The following question stood in the name of Mr Zaqy Mohamad –
1 To ask the Minister for National Development (a) what is the Ministry's assessment of the HDB Resale Price Index reaching a record level of 197.9 in the third quarter of 2012 in spite of cooling measures and new releases of BTO flats; (b) whether the cooling measures are effective in managing property prices and curbing property speculation; and (c) what are the Ministry's plans to assure the public that HDB and private properties will continue to remain affordable to Singapore citizens and that the Ministry has a good handle on the property market.
2 Ms Foo Mee Har asked the Minister for National Development in view of the recent record property transactions, including a $1 million Queenstown flat, whether the anticipated fresh flood of liquidity into the US financial system with QE3 announced by the US Federal Reserve will have an impact on property prices and affordability.
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\tMr Alex Yam (Chua Chu Kang): Question No 1.
\tThe Minister for National Development (Mr Khaw Boon Wan): Mr Speaker, with your permission, I will take Question Nos 1 and 2 together. Ample global liquidity and low interest rates in recent years have contributed significantly to the strong demand for residential property, exerting upward pressure on property prices. To restore market equilibrium, the Government has put in place a number of demand management and supply measures.
Both the private property and HDB resale markets have shown signs of stabilising. For private property, growth in prices has moderated significantly from 18% in 2010, to 6% in 2011, and to 0.9% in the first three quarters of this year. Yearly Resale Price Index (RPI) growth has also come down from 14.1% in 2010, to 10.7% last year and to 3.9% in the first three quarters of this year. Ms Foo Mee Har cited the case of the Queenstown flat which was sold for $1 million. From time to time, there will be some buyers who are prepared to pay way above market valuation as determined by professional valuers. This is an executive flat, measuring 150 square metres at Level 16. So, this is not your typical HDB flat. In some HDB towns, there will be some such units with unique characteristics which buyers are willing to pay way above valuation.
Nonetheless, we have seen an uptick in RPI in the third quarter of 2012 based on the flash estimates of 2% growth from second quarter of this year. So, while things are improving, we are not yet out of the woods. With the recent announcements of further monetary expansion in both the US and the Eurozone, we expect the current low interest rate environment to persist. This will continue to contribute to the strong demand for residential property, which could cause prices to rise beyond sustainable levels.
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As these monetary conditions worldwide are far from normal, MAS has announced new curbs on loan tenures to encourage greater financial prudence among property purchasers in both the public and private housing markets. This is a calibrated step to prevent excessive speculation.
There is also a significant supply of housing – both public and private – that will come onto the market over the next couple of years. In particular, HDB has ramped up its BTO supply significantly and we will keep up the pace of new flat supply into next year. This will enable us to provide more options to suit individual housing needs and budgets. We remain ready to act, if and when necessary.
\tMr Zaqy Mohamad (Chua Chu Kang): Sir, I thank the Minister for his reply. I have some supplementary questions. Firstly, with respect to the additional BTO housing that is being provided, we still see a rise in the resale flat price index. What would be the acceptable level before MND considers further cooling measures? Secondly, at which point would MND deem that our resale flats are unaffordable, and would act to assure the public about affordability?
\tMr Khaw Boon Wan: What is an acceptable Resale Price Index would depend on the economy. Over the medium, long term, there is a strong correlation between GDP growth – which is a proxy for wage growth – and property prices. That is quite easy to understand because if wages do not keep up with prices, then there would be no buyers. And this also answers the second question: if prices become unaffordable – that is, if people cannot afford to buy it – then there will be no buyers and there will be no market.
\tMs Foo Mee Har (West Coast): Sir, I would like to thank the Minister for the clarification and answers. May I ask more specifically on affordability, and if the Minister could share what planning parameters the Ministry uses to determine prices? And how is average household income used as an indicator to determine affordability?
\tMr Khaw Boon Wan: Sir, there are international guidelines on this particular subject. What is commonly used in practically all countries is the mortgage burden vis-a-vis wages. Typically, the guidelines suggest that if someone has to use more than 35%-40% of their monthly wages to service their mortgage, then that would not be affordable. On that score, we have done not too badly. In Singapore, certainly for the HDB BTO pricing, we always ensure that the average burden is about one quarter, or 25%, which I think is quite good. The resale market varies a little but it is generally below 35%.
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\tMr Liang Eng Hwa (Holland-Bukit Timah): Sir, I would like to ask the Minister: based on the projections on the number of family nucleus and eligible singles, do we have an adequate supply to meet this demand in the next few years? Secondly, would HDB consider building more flats to meet some of this projected demand and to manage some potential surplus as a reserve, so that there is always some buffer? We may not always get the demand-and-supply balance right and so, will HDB consider having some surplus to meet some unanticipated demand?
\tMr Khaw Boon Wan: Sir, that is what we have been trying to do in terms of meeting family formation demand, at 25,000 units per year, which was the case last year as well as this year. This is many more than the number of family formations. Every year, marriages involving citizens average 15,000; so, 15,000 family formations a year. Twenty five thousand units do provide us with some buffer. Of course, there are other additional demands coming from up-graders, down-graders and second-timers. We have been working on this quantum of 25,000 units per year for two years. In fact, if not for other upcoming policy changes, I would be beginning to wind it down a little. But we now have this new subject of catering to singles. Hence, I have to deliberately ramp it up a little higher in order to cater to singles. We are still mulling over it because it is very hard to put a figure on how much more we should cater for the singles group.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Policy on Keeping Religion and Politics Separate","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"3 Mr Laurence Lien asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs if he can provide an update on the Government's stance on what it means to keep religion and politics separate.
\tThe Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs (Mr Teo Chee Hean): Mr Speaker, Sir, the separation of religion and politics is a long-established principle in Singapore. Every citizen, regardless of his religious beliefs, has the same rights to express his views on public issues. In doing so, a citizen who belongs to a particular religion will often be guided by his own religious beliefs and personal conscience. However, like other citizens, he should always be mindful of the sensitivities of living in a multi-religious society and the bounds of the law.
Singapore is a multi-religious society. The different religious groups have their own deeply-held beliefs and precepts. While we accept and respect this diversity of religious teachings, we have seen many examples of other countries where religious differences have caused deep social divides and conflict. If one religion pushes hard to have its tenets and views adopted by society at large beyond its own adherents, others will push back, sometimes even harder.
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This dynamic is accentuated if a religious group engages in politics, or if a political group uses religion to further its cause. Other religious groups will feel compelled to also enter the political arena to further their own causes or rival claims. Tensions will arise and social harmony can break down.
Hence, we need to maintain a clear line between politics and religion in Singapore. Our politics and policies must serve all Singaporeans, regardless of race, language or religion. The Government must not take sides with any religious group when making policies. If politicians use the religion card for their own political purpose and agenda, and seek to sway voters through religious appeals, it will sow the seeds of division in our society and undermine the inter-religious and social harmony we have painstakingly built.
To guard against the dangers of mixing politics and religion, Parliament enacted the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act in 1990. The Act created the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony to help the Government decide on matters pertaining to religious harmony. The current Council is chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge. It comprises members who represent the major religions in Singapore and other members who have distinguished themselves in public service or community relations. Religious representatives form the majority of this Council. Should any individual or group seek to embroil any religious group or use a religious office to further its political agenda, Government will take firm action to protect our religious and social harmony.
Mr Speaker, Sir, religious groups are an important part of our society. They make important contributions to social harmony and nation-building. The Government appreciates the positive role of religious groups in our secular state, and their understanding and acceptance of the need to keep religion and politics separate. At the same time, Government understands and respects that religious groups have deeply-held views which they wish to express and to be given due consideration. There are established formal and informal channels for religious groups to do so.
Government and religious leaders meet regularly on public occasions, such as community functions, religious events and activities under our Community Engagement Programme. Government and religious leaders also regularly meet privately, individually or in groups. Both Government and religious leaders know that when sensitive issues arise that they wish to discuss in confidence, they can do so candidly behind closed doors. This approach has worked well. These interactions help to build mutual understanding and trust, and have enabled our religious leaders to become valued and vital partners of the Government in maintaining religious harmony in Singapore.
\tMr Laurence Lien (Nominated Member): Sir, I would like to thank the Deputy Prime Minister for his comprehensive answer. I have to declare that I am a Catholic Christian and driven very much by my faith. And it is in this context that I have raised this question. I think we can understand that we live in a multi-religious society and we need to be mindful that religions do not impose their religious tenets and views on the other members of the population.
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My question is: do we see only the downsides of what religious institutions and organisations and religious people can offer? Can we not see them as a resource because most religions do look at the common good and do want to further the common good in society and work towards achieving that for the nation? Many people are religiously driven and they have views influenced by religion. Can we not harness that a lot more to help us in the work? This sometimes can be perceived to cross over to the political arena because politics is not just about the political regime, choosing political leaders and policies. It is also about shaping the political discourse, influencing the population —
Mr Speaker : Mr Lien, can we keep to the supplementary question, please?
\tMr Laurence Lien: Yes, Sir. Can we consider these other aspects that religion and religious institutions can offer?
\tMr Teo Chee Hean: Mr Speaker, Sir, first of all, I appreciate Mr Lien's clear articulation that he feels that politics and religion should be kept separate. If I understood him correctly, that was his opening position. I appreciate that very much because that is the position which the Government takes as well. We do appreciate the good work that religion does in our society. Mr Lien has said that he is a Catholic. I myself am not Catholic, but my whole family has been educated in Catholic schools, and we appreciate that very much. And the reason is a very simple one – Catholic schools provide good education with good values and they have been able to keep their practice of religion and their mission to provide education quite separate. I have never had an occasion, for example, in Catholic schools where they had tried to convert me, and I appreciate that very much. They teach me what their precepts are, but they have never tried to convert me.
As with all mission schools in Singapore, there is a clear separation between the education mission which is what the Ministry of Education supports and funds, and their religious practices, including what they can or cannot do in schools with the students. They cannot proselytise to the students. They cannot try to convert them, but they can continue to provide good values education for their students. In schools, we recognise that there are many religious organisations, whether they are Buddhist, Christian or others, and they provide a very useful social function. There is also a divide – a clear line – between the education mission, which is for all, and the religious beliefs, precepts and practice which have to be kept on a separate track.
So, Sir, we certainly do appreciate the contributions that religions and religious groups make to Singapore. In fact, we encourage that, but we also know that we should keep religion and politics separate so that we maintain religious harmony and social harmony in Singapore.
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\tMr Laurence Lien: Sir, I would like to make a point of clarification. My views are a bit more nuanced. They are not clear, not so black and white. Of course, in certain instances, religion should not cross the boundaries, but my question is for the Deputy Prime Minister to consider that, in some cases, a separation of religion from politics is not entirely reasonable.
\tMr Teo Chee Hean: Sir, the position is very clear between that of an individual practising his religion and carrying through the practice of his religion and his beliefs into his own personal decisions. And that is quite different from getting religious groups involved in politics. I think those are two quite different things and that, in fact, as Mr Lien has suggested, is a nuanced position, and not very different from Mr Lien's. I think we need to keep that separation; otherwise, once religious organisations get involved in politics, we then run the danger of having a clash. With many religious groups entering into the political arena, or political groups seeking to use religious groups to further their political agenda, we then begin to have a problem.
\tMr Hri Kumar Nair (Bishan-Toa Payoh): Mr Speaker, I declare I am a Catholic as well. I thank the Deputy Prime Minister for his answer. I wonder if I could get some clarification on a recent event. Could the Deputy Prime Minister explain or tell the House whether he had any discussions with the Archbishop on the subject of the event organised by Function 8 (F8) and, if so, what transpired during those discussions?
\tMr Teo Chee Hean: Mr Speaker, Sir, I will be happy to do so. As I have explained earlier in my reply to Mr Lien, Government leaders meet religious leaders regularly to build mutual understanding and trust. I have met Archbishop Nicholas Chia from time to time over the years and several times since I was appointed as the Minister for Home Affairs last May. Last year, I hosted him and a small group of Catholic leaders for lunch so that I could understand better the issues that concern the Catholic community in Singapore. I also visited the Archbishop in hospital when he unfortunately fractured his leg last August. There was no publicity or fanfare for these meetings. The Archbishop knows that any time he needs to discuss any sensitive issue with me, he can see me in private. Likewise, I would have no hesitation to share my concerns honestly and openly with him if I felt the need to do so.
Sir, it was in this spirit that I asked to meet Archbishop Nicholas Chia on 30 May 2012, together with the Chairman of the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony, Mr Goh Joon Seng. I wanted to understand better the context to the Archbishop's letter to the organisers of an organisation which calls itself F8, which was going to stage a political event scheduled for 2 June at the Speakers' Corner. I was anxious to avoid any misunderstanding between the Government and the Catholic Church. When we met, I explained my concerns to Archbishop Chia. The Archbishop stated very clearly that the Catholic Church has always maintained a position that it does not wish to be involved in political activities, and that the Church wants to work closely with the Government and does not wish to set itself on a collision path with the Government. I was greatly reassured by the Archbishop's comments, as they were consistent with his record of service throughout his 11-year tenure as leader of the Catholic Church in Singapore. He has consistently shown that he values religious harmony and appreciates the importance of separating religion and politics in our local context. He has also worked hard to forge inter-religious understanding and harmony, reflecting his strong belief in this fundamental basis of our social harmony. It also became clear from the discussion that, firstly, the Archbishop had intended the letter as a private communication to the F8 organisers. And, secondly, on reflection, the Archbishop felt that the letter did not accurately reflect his views on the subject and, if used in a manner he did not intend, might inadvertently harm our social harmony. Archbishop Chia then decided on the same day to send a second letter to the F8 organisers to withdraw his earlier letter. The F8 organisers acknowledged the Archbishop's request and, according to the Archbishop, returned him his original letter.
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Sir, those who know Archbishop Chia well and the type of person he is, and his contributions to Singapore over the decades, will certainly know that he is not one who would endanger social harmony in Singapore. The position he took in withdrawing the letter was consistent with his words and deeds throughout his leadership of the Catholic Church and as a respected religious leader in Singapore. Mr Goh Joon Seng, who was at the meeting, in his capacity as Chairman of the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony, is a retired Supreme Court judge who knows the Archbishop professionally and personally. They have served together on the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony for 10 years and have been friends, I am told, for some 50 years. Mr Goh also is a Catholic himself and he knew that it was not in character for Archbishop Chia to do anything that would entangle the Church in politics.
Sir, although I may not know Archbishop Chia as well as Mr Goh, I have had interactions with him on several occasions. Through my conversations with the Archbishop, we have established mutual understanding and share the desire to respect the religious beliefs of the various communities in Singapore while upholding the wider interests of all Singaporeans and of Singapore.
Mr Speaker: Asst Prof Eugene Tan, last question.
\tAsst Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene (Nominated Member): Sir, I would like to ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether he could clarify on what he means by religious leaders engaging in politics. For example, if a religious group were to take the view that the Government could do more for the poor, would that amount to engaging in politics? We also know of faiths, such as Christianity and Islam, which do not draw the distinction between the private and the public realms. I think this could give rise to concerns as to whether there has been a restriction on what people of faith could engage in.
\tMr Teo Chee Hean: Mr Speaker, Sir, I think I have tried to answer that question which Asst Prof Eugene Tan has brought up in a different way. It is not very different from the question that Mr Lien has brought up. On an individual basis, individuals in Singapore are free to exercise their political rights as individuals. But when you bring an organisation, like a religious organisation, into politics or when political parties or people with a political agenda start to use religion to further that agenda, then you begin to have a serious problem.
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If one religion enters into the political arena in that way, or allows itself to be used in the political arena in that way, then other religions may do so as well, and then we have the possibility of a breakdown in social harmony along religious lines. That is very dangerous for society. But as I have said, religious groups do play very important and useful social functions through their social arms. Many of them have charity arms. Many of them run education institutions, welfare homes, old-age homes, and these certainly are very welcomed. These are expressions of their own beliefs and precepts, and we welcome those. But those need to be kept separate from a political agenda of getting the religious organisation as an organisation involved in a political agenda. And I think Asst Prof Tan can see the difference between the two.
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","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Blocking Online Access to \"Innocence of Muslims\" Film Trailer","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"4 Asst Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs what are the considerations and reasons for the Government's pre-emptive measure of requesting Google to block online access in Singapore to the trailer for the \"Innocence of Muslims\" film, especially when Singaporeans of all faiths and persuasions had responded calmly and admirably to the foreign-origin provocation and where no disharmony or feelings of ill-will among Singaporeans of different groups were evident.
\tMr Teo Chee Hean: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am heartened that the public reacted calmly and rationally to this inflammatory and offensive film. It shows that within our society, people, by and large, understand the need for self-restraint and tolerance, and reject views which denigrate the faiths and beliefs of others.
The film sparked a wave of riots and attacks in various parts of the world that resulted, sadly, in injuries and deaths, to protesters, to law enforcement officials, and probably to innocent bystanders as well.
The protests came very close to home, with incidents reported in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand. To prevent violence from escalating further, the video was subsequently blocked in several countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia, following requests from those countries to Google to do so.
