large numbers of visitors mixing easily and freely with regular parishioners, a reflection of the welcome and openness, but also revealing the troubling potential of becoming a "soft target". The same is true for many other places of worship, be they mosques, temples or churches.

As part of SGSecure, religious institutions and religious leaders need to ensure the safety of congregations and also play a larger role in helping others in the community so that society remains united and can recover quickly from any potential terrorist attack.

Religious and community leaders have a special responsibility to speak up in times of crisis to convey messages of calm and solidarity to their respective congregations and, again, to the wider society.

With 32 churches and almost 360,000 members, the Archdiocese of Singapore has been putting in place plans to ensure safety and preparedness for their congregations. The Archdiocese's emergency response operations team has also been actively sharing their experiences with other religious groups. MUIS, the Hindu Endowment Board, as well as the Singapore Buddhist Federation, also have their own teams in ensuring that their places of worship are kept secure and their congregations kept alert. So, the leadership of our various religious institutions need to make it a point to also reach out to leaders from other faith traditions.

Because beyond plans and contingencies, it is the human-to-human relations that are the most important. Trust cannot be built unless you know one another. Can the Minister, therefore, share how the Ministry will work with our religious leaders to enhance community resilience and for religious organisations to be prepared for possible crises?

Singapore, after all, is only 50 years young. We envision a long road ahead, and our policies reflect that approach. Getting to SG100 will not be without its challenges. But if we do it together and stand united in the face of adversity, we will survive and thrive.

Shared Experiences for Youths

Ms Rahayu Mahzam: Madam, the effort to develop understanding and appreciation of different races and cultures amongst Singaporeans should start early with our children and youths. Our perspectives and habits are formed through our experiences and interactions with the people around us. Therefore, it is important to expose our young to the diversity of cultures and differences of opinions through organic platforms to help them develop more holistically. With such platforms, young people from different backgrounds can interact, learn about one another and have open and frank conversations about their differences.

Clearly, the school is a natural platform for this purpose. However, there may be certain limitations in schools because of school hours or because the students from one school may be from a similar background. In any case, I believe our bonds can be strengthened through sharing many more experiences together. NS is a good example of a shared experience that has created strong bonds. I have often envied my male family members and friends for having gone through NS.

There are, indeed, many avenues to create shared experiences through sports, outdoor activities and the arts and culture. I note that many programmes and activities have already been put in place. I would like to know the Ministry's future plans in developing more platforms and bringing youths from different backgrounds together. In ensuring a good mix of students, I also hope that the Ministry intends to involve students from schools like the madrasahs in various national platforms and programmes so that there are meaningful interaction and exposure to a diversity of views amongst our youths.

Youth Resilience

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry: Mdm Chairman, when I talk to tertiary students, especially those who are about to graduate, I get a sense that some of them are worried about getting a good job. It is not easy for our youths to grapple with, especially as this is a sudden change from the very positive employment market for fresh graduates until recently.

I recall my own personal experience. When I graduated from university in 2000, my peers and I graduated into a recession. It was quite disorientating for us to go into university in a boom-time, only to graduate into a bleak employment situation.

We all know that the economy ebbs and flows and the future is likely more uncertain than the past. So, the answer is not to insulate our people completely from the uncertainty, because we cannot. The answer is to train our youths better to help them to be more resilient in all situations, including the employment situation.

How can MCCY and the National Youth Council (NYC), in conjunction with tertiary educational institutes, help our tertiary students develop this resilience in the face of changing job realities? How can we encourage our youths to widen their career path selections, embark on internships and networking, and to pursue further studies to gather deep skills?

Regardless of Race, Language or Religion

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap: Madam, in November last year, this House debated on the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill. One of the contentious issues debated was on the proposal to have a reserved minority Presidential Election. The Constitutional Commission has mooted this proposal as they viewed that there is a need to address the issue of perceptions of minorities not able to access the highest office in the land. The House was divided on this issue and so was the nation. Those who supported this proposal argued that it is necessary to do so to symbolise Singapore's Constitution of multiculturalism. As for those who opposed it, the argument is that such implementation will undermine the principle of meritocracy.

The decision to have a reserved Presidential Election for the Malay community, to me and also to many, has, to a certain extent, compromised the principle of meritocracy. I am also of the view that the approach taken by the Government in mitigating the issue of perception of inequality by implementing a reserved Presidential Election for Malays shows that if the Government has the will to do and chooses to do it, it can be done.

I have said this a few times and I am going to repeat it again. One of the concerns of the Malay/Muslim community that is still lingering in our mind is the feeling of being discriminated, not being given equal and fair opportunity. An example − there are still concerns from the community that a Malay individual is not able to assume the rank of a General in the army, a Permanent Secretary in the Ministries. Minister Yaacob acknowledged these concerns during his interaction with tertiary students at a recent REACH-organised event. Minister Yaacob said, I quote, "The Malay community is concerned not just about the President but also Malay Permanent Secretary, Malay General because we want to see representation across the entire Singaporean life."

To add on to the Minister's point, I would also like to say that the Malay/Muslim community is also concerned about Muslim ladies not being able to wear the tudung while serving in our uniformed groups − SAF, Home Team and nursing. As I have mentioned earlier, when there is a will, there is a way. I do sincerely hope that the Government will address the Malay/Muslim community's concerns in entirety.

Emigration of Singapore Citizens

Mr Leon Perera (Non-Constituency Member): Madam, according to one recent survey of a thousand Singaporeans by Ipsos SSI, 42% would emigrate if given the chance. This is alarming. I have two suggestions.

Firstly, would the Government consider a scheme to incentivise Singaporeans living abroad to return home? For example, New Zealand offers a one-off temporary tax exemption for certain types of foreign income for returning New Zealanders who did not reside in the country for 10 years prior. Malaysia has a similar Returning Expert Programme.

My second point is on the management of the arts sector. I think a free and vibrant arts scene is probably not the number one consideration for most people's migration decision but neither is it completely irrelevant. Here, I would like to return to a theme I spoke about twice last year, which is, the conditions for Government support for the arts. The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye is a wonderful Singapore graphic novel that has won many, many local and international awards over the past one-and-a-half years and, yet, the National Arts Council (NAC) withdrew its publishing grant, citing that, "…it's re-telling of Singapore's history potentially undermines the authority or legitimacy of the Government and its public institutions".

Managing the arts sector in this way risks creating a climate of self-censorship and politicisation of the arts. In so doing, it reduces one liveability factor and makes Singapore that much less attractive as a home for all its people, regardless of political viewpoint.

4.15 pm

The same survey that I cited showed 59% of Singaporeans valuing "being just and fair to all" and 52% valuing "being progressive". I would like to urge the Government to remove political conditions attached to arts funding, with exceptions solely for artworks that promote criminality, racial or religious tensions.

Co-curating our Arts and Heritage

Ms Sun Xueling (Pasir Ris-Punggol): Madam, every year, River Hongbao has an exhibition area showcasing our arts and heritage to visitors. This year, students took an active step by curating the exhibition on local festivals and local foods with Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall and serving as student ambassadors to the million visitors who visited River Hongbao. From their happy and excited faces, I could tell that the students enjoyed and were proud of their efforts to co-curate our arts and heritage.

The experience of curating facts, interesting practices and unique displays of our arts and heritage can thus be a fun and learning experience for our students. Through embarking on this across schools or even at a national level, they get to know the subject matter better and also appreciate the common experience and opportunities to get to know friends across the cohort.

I would like to suggest that students be encouraged to embark on local or national level projects involving the curation of our local arts and heritage. This could be in the form of co-curricular activities (CCA) and can be guided by a teacher. Such collaborative efforts across schools can also promote bonding within cohorts and be a shared experience forming a collective memory for cohorts of students.

Access to Arts and Heritage

Ms Rahayu Mahzam: Madam, the Ministry has made much effort to nurture arts appreciation amongst the young, for example, through school programmes at preschools and community programmes like ArtReach. The exposure to arts as well as heritage is an important component in ensuring the holistic education and development of our young. In the local context, it is important in helping our children and youths understand and appreciate the different cultures in Singapore and build their national identity. We should, therefore, continue to build on these efforts and ensure that children and youths, regardless of social background, are given the same opportunities and exposure.

I feel it is easy enough to create generic programmes and platforms. It may be more difficult though to ensure meaningful appreciation of the arts and heritage, sustained participation as well as continued engagement. A meaningful programme should not just be about attending once-off art classes, museum tours or heritage trails. There must be assessment of the impact of the programmes in reaching out to different groups in the community. In particular, it is important to ensure that those from lower-income families also continue to have access to these programmes. Parents from these families may worry about time and cost in engaging in what may be perceived as enrichment and non-essential programmes.

I would, therefore, like to know more about the Ministry's efforts in place to continue making arts and heritage accessible to those from lower-income families. What more can be done to encourage these families to participate in the various arts and heritage programmes?

Increasing Arts and Heritage Access

Ms Joan Pereira: Madam, it has often been said that man can survive without art but what a poor life it would be. I fully agree. Arts and heritage activities add colour and vibrancy to our lives. They are the perfect platforms for us to engage one another and help nurture our common identity and national unity.

Hence, it is important that our arts and heritage programmes and spaces are available to all Singaporeans. In particular, we must reach out to vulnerable Singaporeans so that they, too, can participate fully in our cultural and community events.

What measures does MCCY have to ensure that our arts and heritage programmes are accessible to the lower-income and disadvantaged groups? Besides removing or lowering the barrier of entry fees, we should also invite them through sponsored trips to the sites of the activities. Often, they are not even aware of them due to more pressing issues in their lives. Mdm Chairman, in Mandarin.

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] I would like to suggest that we attract more seniors to our museums by offering tours in the vernacular languages and making the experience more interactive. For example, at the end of the tours, there could be quizzes with prizes to add a bit of spice and fun. Such formats will engage the visitors at a deeper level as the competition will spur them to pay attention and ask questions. If the tours could also involve youth volunteers, there would be good opportunities to promote intergenerational bonding.

Growing Social Commons through Sports

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye (Tanjong Pagar): Mdm Chairman, Members have spoken on the need to expand and enhance shared experiences that connect us as Singaporeans. One way is through sports, which brings Singaporeans from all walks of life together. On the playing field, regardless of our differences, we learn shared values like resilience, mutual respect, fair play and teamwork. Many of us played sports in school but, often, we are unable to find a suitable place to continue playing the sport together and we lose the camaraderie.

Since its launch, ActiveSG has facilitated booking of sports facilities and registering for Healthy Lifestyle programmes for close to 1.2 million members. Are there any plans by the Ministry in the coming years to promote the creation of and participation in more sporting activities at the community level? For the past three years, how many people have successfully tapped on the Friendship Grant to initiate sports activities in their communities?

