Guidelines on Use of Vernacular Languages for Wayfinding Signs and Public Address Systems in Healthcare Institutions and MRT Stations
Ministry of Digital Development and InformationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether the Government provides guidelines for using vernacular languages in signage and public address systems within healthcare institutions and MRT stations to assist elderly Singaporeans. Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song inquired about standardizing these practices and publishing a wayfinding guide for both public and private institutions to benefit senior citizens. Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Dr Janil Puthucheary replied that Government agencies independently assess when to use mother tongue languages to effectively communicate with stakeholders. He explained that while MRT stations utilize the four official languages for key information and announcements, healthcare institutions primarily rely on staff to assist seniors. Ultimately, individual ministries and agencies are responsible for assessing their operations to determine the appropriate use of mother tongue languages within their facilities.
Transcript
9 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Communications and Information whether the Government issues guidelines on the use of local vernacular languages in wayfinding signs and public address systems within healthcare institutions and MRT stations to aid elderly Singaporeans.
The Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information (Dr Janil Puthucheary) (for the Minister for Communications and Infomation): Sir, Government agencies make their own assessments on when to use the three mother tongue languages (MTLs) to effectively communicate and meet the needs of their stakeholders.
In general, counter and service staff are available in the healthcare institutions to assist elderly Singaporeans who need help with wayfinding. In the case of our MRT stations, key information signages, such as station names, as well as public address announcements on important matters, such as travel advisories, are made using the four official languages.
Mr Speaker: Mr Gerald Giam.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied): I thank the Senior Minister of State for his reply. Can I check if the Government has any intention to publish any guide on wayfinding that can be used by developers and other public institutions, as well as private institutions, to include and mention about how it is important to use the vernacular languages in some instances, especially places where senior citizens are frequenting, like hospitals and MRT stations?
Dr Janil Puthucheary: Sir, the responsibility is for Ministries and Government agencies to assess the operations and functions within their facilities and make an assessment. How they choose to rely on MTLs where it is relevant to meet the needs of their stakeholders is an assessment for the individual Ministry or agency to make.