Given the inflammatory and offensive nature of the film, and the violence spreading through several countries, the Government decided that it was necessary to take a firm stand as a matter of principle. The consequences of a single incident in Singapore could have a long-lasting impact on the inter-racial and inter-religious bonds we have built over the years. In addition to the request made to Google, the Ministry of Home Affairs at the same time also engaged community and religious leaders to reiterate our stand against religious intolerance, and re-affirm our commitment to social peace and stability.
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In multi-racial, multi-religious Singapore, we have laws against the incitement of hatred and disharmony between religious and racial groups, and we have used them when warranted. Beyond drawing the boundaries of acceptable behaviour, these laws allow the Government to act decisively against threats to the social peace and stability we enjoy. Such decisive actions assure the public that the Government will act whenever the line is crossed, and there is no need for affected groups to respond in inappropriate ways.
This episode is a tragic reminder that freedom of expression does not mean that one has unfettered rights to insult and denigrate another's religion or race, things which are held very deeply and very dear by others. Rather, we safeguard this freedom only through mutual respect of the views and beliefs of others. By observing these principles, we maintain the social peace and stability we enjoy today. This is the basis upon which our strong communal relations have been built, and we must never let this be undermined by the highly irresponsible acts of a few individuals.
Asst Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene (Nominated Member): I thank the Deputy Prime Minister for his reply. Sir, there are many similar provocations that we will see in the online world. So, the question is: is the ban on the trailer to \"Innocence of Muslims\" an exception rather than the rule? I must hasten to add that such hate speech should not be tolerated at all. But my larger concern is whether we will weaken our ability to deal with hate speech, particularly in this case where the hate speech did not originate from Singapore. The local population dealt with it in a very mature and admirable manner.
I am not so clear from the Minister's reply when is the line exactly crossed. In short, the question is whether the pre-emptive measure by the Government with regard to this trailer is an exception rather than the rule. The concern is how do we fortify ourselves, because there will constantly be hate speeches like these.
\tMr Teo Chee Hean: Sir, I appreciate what Prof Tan is trying to say. Prof Tan will probably agree with me that it cannot be that everything goes on the Internet. It also cannot be that the Government clamps down on everything on the Internet. So, the issue is how to draw a line and how to come to a conclusion. In fact, this is one of the dilemmas and issues which the Government has to face. MHA assesses both the content and the possible impact of the Internet content in determining whether to request the blocking of the Internet content, in this particular case, this video. The issue at hand is not censorship of Internet content but taking the necessary pre-emptive measures to prevent Internet content from inciting or being used to incite social unrest in Singapore. In this particular instance, the violent protests and religious tensions in several countries around the world, including in our neighbourhood, had been escalating and, of greatest concern, in countries which are not so dissimilar from ours.
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Given the inflammatory and offensive nature of the film and the violence spreading through several countries, the Government decided that it was necessary to take a firm stand. This was also a matter of principle, because it is not the kind of thing which we want to see. Certainly, if it was produced in Singapore, we would have taken action against it according to the law. So, even though this video was produced somewhere else and available in Singapore, we felt that it was necessary for us to do something about it, as a matter of principle, if we can.
As I said earlier, the consequences of a single incident in Singapore could have a long-lasting impact on the inter-racial and inter-religious bonds we have built over the years.
\tMr Nicholas Fang (Nominated Member): Sir, I thank the Deputy Prime Minister for the reply. I share the heartening response from the general public's calm and measured response to the incident raised in the Question. My supplementary question relates to the fact that, given that we are seeing now an increasing number of new citizens and residents in Singapore who may not have grown up in our environment of tolerance and be accustomed to the approach that we take to such issues, is the Ministry concerned that this phenomenon might lead to further incidents of issues that were raised, for example, in the trailer of the video? And, if so, how is the Ministry planning to address this, moving forward?
\tMr Teo Chee Hean: I should say from the outset that this issue has nothing to do with foreigners in Singapore. Even Singaporeans can be intolerant and Singaporeans have also shown intolerance for foreigners in quite unpleasant ways. Mr Speaker, Sir, what is important is that, as the Prime Minister says, we all understand, we are all human beings. There needs to be a certain generosity of spirit. We need to make greater efforts to understand each other. Singapore has always been a multi-racial and multi-religious society. People come here, they appreciate us because we are a multi-racial and multi-religious society and because of these important values that we hold. Through education, the individuals' practice and good modelling of behaviour, we hope that everyone in Singapore will subscribe to and conform with accepted patterns of behaviour both in the real world as well as on the Internet.
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","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Measures to Help Businesses Given Economic Slowdown","subTitle":"Rationale for Singapore's strong Sing-dollar policy","sectionType":"OA","content":"5 Ms Tan Su Shan asked the Minister for Trade and Industry in view of the recent August non-oil domestic exports (NODX) figure which saw a decline of 10.6% year-on-year (a) whether this raises the risk of a technical recession in Singapore in Q3; and (b) whether this decline is exacerbated by having a monetary policy that is too tight and economic restructuring policies implemented at too rapid a pace and, if so, whether his Ministry will review the pace of policy tightening or consider any off-budget measures to help Singaporeans or SMEs tide over in the event of a recession.
6 Ms Tan Su Shan asked \tthe Minister for Trade and Industry (a) in view of the decline in Singapore's current account surplus from $35 billion in the first half of 2011 to $27 billion in the first half of 2012, how much of this can be attributed to the decline in the deteriorating global environment and how much is attributable to a decline in our relative competitiveness; and (b) if our international competitiveness is declining, will MAS consider recalibrating its strong Singapore-dollar policy and allow the Singapore-dollar nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) to appreciate at a slower pace.
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\tThe Minister for Trade and Industry (Mr Lim Hng Kiang): Mr Speaker, Sir, may I have your permission to take Question Nos 5 and 6 together?
Mr Speaker: Yes, please.
\tMr Lim Hng Kiang: Mr Speaker, Sir, Singapore did not enter a technical recession in the third quarter of 2012. Based on advance estimates, the Singapore economy contracted by 1.5% in the third quarter on a quarter-on-quarter seasonally adjusted annualised basis. However, the second quarter GDP growth was better than expected, resulting in an upward revision from the preliminary estimates of -0.7%, to 0.2%. The revision was due to new data from the construction sector, which showed much stronger growth than originally estimated for the second quarter. While we have avoided two consecutive quarters of decline, economic growth for the first three quarters of 2012 was very modest, at 1.7% on a year-on-year basis.
The muted economic growth was largely due to the challenging global economic conditions, which slowed our export growth and caused our current account surplus to decline. Other Asian economies like South Korea, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong were also similarly impacted by such external headwinds.
Despite the sluggish economic performance, Singapore remains internationally competitive. In the 2012 World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Index, Singapore maintained its ranking at the second position. In addition, according to a recent report by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Singapore is the most competitive city in Asia, and third globally, after New York and London.
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Amidst the weak economic environment, the Government is mindful of the challenges faced by businesses and has, therefore, calibrated the pace of economic restructuring to a rate at which businesses can adjust. For example, the increase in foreign worker levies will be implemented in several phases from 2010 to 2013, while companies have also been given up to two years to comply with the new Dependency Ratio Ceiling requirements, which came into effect on 1 July 2012. Furthermore, measures have been put in place to provide support to companies, especially our SMEs, to raise their productivity to cope with the tighter manpower situation. These include tax credits to encourage productivity and innovation-related expenditures, as well as funding support for employee training. Over the medium term, the economic restructuring efforts to raise productivity and reduce reliance on foreign workers will help to sustain Singapore's economic competitiveness.
Mr Speaker, Sir, the strengthening of the Singapore dollar is a key macro-economic policy tool to keep inflation in check over the medium term. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) recognises the need to strike the right balance between ensuring exporters are not unduly hurt by a stronger currency in the short-term, and capping underlying price and cost pressures in the economy. However, the exchange rate cannot be used as a tool to manage Singapore's export competitiveness. Over the longer term, competitiveness can only be achieved through higher productivity and innovation, such as creating new products that the market demands. The trend appreciation of the Singapore dollar exchange rate is in line with our economic fundamentals. It keeps inflation low and stable, which helps to preserve the purchasing power of Singaporeans' income and savings. It also provides a stable and conducive environment for businesses to undertake long-term investments, thus enhancing competitiveness and providing the basis for sustained economic growth.
Given that Singapore's labour market remains healthy, with strong employment creation and a low unemployment rate, there is no immediate need for the Government to step in with measures to cushion the economy from the slowdown in external demand. However, the Government will continue to keep a close watch on developments in the global economy and stands ready to respond when appropriate.
\tMs Tan Su Shan (Nominated Member): Sir, I wish to thank the Minister for his clear answers. My supplementary question arises from a need to understand if the Minister is more concerned about the risk of growth or the risk of inflation. If it is, indeed, the risk of inflation that we are worried about, then, needless to say, our Asian counterparts, the US and Europe are all seeing a slowdown in inflation. Singapore's inflation has gone down and, perhaps, it is debatable that quite a bit of our inflation is made in Singapore and cannot be addressed by a strong Sing-dollar policy alone. My question is: what gives? Are we going to focus on growth or are we going to focus on inflation management?
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\tMr Lim Hng Kiang: Mr Speaker, Sir, the MAS just issued its monetary policy statement on Friday. And in its statement, the MAS explains quite clearly this balance of risks that the hon Member talked about.
On the economic growth side, even though the external environment presents very strong headwinds to Singapore, we expect that we will end the year still within the range that we had forecasted, between 1.5% and 2.5%, and that, next year, our growth rate will be below our potential but we will still continue to enjoy modest growth. We can achieve between 1.5% and 2.5% this year, and similar rates next year. We are not heading into a recession, technical recession notwithstanding.
On the other hand, the risk of inflation is significant. MAS, in its monetary policy statement, explained that the headline \"Inflation\" or what we call \"CPI- All Items\" inflation rate will come in at slightly over 4.5% this year. For next year, the projection is between 3.5% and 4.5%. So, this is still significantly high inflation, by Singapore's inflationary experience.
If you look at core inflation rate, it is still on the high side. MAS estimates that our core inflation will come in at about 2.5% this year, and between 2% and 3% next year. So, to keep this balance, MAS has decided to maintain its gradual and modest appreciation in order to keep this inflation risk at bay.
Mr Speaker: Mr Vikram Nair, last question.
\tMr Vikram Nair (Sembawang): I agree with the Minister's endorsement of the strong dollar policy − that is probably the best way to keep consumer price inflation down. My only concern is whether a strong dollar policy also attracts a lot of capital which may, in turn, create asset price inflation. I think getting capital in for cheaper borrowing costs and higher equity values is probably a good thing, but if this capital flows to the property market, it may actually create higher property prices. So, I am wondering if there are any other controls to keep this in check.
\tMr Lim Hng Kiang: As the Minister for National Development mentioned in his answer earlier, we do face these problems and we have to manage these through macro prudential policy changes.
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","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Effectiveness of Government's Productivity Measures","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"7 Ms Foo Mee Har asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) what plans are being considered to reverse the productivity decline seen this year; and (b) whether he can provide an assessment of the effectiveness of the slew of productivity measures rolled out by the Government to boost productivity.
8 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked \tthe Minister for Trade and Industry whether the slower economic growth and rising labour costs as a result of tightening the rules on employment of foreign workers contributed to the decline in our national productivity this year and, if not, what are the major factors contributing to this decline.
9 Ms Foo Mee Har asked \tthe Minister for Trade and Industry whether he can provide an update on how SMEs have benefited from the broad range of productivity improvement initiatives by the Government, in terms of their participation rate and the amount disbursed to date.
10 Ms Mary Liew asked \tthe Minister for Trade and Industry (a) what are the causes for the lower national productivity this year; (b) what can be done to reverse this trend; and (c) what is his Ministry's assessment of the pace of innovation and investment in productivity improvements that are currently undertaken by enterprises.
\tPage: 811
\tThe Minister of State for Trade and Industry (Mr Teo Ser Luck) (for the Minister for Trade and Industry): Mr Speaker, Sir, with your permission, can I take Question Nos 7, 8, 9 and 10 together, because they are all productivity-related questions?
Mr Speaker: Yes, I think that would be very productive.
\tMr Teo Ser Luck: I thank the Members for their questions on our productivity improvements. Achieving sustained productivity growth is an important national goal. In 2010, the Government set out to achieve a stretch target of 2% to 3% productivity growth per annum over the next decade. We are fully committed to this effort.
But our measures of productivity are sensitive to economic cycles, and can fluctuate substantially over the short term. From 2009 to 2011, we achieved a productivity Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.9%. However, this figure was over a relatively short period of time and includes a period of high productivity growth in 2010, as the economy recovered strongly from the downturn in 2009.
This year, Singapore's GDP is expected to grow by 1.5% to 2.5%, slower than the 4.9% seen last year. However, even as business activities slow, companies tend not to adjust their workforce immediately, given the costs involved in hiring and firing workers. Hence, we are seeing a productivity decline, mainly reflective of the slowing economy.
This is why we must see beyond the short-term fluctuations, but press on with our productivity drive for the long term. We must continue to boost productivity at all levels − we need to restructure our economy to move up the productivity chain; companies need to also reduce their reliance on manpower; and workers need to upgrade themselves continuously to take on higher value-added jobs.
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Since its inception in 2010, the National Productivity and Continuing Education Council (NPCEC) has endorsed a comprehensive range of measures to drive productivity improvements at the sector, firm and worker level. The NPCEC is pushing out both broad-based schemes as well as sectoral roadmaps to better meet the unique needs and challenges of every sector. Sixteen priority sectors have been identified, based on their contribution to GDP, employment size and potential for productivity gains.
The development of sectoral roadmaps has taken some time. But most have been completed and we are working to help companies take them up. There is some early progress on the ground. For example, in the construction sector, $67 million has been committed from the Construction Productivity and Capability Fund (CPCF) that helps over 1,600 companies adopt new technologies, build capabilities and train workers. Another example is in the retail sector. Launched in April 2011, the retail productivity roadmap has supported various productivity and services upgrading projects from over 200 retailers. And 185 CEOs and managers have been trained under the various projects and 14,000 workers were trained in collaboration with WDA. We will continually refine the respective roadmaps to meet changing needs on the ground as well as closely track their implementation progress.
We have also introduced broad-based schemes to complement the sectoral approach. For example, SPRING administers the Innovation and Capability Voucher (ICV) programme, which provides eligible SMEs with $5,000 vouchers to upgrade and strengthen their business operations, and this includes in the area of productivity and this also applies to all the micro enterprises in the market. Since its launch in June 2012, 800 SMEs have benefited from this scheme.
Separately, under the Productivity and Innovation (PIC) scheme, companies can also claim a 400% tax deduction on up to $400,000 spent on a broad range of related expenses, such as training or investment in equipment. The take-up has been good, and companies have enjoyed substantial tax savings overall. The Minister for Finance will elaborate in his answer to Mr Alvin Yeo later. Innovation and growing our top line are an essential part of our productivity drive, and these schemes will incentivise enterprises to make investments in this area.
Our national Research and Development (R&D) agencies are also helping SMEs to enhance their technological capabilities, competitiveness and productivity through technology transfer. For example, A*STAR's Manufacturing Productivity Technology Centre (MPTC) assists companies to raise manufacturing processes and productivity through automation and harnessing technology in their processes and systems. Currently, A*STAR and the polytechnic research centres have numerous projects ongoing with SMEs, and they have worked on over 700 projects in FY 2011.
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At the worker level, we are investing significantly in Continuing Education and Training (CET) to upskill our workforce and enhance workers' competitiveness. The CET programmes also support the NPCEC's sectoral productivity strategies. The Workforce Development Agency (WDA), for example, has developed about 50 productivity-related training programmes under the Productivity Initiatives in Services and Manufacturing (PRISM) scheme. Over 4,000 employer-sponsored workers have gone through these programmes.
The overall take-up of the various initiatives has thus far been encouraging. To date, about 7,000 companies have benefited from these initiatives, of which 86% are SMEs. About $950 million has also been committed from the National Productivity Fund (NPF) to support the slew of productivity initiatives. We will continue to keep our programmes relevant and effective for companies, as well as introduce new initiatives where required. We will, in particular, help SMEs through the Enterprise Development Centres (EDCs) to navigate the schemes and apply for those that best fit their needs. I urge more companies to enrol in these schemes.
\tMs Mary Liew (Nominated Member): I would like to thank the Minister of State for a very productive and comprehensive answer. I have a supplementary question. We are aware that we need to improve productivity in order to sustain income levels for our workers. I would like to ask the Minister of State what is impeding the effort of increasing productivity of the workers in the long run.
\tMr Teo Ser Luck: There are many different scenarios that affect the transformation of companies or SMEs in increasing the productivity of their workers. For some, the process redesign takes time. For others, it is industry related. There will be companies where the nature of business takes a longer time to change or to automate for productivity increases. What is more important is, in this process of transition where we are driving productivity, to educate and even provide guidance for both employers and employees about the possible changes within a company and the operating processes to increase its productivity. More importantly, these companies will have to find new markets as well. As you know, productivity is, in some ways, affected by economic growth and also the size of the market companies are in.