Beyond programmes, we also need spaces for communities to play sports together and foster social bonding. Are there any upcoming plans under the Sports Facilities Master Plan to provide new spaces for more community use? Can the Ministry consider conducting talks to graduating secondary and junior college students to encourage them to continue their sporting activities together after graduation? We can start with the school's graduating sports teams. A system to match these teams to community sports facilities within their own neighbourhood would allow them to continue playing together even after they graduate.

Growing Inclusive Spaces

Dr Lim Wee Kiak: Madam, last year, our nation was very much impressed and inspired by the performance of Paralympics Gold Medallist Yip Pin Xiu. While the memories are still fresh, I hope the Ministry will strike while the iron is hot and expand on the Disability Sports Master Plan (DSMP) and keep growing inclusive spaces for people with disabilities.

I would like to ask for an update on the 18 recommendations under DSMP that was proposed and accepted by the Government since last year. What is the take-up rate for DSMP as well as how many have benefited from this Master Plan? How many inclusive gyms are there in Singapore and what is the average usage? Is the Ministry actively working closely with persons with disabilities to ensure their regular participation and enjoyment of sports, arts and culture? The Government is doing a lot to support the likes of Yip Pin Xiu, but I hope non-competitive regular Singaporeans on the streets are also getting the help and push needed to participate in sports and also other cultural activities, to give persons with disabilities the opportunity to lead an active and enriching life.

We should see more facilities enabling barrier-free accessibility at places, such as sports stadiums, art galleries, cultural institutions, museums and so on. Can the Government legislate as well as to ensure all sports, heritage, arts and culture developments have inclusive spaces in mind?

Increasing Access to Sports Facilities

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye: Madam, we need greater access to sports facilities to enable wider participation, whether as athletes, spectators or volunteers. In this regard, schools have many sports facilities that are not used after school hours, such as indoor halls, basketball courts as well as the football fields. The public should be given greater access to use these facilities to support their sporting endeavours.

Opening more sports facilities in schools and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) for use by the community is also beneficial, as it would reduce the need for new infrastructure to be built. At last year's Committee of Supply (COS), the Ministry shared that 15 more sports halls have been opened for sharing with the public through the collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE).

What is the status of this project? How many schools have facilities under the Dual-Use Scheme? Has there been progress since, and can we step up the opening of schools' sport facilities to meet the community's needs? Is it possible to avail the sports facilities in all schools to the public after school hours on all weekday evenings?

Can the Ministry also consider upgrading the ActiveSG online portal and mobile app to help match last-minute cancellations of facilities bookings with people who have spontaneously decided to play the sport and are looking for an available venue?

The Chairman: Mr Faisal Manap, please take your two cuts together.

National Stadium

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap: Madam, our former which is also our first National Stadium was opened in July 1973 and officially closed on 30 June 2007. For a period of 34 years, the former National Stadium had lived up to its name and status as a national icon. It has hosted a total of 18 National Day Parades (NDPs), two Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games and one Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, and many memorable sporting tournaments, such as the Malaysia Cup. Our National Stadium was also the birthplace of our popular Kallang Wave. I think everyone can attest to the fact that our former National Stadium had brought Singaporeans together, feeling the oneness, shedding tears of joy and despair, especially during the soccer matches that involved our national football team.

Our current National Stadium is built on a public-private partnership model. It has been open for almost three years. Within this period, there had been media reports citing challenges faced by event organisers as well as some of our national sports associations (NSAs), such as the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), to secure the National Stadium for our football matches involving our national team.

There was also a media report on what the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), as the NDP organiser, had to go through challenging negotiations with Sports Hub Pte Ltd for the 2016 NDP. I understand one of the challenging factors faced by the event organisers and our NSAs is the rental fee. I do hope that the Ministry will be able to facilitate in mitigating the present challenges faced by event organisers and our NSAs, especially FAS, so that 30 years down the road, Singaporeans will have the same recollections of fond and nostalgic memories similar to that of our first National Stadium.

Singapore Football

Madam, I have two questions for the Ministry with regard to Singapore football. Firstly, I have asked the Ministry during the COS debate in 2015 for an update on FAS' goal for Singapore football. The last goal was set in 1988 by our former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, a popular one, indeed, Goal 2010, to qualify for the World Cup 2010. In reply, the Ministry said that there is a taskforce that is looking at setting out the goals and strategic directions for Singapore football in the coming years. May I have an update on what has been done so far and whether there is any goal set?

Madam, my second question is on FAS. In the Ministry's reply to my colleague Ms Sylvia Lim's query during the debate on the President's Address on 29 January 2016, it was mentioned that FAS would be having their annual general meeting (AGM) in June 2016. As reported in the media on 8 November 2016, FAS had an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) a day before, which was on 7 November, and the meeting had decided to postpone its first-ever election of the Council for 30 years to a date before May this year. Can the Ministry share the exact date for the FAS Council election and, two, what causes the delay in the election of the FAS Council?

Leadership and Passion

Mr Ganesh Rajaram (Nominated Member): Mdm Chairman, Singapore football has been hogging the headlines for all the wrong reasons. In October last year, we sank to our lowest ever world ranking of 171. Currently, we are at 164 and things do not look like they are going to get better anytime soon. The S-League is dying a slow and painful death. It was not long ago that 60,000 Singaporeans were cheering on the national football team. Where did it all go wrong?

As a fan and a journalist who covered the sport in the 1990s, I would like to suggest the reasons for this sad state of affairs are a lack of leadership and passion.

Mdm Chairman, I think most of us in this House are familiar with the glory days of Singapore football. The 1970s and the 1990s were the golden era of local football, when the National Stadium was packed to the rafters and families were glued to their television (TVs) for "live" telecasts. We idolised the players, legends like Quah Kim Song, the late Dollah Kassim, Mohammed Noor, Eric Paine, Fandi Ahmad and V Sundramoorthy.

To me, however, both these periods owe their success primarily to two leaders. In the 1970s and 1980s, it was the late Mr N Ganesan and, in the 1990s, it was former Cabinet Minister Mr Mah Bow Tan. I had the privilege of knowing both these gentlemen. Let me give Members an insight into why they succeeded.

I first met Mr N Ganesan in the early 1970s when I was about six or seven. Mr Ganesan was a family friend and he would be a frequent visitor to our home. I used to look forward to his visits as he was fiercely passionate about football and told me endless stories about my local football idols.

Mr Ganesan was Chairman of FAS from 1974 to 1981. He was credited with numerous achievements, including winning the Malaysia Cup in 1977 and 1980, starting the Lion City Cup tournament for the under 16s, inspiring the Kallang Roar at the National Stadium by building a national team that was feared in the region.

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Mr Ganesan was a full-time lawyer but was at the Jalan Besar Stadium every day to watch the Lions train. He was omnipresent, always available to speak to anyone, from players to coaches and staff at FAS. His leadership style was down-to-earth and accessible. And he created an air of camaraderie and family at FAS. And because his passion was so infectious, it caught on, creating a culture of volunteerism and selflessness that resulted in one of the most successful periods for local football.

The other more recent golden era of local football was the 1990s when Singapore won the Malaysia Cup in 1994. We saw the birth of the S-League in 1996, and our famous Tiger Cup win in 1998. All of these were under the leadership of one individual, former Cabinet Minister Mr Mah Bow Tan, who oversaw FAS for a period of 13 years, from 1991 to 2004.

I covered the 1993 and 1994 Malaysia Cup campaigns as well as the inaugural S-League season of 1996 as a journalist. I remember Mr Mah as a quiet, stern leader, quite the opposite of Mr Ganesan in terms of personality. But Mr Mah was a leader who got things done. He brought a sense of purpose, discipline and work ethic to FAS. Despite his hectic Ministerial duties, he would be present at most matches and training sessions. He ran a very tight ship, and this flowed through right down to the administration of the S-League and the clubs. Things worked like clockwork − schedules, fixtures, press briefings.

When Mr Mah briefed the media about the setting up of the S-League, there was a steely determination and resolve that said, "We will make this work". And he did! It was an unenviable task during a difficult time. Would we be able to replicate the success of the Malaysia Cup with our own fledgling league? But after just a year of planning, Mr Mah oversaw the launch of the S-League in 1996. The 1996 S-League grand final was played at the National Stadium between Geylang International and the Singapore Armed Forces Football Club (SAFFC) in front of 30,000 fans! Against all odds, Mr Mah had delivered on his promise, and our own professional football league was born.

So, why have we come to where we are today? To me, there is a dearth of strong passionate leaders like the late Mr Ganesan and Mr Mah in local football.

What we do not need is fair weather leadership. Over the last few years, we have seen members of the FAS leadership team donning their jerseys and attending only big-ticket matches, but they are nowhere to be seen during training sessions or regular games. We have seen high-ranking FAS officials making trips across the globe and taking selfies with football superstars while the S-League is floundering. We have seen S-League clubs sign on washed-up, has-been, ill-disciplined foreign stars, garnering lots of press, but little else. These same clubs were having financial woes when they realised they had bitten off more than they can chew. They would do well to remember the likes of Mohammed Khakpour and Hamid Reza Estili, the Iranian footballers who were foreign signings in the early days of the S-League. They were unknowns who became household names because of their dedication and quality. Both players went on to represent Iran in the 1998 World Cup.

Mdm Chairman, as FAS gears up for its first-ever open elections later this year, my hope is that real leaders with real passion and no hidden agendas would step forward and get the game back to where it should be. At our height, we were ranked number 73 in the world, and this was only in 1993. I am sure we can get there again.

Promoting Sporting Excellence

Mr Darryl David (Ang Mo Kio): Mdm Chairman, 2016 was a tremendous year for Singapore sports. Olympic medallist Joseph Schooling and Paralympians Theresa Goh and Yip Pin Xiu, among others, united us as a country and drew from us a collective roar of delight. They made all of us feel proud to be Singaporean.

I believe that while we should continue to promote and support sporting excellence across the traditional sports, such as swimming, sailing, shooting and so on, however, I also believe that we should recognise achievements in other non-traditional sports where Singaporeans have excelled at a regional and international level.

Take the case of Kyra Poh, the indoor skydiver who captured a gold medal in the junior freestyle category at the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) World Cup of Indoor Skydiving in October 2016 and who was recently crowned as the "world's fastest flyer" at the Wind Games in Spain.

Then, there are Singapore ice-skaters Chloe Ing and Yu Shuran who are making an impact in the regional figure-skating arena. I know Minister Grace Fu featured Shuran on her Facebook page. I follow your page, Minister Fu. Both did well at the recent Asian Winter Games in Japan and Shuran has become the first Singaporean to qualify for the World Figure Skating Championships at the end of the month. With the sport due to feature in the SEA Games in Malaysia this year for the first time, I am confident that both these young ladies will do us proud if they are going to be competing.