There are many schemes and programmes that we have implemented through the sectoral approach and these different sectoral approaches would, hopefully, be customised to the needs of the different companies within the industries. It is not going to be easy, as in any changes that are needed. It takes time, just like in any other country that has been successful in its productivity drive − for example, Germany. It took years for them but it has shown certain effects. So, I believe that in the medium to long term, we should be able to achieve the productivity growth that is necessary to help the workers in general.
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Mr Speaker: Ms Foo Mee Har, last question.
Ms Foo Mee Har (West Coast): Sir, I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive answer on productivity, and I appreciate the many schemes we have in Singapore to support the productivity initiative. I have two supplementary questions. One relates to whether the Ministry will consider consolidating and simplifying the many assistance schemes under the productivity improvement efforts to make them more accessible. This is in relation to the feedback that many SMEs have given that they actually feel lost in the sea of complexity of schemes and the paper work. The second supplementary question is whether the Ministry will consider doing more to proactively reach out, especially to the SMEs with tailored sector level intervention and support, and help them replicate best practices quickly, just like what we have seen recently in the food manufacturing sector.
\tMr Teo Ser Luck: We are currently reviewing all the schemes that are related to the SMEs when it comes to productivity, in terms of its applications and ease of access and understanding of the different programmes and schemes. It is definitely our objective also to simplify them so as to make them more accessible. That is exactly why at a certain milestone, we came up with the Innovation and Capability Voucher (ICV) scheme. The $5,000 makes it easier for SMEs and even the smaller SMEs, which we call micro enterprises. It is definitely our objective to be able to reach out to them as well, and we are doing that through the Enterprise Development Centres. Today, with the trade associations, there are some centres that are already being set up at the heartlands to help the micro enterprises. It is a journey. We hope to work together with all the federations, associations and the Chambers, including the Merchant Federations. A good example is like what we had done for food manufacturing, by helping them, expanding the market and customising their approaches to what is necessary, because every single sector is different. We have just started this productivity drive. It will take time to see the effect. But, definitely, along the way, we are going to refine and customise as much as we can.
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","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Effectiveness of Productivity and Innovation Credit Scheme","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"The following question stood in the name of Mr Alvin Yeo –
11 To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance how successful the Productivity and Innovation Credit scheme has been in spurring productivity improvement, particularly in the industries that suffer the lowest productivity.
\tDr Janil Puthucheary (Pasir Ris-Punggol): Question No 11, Sir.
Page: 815
\tThe Minister of State for Finance (Mrs Josephine Teo) (for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) scheme is a broad-based tax deduction scheme, available to businesses from all sectors. Any company, small or large, can take advantage of the scheme.
It has only been one year since we have allowed PIC claims, starting with Year of Assessment 2011. Even so, the take-up has been promising. According to most recent data for the Year of Assessment 2011, 34,700 companies have claimed PIC. This is about 30% of active companies that have filed their tax returns. Among active and small companies with annual turnover of $10 million or less, 27%, or more than one in four, have claimed PIC. Of the six categories of investment eligible for PIC claims, automation equipment is the most popular, followed by training.
Usage of the PIC scheme is also well spread out across all economic sectors. Generally, between 20% and 40% of the companies in each sector have made use of the scheme, including priority sectors as identified by the National Productivity and Continuing Education Council (NPCEC). For example, about 38% of the companies in the construction sector and 32% in the wholesale and retail trade sector have taken advantage of the scheme.
The second year of PIC data will be available after companies file their tax returns for Year of Assessment 2012 by November this year. With greater awareness and familiarity in filing claims, we expect more businesses to benefit from the scheme and to be better equipped for continuous productivity improvement.
However, the effectiveness of PIC is not just about the take-up rate. Many businesses have become much more aware of the opportunities to enhance their productivity because of the efforts made by trade associations and business chambers to share knowledge and best practices. Earlier on, my colleague, Minister of State Teo Ser Luck had talked about the several roadmaps that were introduced for specific sectors to help uplift productivity in those sectors. As a further example, the Singapore Contractors Association and the Singapore Business Federation worked with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) in June this year to reach out to contractors to promote the PIC scheme alongside its construction productivity workshops as part of their efforts to improve productivity for the construction sector.
As a result of the many different types of activities in support of the productivity movement, we see more businesses acquiring a sense of urgency and building up the habit of productivity improvement. It will take sustained effort for our investments in productivity improvement to bear fruit. As mentioned by Minister of State Teo earlier, we need to see beyond the short-term fluctuations. Working with a broad spectrum of partners, the Government will continue to promote the PIC and other initiatives as means of sustaining the momentum.
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","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Update on Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network Rollout","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"12 Mr David Ong asked the Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts (a) whether the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN) project has achieved the milestone for nationwide rollout coverage of 95% by mid-2012; (b) when will the remaining homes be covered; and (c) how have consumers benefited from the rollout thus far in terms of pricing and options.
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\tThe Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts (Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim): Mr Speaker, Sir, IDA has completed its review of OpenNet's rollout of the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN), and is satisfied that OpenNet has fulfilled its obligation to deploy the Next Gen NBN to 95% of homes and businesses as of mid-2012.
The Next Gen NBN's Effective Open Access industry structure has created a more vibrant and competitive broadband industry. Before the Next Gen NBN was introduced, only four Internet Service Providers (ISPs) were offering services. Today, 22 Retail Service Providers (RSPs) and eight Operating Companies (OpCos) are operating in the Next Gen NBN market. Some offer promotional prices for Next Gen NBN 100 Mbps plans from as low as $40 per month, significantly cheaper than equivalent non-Next Gen NBN offerings.
Consumers are also benefiting from other attractive terms and packages. These include no contract lock-in periods and the bundling of innovative value-added services, such as interactive TV applications, cloud services and online learning resources by RSPs. Several smaller service providers and new entrants also offer differentiated plans to meet the needs of specific user segments, such as gamers.
Sir, in less than two years since the launch of fibre services, more than 220,000 households, or close to 19% of households, have taken advantage of the competitive pricing and innovative packages, and are now subscribers to fibre services. This take-up compares very well with similar NBN deployments around the world. We can expect more households to take up fibre services as consumers' existing broadband contracts expire and RSPs continue to offer competitive plans and innovative services.
Although OpenNet has fulfilled its mid-2012 rollout obligation, there are still homes and businesses that OpenNet will need to cover. OpenNet is aware that it has to provide fibre services to any physical address upon request under its Universal Service Obligation (USO) from 1 January 2013 onwards. OpenNet's obligation also includes progressively rolling out fibre to new homes and buildings that are being built over time.
Sir, I understand that OpenNet is facing some delay in rolling out fibre to the remaining homes and businesses, because it has taken longer than expected to work out the rollout arrangements with its subcontractor. IDA has been engaging the parties involved throughout the course of the Next Gen NBN project and has expressed grave concerns to them over the delays. It has instructed the parties to commence works for the fibre rollout to the remaining consumers outside of the 95% mark. I understand that the parties have since come to arrangements to continue the fibre rollout, which will be progressively implemented in phases. OpenNet and its subcontractor have informed IDA that they expect the remaining homes to be covered within nine months.
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While progress has been made, IDA remains concerned as this rollout schedule implies that OpenNet will have difficulties meeting its USO obligations. IDA will continue to press OpenNet for a quicker resolution and work with the parties so that all consumers will be able to enjoy the benefits of the Next Gen NBN.
\tMr David Ong (Jurong): I want to thank the Minister for the comprehensive response. I have three supplementary questions. The enterprise take-up of NBN services has been much slower than expected. My first question is how many orders OpenNet is able to process each week, and whether the quota has increased and by how much so that service activation delays for its customers asking for services are minimised? The last question is what happens if OpenNet does not meet the Universal Service Obligation (USO) after 1 January 2013?
\tAssoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: I thank Mr Ong for the questions. On his first question regarding the orders and the quota, he may have heard that the recent NetCo interconnection offer ICO revision, OpenNet has already increased their provisioning capacity to 3,100 orders per week from the 2,050 previously, that they have agreed upon. They have further put in place the mechanism to adjust the provisioning capacity on an on-going basis to meet the changing demands and reduce the waiting time for service activation. On his second question, as I have mentioned earlier, Sir, IDA remains concerned and will continue to press OpenNet for a quicker resolution. Should OpenNet not be able to meet the USO on 1 January 2013, the regulator, that is IDA, will have to carefully examine the conditions under which they are not meeting the obligations and decide on the appropriate responses.
\tEr Dr Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon): Sir, I would like to ask Minister for clarifications. Just now, Minister mentioned that they are given nine months to complete all the rest. Is that correct? And, I would like to know what is the reason for the delay – is it shortage of manpower? There are quite a lot of negative feedback from those recently completed BTO flats – Jade Spring, Dew Spring – and even condominiums, like NorthWood, which has been completed for two to three years and still there are no OpenNet services.
\tAssoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: Sir, the nine months timeframe is not given by IDA. It is a submission by OpenNet and they have sub-contracted it so that they finish the remaining buildings and homes beyond the 95% mark within the next nine months. There are several reasons that they have given to us as to why there was a delay. One of which, which I have mentioned in my reply, is that they have some commercial arrangements that they have to make with the sub-contractor beyond the 95% mark. We have been pressing them for an early resolution. We have now been able to get them together and they have agreed to have the rollout as soon as possible. They will submit the plans to IDA and IDA will look at them very carefully to ensure that the rollout plan will meet the demands, as mentioned by the Member. But, certainly, we must recognise that beyond the 95% mark, the area that they have to cover is very, very wide and so, it is not possible for them to cover each area with the same speed and frequency as we expect for the 95% rollout. But, certainly, we will continue to press OpenNet and their sub-contractor to ensure that they can roll out the remaining 5%, in this case, more than 5%, because of the new build, as soon as possible.
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","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Efforts to Resolve Transboundary Haze Problem","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"13 Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) as chair of the sub-regional Ministerial Steering Committee on Transboundary Haze Pollution from 2010 to 2012, what has the Committee achieved; (b) what is the progress of the establishment of the Regional Haze Training Network; (c) how much progress has been made in haze reduction over the past five years; (d) what are the problems faced in implementing measures that are agreed among the partners; (e) what new initiatives will be adopted to solve the transboundary haze problem; and (f) when can a permanent solution be expected.
14 Mr Yee Jenn Jong asked \tthe Minister for the Environment and Water Resources if the Ministry will consider (i) publishing the identity of errant companies which it is aware of that have been found to be conducting illegal burning activities in neighbouring ASEAN countries; and (ii) taking action against any of the companies identified if the company or its subsidiaries are registered, listed or operating in Singapore and, if so, by what legal means.
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\tThe Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (Dr Vivian Balakrishnan): Transboundary smoke haze is usually brought over by prevailing southern or south-westerly winds from the land and forest fires in Sumatra, and usually at this time of the year when the weather is drier.
Singapore has been actively promoting regional collaboration to address this problem in the southern ASEAN region since 1997. This culminated in the signing of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution in 2002, that is, 10 years ago, and its subsequent ratification by all ASEAN Member States, except Indonesia. In 2006, Singapore initiated the sub-regional Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) on Transboundary Haze Pollution and this group comprises Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand and focuses specifically on the problem of haze in the Southern ASEAN region. Members meet twice a year to discuss measures to prevent, monitor and mitigate land and forest fires in the region.
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Since taking over as MSC Chair in 2010, Singapore has facilitated various initiatives targeted at enhancing fire detection, prevention, monitoring and suppression, as well as building capacity within the countries, to tackle this problem. For example, to improve the early warning and fire prevention systems, Indonesia and Malaysia are refining the Fire Danger Rating System (FDRS) through the addition of more automatic weather stations for data-gathering. To strengthen the early warning system further, we have established the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), which is hosted in Singapore, and this has promoted closer collaboration and, just as important, information sharing through a stronger network amongst the environment and meteorological agencies of the countries.
Singapore has also initiated and hosted the first MSC Forum in October 2009 to facilitate the sharing of best practices, to promote collaboration with external partners and to assist in resource mobilisation. During our 10 years as Chairman, a second Forum was also held in May 2012, which provided a forum for countries to explore public-private partnerships as well as innovative financial schemes to promote sustainable forest management and to mitigate undesirable land clearing practices.
Er Dr Lee has specifically asked about the Regional Haze Training Network (RHTN). This network serves for haze-related collaboration and training, as well as a central depository of information on the resources and the expertise of our countries, to tackle the haze. Since the network's inception in February 2011, two training courses have been conducted for 26 officials from all the MSC countries. A course on the \"Interpretation of Satellite Imagery\" was conducted in November 2011, and another course on \"Peatland and Haze Management\" was jointly organised by the Singapore Environment Institute and the Environment Institute of Malaysia in May 2012. Going forward, this network will organise more workshops, to focus on air quality monitoring and haze control.
The Indonesian government has allocated funds to fire-prone provinces and initiated several pilot projects to assist in preventing land and forest fires. This, in fact, resulted in a steady reduction in the number of hotspots since 2006. Unfortunately, this year, there has been a spike in the number of hotspots, and the figures for this year now exceed that of 2006. So, there has been considerable backsliding.
Progress in the region's fight against this continued chronic problem requires strong commitment from all ASEAN countries, effective enforcement of laws on the ground, close and cooperative partnerships among the countries, and the support and the pressure that international and non-government organisations can bring to bear on the stakeholders.
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Going forward, our countries would need to scale up successful practices and projects where applicable. We will work with Malaysia and Indonesia on joint collaborations in the Jambi and Riau provinces, which are the provinces closest to us, in order to build up their capabilities for fire detection and suppression.
At the recent 8th Conference of the Party (COP8) to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution which was held in Bangkok just last month, the ASEAN Ministers agreed to work to ensure that plantation companies utilise zero-burning techniques for land clearing. We are also exploring the use of satellite imagery over-laid on concession maps in order to identify those companies whose concession areas experience excessive hotspot activities which, whilst not necessarily conclusive, would certainly be suggestive that they are using fire clearing as a cheap way to clear land before planting.
All commercial companies must comply with the laws of their host countries and be held accountable if they cause transboundary haze pollution. They will face both potential legal prosecution at the local level as well as adverse consumer reactions internationally. We need to bring appropriate pressure to bear in order to deal with this intractable recurrent problem.
\tEr Dr Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon): Thank you, Mr Speaker, Sir. I thank the Minister for the comprehensive reply. While pre-warning systems and information sharing are useful, what Singaporeans are more concerned about is the haze problem that happens every time there is burning in Sumatra. The moment they burn, we will have to pray that the wind will blow it away, pray that there is more rain! With the recent increase in hotspots exceeding that of 2006, is there anything else that we can do to further reduce this?
\tDr Vivian Balakrishnan: At the heart of this problem is not the environment. It is economics. It is far cheaper for these companies to pay someone a few dollars and for a jerry can of fuel to clear the forests. The only problem is these forests which are being cleared are on peatland, which has millions of years' worth of organic materials trapped in the soil. So, when you burn a forest on peatland, you also set alight organic carbon which has accumulated over millions of years. It is, therefore, extremely tragic that the widespread clearance of forests in Borneo and Sumatra for the sake of plantations has, in fact, led to far greater carbon released into the air than any potential savings from the use of bio-fuels or alternative uses of the agricultural products.
Sir, I state this as a context so that Members understand that it is really economics which is driving this. Until and unless economic pressure is felt by the companies that are operating these, they will not change their behaviour. What we can do now with current technology, with the ready availability of satellite imagery and of real-time hot-spot monitoring and then persuading the Indonesian government to release and publish those concession maps, it now allows us to ask relevant questions to the relevant companies, \"Why are there so many hotspots in your areas?\" Of course, there will be times when this is purely the result of an act of nature. Beyond a certain point, we really have to make the point that this is a man-made disaster. And it is a man-made disaster that is occurring because of short-term gains and the greed on the part of operators on the ground; making the rest of us pay the price in health and in the environment, because of this greed and short-term actions. What we can do more of now is to introduce more transparency, list out who owns which pieces of land, list out the number of hotspots which are occurring in real time in those pieces of land, and then, after that, this requires the involvement of consumer groups, non-government organisations and international organisations who all have a stake in this value chain. I think that is the only effective way, because you can pass all the laws you like in the respective governments, but if you cannot enforce your laws and you cannot ensure that people comply with regulations and rules which are common sense, this problem will keep recurring.
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I just want to explain that there are limits to how much we can do from the point of view of the Government of Singapore. We will do our part to work with a larger network of stakeholders to try to mitigate this problem.
Mr Speaker: Mr Yee Jenn Jong, do you have supplementary questions?
\tMr Yee Jenn Jong (Non-Constituency Member): Yes, Sir, I do have some supplementary questions. I thank the Minister for answering the questions. At last month's meeting, it was said that the ASEAN Environment Ministers met and talked about the identifications of these companies. I would like to know if in the identification of these companies, are any of these companies listed in Singapore or are owned by Singaporeans or have their subsidiaries based in Singapore. What can the Singapore Government do to these companies that are Singapore-owned or Singapore-operated? Also, what particular methods can we use to prosecute these companies?
\tDr Vivian Balakrishnan: Sir, as I said earlier, there are several evidential difficulties with this. First, if you looked at the list of concessionaries, you would realise that there is a whole web of companies, shell companies, subsidiaries, joint ventures and a variety of business arrangements behind the clearing of land and the planting of oil palms. So, that is the first level. At the second level, in order to achieve prosecution in court, you need to have caught the person in the act. Circumstantial evidence, probability, may not be sufficient.
The third difficulty is that these are local crimes and need to be prosecuted in local jurisdictions. In this case, the jurisdiction is that of Indonesia. We do not have extra-territorial jurisdiction as far as haze and environmental concerns go, at this point in time. Therefore, I do not want to jump the gun and I do not want to make promises or threats which we cannot fulfil. But I think we need to accumulate evidence and there needs to be transparency, public pressure and, ultimately, commercial pressure – meaning which products are bought or not bought, knowing the origins and how the products are made. This is an approach that has worked very well for the timber industry. In the case of the timber industry, with DNA analysis these days, they can analyse which forest the wood in this table came from. This has put the commercial loggers on notice that they have to embark on and pursue business in a sustainable and responsible way, otherwise, they face commercial sanctions. We have to explore using this approach to apply relevant, subtle, or maybe not so subtle, commercial pressure on these companies to clean up their act.
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I hope the Member appreciates that there is a limit to how much we can do but we will work with our partners in the region to maximise the pressures on these companies. Another thing which we can do is to also highlight positive examples. For instance, there are Singapore-based companies with operations in these regions. We need to approach them and say, \"Well, are you willing to open up your operations and subject them to scrutiny and certification perhaps by a non-governmental organisation, who will vouch for your sustainable and responsible way of doing business?\" That way, you start encouraging some who are already complying to do more, to do it better. And you will then put more pressure on those who are not yet willing to subject themselves to that level of scrutiny. I am afraid that there is no magic bullet to this problem.
\tPage: 822
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Update on Singapore's Nuclear Energy Pre-feasibility Study","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"15 Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked \tthe Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether he can provide an update on the nuclear energy pre-feasibility study in Singapore; and (b) whether there are plans to engage countries in the region to prevent or respond to nuclear incidents.
Page: 822
\tThe Second Minister for Trade and Industry (Mr S Iswaran) (for the Minister for Trade and Industry): Mr Speaker, in 2010, I announced in Parliament that Singapore would embark on a pre-feasibility study on nuclear energy. Singapore relies heavily on imported energy. This pre-feasibility study was part of our efforts to continually explore all options to overcome our energy constraints, and enhance our energy security. The study was, thus, a preliminary step to assess the feasibility of nuclear energy as an option to meet Singapore's long-term energy needs.
Sir, the nuclear energy pre-feasibility study has been concluded. This deliberate and extensive two-year process involved several Government agencies, external consultants and independent expert advisers. We sought a deeper understanding of the potential and limitations of current and emerging nuclear energy technologies from Singapore's perspective, with safety being of paramount importance.
Page: 823
The study has concluded that nuclear energy technologies presently available are not yet suitable for deployment in Singapore. The latest designs of nuclear power plants are much safer than older designs which remain in use in many countries. However, the risks to Singapore, given that we are a small and dense city, still outweigh the benefits at this point. As we are planning for the very long term and not for our immediate energy needs, we prefer to wait for technology and safety to improve further before reconsidering our options. Over time, nuclear power plants with safer and more robust designs will be developed.
Meanwhile, nuclear energy continues to be part of the energy mix for many countries. In fact, two-thirds of the nuclear power plants under construction today are in Asia, with some being planned in Southeast Asia.
In view of these developments, Singapore needs to continue to monitor the progress of nuclear energy technologies, and to strengthen our capabilities to understand nuclear science and technology. It is also important to track related developments in areas, such as emergency response and radioactive waste disposal. Then we can assess the implications of evolving nuclear energy technologies and regional nuclear energy developments for Singapore. This will also strengthen our operational preparedness and our existing capabilities in radiation and incident response.
We will, therefore, support research in relevant areas of nuclear science and engineering, and train a pool of scientists and experts through education programmes in local and overseas universities. We will also play an active role in global and regional cooperation on nuclear safety. Singapore currently participates in several platforms to facilitate cooperation on nuclear energy and safety. For example, we are a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and are working closely with other member countries on implementing the IAEA Action Plan on Nuclear Safety. Through such platforms, we can foster greater collaboration to share best practices in nuclear safety, coordinate emergency planning and response, jointly develop human resources, and discuss the implications of regional and global developments.
Mr Speaker, Sir, in summary, nuclear energy technologies presently available are not yet suitable for deployment in Singapore. However, Singapore must continue to monitor developments and will develop capabilities – to prepare for the growth of nuclear energy in the region; to contribute actively to global and regional nuclear safety efforts; and to keep abreast of progress in nuclear energy technologies so as to keep our options open for the future.
Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question Time.
[Pursuant to Standing Order No 22(3), Written Answers to Question Nos 19, 24, 26, 28-29, 32, 39-40, 45, 49-50, 54-55, 58-59, 61, 63-67, 71-76 and 79 on the Order Paper are reproduced in the Appendix (Pg 900-917). Question Nos 16-18, 20-23, 25, 27, 30-31, 33-38, 41-44, 46-48, 51-53, 56-57, 60, 62, 68-70, and 77-78 have been postponed to the sitting of Parliament on 16 October 2012.]
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[(proc text) presented by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs (Mr Teo Chee Hean); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available Sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. (proc text)]
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[(proc text) recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister of State for Finance (Mrs Josephine Teo); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available Sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. (proc text)]
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[(proc text) presented by the Minister of State for Finance (Mrs Josephine Teo); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available Sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. (proc text)]
\tPage: 825
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[(proc text) presented by the Minister for Trade and Industry (Mr Lim Hng Kiang); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available Sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. (proc text)]
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[(proc text) presented by the Minister for Trade and Industry (Mr Lim Hng Kiang); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available Sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. (proc text)]
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[(proc text) presented by the Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Law (Ms Sim Ann); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available Sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. (proc text)]
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[(proc text) recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister of State for Transport (Mrs Josephine Teo); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available Sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. (proc text)]
\tPage: 825
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The Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts (Assoc Prof Yaacob Ibrahim): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, \"That the Bill be now read a Second time.\" Sir, in August this year, the Prime Minister announced that the current portfolios of the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) will be re-distributed across three Ministries.
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Firstly, MCYS will be renamed the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), and will focus on family and social support and development.
Secondly, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA), to be renamed the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI), will focus on public communications, the national and public libraries, and infocomm technology, media and design. Finally, Sir, a new Ministry, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), will be created to oversee matters concerning culture, community development, sports, youth, arts and national resilience, all of which now lie within the portfolios of the existing MCYS and MICA.
The redistribution of portfolios acknowledges the growing importance of social and community issues as Singapore enters a new phase of development. The new structures will enable a sharper focus and improved synergies across the relevant portfolios in these areas of work. The restructuring will take effect on 1 November 2012.
This Bill before the House contains a number of legislative amendments made necessary by the redistribution of Ministry portfolios.
First, a number of Acts which make express reference to the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports or the former Ministry of Community Development will have to be updated with the renaming of MCYS to MSF. Clauses 2, 4, 9 and 10 of the Bill amend the Casino Control Act, the Criminal Procedure Code, the School Crossing Patrols Act and the Women's Charter for this reason.
Second, as part of the redistribution, the National Library Board (NLB), is to remain under the oversight of MCI whereas the National Heritage Board (NHB) overseen by MICA today will be transferred to the oversight of the new MCCY. The National Archives of Singapore (NAS), a department currently under the NHB, will be transferred to the NLB where its functions would be better aligned.
The functions performed by NAS are very similar to some of the functions currently served by NLB, and require similar expertise and systems. NAS is the official custodian of the Government's corporate memory, ranging from Government files, private memoirs, historical maps and photographs, to oral history interviews and audio-visual materials. It is responsible for the collection, preservation and management of Singapore's public and private archival records. NLB, on the other hand, preserves the nation's literary and publishing heritage and memories. By consolidating NAS' archives and oral histories with NLB's Singapore-related library materials, we will reap greater synergies and economies of scale in the protection and preservation of Singapore's documentary records.
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Clauses 7 and 8, therefore, amend the National Heritage Board Act (NHB Act) and the National Library Board Act (NLB Act) respectively to effect the transfer of the function of running the NAS, and the NAS undertaking from NHB to NLB.
Clause 8 transfers to NLB the assets, rights, interests, liabilities and obligations of NHB which are relevant to the NAS. The same clause transfers to NLB the employees of NHB who are working in NAS, including a number of pensionable officers, on no less favourable terms of employment.
As a consequence of the transfer of NAS, clauses 3, 5 and 6 amend the Copyright Act, the Land Titles Act and the Limited Partnerships Act to replace references to the NHB Act with references to the NLB Act. These amendments, Sir, are technical in nature, and will have no impact on the functioning of these Acts. Sir, I beg to move.
[(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)]
[(proc text) Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. (proc text)]
[(proc text) The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. – [Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim]. (proc text)]
[(proc text) Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. (proc text)]
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Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, \"That the Bill be now read a Second time.\" Sir, today, vast amounts of personal data are collected, used and transferred for a variety of reasons. This trend is expected to grow exponentially as infocomm technologies like high-speed computing and business analytics enable the processing of large amounts of personal data. A data protection regime to govern the collection, use and disclosure of personal data is necessary to address individuals' growing concerns over the use of their personal data and to maintain individuals' trust in organisations that manage data.
To date, Singapore has adopted a sectoral approach to data protection. There are numerous Acts within the public sector that contain statutory secrecy and disclosure provisions to regulate the collection, use and disclosure of information by public agencies and their officials in carrying out their statutory functions. Within the private sector, specific provisions in various sector-specific laws protect personal data, such as financial and health data. There are also industry codes of practice on data protection, such as the Model Data Protection Code released in 2002, for voluntary adoption by the private sector. However, as current sectoral frameworks are disparate, there is a need for a general data protection framework to ensure a baseline standard of protection for individuals' personal data across the economy.
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The personal data protection law will safeguard individuals' personal data against misuse by regulating the proper management of personal data. Individuals will be informed of the purposes for which organisations are collecting, using or disclosing their personal data, giving individuals more control over how their personal data is used. A data protection law will also enhance Singapore's competitiveness and strengthen our position as a trusted business hub. It will put Singapore on par with the growing list of countries that have enacted data protection laws and facilitate cross-border transfers of data.
Sir, let me now elaborate on the proposed Personal Data Protection Bill. In formulating the Bill, we have sought to balance individuals' interests with the need to keep compliance costs manageable for organisations. We have also sought to ensure that Singapore's data protection regime is relevant and in line with international standards for data protection. To this end, my Ministry has studied the data protection frameworks in key jurisdictions, including Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong and the European Union, to develop the most suitable model for Singapore. In addition, references were made to international guidelines, such as the OECD Guidelines on the Protection of Privacy and Transborder Flows of Personal Data, and the APEC Privacy Framework.
The Bill has also incorporated relevant feedback and suggestions received from three rounds of public consultation conducted over the past year. Close to 1,900 responses were received from individuals and organisations, and we took them into consideration when reviewing the draft law. In particular, we have sought to address organisations' concerns about potential compliance costs, while maintaining a suitable level of protection for individuals.
Mr Speaker, Sir, I will now outline the key aspects of the Bill. The Bill provides a framework for the protection of personal data, which refers to data that relates to an identifiable individual, whether the data is stored in electronic or non-electronic form.
The framework will apply to all organisations, with certain exceptions. For example, the data protection rules in Parts III to VI will not apply to public agencies and organisations acting on behalf of a public agency in relation to the collection, use or disclosure of the personal data. Some public agencies collect data where necessary to carry out their regulatory and statutory functions effectively. To ensure that the data is properly managed and protected, the public sector has its own set of data protection rules that are based broadly on the same data protection principles as the Personal Data Protection law. In some cases, these rules are even stricter than the requirements under the Personal Data Protection law. Some Acts also contain statutory provisions which regulate the collection, use and disclosure of information by the public sector. Together, these ensure that public agencies and officials are accountable for meeting strict requirements to ensure the confidentiality of personal data in their care.
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Recognising that not all organisations have the same degree of control over personal data, the Bill provides certain exceptions for organisations referred to as \"data intermediaries\".
A data intermediary is an organisation that processes personal data on behalf of another organisation. The Bill provides for such organisations to be subject only to obligations for the care and retention of personal data that they process on behalf of another organisation, pursuant to a written contract.
The Bill is intended to apply concurrently with other laws and regulations enacted in Singapore. Organisations regulated by sector-specific laws and regulations today will thus continue to comply with the requirements under current laws and regulations as well as the Bill going forward. To avoid inconsistency between the Personal Data Protection law and sector-specific regimes, clause 4, subsection 6 of the Bill provides that Parts III to VI will not override other sector-specific laws and regulations, or anything imposed or expressly permitted by the law. The provisions of other written laws shall prevail where there is any inconsistency.
Part III of the Bill sets out the general responsibilities of an organisation for the personal data it holds or controls. Part IV sets out specific rules relating to the collection, use and disclosure of personal data, while Parts V and VI relate to access and correction, and care of personal data respectively. Sir, these rules are based on the principles of obtaining consent, specifying purpose, and reasonableness.
In general, an organisation can only collect, use or disclose the personal data of an individual with the individual's consent, and for a reasonable purpose which the organisation has made known to the individual. An organisation is also required to provide individuals access to their personal data and consider requests to correct the personal data it holds or controls. In relation to care of personal data, the Bill sets out obligations for ensuring the accuracy of personal data, the protection and retention of personal data, and the transfer of personal data out of Singapore.
Sir, I will now elaborate on the provisions governing consent. Clauses 13 to 16 provide that an organisation may only collect, use or disclose an individual's personal data if consent is given, or deemed to be given, by the individual for purposes specified by the organisation, unless exceptions apply. Consent is not considered valid if obtained by false or misleading means. In addition, organisations may not impose terms and conditions requiring the individual to consent to the collection, use or disclosure of personal data beyond what is reasonable to provide the product or service to the individual.
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While organisations are generally required to obtain consent, we recognise that it may not be practical for consent to be obtained in every situation. Clause 15 of the Bill provides for consent to be deemed when the individual voluntarily provides the personal data for a purpose, in a situation where it is reasonable for him to do so. For example, a person provides his personal data when registering with a clinic to seek medical treatment. It would be reasonable to deem that the person has given consent for the clinic to use his personal data for purposes related to his medical treatment at the clinic, and there is no need for the clinic to seek his consent in such situations. The provision for deemed consent enables organisations to collect, use or disclose personal data for reasonable purposes in situations where the individual need not give consent.
Even after consent has been given or deemed, clause 16 of the Bill provides that the individual may withdraw his consent, with reasonable notice provided to the organisation. It also spells out an organisation's obligations in relation to an individual's withdrawal of consent.
The Bill also provides for situations where collection, use and disclosure of personal data may take place without consent. These situations are listed in the Second, Third and Fourth Schedules respectively. These are typically purpose-based exceptions based on international practice. For example, personal data may be collected, used, or disclosed without consent where necessary for investigations or, where necessary, to respond to an emergency that threatens the life, health or safety of an individual.
Recognising that there is a legitimate need for artists and news organisations to be able to carry out their artistic or news activities without undue impediments, the Bill provides for collection without consent for artistic and literary purposes, and for news activities by news organisations.
Sir, at this juncture, I would like to highlight that I will be moving a Notice of Amendment after this in the Committee stage. The amendment will provide a clear definition for what constitutes \"news activities\" and \"news organisations\", to which clause 1(h) of the Second Schedule applies. The intent of clause 1(h) is to enable the legitimate collection of personal data without consent in the course of news gathering activities by organisations that are in the business of news. It is not intended to give all other organisations the unfettered ability to collect and publish a person's personal data under the guise of \"news reporting\". This is to provide members of the public some measure of protection from potential misuse and unwarranted publishing of personal data.
The Bill also permits the collection, use or disclosure of personal data without consent where the data is generally available to the public. This would include personal data that can be observed by reasonably expected means at a public location or event at which a person voluntarily appears. The intent is not to unduly limit activities performed in the public under reasonable situations, such as photography in public places.
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There are also exceptions to the requirements in Part V for organisations to provide individuals with access to their personal data, as well as to correct their data. These exceptions, listed in the Fifth and Sixth Schedules, cater for situations in which the handling of access requests may be overly onerous or compromise confidential commercial information.
In line with the principle of keeping compliance costs manageable, the Bill adopts a practical approach to personal data collected before the data protection rules take effect. Recognising that it may be overly onerous for organisations to seek fresh consent for all previously collected personal data, the Bill allows organisations to continue to use such personal data as long as they are for reasonable existing uses, even if consent was not previously obtained in accordance with the Personal Data Protection law. However, organisations must seek consent if they wish to use the personal data for a different purpose from what it was collected for. Individuals may also withdraw consent that was given before the law comes into effect.