Sometimes, it is also about making that regional and international impact considered significant in a particular sport and not just look at the Olympics and world championships as a standard. So, l would suggest that we have other benchmarks, too. While swimmers or runners can be assessed quantitatively by their timing, how do we benchmark athletes who have achieved in areas that cannot be measured quantitatively?

For example, could a young Singaporean tennis player who is regularly beating juniors in his or her age group in a country like Australia or the US be given more Government support? If a Singaporean youth was selected to train and play with Barcelona or Chelsea's youth team, how could the Government support that? Asians play regularly across European top football leagues not just for their marketing potential but because they have shown that they are good enough.

Mr Ganesh Rajaram talked about the S-League. I have faith that a Singaporean playing in one of the top football leagues in the world one day is a possibility and that will certainly put us on the global stage and perhaps do wonders to rejuvenate the sport here. Can the Government do more to perhaps support the Singaporean who finds himself in this position?

My suggestion is let us support more new sports in new and diverse ways that will promote inclusiveness, nurture talent and allow for that collective roar of delight from Singaporeans from all walks of life.

The Chairman: Dr Lim Wee Kiak, please take your two cuts together.

Supporting Sports and Arts Heroes

Dr Lim Wee Kiak: Madam, watching our local talents receive global recognition and put our little red dot on the world stage is certainly a euphoric feeling. Such moments really bring Singaporeans together. I believe this is not just due to the pride, but also the encouraging notion that one can achieve their dreams as Singaporean in every field, including sports and the arts. We have a small population, which means a smaller pool where we can select and groom our sports and arts talents from. We also have limited resources. Despite the odds, we are glad that our fellow Singaporeans have done us proud in arenas on the global stage. Currently, how much support is allocated to our local sports and arts heroes? How can we enable them to bring out their best?

The past year has seen successes in international sports competitions and arts scene. Can MCCY further enhance the support system so that local sports and arts talents can continue to achieve their success? While the Government may not be able to continue to give more financial support to athletes and artists, more can be done to rally the community, the commercial and philanthropic sectors to provide resources needed for their training and competitions. I would suggest for MCCY to set up an organisation dedicated to fundraising and securing sponsorships to help our local talents so that they can concentrate on what they do best.

Projecting Singapore Culture

My second cut on projecting the Singapore culture. Chairman, Singaporeans learned a lot from documentaries and TV serials from Japan and South Korea. The Japanese pop (J-pop) and later the Korean pop (K-Pop) groups have significant followings not just among the young but amongst the seniors, too. I enjoy "Japan Hour" which really whets our appetite by showing us mouth-watering Japanese food. It is through such projection of soft power that they subtly exert their influence and project their respective countries' interests. It showcases their culture, food and way of life.

I think Singapore should learn from all these. We should have a "Singapore Hour" that showcases attractions, our multicultural festive celebrations, our huge diversity of food from the street, from our hawkers or the Michelin-starred restaurants, our sport events like Formula One (F1) Singapore Grand Prix as well as Dragon Boat Regatta.

Wherever I travel and check into hotels, I will be on the lookout for Channel NewsAsia (CNA) on the hotel TV channels. I am always happy and feel connected back home just by tuning in to CNA, listening to our own local news. CNA is a good example that we should leverage and expand further to showcase and project Singapore culture.

MCCY should explore and develop more ways and more channels for the projection of Singapore culture to the region and globally. This will not only further our national interests abroad but also rally Singaporeans to cherish and preserve our culture. In doing so, it will foster a more united and cohesive Singapore.

Launchpad Premises for Local Artists

Mr Yee Chia Hsing (Chua Chu Kang): Mdm Chairman, I have received some feedback that our local artists are finding it difficult to find suitable locations to exhibit their artwork, conduct classes and hold workshops. Some of these artists thus have to either operate out of their own homes or rent small spaces in various locations. This is not ideal, as being scattered all over makes it difficult for the public to view the works of various artists in one location.

JTC has set aside Block 71 and two nearby blocks at Ayer Rajah Crescent as a launchpad for local startups, offering space for these startups at lower rental rates to help them. The presence of many startups in one location also helps to build an ecosystem, promote greater creativity and the sharing of ideas.

Does MCCY currently offer something similar for our local artists? If not, can the Ministry consider taking over some unused Government buildings, such as former school premises, for this purpose?

The Chairman: Mr Kok Heng Leun, you have six cuts. Please take them together.

Cultural Leadership

Recognising Unsung Heroes

Support for Mature Artists

Arts and Culture Strategic Review − The Next Phase

Cultural Impact of Future Economy

Cultural and Heritage Resilience

Mr Kok Heng Leun (Nominated Member): Mdm Chairman, it has been five years since the Report of the Arts and Culture Strategic Review (ACSR) was released and it is, therefore, timely for us to review. So, I would like to request that MCCY provide a report on the progress to date, as well as any hurdles faced in the process.

Next, I would like to offer my take on some concerns on the ground, collated after consultations, and explore strategies for the road ahead.

Our arts and cultural landscape reflect our diversity as a nation. There is always something that caters to everyone − traditional to experimental, entertaining works to thought-provoking ones. It is this very diversity that makes the Singapore arts and cultural landscape so exciting and full of vitality which we must strive to encourage.

This is why I feel the need to emphasise the importance of experimental, avant-garde art. These are artworks by creators who think out of the box. They represent adventure, exploration and offer new ways of seeing, ahead of their time. Thus, this spirit is not specific to the arts. We see and celebrate this as well in entrepreneurs, researchers and scientists.

Just like other front-runners, such artworks always meet with hesitation, if not suspicion and derision, by the general public. Yes, it is common for people to resist the unfamiliar. However, it is the unconventional who bring new knowledge, understanding and change.

As a city state that wants to be at the forefront of innovation, we must embrace artists who have the boldness and imagination to dream extraordinary dreams.

Exploratory works are meant to be contentious, meant to generate critical discourse. It is by grappling with difficult issues that we discover the depth of human thoughts and emotions, understand differences, learn to empathise and celebrate diversity.

Last year, there had been examples of such bold works resulting in controversy but, unfortunately, stopping short of critical dialogue, like Five Easy Pieces at last year's Singapore International Festival of the Arts (SIFA), and Undressing Room and Naked Ladies at the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival. The loudest, brashest and most obstinate voices, unfortunately, silenced any possibility of critical discourse. Precious opportunities for mutual understanding and mediation were lost.

Instead, most of the time, the artists come across as depraved or immoral, with little avenue to express their positions except in their artwork, which may have been banned or censored or which would have only reached out to a small minority of the population.

In addition, how do we deal with sections of the public that promote hate under the guise of moral beliefs? If an artwork is deemed "objectionable" by one out of 99 people, should that artwork be removed, censored or banned? I look forward to the day when a representative from the Government will say to an outraged member of the public who wants an artwork banned: if you are offended, do not watch, but there are people who want to watch.

My point is, we must inculcate in society an appreciation for the value of critical discourse. We must encourage our people to want to talk about the arts and culture and, to do so, we must understand the value of arts and culture.

Of course, some may say, how do we value arts and culture when we are still concerned about costs of living? But both are not mutually exclusive. Valuing the arts means appreciating its intrinsic values. Arts open up society and shape society, just like we cannot ignore Da Vinci and how we talk about the Renaissance.

How, therefore, do we help Singaporeans to value arts and culture?

One of the clearest ways to do this is through arts education. We need to go beyond simply making students sit through assembly shows or music classes. How can we empower our educators to help students see in new refreshing ways and connect arts to life? We need consistency and rigour in our pedagogical approach to move beyond mere presentation of art and towards seeing art in the everyday. We are not asking all students to be artists. But we can find the artists in them.

At the same time, we need to educate our students on the arts and cultural icons in Singapore. In schools, you often see replicas of paintings by Van Gogh and Monet. But where are our works by Liu Kang, Georgette Chen and Chen Wen Hsi? If our younger generation cannot access narratives of local artists easily, how can they develop national pride in our arts? Every child in every school should be familiar with Leong Yoon Pin, Tang Da Wu, Isa Kamari and the list goes on and on.

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This leads me to the importance of documentation. I hope MCCY can look into national centres that archive the rich history and development of the arts as part of our cultural and social fabric.

The history of art must include the critical discourse that is generated from artwork. To improve critical discourse, we need to boost research and encourage more critical writing and documentation. This need to document the arts is especially crucial for our traditional artforms, which we are running against time and need to find new ways to innovate whilst preserving their craft.

This leads me to my next query. In 2016, various arts groups at Stamford Arts Centre had to vacate their premises and be resettled, with the centre supposedly being earmarked to be developed as a Traditional Arts Centre. But a year on, we have not heard progress on this matter. I would like to ask: why was there a rush to vacate the previous tenants then? Why has the plan for the Traditional Arts Centre not been implemented yet? So, what is the plan?

Decisions on our cultural assets involve multiple Government agencies and we need to reinforce interagency dialogue and collaboration. The missteps of Ellison Building and Surviving Syonan Gallery again highlight the importance of good engagement. I also urge MCCY and the Government to put cultural impact assessments as an important process in forming any major national policy.

Our accomplished artists are recognised nationally yearly through the Young Artists Awards and the Cultural Medallion Awards. Last year, upon being conferred the Cultural Medallion, 86-year-old Mdm Nona Aishah said, "It should have happened 10 years ago. I am too old to receive this now." She is right. We could have given her the award earlier for her dedication and craft all these years. At 86 years old, how would this trophy and grant help her to continue her "artistic pursuits?" How many other older artists have we not heard about, let alone given recognition to?

There are also other arts workers who have been toiling behind the scenes quietly for decades. This include TK Sabapathy, art historian and critic, and Tay Tong, producer of TheatreWorks. Yet, because they are not practising artists, even if many within the arts community may find them deserving of the Cultural Medallion, they cannot be considered under the current scheme. So, how can these silent heroes and heroines be recognised?

One of the visions of ACSR is to increase community involvement in art-making, and two very recent cases made me think more deeply about this.

I am sure everyone by now is aware of the Golden Foil Stair at Jalan Rajah, created by La Salle College of the Arts student, Priyageetha. I saw her this morning. Some residents have safety concerns about it, but others, including myself, think it is a brilliant piece of art. The Town Council has weighed in to say the installation is unauthorised. In another case, a unique installation of dolls at a void deck, created by a Mr Or, was asked to be dismantled. Yet, this installation had injected life into that void deck.

In both cases, these installations are in public spaces and they are clear examples of ground-up community art. Arts in the community is often spontaneous and interventionist, as it should be. It serves as a response to the place and people around it and engages and enlivens the community in a positive manner. Should our policies not adjust so as to allow more community engagement and participation in the arts? Should all agencies and the public not learn how to converse about how to share public space and not mute these ground-up creativity?