Sir, for cross-border transfers of personal data, organisations will be subject to the same data protection requirements in the Bill, regardless of whether the personal data was collected in Singapore, or collected overseas and subsequently transferred into Singapore. The Bill also allows an organisation to transfer personal data to an organisation overseas as long as it ensures a comparable standard of protection for the personal data provided under the Bill, such as through contractual arrangements.
Sir, let me now move on to the Do Not Call, or DNC, registry. In our public consultations over the past few months, we have received strong support for a national DNC registry to address the growing issue of unsolicited telemarketing calls and messages.
Part IX of the Bill provides for the setting up of a DNC registry. Organisations in Singapore will be prohibited from sending specified messages to any Singapore telephone number registered with the registry. A specified message, which is defined in clause 37, refers to any message for which one of the purposes relates to marketing. As long as a specified message is addressed to a Singapore telephone number, the relevant provisions in the Bill will apply, regardless of how the message was sent. Specified messages that are sent through smartphone applications, for example, will be covered if the telephone number was used as an identifier.
Exclusions from the definition of a \"specified message\" are provided in the Eighth Schedule. These exclusions are intended to focus the scope of the DNC registry to telemarketing calls or messages of a commercial nature targeted at consumers. Examples of messages that are not covered by the DNC registry include business-to-business marketing messages; messages that promote charitable, religious or political causes; as well as messages that promote public agency programmes of a non-commercial nature.
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Clause 39 provides for the setting up of one or more registers within the DNC registry. Three separate registers will be set up: one for phone calls; a second one for text-based messages, such as SMS and MMS; and a third for facsimile messages. Organisations will be charged a fee to check against the DNC registry to filter out numbers that have been registered. This and other fees will be prescribed in Regulations by the Minister.
Part IX also spells out the obligations on organisations that send a specified message. Such organisations will be required to check the DNC registry within a prescribed duration prior to sending a specified message. The intent, Sir, is to prescribe a duration of 60 days for the first six months of the DNC registry's operations, and 30 days thereafter. This is to allow organisations more time to adapt to the DNC registry requirements at the onset. Organisations will be prohibited from sending a specified message to Singapore telephone numbers on the DNC registry, unless the owner of the telephone number had given clear and unambiguous consent to the organisation to contact him or her for marketing purposes. Organisations sending a specified message will also be required to display clear and accurate contact information of the sender within the message, and will be prohibited from concealing or withholding their calling line identity as a \"Private Number\" when making a voice call. Failure to comply with any of these obligations will be an offence.
Sir, I have outlined the key requirements for organisations under the Bill. To administer and enforce these requirements, Part II of the Bill provides for a Personal Data Protection Commission, or PDPC, to be set up. The PDPC will serve as Singapore's main authority on matters relating to personal data protection and will represent the Government internationally on matters relating to data protection. Given the broad scope of the Bill, the PDPC is expected to work with relevant sector regulators in exercising its functions, and take into consideration other existing laws. The PDPC will also undertake outreach and communications activities to promote awareness of personal data protection in Singapore. An Advisory Committee will be appointed to advise the PDPC, and the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) will be appointed as the Administration Body to provide administrative support to the PDPC.
The PDPC will be empowered to enforce the data protection rules effectively. These powers, Sir, are spelt out in Part VII of the Bill. The PDPC will be able to refer organisations and individuals to mediation with their consent. It will also be able to review certain actions of organisations in relation to the data protection rules, and issue decisions or directions for compliance where necessary. Where it is satisfied that an organisation is not complying with Part III to Part VI, the PDPC may direct the organisation to remedy the non-compliance, and financial penalties not exceeding $1 million could be imposed. The Bill also allows individuals to seek compensation for damages directly suffered from a breach of the data protection rules through private rights of action.
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While the PDPC will be provided with strong enforcement powers to deal with serious contraventions, I would like to assure Members that the exercise of enforcement powers will be measured and reasonable. Clause 31 also provides avenues for organisations or individuals to request for reconsideration of the PDPC's decisions.
Part VIII of the Bill provides for appeals against the PDPC's decisions. Appeal Committees will be established from an independent Data Protection Appeal Panel to hear appeals against the decisions of the PDPC. Further appeals against the decisions of an Appeal Committee can be made to the High Court and Court of Appeal, but only on points of law and on the amount of the financial penalty.
Sir, to allow businesses time to adjust their data management policies and procedures, we will adopt a phased approach to implementing the personal data protection law. While members of the public have asked for the DNC registry to be set up as soon as possible, we recognise that organisations will require some time to adapt to the new requirements. We will provide a transition period of 12 months before DNC registry provisions come into force, and a transition period of 18 months before the data protection rules come into force. The DNC registry is expected to be ready for registration by members of the public in early 2014. During the transition period, the PDPC will focus on education and outreach, and issue advisory guidelines to help organisations understand the requirements of the law.
Although organisations are given some time to adjust their policies and practices, they are strongly encouraged to do so as early as possible. It is important to note that the Bill adopts a principle-based and technology-neutral approach, and it does not require that organisations put in place costly systems to manage and safeguard personal data. Compliance costs will also be reduced if organisations only collect and retain personal data that is necessary for their business purposes, and delete or anonymise personal data when it is no longer necessary.
Sir, in summary, the Bill sets out rules governing the management of personal data. It also provides for a national DNC registry to allow individuals to opt out of receiving marketing calls and messages. The Bill has been crafted to strike a balance between protecting the interests of individuals, and the need to keep compliance costs manageable for organisations.
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The enactment of the Personal Data Protection Bill will strengthen Singapore's overall competitiveness, and enhance our status as a trusted hub and choice location for global data management and processing services. It will also address growing concerns over the misuse of personal data and provide much needed protection for individuals in Singapore. Sir, I beg to move.
[(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]
Mr Zaqy Mohamad: Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak on the Personal Data Protection Bill (PDPB). I would like to thank the Minister for his opening statement explaining the Bill.
The PDPB marks a milestone, especially in this digital age and the era of the Internet, in which data is pervasively being transmitted – knowingly or unknowingly – by means of devices, applications or identifiers in hardware. Data is collected everywhere. As consumers or users, we may not have the necessary laws to govern its use or sharing.
I am heartened by the establishment of the PDPB that puts in place safeguards which were previously across several Acts concerning statutory secrecy and disclosure provisions. Thus, the PDPB provides an overarching regime to the right of privacy or protection of personal data for Singaporeans. This moves beyond a sectoral approach which previously only covered selected industries, such as financial services and healthcare.
Sir, I plan to address this Bill in several parts, but let me begin with queries and concerns pertaining to the definitions and coverage of personal data protection. The definition of \"personal data\" in this Bill means data, whether true or not, about an individual who can be identified (a) from that data; or (b) from that data or other information to which the organisation has or is likely to have access. In my view, this definition is vague and only concerns information and specific use of data that can identify a person.
If we compare it to the EU Data Protection Directive of 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and free movement of data, \"personal data\" here is defined as information concerning an identified or identifiable person, such as identification number or one or more factors specific to his physical, physiological, mental, economic, cultural or social identity.
My primary concern is that the definition of our PDPB is vague in which personal data protection relates only to the identification of a person or his personal details. There are potentially other aspects in which a person's personal data that is reasonable to be kept private which also include details, such as salary information, or preferences with respect to religion, even social preferences, such as where I eat, what I buy and so on. Thus, I think that the Bill should delve deeper into the definitions of and to what extent personal data should be protected.
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Sir, if I may use a simple example of one's monthly income or salary slip, such data being disclosed may not necessarily impact one's personal safety. However, this breaches one's right to privacy and potentially impacts one's \"face value\" in the Asian context.
The second aspect of personal data that is not covered in this Bill is whether data analysis on our personal data and acting on the analysis subsequently breaches personal privacy. And this concerns issues of whether business intelligence or data mining on behaviour or transactions over a period of time in which I can be identified is breach of access. So, I understand activities, such as data mining in the industry, are common, and I believe that most consumers are fine with this if their identities are not identifiable and if mining is done in aggregate form or with identities masked. However, if the situation is otherwise, should the use of data for mining be also declared upon collection of such data?
Overall, I am heartened with the extent of protection provided in sections 3 and 4 on the accountability of organisations and their intermediaries and the stipulated period in which the data privacy is enforced for living individuals and those who are deceased.
I would also like to put forth a suggestion for consideration. Should special groups of the society, such as children or minors, the mentally incapacitated, be singled out for special protection? Perhaps, in such situations, we should require legal guardians to assist with the consent. And, perhaps, we should consider that data of minors should be automatically protected without the need for consent.
In the application of the Bill, in section 11, subsection 1, it states that \"in meeting its responsibilities under the Act, an organisation shall consider what a reasonable person would consider in the circumstances\". I believe there could be greater room for clarity in this subsection, and it would be better if the Commission sets out to define what the meaning of reasonableness is or allows the industry the latitude to self-regulate by constructing a framework or a set of guidelines.
Section 18 explains the limitation of purpose and extent, whose reference to what \"a reasonable person would consider appropriate in the circumstances\" does provide a loophole for companies or organisations that may have different interpretations, given the latitude given.
Sir, on the impact of this Bill on Singapore as a global hub and a connected nation, many service providers, especially in the ICT sector and digital media business, are closely monitoring the developments in this space, as this has impact in the way information flows and how the businesses have evolved in this space. I believe that many will probably be heartened to note that one key point raised during the public consultation, which has been considered in shaping the tone of this Bill considerably, is that the focus and the responsibilities of the obligations are more on business-to-consumer (B2C) transactions rather than B2B.
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As a global economic hub, we have to ensure that the implementation of this Bill must strive to balance Singapore's economic interests and, yet, provide sufficient protection for our citizens in their right to personal data privacy. Our compliance with foreign regulatory requirements should not impede our status and investments made for Singapore to continue as an economic and ICT hub, especially as digital media, Internet and mobile commerce, as well as cloud services, become more pervasive here. At the same time, we also need to ensure that individuals are effectively protected against loopholes in which organisations may exploit by using overseas channels to bypass the jurisdiction of our laws.
The Data Protection Act in the UK (1998) covers eight principles, one of which enforces that the data can only be transferred to countries offering adequate data protection. So, should Singapore consider extending the protection of individual data protection to include this coverage in which functions, such as disaster recovery, should be limited to countries that can offer similar or as good legal protection and undertaking as the PDPB?
Here in Singapore, we have many accounts and transactions – and the numbers are still growing – of consumers here using the Internet and various business platforms used on cloud or global shared services. In many of these cases, copies of consumer data reside on overseas servers serving as back-up, disaster recovery or alternative active mirror sites.
Taking reference from the UK Data Protection Act mentioned, is our data also as adequately covered and protected by similar laws and regulations overseas? To enforce data sovereignty in Singapore only will be too tight and may impede businesses, but we should also take due care that copies of data collected must be from a list of countries that provide adequate data protection.
In cases where companies also have copies of our personal data stored overseas, I think that they should be made to disclose upfront where copies of our data will also reside. In the event that the PDPB is not able to address adequacy, let the consumer make an informed choice at the point of consent by letting them know where the disaster recovery or alternative mirror sites reside, and this will enable consumers to make informed decisions on the risks at which their data will continue to be kept private.
Sir, with respect to section 26, relating to the transfer of personal data outside of Singapore, I have some queries on how the PDPB will apply in the following situations because these are increasingly common, especially with the pervasiveness of IT and digital media: (a) firstly, service providers or cloud services that provide multi-country disaster recovery or high-availability options; (b) with duplicate data being resident overseas, will the organisation still be responsible if the data is accessed without proper authority or under legal warrant by a foreign entity or authority? Is the organisation obliged to disclose such a situation to its customers or users if they are legally required to disclose data on their servers overseas? (c) how can the Bill be enforced on a foreign company which may collect data from subscribers in Singapore with the data being outside Singapore? What is the recourse, if such data is subsequently transferred or sold back to a company to market in Singapore?
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Sir, I know it sounds a bit complicated, but what powers does the Commission have to direct and determine damages on the above cases should the PDPB or subsequent Act be contravened? I think that these considerations should be clarified and perhaps FAQs be made available to companies and consumers to better educate each of the parties on their rights and obligations.
Sir, pertaining to section 10, subsection 4, in which the Commission may give an undertaking to a foreign data protection body that it will comply with terms specified in a requirement made, under what circumstances will the Commission agree to a foreign body? And what are the existing obligations that Singapore has undertaken in this respect? What change does the Ministry foresee if the Bill has an impact on the operating environment of our local business context?
On the Do Not Call (DNC) registry, I welcome the establishment of the DNC and I think it is a move welcomed by many Singaporeans who have been at the receiving end of repeated calls and SMSes for unsolicited services several times a day. I have just received two this morning, by the way. I am supportive of this initiative and it is about time we enhanced our framework to work in tandem with other measures, such as the anti-spam laws, that are in place.
The only concern I have is the implications it has on small businesses and agents in that they will have to find alternative means to promote their services or products. However, I am also certain that the inventiveness of the industry will mean that marketing will evolve and, hopefully, in a way that is more palatable to the ordinary consumer.
Technology, too, will evolve, and I see areas in which we will need to monitor. Alternative channels, such as social media and digital messaging such as WhatsApp or Viber, may then become alternatives for unwanted messages because personal data identifiers, such as mobile phone numbers or e-mail addresses, can be used to access and reach users in this area. I think this is an area of development that the Ministry and Commission should consider and continuously monitor to update the laws. I understand that these are early days for the PDPB, and it will take us time to understand the implications to the various business sectors and organisations.
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Increasingly, we receive various calls from overseas numbers for purposes of telemarketing. These calls range from the marketing of investment products to various personal services. So, how does the DNC registry affect such companies? This may prove to be a loophole in which contacts can still be sold to foreign marketing agencies whose source of information will be hard to trace legally. How can we prevent such loopholes from being exploited as foreign agencies are not affected by the DNC registry established under this Bill?
On regulation and enforcement, Sir, our laws are only as good as the resources in which we put in place to regulate and enforce them. The administration of the PDPB provides for a Commission, Advisory Committees, Administrative Body and other offices in which powers can be delegated. To these functions, how many resources will the Ministry invest into the machinery to regulate and enforce this Bill? Will these resources be sufficient to regulate the pervasive and vast use of consumer data across businesses and the Internet? If the resources are needed to prioritise their focus, what will their priorities be in dealing with electronic and manual data?
Sir, in the event of a dispute resolution, the Bill does not provide specific timelines in which the Commission established or the mediation parties should aim to resolve the dispute, especially in minimising any inconvenience or legal costs to the ordinary citizen. I hope that the Ministry will consider putting in place timelines in which dispute resolution should be made, so as not to cause lengthy inconvenience to businesses and consumers in resolving their concerns.
Given the benefits offered by this Bill in protecting one's data privacy, may I also ask what efforts will the Ministry put in place to educate and keep members of the public informed, and educate students in schools of the individual's rights to personal data privacy?
Moving on to a different segment, Sir, the implementation of the PDPB is more likely to affect the SMEs, and potentially load on them additional costs to maintain and secure their customer databases and information. Though I note that the Minister also mentioned earlier that there are many efforts being made to minimise this, small companies and proprietors may have difficulty setting up processes, in view of section 12 which states organisations are required to implement and develop policies and practices to comply.
So, given the complexity of the nature of data protection and the various legal and regulatory implications, will the Ministry or Commission set up an industry guide as a reference point to help organisations get up to speed on what are some of the best practices in implementing data protection policies, processes and systems?
To comply with section 24, which states organisations \"shall protect personal data… by making adequate security arrangements...\", given this new requirement on organisations, will the Ministry define security standards to ensure a minimum baseline is required? This will put consumers, companies and auditors on the same baseline and agree on an acceptable degree of compliance. But I also hope that these requirements will not be too onerous on smaller companies. Thus, to support the implementation of this section, are there also readily available funding which companies can access and be assisted to upgrade their systems and capabilities?
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I foresee that companies will need to train employees to ensure consistent application across the organisation. So, I would like to propose that the Ministry or the Commission consider making funding available for companies to tap on to develop their staff to obtain such training. Of course, existing frameworks, such as those by WDA, may be considered as suitable platforms to deploy such training.
Sir, I note that the industry will be given 18 months before the execution of the Bill, or, in particular, the PDPB. After which they will be able to continue to use such data which was collected prior to the implementation of the PDPB. I would have hoped that the notice period would be shorter at six to 12 months because this presents a loophole. Much data would have already been collected under the current regime without having obtained consent in section 16. In addition, the fact that an 18-month period is granted provides more than ample time for the industry to go on an aggressive approach in collecting personal data.
In this respect, I have a suggestion, when the Act comes into force in 18 months, to make it compulsory for companies holding on to personal data to re-obtain permission in accordance with section 14, or alternatively, all such companies should at least inform or declare upon the implementation date, on the terms defined under section 20, which relates to the notification of purpose in which data is used.
If possible, the notice should also inform their members or customers of their rights to personal data privacy, as well as to have the option to withdraw, access or update their personal data.