Also, should our definition of "community" be inclusive of foreigners in our midst − our migrant workers and domestic helpers − who share our common spaces and actively contribute to our country? I hope MCCY will consider offering more support to marginalised groups and events, such as the Migrant Workers Poetry Competition and Dibashram, which offers cultural activities to the Bangladeshi community.

Lastly, on cultural leadership. We have seen some major shifts in leadership at a few of our largest arts organisations. Both the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Director of the Singapore Arts Museum left last year. But to date, no replacements have been announced. The National Arts Council, after a significant period without its CEO, recently had a new appointee in Ms Rosa Daniel, who is concurrently the CEO of the National Heritage Board (NHB) and Deputy Secretary of MCCY. I have no doubt of Ms Rosa's credentials which put her in good stead for the job, but her multiple posts beg the question as to how she will manage all of them, given the time and energy they require.

Is there a lack of potential candidates for such leadership roles? If so, how are we developing new leaders for the future? Arts institutions need to have artistic leadership at the forefront and should not be driven by just administrative or financial objectives. As such, I look forward to hearing from MCCY on how it will work with the community to cultivate such leaders, either for future positions at the helm or contributing actively on directorial boards.

I would emphasise that only if these leaders − and I would also include all leaders of other sectors, as well as Government Ministries − embrace arts and culture as essential to our being, then Singapore will move closer to being a liveable and resilient city for a dignified and humanistic being.

Building Identity through Heritage

Mr Darryl David: Mdm Chairman, Marcus Garvey, a political leader and publisher, once said, "A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots". To remain rooted in our Singapore culture that has evolved over many decades, even centuries, let us invest in our heritage so that it binds us together.

Exploring that plate of laksa, lontong, chicken rice or prata can take us through a trek to explore our history. We are not just foodies; we connect through food. Our communal values can be seen in the way we congregate at hawker centres and respect one another's religious dietary habits. Indeed, one endearing characteristic of many Singaporeans is how we can talk about our favourite food or what we are going to have for our next meal, even as we are eating.

After all, our local food has gained international recognition through celebrity chefs like Anthony Bourdain and Gordon Ramsay and our kaya kopitiams now dot the region. So, let us continue to blog about food and share through community events, traditional and social media and through food fairs.

The musical arts are also an important part of our heritage. Can we not engage in experimentation via projects, such as the one undertaken by five Republic Polytechnic's Diploma in Sonic Arts students in 2015? They then recorded notes played using the dholak, an Indian drum, and 24 other traditional Indian, Malay and Chinese instruments featured on a special edition SG50-themed electronic keyboard. Team leader Azurah Jan Che Onn Azahar saw it important to have all the sounds saved, "so future generations will know the music of the cultures of Singapore".

These are just two aspects of our uniquely Singapore heritage, but there is more, so much more. I would thus like to ask the Government if a better understanding of culture can be woven into our school curriculum through a Heritage Involvement Programme in which students spend a stipulated number of hours each year being exposed to various aspects of Singaporean culture and heritage.

Mdm Chairman, a tree is as strong as its roots. For us to remain singularly Singaporean, let us invest in our culture and heritage, because I believe that it is only through a deep appreciation and understanding of our culture and heritage that we can continue to strengthen and enhance our Singaporean identity.

The Chairman: Order. I propose to take the break now.

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

Mdm Speaker: Order. I suspend the Sitting and will take the Chair again at 5.20 pm.

Sitting accordingly suspended

at 4.55 pm until 5.20 pm.

Sitting resumed at 5.20 pm

[Mdm Speaker in the Chair]

Debate in Committee of Supply resumed.

[Mdm Speaker in the Chair]

Head X (cont) −

The Chairman: Minister Grace Fu.

The Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien): Madam, with your permission, I will display some slides.

The Chairman: Yes, please. [Some slides were shown to hon Members.]

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: MCCY's work goes to the heart of our nation. What we do in building "heartware" is often intangible, non-quantifiable. But there are moments when it becomes clearly evident when everyone feels the same strong emotion deep in our hearts, when we all feel the pulse of our nation's heartbeat.

In 2016, one defining moment took place at 9.12 am on the morning of 13 August. Across the island, Singaporeans held their breath as they witnessed history being made in a swimming pool halfway across the world. From runners at a Charity Run, to football "kakis" meeting up for their regular weekend game, Singaporeans watched the most significant 50.39 seconds in our sporting history. For the first time, we heard Majulah Singapura being played at the Olympics. Singaporeans celebrated wildly. We hugged one another. We proudly "Whatsapp-ed" the photo of our hero to everyone we knew. Thousands lined the street to welcome Joseph Schooling home and congratulate him, regardless of race, language or religion.

These moments will be part of our common memory for years to come. They reflect our national pride and celebrate our common journey. We saw this at the height of our SG50 celebrations, too, when our Jubilee Weekend peaked at 2015 hours on 9 August with 200,000 gathered around the Marina Bay dressed spontaneously in red and white, or during the SEA Games when Singaporeans sang our National Anthem loudly even when the public address system malfunctioned. Moments like these affirm the work of MCCY.

The work of MCCY matters more than ever at a time when the world around us is becoming increasingly uncertain. In developed countries, growing discontent with globalisation has fueled a mood of nativism. During the Budget and COS debates, Members like Dr Tan Wu Meng, Mr Kok Heng Leun, Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin, Mr Amrin Amin and Mr Lee Yi Shyan rightly noted that we are witnessing the rise of post-truth politics, where many inhabit echo chambers unwilling to distinguish fact from fiction.

Within our region, the threat of terrorism is on the rise. Issues of race and religion loom large, with the potential to stoke tensions. Beyond these traditional fault lines, there is a growing risk of rifts along the lines of class, ideology and nationality.

As Dr Lim Wee Kiak pointed out, in these uncertain times, the question facing us is whether we have the social ballast to remain united and resilient in adversity. The strength of our national identity and solidarity will be central to how we fare in a more volatile future.

We have been described as a small "sampan" in a big ocean. In turbulent times, when many countries seem to be listing and about to tip, we need steady hands to right the ship and guide it to safety. Yet, survival and success depend not only on the captain, but on all aboard. Likewise, the Government does its work best when it does it together with the Singaporeans we serve.

So, in this coming year, MCCY will partner Singaporeans in nation-building at three levels.

We will nurture a caring people, because we need to look out for one another. We are as strong as the most vulnerable among us. We will grow a cohesive society, because a society that stands as one will be able to do difficult things together and overcome the toughest challenges. And we will build a confident nation, because the courage to dream brought us to where we are today, and the same courage will propel us towards an even brighter future.

Firstly, nurturing a caring people. We want to grow a civic culture of consideration, care and contribution. These are virtues that Singaporeans can show by caring for one another, their community and their country.

During the Budget Debate, Members like Ms Rahayu Mahzam and Ms Tin Pei Ling spoke about the need to grow a spirit of volunteerism. Mr Henry Kwek hoped to see more citizens volunteering.

The Minister for Social and Family Development talked about building a community of volunteers. Together with MSF and our partners, we are growing SG Cares, a nationwide movement to harness the goodwill of Singaporeans, inspire them to step forward and support them to help others in need. Through SG Cares, we can realise a more caring and compassionate society. We may be a small nation, but we can have a big heart.

Ms Fion Phua is one example. She started Keeping Hope Alive, a ground-up initiative of about 60 volunteers that include doctors, plumbers, carpenters, students and families. Every Sunday, they deliver porridge to residents from over 150 rental flats. They help the seniors trim their toenails, cut their hair, check for expired food or medication, replace faulty appliances and so on.

These volunteers develop a deep understanding of the needs of the families over time and are able to support them well. The sense of community grows and the circle of caring and giving expands over time.

One volunteer, Ms Siti Nurani Salim, felt so inspired that she started Project Goodwill Aid, reaching out to other needy families in other estates. From distributing groceries to helping underprivileged children acquire items for school, Project Goodwill Aid has visited more than 1,000 households.

This is the spirit we hope to cultivate through SG Cares − communities self-organising to care for its members and inspiring others to do good. For giving to truly make a difference to the lives of people, you need to know well the person you are helping. It is the members of each community who truly understand the needs of their neighbours and friends who are best placed to help make Singapore a truly caring society.

SG Cares is a call to all of us to step up to help a neighbour or a cause. It will create conditions for volunteerism. SG Cares will organise the efforts of relevant public agencies, activate networks of volunteers to collaborate, and encourage corporates and non-profits to join in partnership. By linking needs on the ground with the time and talent of volunteers and the resources and capabilities of corporates, we will grow opportunities for volunteerism.

Over time, SG Cares will build capability in organisations to better engage volunteers, equip them with the necessary skills and training, and strengthen volunteer management capacity in our SSOs. That way, we can grow and sustain a vibrant giving landscape.

Ms Joan Pereira reminded us that seniors can be a part of this movement, too. The Silver Volunteer Fund supports volunteer programmes involving seniors, including the training, management and recognition of senior volunteers.

There are many ways for seniors to volunteer near home. Many of the Pioneer Generation Ambassadors (PGAs), for example, are seniors. One of them, Mr Wong Phui Sian from my constituency of Yuhua, is one of the most senior PGAs at 75 years young. Mr Wong has been doing house visits twice a week since he signed up as a PGA in 2015. He also volunteers at the community garden actively.

The youths of today will be the pioneer generation of tomorrow. Youth Corps Singapore provides volunteering opportunities for youths from all walks of life to contribute to a more caring Singapore.

Project Cent$ible is one such effort. In partnership with Lakeside Family Services, a group of Youth Corps members developed a financial literacy programme for families living in a transitional shelter. The young volunteers conducted a series of workshops that taught basic financial knowledge and helped cultivate a habit of saving.

Last year, Youth Corps launched its signature programme, "Common Space for Common Good", to bring young volunteers together to serve the community. This year, we will launch the inaugural Youth Corps Service Week to encourage youths to contribute to social and community causes.

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Young or old, we can all contribute to issues that concern us and exercise shared responsibility to shape the future. We have been providing the space and resources for citizens to develop their own ideas. To encourage more citizens to take the lead in ground-up action, we launched Our Singapore Fund (OSF) to support projects that build national identity or meet social and community needs.

Mr Henry Kwek and Ms Joan Pereira asked about the status of OSF. To date, close to 40 projects have been supported. They range across the arts, heritage, community and volunteerism sectors. Collectively, they supported projects reaching out to over 37,000 people.

Wheels@Ubin was a project we supported through the SG50 Celebration Fund. Members may be familiar with this project. In 2015, they brought about 100 wheelchair users to enjoy the sights of Pulau Ubin. It involved volunteers from Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT), Changi Sailing Club, the Navy and many VWOs.

I met the team recently when they visited MCCY. Their application for funding under OSF was successful and, this year, they plan to include not just wheelchair users but also the visually impaired. We are happy to see that they are continuing with this meaningful project and are glad to support them again.

Projects like Wheels@Ubin exemplify the Singapore spirit and show how Singaporeans from all walks of life can come together to help one another. Through OSF, MCCY hopes to encourage more Singaporeans to step forward.

Singaporeans also care about how they can play a part in enriching our culture. Our support and funding for the arts and culture will continue to raise arts excellence, grow audiences and ensure that our offerings are accessible to all. We will cater to the emerging needs of the culture sector, whether it is in arts practice, audience development, capability development, or internationalisation.

Our approach has been to partner the private and people sectors to grow our culture scene together. The Minister for Finance announced a top-up of $150 million to the Cultural Matching Fund (CMF). Since CMF was implemented in 2014, we have committed about $150 million out of $200 million allocated. As of December 2016, over 80 organisations under the cultural sector have benefited from CMF. We hope that this top-up will encourage more philanthropy to the sector and provide Singaporeans another avenue to support a cause they care about.

CMF has contributed to developing artistic excellence. Singapore Dance Theatre (SDT) is one example. The additional resources enabled SDT to perform in the region, nurture more local choreographers through annual workshops, and reach out to more schools and communities through their arts education programme.

By topping-up the fund, we hope to sustain the momentum of giving to the arts and heritage sector. MCCY will take the opportunity to review CMF as part of our regular review of how we fund and support the arts and culture.

MCCY's second focus is enhancing a cohesive society. Our future depends on our ability to maintain social cohesion. Our multiracial and multicultural identity must be a source of strength and not a cause of fracture.

We may come from different lands and speak different languages. We are proud of our own cultural heritage. Yet, we identify ourselves as Singaporean.

Our museums, galleries, sports centres and community centres are spaces that bring people of diverse backgrounds together. Our religious organisations, youth networks and civil society groups enhance intercultural understanding. They enlarge our social commons and provide opportunities for Singaporeans to connect and bond.

At a time when tensions are tearing at the fabric of other countries, the bonds and bridges we build in times of peace will enable us to stand together in a crisis.

Mr Alex Yam and Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked how we can preserve our social fabric. We need to partner community leaders and members, and strengthen community vigilance at all levels to absorb shocks and bounce back quickly from any crisis.

We meet apex leaders from major religious and ethnic groups regularly to discuss racial and religious issues on a national platform. At the local level, every constituency has an Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle (IRCC) that promotes racial and religious harmony.

We need to take our efforts one step further. In line with SGSecure, MCCY is establishing a SGSecure Community Network (SGCN) to complement the work of IRCCs on the ground and strengthen the Government's partnership with religious organisations. This network will connect with all religious organisations, going beyond the local IRCCs to include those that are not members.

All religious organisations should be plugged into the SGSecure movement, so that they are well-informed and can count on one another for help when the need arises. In the hours and days after a terrorist attack, we need respected community and religious leaders to convey messages of calm and solidarity to their congregations and to the wider community.

The SGSecure Community Network will prepare our places of worship to be crisis-ready in case of a terrorist attack.

Earlier this year, together with the Home Team, we conducted two Counter-Terrorism Seminars for religious and community organisations. Over 500 leaders from nearly 180 organisations were briefed on how to develop crisis management plans and ways to keep their followers safe. Here is one session where the Roman Catholic Archdiocese shared its crisis plan with the leaders of other faiths. It reflected the cooperation and trust among the religious organisations. More Counter-Terrorism Seminars are being planned.

There is also a need to broker honest conversations in a safe space on sensitive issues like race and religion, especially among our youths as Ms Rahayu Mahzam noted. We have been supporting ground-up projects that do this through the Harmony Fund.

"Youth Unconvention" is one such project by the Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP). It brought together diverse participants to have frank and respectful discussions on issues of national identity, terrorism and racism over a full day conference. So, we have brought the religious leaders together and we have also brought youths of different faiths together.

While Singaporeans support racial and religious diversity, there are still knowledge gaps around religious practices. Left unaddressed, the knowledge vacuum could be filled by irresponsible voices that seed prejudice.

We will deepen religious understanding through in-depth engagements. MCCY will work with community partners to clarify the practice of religion in a multiracial, multi-religious society, and address sensitive questions in a mutually respectful setting. We will also work with community partners to produce content, such as short videos and brochures, which address common, but often unasked, questions on the practices of different faiths. Mdm Chairman, allow me to speak in Mandarin for the next section.

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] In Singapore, people of different beliefs and races coexist peacefully and look out for one another. To preserve our multiculturalism, we must bring religious and racial groups closer together and use the strength of the community to counter terrorism threats.

In line with the SGSecure movement, MCCY is establishing an SGSecure Community Network, to complement IRCC's work on the ground. The SGSecure Community Network will connect all religious groups, incorporating groups that have yet to join the IRCC. After a terrorist attack, these senior leaders of religious and community organisations will be our core mobilisers to convey messages of calm, assuage fear and restore solidarity in the days after.

MCCY will collaborate with religious and community leaders to create more platforms for the public to learn and appreciate the various religious beliefs and practices in Singapore. For instance, through the Harmony Fund, we supported the Nanyang Confucian Association's "Confucianism and Islam" seminars, which discussed common values across Confucianism and Islamic theologies and practices. Such seminars provide valuable platforms for the Chinese community to understand the principle of peace advocated in Islam ideology, and a safe space for discussion to address queries and dispel misconceptions about Islam.

(In English): Mr Melvin Yong asked how sports can break down social barriers, promote inclusion and bring communities together.

Since last year, ActiveSG launched three sports academies in basketball, football and tennis and two sports clubs for athletics and outdoor adventure. They offer quality programmes at very low cost for young children. They also bring families and neighbours from all backgrounds together.

When we launched the Athletics Club, a group of mothers who called themselves "Bedok Mums" requested for such a programme at the Bedok Sports Centre for their children. ActiveSG Athletics Club started the programme there and the group of mums and dads meet regularly, twice a week in fact, while accompanying their children. They share parenting tips on the track side. From the photo, we see multiracial, three-generation groupings forming friendship along with their children.

In 2017, ActiveSG will be launching more academies to provide additional pathways for members to engage in and through sports. They include traditional sports like badminton and hockey, and non-traditional sports that are gaining popularity, such as frisbee and floorball. The programmes will cater to different competency levels and provide young adults with both recreational and competitive opportunities to remain active in sports even after leaving the school system. To encourage more seniors to be physically active, an Active Masters Programme will also be launched to offer modified sports and fitness activities suitable for their physical conditions.

Under the Sports Facilities Master Plan, we will expand the rollout of the Sports-in-Precinct (SIP) programme to additional precincts, to ensure a good geographical spread and create more sporting spaces near homes. Fifty million dollars has been set aside for this. Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng will elaborate on this.

Mr Kok Heng Leun asked how we can introduce our students to local artworks. And Ms Sun Xueling asked about co-curating our arts and heritage with students. Ms Rahayu Mahzam and Ms Joan Pereira asked about the need to ensure access to arts and heritage.

One way is to expose students to our local arts and heritage scene at an early stage. MCCY is working with MOE to develop more structured student visits to our arts and heritage institutions.

At present, some schools already organise visits to our institutions. Some 50% of Primary 5 students have visited the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM), tapping on exhibits in the museum to complement their Social Studies syllabus. By discovering the stories behind the artefacts, students learn about what we inherit from past civilisations. They get to appreciate how history impacts our lives today and develop a habit of learning outside the classroom, beyond textbooks.

MOE and NAC are piloting museum-based learning as part of the arts curriculum. Last year, Primary 4 students from 15 schools visited institutions like the National Gallery Singapore as part of this pilot. Students from one such school, North Spring Primary, got to understand the history of Singapore through Chua Mia Tee's piece titled "National Language Class". Through this, students learn to appreciate art, the work of Singapore artists and how their art chronicles our shared history.

This year, NAC will be piloting a Performing Arts-based Learning Programme for lower secondary students, to complement the General Music Programme. Students can look forward to attending a concert by, say, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Through this programme, students will learn about concert etiquette and develop a greater appreciation of musical concepts in an orchestral setting.

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Our aim is for students who have gone through our public school system to have an appreciation for Singaporean artworks. The experiential learning in arts and heritage can become a common reference point for our young, regardless of their background. We hope it will be a shared experience that all our students enjoy, and that it will cultivate the audience of the future.

OBS is another experience that we hope all Singaporeans will come to share. Last year, we announced the construction of a new OBS campus on Coney Island as part of our National Outdoor Adventure Education Masterplan. In January this year, we launched the MOE-OBS Secondary 3 Programme. By 2020, students from all secondary schools will have the opportunity to attend a five-day OBS expedition.

The new OBS@Coney will stretch the ability of our youths to work together and build resilience. We will combine several schools in one camp to encourage youths to work with peers from different backgrounds. There will be new features, such as advanced rope courses, that require participants to work in teams. They will also undertake water expeditions around mainland Singapore and learn to respond to challenging scenarios with limited resources.

The new campus will triple our capacity for youth development to about 45,000 youths annually. We hope that this experience will toughen our youths, create shared memories and forge a more cohesive society for Singapore.

Madam, a caring and cohesive society lays the foundation for a confident and resilient nation. Seventy five years ago, our Pioneers went through one of the darkest periods of our history. The fall of Singapore taught us a painful lesson about the importance of national defence. So, we built up the SAF to safeguard our sovereignty and, this year, we commemorate 50 years of National Service.

New threats have emerged. Today, we face down the threat of terrorism, tomorrow it might be economic restructuring. But whatever future challenges might arise, we can overcome them if we have the inner confidence that comes from a strong Singapore Spirit, one that is built on values, such as unity and resilience.

During the Budget Debate, Mr Kok Heng Leun described how the arts and culture can build resilience. I agree. Art and music are important parts of what it means to be a well-rounded person and help articulate the voices of a multifaceted society.

That is why we want Singaporeans to be active participants of the arts and to be proud of our arts and heritage institutions and achievements. There is much to be proud of. Our cultural scene has come a long way. More Singaporeans recognise the value of arts and culture, and participation in arts and cultural activities has increased across the board.

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked how we are helping our artists and athletes realise their aspirations and how Singapore is projecting soft power. The growth of a vibrant arts ecosystem has seen our young artists develop a good international reputation. One example is Wong Kah Chun. At 30 years old, he has conducted orchestras in more than 20 cities. Last year, Kah Chun won the prestigious Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition in Germany. It is actually the Olympic equivalent for music.

Kah Chun's parents bought him his first trumpet when he was a band member at River Valley High School. During NS, Kah Chun played the trumpet so often in the SAF Band that he suffered damage to his lips, so he switched to composition and conducting. Scholarships came from Yong Siew Toh Conservatory, the National Arts Council and the Public Service Commission and allowed Kah Chun to pursue his music education and career, while the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) gave him opportunities to hone his musical craft.