Sir, I would like to put forth one final recommendation in my speech before I end off. Beyond the existing scope of the PDPB, we have also seen various instances in which personal data is revealed or exploited to intimidate and embarrass individuals online. There have been many cases in which personal data, such as phone numbers, e-mail addresses, even home or office addresses, are disclosed online for the purposes of intimidation or embarrassment of an individual online.
I am personally in favour of a light-touch approach and self-regulation on the Internet. However, such acts are tantamount to cyber-bullying and intimidation. The PDPB has made significant strides in pulling together relevant laws across the various Acts to provide some protection to an individual's privacy. As such, why should such instances be excluded? While there may be laws that disparately cover these situations, there is no one consolidated framework with an established machinery, such as the PDPB, to handle such issues. The issue today is that such cyber-bullying and intimidation in disclosing personal data are also not high on the priority of the Police Force, and very likely a costly affair for one to pursue through civil litigation.
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Sir, I would also like to seek clarity from the Ministry as well. In a situation where posting of personal data is made public, once made public, is the individual's data still covered by the PDPB?
Sir, in closing, I would like to commend the Ministry in implementing the Personal Data Protection Bill. The evolving business landscape, in which consumer data is key to sales and marketing, has led to undesirable use of consumer data, a practice which this Bill aims to curb. I hope that the Ministry puts in sufficient resources and protection to ensure the effective regulation of the Bill. The fact that data is pervasively being transmitted – knowingly or unknowingly – by means or devices and applications means that we will also need to put in place an education framework to educate the common person on the street of their rights. I also hope that the law serves to better protect those who are more vulnerable, such as children and the mentally incapacitated, from being exploited. At the same time, while we do more to protect our people, we must also be mindful of the need to balance Singapore's economic interests as an economic and information hub. Sir, I support the Bill.
Mr David Ong: Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for allowing me to speak on the Personal Data Protection Bill (PDPB). The efforts to introduce a Data Protection Bill in Singapore had been on the backburner for years. Against the proliferation of data in the use by individuals, companies and organisations, many consider the introduction of personal data protection legislation in Singapore a timely move.
This brings the Singapore privacy and data protection laws in line with the global benchmark. In addition, legislation will also render adherence and observance mandatory. To raise social awareness or recognition of privacy rights in a civil society, the Government has to take the lead in creating awareness and in setting the standards and expectations of protection.
While the PDPB is intended to be a baseline law which will operate along with the existing sector-specific laws, the PDPB is fairly ambitious in proposing to extend its provisions to organisations which may not be physically located in Singapore but are engaged in data collection, processing or disclosure of such data within Singapore.
While MICA acknowledges there may be difficulty in enforcement against organisations with no physical presence in Singapore, it was thought that extending coverage to overseas organisations would act as necessary deterrence. This is especially so in the borderless world of e-commerce and the age of Internet proliferation.
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The exponential growth of computers, hand-held mobile devices of all shapes and sizes, ease of access and connectivity, the thriving e-commerce economy, e-health, e-Government services and, now, the widespread use of cloud computing, have revolutionised how we live, work and play. There is a heavy reliance on data by companies, Government agencies and VWOs to function and perform optimally. The push towards better and more efficient customer relationship management practices places great emphasis on soliciting, management and use of personal data.
Whilst these have indeed brought us immense social and economic benefits, they have also generated greater public awareness and concerns on how our personal data, when collected, is stored, shared, managed, disclosed or used. With regular scam emails from people we do not know or unsolicited calls and SMSes from marketing companies to sell their products or services, there is no doubt that new rules for the protection of personal data must be put in place.
Sir, I rise in support of this Bill as it is about protecting our basic human rights to privacy. This should be guarded and enshrined in our Constitution, and when an item of business content is not solicited, consumers can have the right to refuse. Whilst I understand the need for commercial entities to resort to such persistent and, at times, aggressive sales tactics as they are the cheapest and quickest form of outreach to potential customers, but if they are unwanted and objectionable, such aggressive telemarketing techniques tread on the fine line of harassment.
Sir, I am happy that this Bill would go a long way to protect citizens from unwanted sales pitches and would also help to protect personal data from being compromised and misused. With the growing number of senior citizens amongst our population, many may unwittingly give their personal details or sign away their rights, landing themselves in commercial deals that are not beneficial to them or which they do not need.
In recent years, individuals, multinationals and local businesses that operate in Singapore have jumped on the cloud computing bandwagon. Companies and individuals where these cloud data centres are based are mostly located overseas. Internet and cloud technology allow fast and easy transportation of data across national boundaries and technologies that facilitate the increasingly complex and cheap collection, storage, use and disclosure of data.
This means that personal information about individuals in Singapore may often be processed overseas, frequently without the explicit knowledge or consent of those individuals. This raises issues, such as the security of such data, who may have access to it, and for what purposes and what rights the individual may have to object. How many of us, when given a choice to read through our rights and its comprehensive terms and conditions of use, would simply scroll down through all the legal jargons and straight down to \"accept\"? Many of us are guilty of failing to take responsibility for ourselves and, when mishaps happen, it is hard to plead ignorance.
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It is noteworthy to say that, with this Act, Singapore's regulation of personal data collection, management, use and abuse would be aligned with international standards. In the United States, this Act is as important as the First Amendment. Many facets of this Bill incorporates many common elements, such as notice, consent, access and data security common in many European countries, South Korea and, more recently, the Republic of China.
Equally noteworthy is that, in Taiwan, although the Bill on Personal Data protection was incorporated in 2010, the law was only passed most recently. The long delay was, in part, because of the need for more amendments and, in part, because of the need for extensive consultations with stakeholders from the business community. In many quarters, MICA's intent in proposing this Bill is perceived to help businesses and commerce to flourish rather than to stifle and impede. As such, communication with stakeholders is both necessary and vital.
It is, therefore, helpful that the PDP Commission can embark on an extensive education and outreach effort to help organisations better understand and embrace the new law. More importantly, it should engage stakeholders to bring about an organisation accountability approach to effectively implement sound data protection procedures. The need for extensive consultation with the business community cannot be overlooked, especially given the international business climate in general and the local Singapore economy in particular.
Sir, the business community, especially our SMEs, are already facing rising business costs brought on by many factors beyond their control, such as rental and manpower costs. Thus, the Personal Data Protection Bill (PDPB) must strike a balance between consumer protection and the need to keep compliance costs manageable for businesses. From feedback gathered during the recent consultation exercise, I am glad to note that several requirements have been relaxed, for example, business-to-business marketing calls and messages are now excluded from the Do Not Call registry requirements.
In a World Economic Forum Report in 2011, Singapore was named second, after Sweden, as the world's most digitally connected economy. Sir, all stakeholders – the Government agencies, the commercially-inclined service providers and the general public – have done much to put us where we are today. It is a reputation worth guarding in attracting fast-evolving information technology industries to set up shop here. We had benefited and would continue to stand to benefit when the cutting-edge IT industries do not bypass us because of stifling regulations.
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In this regard, the passing of the PDPB law must not lead to a trigger-happy litigious society in Singapore against the business society. We are not a litigious society and must zealously guard against it taking root. The California Federal Court dismissing the class civil suit against social media, Facebook, is a case in point. Although the final verdict was in favour of Facebook, the latter was unwittingly forced to commit time and financial resources to defending itself. This, Sir, surely cannot be the intent of this Bill.
In passing the PDPB, we must strive to prevent a dent in our international reputation with the global IT companies from investing here in Singapore.
Sir, if there is anything that I would call on the Government to do more in relation to this Bill is to not over protect it till it stifles business creativity and innovation, increases business costs in compliance or deters companies from investing in Singapore.
While the PDP Bill will help put in place the necessary safeguards to protect consumers' personal data, it remains important for individuals to remain vigilant and take responsibility for their own personal data. With this, Sir, I support the Bill.
Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo (East Coast): Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for allowing me to speak on this Bill. Before I begin, I would first like to declare my interest as I work in the infocomm industry.
With most privacy frameworks around the world, \"notice and consent\" either have, or are perceived as having, become the dominant means of data protection. The data ecosystem is more complex than ever before. The growth of e-commerce, the explosion of social media, the evolution of cloud computing, the emerging world of \"big data\" and analytics, have caused industry, Government and community stakeholders to look at the need for new governance models for the collection, use and security of data.
By understanding what it means to live in a highly-connected, technology-driven and data-rich world, we can craft principles that remain effective in protecting privacy but allow us to reap the benefits that only big data can bring. There is an increasing realisation that while still important, relying heavily on individual notice and consent is not sustainable, given the huge increases in the sheer volume and flow of information. It also places too much burden on the individuals who may not have complete information or knowledge in making the choice or, as my colleague Mr David Ong has said, whether they actually do take the effort to understand what is required before consent is given.
To that end, we need to find a balance to allow for flexibility, transparency and confidence in these governance models; flexibility to the changes in technology, transparency around its collection, and confidence that the data will be used in a way consistent with our expectations. And this has never been more important to citizens, consumers, businesses and governments as we now live in a world where people are more connected and reliant on computing technology than ever before. We are all stakeholders in this data ecosystem, and balancing the competing and complementary interests of stakeholders is about striking the balance between opportunity and responsibility.
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This Bill is about striking that balance and setting down a baseline of a set of rules to govern the way we can continue to enjoy the benefits of this data-rich environment in a predictable, secure and trustworthy way.
Privacy and data protection are not static. The longer we wait to create these governance models, the more we become policy followers than policy leaders.
While I think this Bill is necessary, I must emphasise that it is not sufficient to achieve the balance in a way that will secure data as well as our digital future as Singapore continues to strive to position ourselves as a data and technology hub.
The Bill, however, is an important step on a continuing journey to data protection as we look at how we modernise our laws to keep up with the changes and trends in data. Singapore has stood still for too long and others have set the rules of the game. We have seen our regional neighbours advance ahead of us in this area of policy or, worse, we have seen commentators position Singapore in a less than favourable light – either out of ignorance of the strong sectoral policies we have in place already, or out of mischief to drive a commercial advantage in the competition for data.
Singapore already leads the region and the world on so many key indices, from network readiness, prioritisation of ICT, efficiencies of our legal system, and global competitiveness. But our lack of a comprehensive data protection law has been an area where it has not kept pace with global regulatory trends and technology developments.
To underscore the impact that Singapore's lack of a comprehensive data protection law has had on the potential of our cloud computing and data analytics ambitions, the recent release of the Asia Cloud Computing Association's \"Cloud Readiness Index\" rated Singapore as third in the region for our cloud computing potential, after Japan and Hong Kong. And the key area holding us back from being first was data protection.
Make no mistake – we are still in a global marketplace for information and there is stiff competition for data. One could say that data is the new currency of the digital economy and, like currency, data is a coward. It will flow to where it is safe, secure and valued.
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Singapore needs to think about our competitive position in this battle for data. Are we simply going to be an efficient and innovative hub for data for the world, or can we also be the world's most trusted environment for information. After all, there is no such thing as bad data. There is only the bad collection and bad use of data that we need to consider. It is, therefore, heartening to see the momentum that the Government has seized upon to promote a modern data protection regime and how the law will both govern technology as well as promote its use, especially in the area of next generation computing services.
Singapore has been an early adopter and driver of these services, most notably cloud computing and we have been setting our ambition to be a major global data hosting and processing hub. We are already home to many of the world's leading cloud service providers, so the need for a policy framework that balances the innovation and flexibility that underpin Singapore's vibrant ICT ecosystem while promoting good governance is essential. We are now in a unique position to develop not only a data protection regime that meets the privacy needs of our citizens, but develop a regime that embraces the realities of the 21st century computing and services to promote responsible information stewardship by data controllers and processors.
To achieve this balance, Singapore needs a \"next generation\" data protection regime to meet the needs and demands of next generation technology. What I mean by this is that we need to go beyond just regulating the collection and use of personal information, but we need to look at the data as a whole. Data, both big and small. Indeed, I see the development of Singapore's cloud computing ecosystem and the advancement of the data protection regime as mutually inclusive.
Singapore's growth and sustainability have long been linked to our comparative advantage of being a trading port and hub for goods, people and services. Geography had been on our side to a large extent but, in this new age, the ports of the future are not bound by geography but the policy environment that promotes them as a trusted home for data. While we are already endowed with an enviable ecosystem of cloud service providers, the competition is increasingly going to be the policy frameworks that provide certainty and confidence not just for these companies but the customers that they serve around the world.
Here in our region alone, we have recently seen privacy and data protection laws advance in Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines and Hong Kong, with legislation actively being discussed in Thailand as well. Our regional neighbours obviously see the potential for creating trusted environments for information and, not surprisingly, have high ambitions to drive the ICT sectors, especially around the cloud. The cloud provides new opportunities, new challenges and new responsibilities, and it is incumbent on Singapore to address these head on.
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The Personal Data Protection Bill is a big step forward and I am confident that we will achieve the right balance between efficiency and privacy, but our job does not stop here. Continual policy refinement around core issues, such as data security, technology standards and the international trade in data, are essential for Singapore to retain our reputation as a policy innovator and, more importantly, to attain the trust and confidence of citizens, customers and cloud providers and achieve our ambition to be the leading technology hub.
An important area that we also need to consider is \"what are the role and responsibility of Government beyond being the regulator and custodian of information?\". In other words, what should Government have access to and what should it not have access to?
For those following the cloud computing debate over the last few years, a new term has taken hold – data sovereignty. This means that many governments, including Singapore, consider certain data to be of such importance that it should not leave the country, or, in some cases, the custody of the data controller.
Data sovereignty is not to be dismissed or misrepresented — it is founded on a belief that not all data is created equal and so we need to think differently about certain data sets. We have seen this most notably in the area of financial services and healthcare, as each regulator seeks to protect the information of depositors and patients alike.
This is understandable as all of us want our bank details and health records secured and protected. But, clearly, we need to be more innovative about how we govern the protection of this information while not shutting out the innovation and good that could be derived from more flexible and modern approaches to data protection – the balance between the individual's right to privacy and the good for society.
Let me give an example to illustrate this point. In today's data-rich world, much can be revealed about a person's past and even his/her expected future. This could present both risks and benefits for the individual and society. It is important to realise the power of data analytics. Analysing data may reveal that a person has an existing medical condition that can be treated, or is at risk of developing such a condition. That data, when combined with other data, may also enable insights and medical advances. This could benefit both the person and society as a whole.
Set alongside this is the need for governments to protect citizens and enforce the laws and access to data. This can be a powerful aid in preventing the wrong use of the data and responding to them when they do happen. To illustrate the point with the same example I used earlier, it is problematic if the medical history or information that suggests the risk of a future condition is used to deny employment or insurance to an individual.
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Let me now touch on a related point. With the increase in cloud computing, both businesses and users of cloud services are seeking to understand how and when governments can have access to user data. Governments do have need to access data for legitimate reasons of law enforcement and national interest, but greater transparency of what constitutes legitimate access is now a major issue that we cannot ignore. I believe that a whole-of-Government dialogue is needed to assess this notion of transparency in Government access to information.
For Singapore, the importance of this is only further accentuated by our ambition to be the data custodian for citizens, businesses and even governments from around the region and the world. We need to consider not just what the private sector can and cannot do with data, but the public sector as well.
As I had mentioned, we are in a competition, a competition for confidence, and we need to ensure that we have transparent rules and principles that help drive the confidence of data customers that Singapore is the trusted hub for information.
So, as Singapore stands at the frontier of this new data world, what are the principles that we need to consider to help move us beyond just keeping pace with global regulation but enabling us to stay competitive as well?
I believe that we need to start to look at some new principles that will help shape this new data protection regime. This new regime must take into account a new world that is rich with new business models, new data usage models, new forms of technology, and individual privacy sensibilities. This may prove to be either remarkably resilient over time or quite fluid.
I support this Bill as a major step towards harmonising our data protection regime to interoperate with others in the region and the world. I think that it has been developed with the traditional privacy concerns, such as the \"Do Not Call\" regulations, but also the flexibility in looking at the cloud computing and data hub ambitions for Singapore.
Where I would suggest we make some changes is to fast track the implementation of the provisions, especially for large businesses. I propose that we have a sunrise period of 12 months for large business and two years for small business.
I would also recommend that the Data Protection Commission that is being set up under this Act, be charged with the task of establishing an expert taskforce consisting of Government agencies and businesses to look at how we can progress a true \"data protection\" regime. A regime that looks at the end-to-end data considerations, including Government access, data analytics, sectoral regulatory reform with the aim of establishing Singapore as the world's most trusted home for information.
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Singapore has a history of innovation and reliability. One of Singapore's defining characteristics is reliability and confidence. We need to harness this reputation and seize on this momentum on privacy to lead the world in developing a truly comprehensive data protection environment for citizens and businesses here in Singapore and around the world.
While businesses will incur effort and possibly cost to adhere to the data protection requirements on the care and use of personal data collected, it will provide businesses certainty and clarity on how to manage the collection and use of personal data. It will also create confidence on how businesses operating in Singapore collect and use data. Mr Speaker, I support the Bill.
Mr Speaker: I propose to take the break now. I suspend the Sitting and will take the Chair again at 4.30 pm. Order.