Despite his achievements, what I really like about Kah Chun is that he has a heart for the community. Last year, he partnered "Superhero Me", a ground-up community arts movement, and set up Project Infinitude to bring music to underprivileged and special needs children. He roped in fellow musicians from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory and Asian Contemporary Ensemble to teach the children to play musical instruments through a 10-week programme. For the first few weeks, they got to try a variety of instruments and then they will select their own and then, for the last few weeks, they will practise a piece and have a little concert to perform; and the concert is coming soon.

I met one of them at last weekend's session. Brandvan Yang, the boy who is wearing a cape in the photo, because it was "Superhero Me", so he puts on his superhero cape. He told me that he loves the violin because it helps him feel relaxed and calm. He even asked me if I was in a music CCA in school. It was a moving moment to listen to the children play. Kah Chun and his friends, all highly talented musicians, are using their gift to inspire Singaporeans who might not otherwise have the opportunity to be exposed to music. These are children from a block of rental flats across the premises, and this little boy who played violin for me actually told me quite proudly that it was "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star", in minor key.

Similarly, Team Singapore athletes have been great role models to us. Their achievements over the years show we can make our dreams a reality. We want to sustain a strong showing at the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games and continue to nurture champions at the Asian and world levels.

Mr Darryl David called for greater efforts to promote sporting excellence. We will enhance our High Performance Sports (HPS) system. I wish to highlight some lessons from our own and other countries' experience at recent major Games.

Podium success at world championships and the Olympics requires a focused and sustained effort at all levels. A talented and dedicated athlete is a necessary starting point. To groom that athlete into a world champion, we need great coaches supported by deep sports science and sports medicine capabilities. The Singapore Sports Institute (SSI) and the National Youth Sports Institute (NYSI) are critical enablers in this process. For example, performance analysts help swimmers improve their performance by providing underwater video feedback on how the swimmers can improve their stroke mechanics. We must focus on applying science and know-how to help our athletes raise their game.

Another learning point is that success at the elite level requires long-term commitment. We did not produce champions overnight. Schooling is a two-time Olympian, Pin Xiu and Theresa are three- and four-time Paralympians respectively. Growing our pipeline of talent and grooming them for podium success require long-term athlete development plans and the resources and technical expertise to create a high-performance training and competition environment. The day-to-day training and competition environment is critical. SportSG and NSAs will have to work closely so that efforts are aligned and optimised.

Finally, we need our corporates, parents and the wider public to rally behind our athletes. That is why we are setting up a "One Team Singapore matching grant" which will match sports donations up to $50 million into the Vision 2030 Fund, dollar-for-dollar, over the next five years.

We will review our HPS system with these principles in mind. Being a small country without a large population base, we must ensure that resources are used effectively for sustained performance. This will require a long-term focus, technically sound training plans and continuity of effort.

Our heritage forms an integral part of our national identity. Historical buildings, our urban landscape, our food and festive celebrations, all tell stories of where we come from, who we are today and our legacy for the future. Mr Darryl David and Mr Kok Heng Leun asked how we are strengthening our identity and resilience through heritage. We have made considerable effort to preserve our heritage assets with the help of the people sector.

One example is "My Community", which has been documenting social memories and championing community heritage in Queenstown, Singapore's first satellite town. Working with NHB, they have taken the initiative to research and put together heritage trails that bring visitors to landmarks, such as the first Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats at Stirling Road.

To celebrate the civic life of the neighbourhood, "My Community" has been putting up exhibitions to showcase the social history of the area. They are not just preserving heritage, they are adding to the richness of cultural life in the community through their own efforts and initiatives. Complementing these ground-up efforts, NHB has launched nationwide surveys on our tangible and intangible heritage in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Both surveys are guided by NHB's Heritage Advisory Panel comprising experts from various fields. Next, we plan to put in place a strategy to document, promote and safeguard our heritage.

NHB will be embarking on a Heritage Plan for Singapore, which will be a comprehensive national blueprint for our heritage sector. Our goal is to preserve and celebrate our shared heritage as Singaporeans. We will also make legislative changes so as to implement the plan in the coming years. It will be drawn up in consultation with heritage stakeholders, the public and other Government agencies. Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng will share more later.

Our sporting and cultural heroes are an inspiration because they epitomise the Singapore Spirit. They show us the importance of having a bold vision, to commit to excellence, determination, a sense of resilience and sacrifice. These are values and ideals exemplified by Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his team who founded independent Singapore.

We have been actively engaging Singaporeans to co-create a Founders' Memorial that commemorates these values and ideals upon which our nation was built. Singaporeans young and old, expressed strong support for such an effort. Many expressed the hope that the memorial will help current and future generations to cherish and live by such values and ideals.

In February, the Founders' Memorial Committee led by Mr Lee Tzu Yang announced that a majority of Singaporeans engaged thus far support Bay East Gardens as the preferred site of the memorial. We thank the Committee for leading this community effort. The work does not stop here. We want Singaporeans to be involved at all stages of conceptualising the Memorial. A public showcase will be launched next week to gather more views on the desired attributes of the Memorial. This will guide the next steps of the design and development. Ultimately, the Memorial will be one for the people, by the people.

Mdm Chairman, to borrow the words of the Committee, we are an unexpected nation that succeeded against all odds. Through courage and diligence, our forefathers forged a nation. Through determination and adaptability, they turned challenges into opportunities. With integrity and a commitment to nation-building, they united a people.

This tells the extraordinary story of the Singapore Spirit. When it is ready, the Founders' Memorial will serve that purpose − to continue telling the story. And the story does not end there. We will write the next chapters together. We will be Singaporeans who care for one another, Singaporeans who overcome challenges together, and Singaporeans who dare to dream and are not afraid to pursue our aspirations and our passions for a better Singapore.

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The Chairman: Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (Mr Baey Yam Keng): Mdm Chairman, with your permission, I will display some slides.

The Chairman: Yes, please. [Some slides were shown to hon Members.]

Mr Baey Yam Keng: The Minister spoke about our plans to engage more Singaporeans through our arts and heritage offerings. Singapore's culture scene has, indeed, come a long way.

Mr Kok Heng Leun spoke about the need to take stock of what has been achieved under ACSR and our plans going forward to 2025.

Our efforts under ACSR are bearing fruit. More Singaporeans are attending arts events and visiting our museums and heritage institutions. Our surveys have shown that eight in 10 Singaporeans attended an arts event or activity in 2015. In the same year, museum visitorship also reached an all-time high of 3.75 million. More Singaporeans also believe in the value of the arts and culture. Nevertheless, more can still be done to make culture a part of everyday life and to ensure that culture is inclusive and accessible to all. We will continue to develop and support programmes that can connect with various segments of Singaporeans.

Mr Kok also spoke about involving non-Singaporeans in our arts programmes. Through the Presentation and Participation Grant, NAC recently supported Kapor ChatParty by The Octopus Residency, a ground-up initiative that aims to foster a sense of community in Little India, whether for residents, patrons or visitors.

As we broaden community outreach and accessibility, we agree with Mr Kok on the value of arts and culture. This is MCCY's mission. Over the years, we have expanded the space for artistic expression and divergent views. At the same time, however, we need to be mindful of our social and cultural context and balance this with mutual respect of views and social harmony. While we acknowledge that the arts can be a good platform to teach critical thinking and promote deeper understanding of issues, it is also important for the content and presentation to be context- and age-appropriate. We will continue to work with various stakeholders to bridge this understanding so that we can enlarge the common space for artistic expression and foster a better appreciation of the value of the arts.

We applaud the work that Mr Kok's theatre company, Drama Box, has undertaken to address sensitive issues, such as race-based tensions, conservation and development through forum theatre, and we hope to learn more from the experience.

I would like to refer to Mr Leon Perera's question. NAC funding guidelines are published and are part of the funding agreement between NAC and the grant applicants. NAC seeks to enlarge the space for the arts to flourish without compromising on social cohesion and stability. As such, NAC does not fund activities which undermine public institutions, political parties or figures, regardless of political affiliation. We believe that confidence in public institutions is fundamental to the future of Singapore.

Mdm Chairman, ACSR has funded many initiatives to raise arts excellence. In 2015, Singapore returned to the Venice Biennale. The recent Singapore Biennale 2016, which presented 10 Singapore works, has just ended with record visitorship numbers of more than 614,000 visitors. In 2016, SIFA featured 20 productions, including collaborations between Singaporean and international artists, such as Brian Gothong Tan's Tropical Traumas: A Series of Cinematographic Choreographies, which was presented at Ron Arad's 720° stage at Gardens by the Bay.

We will intensify our efforts to raise arts excellence while increasing connection with and accessibility to the arts and, in so doing, help nurture a confident people with pride in their culture and heritage.

We agree with Mr Kok on the importance of making arts a part of our shared spaces and are very encouraged by Priyageetha Dia's creativity to enhance our living spaces. Understandably, there could be concerns from residents that the local Town Council needs to address. Hence, we encourage young artists to work closely with the precincts and space managers to enliven our community. One recent example is young artist, Jaxton Su, who worked with the property owner to develop a large-scale mural along Race Course Road which was supported by NAC's Matchbox Grant. NAC will be happy to facilitate this process.

Mr Kok asked for an update on the proposed Traditional Arts Centre. NAC worked closely to support all affected arts groups from the Stamford Arts Centre throughout the upgrading process. Most of the affected arts groups have either moved into other NAC arts spaces or have found spaces through private leases. The last tenant vacated in end November last year. Since then, NAC has completed a feasibility study and will be starting refurbishment works. When the new Stamford Arts Centre is ready in 2018, it is envisioned to be a vibrant space for the performing arts, especially traditional arts. It will bring rich performing traditions closer to the community and support innovative content creation while deepening its relevance in modern Singapore. One idea is to have a residency programme to help seed new collaborations and compelling content. NAC also hopes to get the local Waterloo community more involved through the incubation of community arts projects.

Next, I would also like to address Mr Kok's point on developing artistic leadership in our major cultural institutions. We agree that it is important to have these institutions represented by individuals who are passionate about the arts and culture. We are privileged to have many distinguished arts practitioners sitting on our various boards. For example: Dr Meira Chand, author of the story behind The LKY Musical, serves as a Council Member on the National Arts Council; Mr Gaurav Kripalani, Artistic and Managing Director of the Singapore Repertory Theatre, serves on the board of the National Heritage Board; and Ms Aidli Mohamed Salleh Mosbit, a highly regarded playwright, director, actor, writer, designer and educator and also Young Artist Award winner, serves on the board of the School of the Arts.

Besides having a good understanding of the arts and culture, it is important that Board Directors also represent diverse views and offer skills that are fundamental to good governance, such as in audit, finance, legal, audience development and philanthropy.

Mdm Chairman, leadership positions in our cultural institutions are critical functions that require not only a good understanding of the arts and culture, but also administrative skills and whole-person capabilities. The Chief Executive and Artistic Director oversee the implementation of our cultural policies and set the programming direction. They are our main interface with the artistic community, patrons and audiences. They are responsible for stewardship and governance of public resources. It is, therefore, important to identify the right candidate for these key positions.

We are cognisant of the need to develop a pipeline of cultural leaders in Singapore. That is why in 2015, MCCY set up the Culture Academy to nurture the next generation of cultural leadership in the public sector.

We also agree with Mr Kok that producers play an important role in a vibrant arts and heritage ecosystem by helping our artists put their work out. Besides NAC's Creative Producer Development Programme, our cultural institutions like the Esplanade-Theatres on the Bay, also play a role in developing such expertise. For instance, the Esplanade co-commissions productions and shares risks with producers to develop a canon of Singapore works. Beyond our shores, the Esplanade and NAC also pave the way for our producers to connect with international markets. This approach helps to develop a pool of producers who can contribute to art-making both locally and internationally.

As Mr Kok highlighted, our arts and culture landscape today is a product of the legacy of many artistic pioneers. It is the amalgamation of efforts of not just artists, but also a wide range of other professionals with creative, management and technical expertise. We recognise the contributions of these individuals who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes. They can be great mentors to our future generation of cultural professionals. We will continue to look at platforms to recognise them and help them share their expertise with the artistic community as well.

Mr Yee Chia Hsing asked if it is possible to provide low-cost spaces for artists to showcase their art works or conduct classes. We currently offer a range of long-term housing and short-term rental options at subsidised rates to support our arts sector. The short-term options, in particular, are flexible and cater to different needs. For example, the Greenfield Project located at Block O of Goodman Arts Centre offers multi-purpose and project studios with options for rental, either on an hourly, daily or monthly basis.

Beyond Government spaces, we partner the private sector to co-locate arts groups in commercial developments under the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA's) Community Sports Facilities Scheme (CSFS). For instance, Very Special Arts has taken up a space at Changi City Point Mall since 2011.

Mdm Chairman, as we build a strong local cultural scene, Dr Lim Wee Kiak rightly pointed out that we should also share our unique culture with the rest of the world. Given our warm cultural ties with many countries, we have been able to showcase our arts and culture through cultural exchanges and collaborations.

In 2014, MCCY established the Cultural Diplomacy Fund (CDF) to raise the international profile of Singapore artists and cultural institutions and to grow our diplomatic space by showcasing the "softer side" of Singapore.

These efforts provide opportunities for our artists to grow. They also profile cultural excellence beyond our shores, strengthen capabilities and develop markets for Singapore's culture sector. This year, Singapore will be represented at the Venice Biennale with multidisciplinary artist Zai Kuning's showcase Dapunta Hyang: Transmission of Knowledge, a culmination of over 20 years of research on Malay culture and history in Southeast Asia. At the recent Singapore Art Week, visitors to Gillman Barracks had the chance to observe the artwork in progress when Zai's studio was open to the public then. Works like Zai's, which will be in Venice from 13 May to 26 November, will help to profile Singapore artists both at home and abroad.

As Mr Darryl David highlighted, heritage and culture can build and develop a stronger sense of identity in Singaporeans. We agree and are working to preserve and promote our heritage in a more comprehensive way.

As the Minister earlier shared, NHB will be developing a comprehensive national blueprint for our heritage sector. The Heritage Plan for Singapore will set out the national vision and action plans for a museum and heritage landscape that will foster a stronger sense of belonging and identity among our people.

One aspect of the Heritage Plan that NHB will be looking at is policy and legislative reviews that will enable us to better conduct the task of archaeology in Singapore. This will contribute towards a fuller picture of Singapore's history, going much further than half a century of Independence.

Members may recall the 2015 archaeological excavation at Empress Place. We uncovered some 3.5 tonnes of artefacts from 14th century Singapore or, more accurately, Temasek. The 300 to 500 copper coins from different time periods in imperial China, 12th century Ceylon, and coins used by the Dutch East India Company, suggest that 14th century Temasek had been a well-established international trading hub. In the absence of written records, these artefacts provide clues to the kinds of activities that took place on our island.

Mr Kok Heng Leun spoke about the importance of engaging different segments of society on how our heritage is documented, acknowledged and shared. The Heritage Plan aims to nurture an active community which takes ownership of our heritage. We will seek the views of different groups of stakeholders and different segments of society on a wide range of topics, such as heritage preservation, heritage education and promotion, and making heritage spaces and programmes more accessible and inclusive.

Over the next few months, NHB will continue to hold engagement sessions with heritage stakeholders and partners, including academia, experts, industry practitioners, community and heritage groups, youths, volunteers and educators. Singaporeans will also be invited to provide their views on the Plan later this year at public roadshows, online platforms and other channels. We target to publish the first edition of the Heritage Plan in early 2018, with an update every five years. Mdm Chairman, please allow me to elaborate on the Heritage Plan in Mandarin.

6.15 pm

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mdm Chairman, NHB and MCCY will be embarking on the important task of inspiring the Singapore Spirit through our diverse cultural heritage. NHB will be developing a whole new, comprehensive Heritage Plan for Singapore that complements the earlier announced ACSR plans.

We will gather public feedback and discuss how to systematically document and preserve tangible and intangible heritage, as well as the commonly neglected community heritage. NHB has already started working on these areas. Through the Heritage Research Grant, academic Dr Koh Keng We conducted research on the local history, rituals, institutions and networks of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. At the same time, NHB also launched a survey on intangible cultural heritage last year.

Cultural heritage has always been the microcosm of human development. Thus, Singaporeans are our best advisors and resources for this blueprint. Besides working with the various Government agencies, it is also crucial for NHB to gather ideas from the public through different platforms. We can then share details of this plan with Singaporeans next year. From 2018, the plan will guide the long-term development of our cultural heritage. In this way, we will increase Singaporeans' participation, deepen ownership of our heritage and inspire the Singapore Spirit. We will review this plan every five years, so that it will be a blueprint for Singapore's cultural heritage that truly belongs to us.

(In English): Beyond arts and heritage, sport is another arena where communities can come together as one. Complementing the programmes offered by ActiveSG, we will continue to expand and enhance access to sporting spaces through the Sports Facilities Master Plan. Every year, millions of Singaporeans make use of public sports facilities and the numbers continue to grow.

Mr Melvin Yong spoke about making sports facilities in schools available to the public. Under the Dual-Use-Scheme (DUS), members of the public can and are making use of facilities like the Indoor Sports Halls and school fields after school hours. As we announced last year, we will continue to progressively open up all remaining indoor sports halls and fenced fields in Government primary and secondary schools by around 2020. Over the past year, we opened up around 50 more facilities for shared use and are on track to meet our target.

Complementing DUS, the Sports-in-Precinct (SIP) programme also creates accessible play spaces for use by the local community. We initiated a pilot project in Boon Lay. With the completion of Phase One, residents now enjoy local facilities like the street soccer court and a multi-purpose community lawn court, both laid with an artificial turf. The street soccer court is well-received and is enjoyed by the youths, who would otherwise usually play on the more common hard court or at the void deck.

Besides Boon Lay, residents in Jurong Spring can also look forward to similar facilities later this year. We will be expanding the programme to include precincts that are not under HDB's Neighbourhood Renewal Programme. We will initiate around 20 SIP projects across the island by 2020, supported by a budget of $50 million. More residents can enjoy playing sports closer to home.

Mr Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap spoke about hosting national events at the National Stadium. The Singapore Sports Hub was designed to be an integrated sports, entertainment and lifestyle hub for the community and our athletes. It is a place where we can enjoy shared experiences and build strong bonds amongst Singaporeans.

In just under three years since the Sports Hub began operations, we have seen the National Stadium play host to major events, including the SEA Games, ASEAN Para Games, NDP, the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Singapore Rugby 7s, the StanChart Marathon Singapore 2016, and concerts, such as Madonna and A-mei. The Sports Hub Community Play Days and Experience Sports sessions, which are free to the public, have also been organised to encourage more to come and enjoy the offerings at the Sports Hub.

Nonetheless, more can and should be done by Sports Hub Private Limited (SHPL) to enhance the vibrancy of the Sports Hub and improve the quality of its calendar of events and programming. These should include major international events, as well as those that the community can participate in.

On the issue of event hiring cost, the operator, SHPL, has indicated that it will seek to keep third-party costs for events at the Sports Hub in check. We have communicated to SHPL that they should have transparent and defensible pricing policies that make them attractive as a venue to event organisers.

The Minister earlier shared that we will be enhancing our HPS system. I would like to reassure Mr Ang Wei Neng and Er Dr Lee Bee Wah that we continue to provide significant funding support for our NSAs. The Government currently provides about $45 million annually in funding to NSAs, which marks a slight increase over the previous years.

While SportSG's funding helps NSAs to defray part of their operational costs, NSAs are primarily run, organised and funded by their respective fraternity and need to be accountable to their members for their performance.

Mr Ganesh Rajaram and Mr Faisal Manap spoke about the state of football in Singapore and the role that FAS and its leadership could play to revitalise the football ecosystem. We note that the development of Singapore football is currently undergoing a significant transition with FAS due for elections this year.

FAS has been under the guidance of a Provisional Council since 16 November 2016 after the term of the last Council expired. Until the new leadership is elected, the direction of FAS remains uncertain. We urge FAS to conduct the election soon.

Mdm Chairman, football has a large following in Singapore and generates a lot of public interest. FAS will need to work closely with its stakeholders, including SportSG, as it develops its multi-year strategic plan. The plan must address areas, such as youth and coach development, community outreach and participation, and football excellence. We look forward to discussing with the new leadership its future plans for Singapore football and how FAS' plans align with SportSG's Vision 2030.

Mr Ganesh's point about the importance of strong and competent leadership applies not only to FAS but to all NSAs. Our NSAs need leaders who can unite their fraternities around a sound strategic plan for the development of their sport. They must build organisational capabilities that ensure robust governance and effective execution of the strategic plans. They have to invest in and develop professional coaches and officials to help enthusiasts and athletes raise the game. Finally, they need to build a sustainable ecosystem for the sport. With strong leadership, good governance, effective management and sound technical capabilities, the sport as a whole can then develop and grow to its full potential.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Mdm Chairman, with your permission, I will display some slides.

The Chairman: Yes, please. [Some slides were shown to hon Members.]

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Mr Henry Kwek has asked about corporate giving. The corporate sector is stepping up, and Deloitte Singapore is a good example. When we hosted the 2015 SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games, Deloitte provided sponsorship and their staff volunteered in creative and marketing support for the Games.

As an active member of the spexBusiness Network under SportSG, Deloitte has provided career development opportunities to Team Singapore athletes, such as netballers Charmaine Soh and Kimberly Lim, and recently retired shuttler Derek Wong. The athletes enjoy a work environment that supports their success in the sporting arena and the workplace.