Sitting accordingly suspended
at 4.11 pm until 4.30 pm.
Sitting resumed at 4.30 pm
[Mr Speaker in the Chair]
[(proc text) Debate resumed. (proc text)]
Ms Low Yen Ling (Chua Chu Kang): Mr Speaker, I rise in support of the Personal Data Protection Bill. It is a positive move that not only protects consumers' interests, but it will also put Singapore on par with countries with data protection laws and strengthen our position as a trusted business hub and location for global data management and processing services.
With regard to the Bill, I would like to raise two areas of concern: firstly, the impact of the Bill on SMEs, a point also raised by hon Members who spoke before me; and secondly, the protection of children's personal data.
As we all know, SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy. Today, 99% of all enterprises in Singapore are SMEs. They employ 70% of our workers, and contribute over 50% of national GDP. The often-cited challenges by SMEs include manpower, financing and cashflow. In view of this, marketing activities that are key to enhancing an SME's brand and offering can become quite a load for these enterprises.
With the introduction of the Personal Data Protection Bill, SMEs would have to put in place more resources to navigate and understand the new law. For instance, they would need a staff to double up as a Personal Data Officer, to ensure compliance of marketing activities, have their data lists filtered and observe other requirements under this Bill. Many SMEs that are already under pressure with the labour crunch and economic uncertainty may have little capacity or capability to do so.
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As SMEs do not have the scale and deep pockets of MNCs, we must be mindful that the Personal Data Protection Bill can pose significant challenges to their marketing and customer acquisition efforts. The fear of infringing the new laws may also weigh them down.
While protecting the interests of consumers, I hope MICA and the relevant Government agencies will also lend good support to the SMEs during the sunrise period to ease them into the implementation of the Bill. For example, it will take resources and time for SMEs to make sense of all the legal requirements and to also ensure compliance. There could be new or recurrent costs involved to ensure all requirements of the Bill are met.
Besides awareness and education, I hope the Government will consider providing free training, consultancy and support for SMEs that extend beyond the sunrise period, and also explore possible tax reliefs or financing incentives for SMEs on the costs incurred as a result of complying with the Bill.
(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech on Pg 939.] I rise in support of the Personal Data Protection Bill. It is a positive move that not only protects consumers' interests, but will also put Singapore on par with countries with data protection laws and strengthen our position as a business hub and location for global data management and processing services.
With regard to the Bill, I would like to discuss its impact on SMEs. SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy. Today, 99% of all enterprises in Singapore are SMEs. They employ 70% of our workers, and contribute over 50% of national GDP. The often-cited challenges by SMEs include manpower, financing and cashflow. In view of this, marketing activities that are key to enhancing an SME's brand and offering can become quite a load for these enterprises.
With the introduction of the Personal Data Protection Bill, SMEs would have to put in more resources to navigate and understand the new law. For instance, they would have to have a Personal Data Officer, ensure compliance of marketing activities, have their data lists filtered and observe other requirements under this Bill. Many SMEs that are already under pressure with the labour crunch and economic uncertainty, may have little capacity or capabilities to do this.
As SMEs do not have the scale and deep pockets of well-recognised, global brands, we must be mindful that the Personal Data Protection Bill can pose considerable challenges to their marketing and customer acquisition efforts. The fear of infringing the new laws may also weigh them down.
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While protecting the interests of consumers, I hope MICA and the relevant Government agencies will also lend good support to the SMEs during the sunrise period to ease them into the implementation of the Bill. For example, it will take resources and time for SMEs to make sense of all the legal requirements and to also ensure compliance. There could be new or recurrent costs involved in ensuring all requirements of the Bill are met.
Besides awareness and education, I hope the Government will consider providing free training, consultancy and support for SMEs that extend beyond the sunrise period, and also explore possible tax reliefs and financing for SMEs on the costs incurred as a result of complying with the Bill.
(In English): The second area of concern that I wish to raise is with regard to the protection of children's personal data. The fact that the Personal Data Protection Bill does not draw any explicit distinction between data subjects who are adults and those who are children introduces an important extra dimension that must also be addressed in the Bill.
An increasing number of children are now using the Internet. They are starting at a younger age, using smart phones and electronic tablets, and spending more time online downloading and uploading information. In 2010, according to the MDA, 39% of Internet users aged 7-14 years old get online once a day. The average duration of an Internet session for 41% of Internet users aged 7-14 years is one to two hours. While the Internet can be a channel for education, it also carries a spectrum of risks to children as they share more about themselves online as they view marketing advertisements, join social networks or even transact on the Internet through apps, games and contests. In the course of such activities, they can be targets for unsuitable or aggressive online marketing for commercial gain, cybergrooming, online scams or even identity frauds.
As the Personal Data Protection Bill comes into place, I hope we can also provide suitable guidelines as to how children's personal data, especially data for those under 13 years old, should be treated. Several governments recognise that children need additional protection in this area. I understand that in 1998, the US enacted the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) to protect personal data of children below 13 years of age. The European Commission is reviewing its data protection law to offer greater protection to children. Like in the US, European companies have to get parental consent for all minors under 13 years old. The Commission also wants all communication aimed at minors to be clear and in plain language. This will ensure that young people can understand the implications of entering their data, the reason it is needed, and the protection it is afforded.
Children's personal data needs extra safeguards. The fact that personal information is becoming an online commodity applies to children as well as adults. We need to place parents in control over what information is collected from their young children online. We should require that \"verifiable parental consent\" should be sought whenever website operators and online service providers directed to children under 13 years old wish to collect, use, or disclose personal information from children. Parents should also be able to \"opt out\" of any further information collection from their child.
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We have all a responsibility to ensure that our children are protected from potential risks or abuse that could result from unwitting personal disclosure. Due to the increased complexity of today's highly connected world, it is not enough to assume that laws to protect adults' personal data would do well for children as well. We need the Personal Data Protection Bill to detail the boundaries and guidelines that can ensure the safety of our children. In view of their limited understanding of risks and consequences, children need specific protection in this area.
Furthermore, laws alone would not suffice. Education – for parents and children – on how to protect and treat their personal data is needed to bring the public to a higher level of awareness and maturity that would reinforce responsible behaviour from individuals, companies and organisations. Industries can also be encouraged to self-regulate. Parents or children-related community groups can also play a part by providing and promoting healthy personal data protection practices and online behaviour.
We all know that regulation can only set the outside perimeters. We need education to set the inward indicators for safe and healthy sharing of personal information. On this note, I support the Bill.
Asst Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene: Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Personal Data Protection Bill. This comprehensive legislation is belated but I believe that the regulatory regime offered by the proposed law is better late than never. It provides a good start and will stand us in good stead as we develop and grow our system of protecting the personal data of individuals.
As the examples of Google, Facebook and Twitter demonstrate, consumer information and insights are currency in today's business world. This currency, in the form of digitised information, also means that personal data is now much easier to collect, store, use and disseminate. This also means that the protection of personal data is also much harder. Matters are compounded, given the lack of understanding and appreciation for online privacy. Legislation will always be playing catch-up with developments in the online world. Nonetheless, we must always endeavour to keep up. In Asia, the jurisdictions which already have data protection laws include Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Sir, the role of data protection laws is significant in the Singapore context given that there is no common law protection for personal privacy here. But this does not mean that privacy is not important in Singapore. Yet, the definition of privacy is elusive in that any definition is easily open to the charge of being either too broad or too narrow. The common conceptions of privacy as \"the right to be left alone\" and \"to have control over information about ourselves\" are often inadequate. Instead, for the purposes of this Bill, which is concerned with personal data protection, the concept of privacy for me has to involve information and, in particular, the access of others to undocumented personal information.
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In reviewing the Bill, my primary considerations are whether the proposed law provides sufficient recognition of the privacy principles of consent, control and care. Sir, I appreciate that the personal data protection regime envisaged by the Bill is a light-touch one – one in which a minimum data protection standard is uniformly applied across all private organisations and individuals.
Sir, let me just go on to my first reservation. The proposed law does not apply to the public sector. The public sector, collectively, has a lot of information about individuals living on this island. Further, given the range and intensity of surveillance technology at the disposal of the Government, the need to regulate how the public sector collects, uses, shares and disseminates personal information takes on greater importance.
Although there are specific legislations that govern the protection of data by the public sector, such as the Official Secrets Act and the Statutory Bodies and Government (Protection of Secrecy) Act, I am of the view that a unified regime is ideal and one that will provide more robust protection of personal data. If a dual regime is preferred, and which I sense is the Government's preference, I hope that the new Ministry of Communications and Information will seriously consider beefing up the legislation that governs the public sector's handling of information, which is primarily geared towards the protection of the secrecy of information.
I move on to my other concern, which relates to the \"deemed consent\" provision in clause 15 of the Bill. In general, actual consent should be encouraged both in law and in practice. While I am not so concerned with the need for explicit consent, there should be adequate safeguards for actual consent, whether expressed or implied. Similarly, while there are safeguards in the case of \"deemed consent\", I would like to suggest that stronger emphasis be placed on the connection between \"purpose\" and \"consent\". To adequately protect the individual, the Bill could go further and state that the connection between purpose and consent given must be clear.
A purpose cannot be so broad as to result in an organisation having the carte blanche to use personal information gathered for a whole host of other incidental purposes. Otherwise, what will result will be an abuse and misuse of the personal information gathered, which is seemingly protected by the law as deemed consent of a broad nature had been obtained.
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On the Do Not Call (DNC) registry found in Part IX of the Bill, MICA has set a 12-month deadline for the implementation of the DNC registry. Could the Minister clarify whether it would consider moving towards a shorter sunrise period from the enactment of the PPD Act? Sir, the bulk of the compliance mechanisms that need to be put in place is under the responsibility of the authorities, that is, the Privacy Commission. The private organisations merely have to consult and observe the register in accordance with the law. My concern is that the longer a sunrise period there is, the greater the likelihood that some of the more entrepreneurial organisations will escalate their data collection and use the gathered information for direct marketing activities, in anticipation of the DNC regime coming into force.
Similarly, organisations may also attempt to collect personal data and use them before the law comes into force in order to gain an advantage from the deemed consent provision under clause 15 of the Bill as well as to engage in \"stockpiling\" of personal data to be in alignment with the requirements of clause 17 of the Bill. Sir, regardless of the duration of the sunrise period, I also hope that the Ministry will not provide a further grace period for compliance. To do so would only defeat the purpose of the sunset period, and will reduce the impetus for compliance as soon as possible.
I would also like to propose that the regulation of spam emails be incorporated into the PPD Act's Do Not Call registry regime. Sir, the Spam Control Act of 2007 has not addressed the problem of spam emails. If anything, the Act has probably not made any difference at all! Anecdotal evidence suggests that the incidence of abuse and misuse of email addresses is now greater than it was when the Spam Control Act was passed. By bringing emails under the DNC regime, we will not make an arbitrary distinction between emails and phone calls or phone messages. It is noted that SMSes and MMSes are also covered under the Spam Control Act but they are also included under the DNC regime. A person's email addresses are also personal identifiable information. By harmonising the regulatory regime, we will provide a more comprehensive and consistent approach to unwanted correspondence or communication regardless of the mode of communication.
Sir, another area of concern relates to whether the Bill covers non-Singaporean organisations if they are collecting or handling personal information with a Singapore nexus. I seek the Minister's confirmation of this, and hope that the scope of coverage to include overseas organisations will not be symbolic. More importantly, such a move will emphasise that it is the personal data of individuals with the Singapore link rather than the location or nationality of the organisation dealing with the personal information that is the primary focus of the legislation. Otherwise, the proposed law will provide an escape clause which will certainly be used, given the portability of digitised information.
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Sir, surprising as it may sound, Singaporeans can do with a better and nuanced understanding of privacy and the need to protect undocumented personal information. Too often, we see people disclosing their personal particulars, including their National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) numbers, birthdays, without any care or concern that such information could be misused at a time when identity thefts are becoming a lot more common. Sir, I sincerely hope that the to-be established Personal Data Protection Commission, which is provided for in Part II of the Bill, will have a strong public education mandate and that adequate funding will be provided for this role. It is only when consumers value the protection of personal data and their privacy will the proposed law be effective.
Sir, I congratulate the drafters of the Bill for their thorough work on this important new law. The Ministry of Communications, Information and the Arts must be commended for seeing through this Bill which is at least a decade in the making. This is also MICA's last Bill. Such a Bill is demanding because of the need to balance the competing and, sometimes, conflicting needs of the different stakeholders. Some of these needs include: the need and perhaps even emerging right of privacy of consumers and individuals; the benefits of enabling information technology to boost marketing reach and capabilities given our aspirations to be a hub for Asian consumer insights; as well as the economic benefits that flow from allowing, within reasonable limits, organisations to collect and use personal data for their business endeavours. I think the Bill does strike an appropriate balance.
Sir, there is still a lot to be done for the protection of personal information. As many other Members have raised, should vulnerable groups, like children and the disabled, be provided with enhanced level of privacy protection? What about the prohibition of the trade and sale of personal information? In any case, the developments in this area mean that our laws will need to be constantly updated to keep pace with the changes and the ingenuity of people seeking to mine personal information for whatever advantage, pecuniary or otherwise. This underscores the centrality of personal data in today's world and its status as an asset. Sir, I warmly welcome this Bill and look forward to its robust implementation.
Ms Tan Su Shan: Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the proposed Personal Data Protection Bill.
In this Information Age, copious data is generated on our every movement, action or even preference, particularly in a digital society such as Singapore's, where one's location can be constantly tracked via phones, EZ-Link cards, CashCards, and so on. Abuse of data privacy could give rise to serious personal privacy violations which in turn could portend societal harm. Mr Speaker, Sir, this is a vital Bill, and one that is overdue.
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That said, while it is indisputable that personal data privacy must be protected, the equally important questions of reach and enforcement may not have been fully considered in the proposed Bill. These are important areas which can be crafted in a more precise manner or it may leave too much open to interpretation. Allow me to offer three such examples from the Bill where, perhaps, more specific details can be offered.
Number one – clause 4. This clause relates to the application of the Bill. Yet, it says it will not impose any obligation on any individual, any employee or any public agency, acting in the course of employment. If this exemption is necessary, then, surely, they should only apply if these employees or public servants have accessed the data, whilst in the proper course of duty. This means they should exercise reasonable care in the handling of such data. A blanket exemption should not give these employees immunity from handling such data responsibly.
Secondly, clause 5 on the appointment of a Commission. Regarding this Commission, what criteria will be used in their shortlisting and selection? How do we ensure that they are independent and, related to that, what will be its tenure and maximum renewal? How shall we assess if it has discharged its duties in the best interests of Singapore and, given the importance of the role, will such information be publicly available in a timely and convenient manner?
Thirdly, clause 11 on the compliance of the Act. Clause 11 states that in meeting its responsibilities under this Act, an organisation shall consider what a reasonable person would consider appropriate in the circumstances. This, however, leaves wide open the question of what might be deemed \"appropriate\", which significantly impacts the protection the Act might afford. Perhaps, there could be more clarity then on what may be deemed \"inappropriate\".
Clause 11 also allows for the delegation of authority. I quote, \"an individual designated such may delegate to another individual the responsibility conferred\". The question here is: is such second-degree delegation necessary? Does it aid or does it hinder accountability?
Lastly, as fellow Members have pointed out, let us just talk about the issue of NRIC numbers. It has become commonplace for NRICs to be used as a required field in forms, whether official or not. While contact information is necessary for tele-marketeers, is giving our NRICs always necessary? Have the authorities considered the risk of ID theft? Given the sensitivity surrounding such information, can the Minister consider ringfencing this data so that it absolutely cannot be shared, and should only be collected, if necessary, for administrative purposes – with the onus on the collecting agent to ensure it can meet the burden of proof.
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I end with a suggestion for the Minister to consider improving the transparency of how the Government uses all the information it collects. After all, we are living in an era where we all carry chips with us. With security cameras in public areas, EZ-Link cards, cell phones, and so on, our whereabouts can be tracked all the time.
And if the Government is, indeed, the custodian of such data, then can the Minister address what is done with all this information, and how long is it stored? Who has access to this information, and under what circumstances is this information shared? Assuming this information is only shared in the course of public justice or security, then who determines what rationales are permissible, and what are the safeguards to ensure that such trust and privacy are not violated?
Mr Speaker, I am afraid I have raised more questions than answers. I hope the above questions and suggestions help our promulgation of a Personal Data Protection Act that is world-class, and delivers solidly the personal data protection that our people fully deserve.
Mr Chen Show Mao (Aljunied): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Bill before us has been a long time in coming. Back in 1990, the Law Reform Committee of the Singapore Academy of Law published the working paper entitled \"Data Protection in Singapore: A Case for Legislation\". And, today, we have a Bill that proposes a baseline data protection framework to regulate the way organisations in Singapore collect, use and disclose our personal data.