Deloitte has also partnered NorthLight School to help the students develop their skills and talents through sports. And as part of their annual day of service, Deloitte organised a dragon-boat session at the Sports Hub for the students.

We would like more companies to follow Deloitte's lead and give back to society. Last year, the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) launched the Company of Good Programme. The programme helps Singapore-registered companies build capability in giving and connects them with other businesses to champion corporate giving. Today, there are more than 470 members in the network.

To strengthen the culture of corporate giving, NVPC is launching two new programmes this year. The Champion of Good programme recognises companies that demonstrate best practices and are committed to advocating corporate giving in Singapore.

The second programme, Company of Good Fellowship, aims to grow a community of corporate leaders and develop their capabilities in leadership and corporate giving, through targeted training, mentoring and networking opportunities.

I agree with Dr Lim Wee Kiak and Ms Joan Pereira that sports and culture must be accessible to all. Last year, we announced the Disability Sports Master Plan. Under this plan, we are expanding access for persons with disabilities to take part in sports and developing the organisational and professional capabilities to do so. SportSG has launched a Centre of Expertise for Disability Sport in Sengkang, with plans to set up at least five such centres in the next few years. It has also offered programmes in swimming, wheelchair rugby, which is held in Toa Payoh, goalball, wheelchair tennis and badminton, and will introduce new ones in football and boccia. We have an Inclusive Gym at the Enabling Village, and there are plans to introduce this at ActiveSG Sports Centres in Bedok, Jurong West, Tampines and Toa Payoh.

We will ride on the momentum from the ASEAN Para Games and the Paralympics, and work with partners to raise public awareness for disability sports. One recent collaboration is with four undergraduates from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) through their final year project, aptly named "Project This Ability". To promote para-sports as a social activity, they translated the International Symbol of Access into signs that depict wheelchair users playing sports. These new signs will be placed at educational institutions, sports centres and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations.

I attended their Para Sports Day last Saturday at the Enabling Village, where over 230 persons with disabilities, family and friends gathered to try different para-sports. By raising the profile of para-sports and inviting everyone regardless of ability to try, the students are helping to foster an inclusive sporting community. They are doing a very good job in introducing para-sports to persons with disabilities. They are generating awareness, getting people involved; they are doing a wonderful job for NTU undergraduates.

Our cultural institutions are also making their spaces more accessible. The National Gallery has monthly "Gallery Signs" tours, which are led by a docent and a sign language interpreter. At the Singapore Art Museum, many of the works in the annual Imaginarium exhibition can be explored using touch or hearing. This enables visitors with hearing or visual impairment to appreciate the works.

This year, we will strengthen special needs training for museum staff, docents and volunteers. We will also be adopting the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to allow persons with disabilities to use picture cards to communicate their needs.

With regard to Ms Joan Pereira's suggestion to have museums conduct tours in vernacular languages, these are currently available at many of our national museums and heritage institutions. With these developments, everyone can participate more fully in sports and the arts.

Mr Louis Ng spoke about IPCs that extend overseas to help our neighbours. IPCs enjoy Government support. They are allowed to issue tax deduction receipts on qualifying donations. Hence, there is an expectation that IPCs exclusively help the local community. Where there is an exceptional basis to allow otherwise, the Minister may grant a waiver so that they can conduct overseas activities.

With regard to fundraising for foreign charitable purposes, at least 80% of funds collected by both IPCs and non-IPCs must go towards charitable purposes in Singapore. This ensures that resources are not collected from the public for overseas causes at the expense of local needs. The Commissioner of Charities can and does, on a case-by-case basis, waive this rule to support, for example, appeals in aid of providing immediate disaster relief.

Mr Henry Kwek highlighted the challenges that youths face as they enter the workforce and the need for resilience and confidence. We agree that these are important values which cannot be acquired overnight, unfortunately. They are cultivated over time by family, parents and in our schools. Later experiences at OBS, Youth Corps Singapore and NS reinforce these qualities.

Our role at MCCY is to grow these strengths in our youths and empower them to chart their own paths as they transit from school to the workplace.

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*SCAPE, for instance, offers personal development workshops to help youths gain awareness of their aptitude and interests and work towards their future aspirations. *SCAPE also exposes youths early to possibilities in the working world by bringing practitioners from different industries to share about their experiences.

In addition, we are partnering IHLs, agencies, such as SkillsFuture Singapore and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), to enhance career guidance through roadshows, industry talks, mentorship as well as the upcoming MySkillsFuture portal.

Employment aside, youths face other issues when transiting from school to the working world. To help them plan, save and realise their aspirations, we have been working with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and other agencies to equip them with basic financial literacy and planning skills. We are also partnering NurtureSG and the Ministry of Health (MOH) on youth mental well-being and self-care, as it is important for our youths to maintain a sense of perspective and stay balanced in the face of challenges.

Mr Leon Perera asked about what MCCY is doing to attract overseas Singaporeans to return. While the issue of emigration comes under the purview of National Population and Talent Division (NPTD), MCCY's Overseas Singaporean Unit (OSU) keeps in contact with Singaporeans living overseas to maintain their ties back to Singapore. We engage them through social media, update them on the latest policy announcements and developments in Singapore, conduct talks with business and Government leaders, and support events which bring Overseas Singaporeans together, such as Singapore Day.

OSU coordinates the various Government channels to facilitate the return of Overseas Singaporeans and ease in the transition. For example, the Overseas Singaporean Portal offers information to support the relocation journey of overseas Singaporeans customised to their profiles and needs. In addition, MOE has a one-stop interface for returning Singaporean students to support their school placement.

For Singaporeans who choose to remain overseas, we hope they continue to fly our flag high, believe in Singapore and find ways to create our nation's future together.

Mdm Chairman, MCCY's work goes to the heart of the nation. The pulse of the nation beats through our arts, heritage, community, sports and youth sectors.

At our museums and galleries, we feel that heartbeat. Through the arts and heritage, we celebrate the energy of Singapore's cultural diversity.

At our stadiums and sports centres, we feel that heartbeat. We cheer for our sporting heroes and, like them, we pursue our dreams and reach for the stars.

Through OBS, our children feel that heartbeat as they support one another and develop the qualities they need to overcome tomorrow's challenges together.

With a strong heart that beats as one, we will build a caring and cohesive society, a confident and resilient nation, and a better home together. [Applause.]

The Chairman: We have a bit of time for clarification. Yes. Mr Kok Heng Leun.

Mr Kok Heng Leun: I would like to thank the Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary for answering a lot of my questions. And I was reminded to say that I also agree that both MCCY and NAC have, over this one year, helped me a lot in terms of bridging a lot of discussions.

I have four to five clarifications. First is good news about the arts education and bringing the students to galleries and performances. I just want to know that through this process, besides disseminating information and knowledge about the art, would there be an interface that allows students to have creative responses to the experience that they had? I think that is the most important part of that art experience. That interface requires a lot of thought and good people to work on it. How would the Ministry be working on that?

The second thing is the Stamford Arts Centre issue. To be honest, during that time, when the tenants were asked to move in a very hurried way, there was quite a lot of unhappiness amongst the group. I heard from them during the process. I think it is not easy for an arts group to move from place to place and that created quite a lot of displacement because there were not very clear plans on how they could move to other places.

The Chairman: Mr Kok, can you please keep your clarifications short? Just confine it to clarifications. No speech, please.

Mr Kok Heng Leun: Okay. I hope maybe NAC and MCCY can look into that matter. The third thing is the Culture Academy which I think it is really very good. Would this academy create panels as well as discussion possibilities to deal with very difficult, critical discourse issues related to art? Because if it is attended by a lot of Government officials, that would be very good to start conversations from that point.

Lastly, which is about the staircase, the golden foil staircase. I want to clarify that this artist has made considerations on the material to be used so that it was not slippery at all. However, I think what happened here is that we really probably need to relook at policies, especially dealing with public spaces, especially when such intervention happens. I think this is a very good case for us to look at such issues. If you all need, you can come to me and I can bring you on a tour.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: I will respond to Mr Kok. I think his suggestions about building creative responses through an interface among students and enabling the creativity that emerges as a response to the artwork is a valid one. That is the reason why we are progressing slowly and steadily with discussions with MOE so that the programme that we design will take in considerations, such as what the Member has suggested and also the capabilities we have to carry them out. It is not easy to bring 40,000 students through the galleries. We need to pitch it correctly. We need to find the materials that will have the learning outcomes that meet the needs of MOE. I think we are in the process of having that dialogue and having that pilot project basically to address the issues that the Member has raised.

On the golden foil staircase, if I may give a response. I think the first rule of any artist who wants to do community art is to ask for permission from the property owner. I think that is basic courtesy that the owner should have a right to say yes or no. When you have raised an issue and raised a proposal, then both parties can sit down and see how to best meet the needs of both parties.

The Chairman: Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng.

Mr Baey Yam Keng: On Stamford Arts Centre, we totally agree that any displacement of artists and arts groups is considered very painful, especially some arts groups that have been there for many years. NAC would learn from this experience because there could be other opportunities or other arts venues that require redesign or redevelopment. We definitely want to prevent such anxiety on the artist/arts group and we will seek to do better.

On the Culture Academy, the Academy regularly invites practitioners and experts from overseas to share their experiences so that our cultural professionals can learn from the best practitioners out there. Part of that curriculum also include that kind of conversations and to learn from other places which are more advanced in terms of different stakeholder engagements in making decisions on development or in other areas.

The Chairman: Mr Kok.

Mr Kok Heng Leun: In response to the golden foil, because that is actually a public space. How we negotiate public space really needs a lot of more discussions. I would like to take that further with the Minister. So, that is one clarification. Secondly, which I forgot just now, which I want to ask again was the issue on cultural leadership. I do not think I got quite the answer about why Rosa Daniel took up three roles at the same time. Mind you, again, I said I have no issues with her being in that role, but it is just that one person to take up three roles, are there no other choices that we have?

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Mdm Chairman, I appreciate Mr Kok's concern. Indeed, to be heading NAC and also as a Deputy Secretary in a Ministry is a heavy task. Please be assured that we have identified a successor. It is just that, at this point in time, we are not ready for the announcement. So, actually, it is a temporary situation.

The Chairman: Dr Lim, do you wish to withdraw your amendment?

Dr Lim Wee Kiak: On behalf of the Government Parliamentary Committee as well as the colleagues of this House, it remains for me to thank Minister Yaacob, Minister Chan Chun Sing as well as Minister Grace Fu and Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng for their very well-considered response to all our questions, and to all the staff of MCCY as well as related Statutory Boards for their hard work. This is the heartbeat of the nation. So, please continue to work hard. We will be there to support them as well. May I beg leave now to withdraw my amendment?

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $1,554,607,300 for Head X ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates.

The sum of $605,178,900 for Head X ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.