This Bill relates to the protection of personal data. It is developed based on principles derived from the OECD guidelines on the protection of privacy. These principles include, among others, accountability and openness. The data protection provisions being introduced will serve as a \"baseline\" law. That is, we legislate here for a minimum standard to be applied across the board. There are then expressed provisions within the Bill for various exceptions, particularly that any other written laws shall prevail over these data protection laws should there be any conflicting positions. So, this is, in part, how, as the Government stated, \"a general baseline law will apply concurrently with existing sectoral regulations\", such as for banking and telecommunications.
The Bill allows for various other exemptions. For example, an organisation may collect, use or disclose personal data without having to comply with these data protection laws if doing so is \"necessary in the national interests\". Or if the collection, use or disclosure of personal data is \"necessary to respond to an emergency that threatens the life or safety of that individual or another individual\". Or if those personal data is \"publicly available\". Or if the use or disclosure of personal data is \"necessary for any investigation or proceedings\". No need to comply with the data protection requirements in this Bill in these cases.
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So, these exemptions would have been helpful in providing some flexibility to organisations, such as Government agencies, when dealing with the interests of the public in specific cases. But, unfortunately, this Bill will not apply to public agencies. It expressly carves out the application of personal data protection laws to public agencies that collect, use or disclose our personal data. These include Government Ministries, tribunals and, upon notification by the Ministers, statutory boards like the PA and the HDB. As an extension, the personal data protection laws will also not apply to private organisations when they act on behalf of a public agency. So, Sir, this is an area in which the Bill is lacking.
Like private organisations, public agencies that collect, use and disclose personal data of individuals should be required by law to comply with the minimum levels of data protection in this Bill. A reason given by the Government was that public agencies do not need to be included as they are already governed by their own set of rules and that these rules provide similar levels of protection.
Sir, to the extent that the Government's data protection rules are contained in our written laws, such as the Official Secrets Act, they would have continued to apply even if we were to extend the coverage of this Bill to our public agencies. This is because, as mentioned earlier, this Bill is set up as a baseline law that is not intended to affect rights and obligations under existing laws.
Sir, to the extent that the Government's data protection rules are not contained in written laws, then I do not know what they are. I do not know what these laws are, or, rather, what these rules are, because they are not made known to the public.
What I know is that, if these rules are not laws then they are not subjected to parliamentary scrutiny and oversight, and we do not know when or how they get created, amended or terminated. The people who are directly affected by these rules do not know what they are, much less have the chance to have their views on them heard.
To give an example, while individuals will be able to complain to the new Data Protection Commission relating to suspected violations of the data protection laws in this Bill, it is not clear if and how, under current Government data protection rules, individuals have similar rights for complaint against public agencies relating to the wrongful collection, use or disclosure of personal information.
The Government has also said that some of its rules are \"more stringent in other areas.\" Well, that is good. That could continue to be the case, even if this Bill should apply to public agencies. And there is nothing in these laws stopping organisations, public and private, from having internal rules that afford even better protection for personal data, should those be deemed necessary or desirable.
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The concept of accuracy, and individual access and correction are key provisions contained in this Bill. This means that individuals have the right to request access to their personal data held by an organisation and also to request that they be provided with information about ways in which their personal data have been used, and to be provided with the names of the parties to whom the data have been disclosed. Individuals also have a right to request that organisations correct any errors or omissions in their personal data.
So, it is just as important, if not more important, that these concepts of accuracy and access rights should also apply to public agencies that collect, use or disclose personal data. Public agencies, during the course of their duties, use personal data to make decisions, such as whether to grant somebody Workfare Income Supplement payments, which have a direct impact on the lives of individuals. Therefore, it is important that individuals should be able to access their personal data on the basis of which the Government makes decisions on and to ask for such data to be corrected if they are inaccurate.
Another reason that we have been given for why the public sector needs to be excluded is that public agencies often have to share information with one another or to deal with national emergencies. And, indeed, we do already have laws that allow public entities to share data. Examples include the Income Tax Act, the Medical Registration Regulations, the Immigration Act. As mentioned earlier, these will continue to apply as they are contained in existing written laws. Also, as mentioned earlier, we have broadly worded exemptions contained in this Bill relating to national interests and to emergencies, which may well be helpful through our public agencies looking to share information in a national emergency.
By ensuring that the public sector also falls within the remit of our personal data framework, individuals can be certain that there is at least a minimum baseline that applies the way the public sector treats their personal data, and they can take comfort from how the processes and the rules would be clear for them.
I also note that of the jurisdictions in the world that have a personal data protection framework, only very few do not have personal data protection laws that are applicable to the public agencies. Therefore, making this data protection framework applicable to public sector organisations, to our public agencies, would mean that Singapore will be truly in line with international standards, which is one of the three principles that the Bill is based on.
Sir, the protection of personal data is welcomed not only because of its expected economic benefits. It is welcomed also because it acknowledges an important principle that our personal data belongs to us, as persons, much like our cash or phones or wallets and other forms of property. And this property needs to be safeguarded and protected by law against misuse, including by the Government. We must remind ourselves that the proper function of a government and its associated bodies, first and foremost, is to provide essential services to the people. The Government collects our personal data in order to be able to provide us with various services, such as administering our CPF accounts for our retirement needs, or our Medisave accounts for our medical expenses. However, this information belongs to us, and our Government agencies must handle our personal data with care. Above all, they should be accountable to the people and to Parliament about the way in which they use and safeguard our data while they carry out various services for us.
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Mr Lui Tuck Yew, as MICA Minister in 2011, said, \"What we are doing, first and foremost, is to govern the proper processing of personal information, such as the collection, the use, the disclosure and the transfer of this data and to make sure that this is properly regulated.\" Sir, there is no reason why that should not apply to our public agencies.
Mr Desmond Lee (Jurong): Mr Speaker, Sir, identity-related crimes cost the British public some £2.7 billion in 2010. In the US, a 2007 survey report estimated that some eight million people fell victim to identity fraud, losing close to US$50 billion.
The growth in identity-related crimes is closely associated with the rampant global black market in personal information. Just this month, for example, it was reported in the news that Japanese police had arrested two research firms' employees on charges of illegally obtaining private information from a broad network of information suppliers. These suppliers included mobile phone salesmen, staff at job placement centres, as well as police officers.
In the last four years, the pair allegedly made more than ¥850 million, or more than S$13 million. Quite ironically, they claimed that their business had turned profitable after Japanese data protection law kicked in and created a greater demand in the black market.
The current black market price list for sensitive personal and financial information was recently put up on the website of the US Office of the National Counter-Intelligence Executive (NCIX) to generate greater public awareness about data security. Apparently, it costs just US$3 to buy an American citizen's social security number, which the NCIX notes, wryly, is cheaper than a McDonalds' Happy Meal.
In a 2008 Australian government report, the growing incidence of identity-related crime in many countries was attributed to a number of factors, including globalisation, the rise in high-speed information flows, increase in the use of remote communications, greater sophistication in forgery techniques, as well as \"the widespread collection and dissemination of data about individuals by private sector and other organisations, which provide opportunities for easier access to personal information\".
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Sir, I think these factors apply equally in Singapore. The introduction of an overarching data protection legislation is, therefore, critical, if a little overdue. It will complement existing laws, such as the Computer Misuse Act, the Penal Code and the Electronic Transactions Act, as well as other sectoral data legislation, to help increase protection around sensitive personal information.
But merely having such a legal framework is insufficient. Organisations and businesses must genuinely treat personal information of their customers and their employees with care and respect, and embrace data protection as an intrinsic and valuable part of business culture. Otherwise, if this is seen as just yet another cost to manage, then there will only be lip-service compliance or, worse, creative compliance.
The Personal Data Protection Commission should, therefore, focus its efforts along two main lines: (1) working with business and other federations to educate, help and incentivise organisations and businesses to adopt effective data protection protocols; and (2) devoting sufficient resources to enforce the rules firmly and fairly against organisations that flout basic data protection standards.
At the same time, personal data protection is not just something for organisations and businesses to do. It should really begin with you and me. We have a role to play in safeguarding our own personal information. Some of us may just be a tad too naive and trusting: dutifully filling in every request for sensitive information that is sought, for instance, on a lucky draw coupon, without thinking twice about potential consequences if the information is abused.
A healthy scepticism about the necessity of giving away valuable pieces of our own information to strangers who ask for it, is something that ought to be inculcated at home and in schools, and reinforced in the community. I, therefore, hope the Commission will consider working with schools, as well as community and grassroots organisations, to bring this message across to all Singaporeans, especially our more vulnerable groups, such as the young and our elderly, and to educate them about the data protection framework that we are putting in place to protect. They should understand what potential harm may be caused if they give away information, such as their NRIC numbers, their birthdays and other types of information.
Sir, let me now comment specifically on the Bill. First, I find it striking that there does not appear to be any substantive provision in the Bill that criminalises or otherwise penalises the deliberate and unauthorised disclosure of personal data, for example, by employees, officers or agents, or for procuring such unauthorised disclosures.
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Contrast this with section 55 of the UK Data Protection Act 1998, which makes it a crime to obtain personal data from data controller without consent and to sell or offer to sell such information. While such acts may, under certain circumstances, be sanctioned as breaches under Part IV of the Bill or amount to offences in our Penal Code or the Computer Misuse Act, I would have preferred that the Personal Data Protection Act explicitly outlaw black market trading and trafficking in sensitive personal information.
In the Japanese case I just mentioned earlier, the companies concerned may well have collected and stored personal data appropriately and instituted measures to safeguard them but, unfortunately, rogue employees allegedly sold the information to the two individuals operating the black market.
Such an offence should be explicit and be backed by stiff penalties in the form of fines and jail terms, and be listed as a predicate offence under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act (CDSA) so that illicit profits can be confiscated.
Second, again on enforcement, I wonder if the powers contained in Schedule 9 of the Act are sufficient for the Commission and their officers to conduct full and thorough investigations into alleged non-compliance with our data protection laws.
There are powers in the Schedule to require organisations to provide documents and information, and enact powers of entry, search and seizure, but I note there are no expressed powers to compel attendance of persons and the recording of statements from individuals which are essential in discerning the exact nature of the breach.
For comparison, the Minister may refer to section 12(3) of the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act and section 55A of the Infectious Diseases Act, both of which contain such powers to record statements.
Third, I notice that there is no obligation on organisations to promptly notify individuals or the Commission about significant data privacy breaches that may have occurred, for instance, when credit card numbers or sensitive medical records are stolen, lost or leaked. This was a suggestion made by a number of people during the public consultation phase, including notably by Professor Simon Chesterman, Dean of NUS Law School.
I think this is an important provision to consider having as it will allow the individuals affected to take timely and necessary precautions and remedial actions.
Four, while data protection is important, I think the provisions in Part VIII of the Bill, including the provision for reconsideration by the Commission and provisions on appeal, are a bit of an overkill. Let me describe the current process.
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First, when an individual makes a complaint and the Commission investigates and makes a direction, the Commission may be asked under clause 31 to reconsider its decision or direction. An appeal may then be made to the Appeal Panel under clause 33, which will constitute an Appeal Committee to hear the appeal. The Appeal Committee's decision is not final. It is, in turn, appealable, under various circumstances, two more times – once to the High Court and, yet another time, to the Court of Appeal.
Sir, I think there may be too many layers of appeal. This creates uncertainty and delay in resolving disputes. The cost of such litigation may well be beyond the common man and put him at a disadvantage against corporations with time and deep pockets on their side. It is also disproportionate when compared to the number of levels of appeal available for other criminal and civil disputes that are heard before our courts.
Sir, I propose that appeals stop at the High Court, which is already a very high level. Go to the Court of Appeal for very important questions of law of public interest, and only then with leave of court.
Five, I would like to ask the Minister what effect the Bill is intended to have on the common law of confidentiality. Is the Bill intended to codify or to modify the common law?
For instance, Sir, let us look at clause 17(3) read with paragraph 1(m) of the Fourth Schedule. It states that an organisation, in this case a licensed healthcare institution, may disclose personal data about a current or former patient to a public body for the purposes of policy formulation or review.
Under the common law, the physician treating the patient, as well as the healthcare institution, is under an obligation to respect the confidentiality of the patient's information. Over and above that, the doctor has to comply with the Singapore Medical Council's (SMC) Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines which also has stipulations about medical confidentiality. Such disclosure would therefore have required expressed consent or a legal requisition under the Statistics Act, under existing law.
Sir, to prevent confusion amongst professionals such as doctors and lawyers and other individuals who may be obliged to respect confidences under the common law and ethical codes, it may be helpful for the Commission to clarify and provide guidance on the interaction between the Data Protection law on the one hand, and common law and ethical obligations on the other.
Six, one of the questions posed by MICA during the public consultation was whether the Bill should only cover organisations in Singapore, or whether coverage should also extend to personal data collection and processing activities in Singapore regardless of where the organisation is located. MICA posed this question because it was concerned about the practical difficulties of investigating complaints and enforcing the law against organisations with no presence in Singapore.
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I read through a sampling of the public responses on MICA's website and the majority of respondents, both corporations and individuals alike, felt that the law ought to apply regardless of where the organisations were located, so long as they were engaged in collecting, storing and using data here in Singapore.
I fully agree. This provides a level playing field, ensures even-handed protection of personal information, and is in line with the wider jurisdictional reach of legislation such as the Computer Misuse Act. In any event, the Commission can and should work with foreign data protection regulators and law enforcement agencies given how easily data flows across borders.
This seems to be the position taken in the Bill, as the term \"organisation\" is defined in clause 2(1) as including entities whether or not formed or recognised under Singapore law or resident or having an office or place of business in Singapore. Could I seek Minister's clarification that this is indeed the position taken in the Bill?
And, finally, Sir, on the Do Not Call (DNC) registry, which I am looking forward to, I notice there is a defence in clause 43(3) of the Bill for those who send marketing messages without checking the registry. This defence applies when the person sending the message can prove that the subscriber or user of the number had given consent to the sending of the message.
Sir, I feel this defence may muddy and undermine the efficacy of the DNC registry. For instance, there could be a dispute as to whether the consent had come first, or whether the registration had come first, or whether there was even written consent in the first place. In my view, it would be much cleaner to just state that if a number is placed by the member of the public on the registry, then no calls ought to be made to disturb his peace and quiet, full-stop. Clause 43(3), Sir, therefore, ought to be deleted. Mr Speaker, Sir, with that, I support the Bill.
Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef (Marine Parade): Sir, it was not too long ago when I received a phone call from one of the staff of a local bank who told me, \"Madam, are you currently in country X about to purchase a diamond and ruby Cleopatra necklace which costs about S$400,000?\" Well, of course, I was not in country X. And, of course, he assisted in protecting my bank services, terminating the card and saving my money.
Sir, this Bill is a first in Singapore but represents a landmark one. It is timely, necessary and will only get more important with all the technology, telecommunications and IT development we are facing this century. It will assist with responsible use of personal data as well as guard customers' private details accordingly. Sir, I have no doubt our Government agencies will lead the way in doing this.
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Now, a few clarifications. For section 4 on the applications of the Act, when it comes to foreign companies, private companies and MNCs, registered and operating here in Singapore, what happens when these foreign companies use the Singapore data and details overseas? How do we ensure the data is accorded the same level of protection when transferred overseas? Some of these companies may not have the appropriate contractual agreement as mentioned by the Minister. So, how do we have this added protection that we really need and also what about the data that has been collected prior to this Bill?
Pertaining to the global flow of information and cross border data abuse, what will happen in such cases? For example, in the numerous transactions done by Singaporeans such as booking of hotels overseas, signing up for conferences, filling up application forms and many other similar examples, how can Singapore citizens who have been affected seek redress?
Pertaining to the use of data on social networking sites such as Facebook, blogs, and so on, does this constitute \"publishing\" the information and data under this current Act?
Sir, the Bill also has no specific reference to children under the age of 12 years. In the United States, for example, there is a Child Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) enforced in the year 2000 for children under the age of 13 years. Should we, in Singapore, have some form of verifiable parental consent for the collection of personal data of children or could children or minors be given automatic protection in some ways?
On another issue, Sir. Electronic medical records are certainly an \"in\" thing in Singapore in the way we are going forward with one patient, one medical record. Patients seeking medical assistance from clinics and institutions are in their most vulnerable moments and will certainly automatically divulge information and data to those concerned. Now, healthcare data is, indeed, very intimate, very personal, very private and extremely confidential. We certainly need an utmost level of protection for these data. Can I ask the Minister whether there will be added layers or levels of protection for certain data which are managed in the healthcare sector besides those that are already available in the institutions?
Many organisations these days are requesting for data which include NRIC numbers and, for example, the People's Association, too, now has upscaled its criteria for awards and requires our grassroots leaders to collect information, including NRIC number, for entry into a system to gauge the outreach into the community. What is the Ministry's take on this, please?
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Also, data of condominium owners which is often publicised on public notice boards by the MCST are easily accessible and available to people such as property agents and housing agents who can use this information sometimes even with very personalised brochures to residents living there. Will this Bill be able to look at some alignment with the Land Strata Titles Act?
Sir, assumed consent is quite different from formally taking informed consent. Clear delineation is crucial to handle short-, medium-, as well as long-term repercussions which may surface. At the same time, we need to have a balanced and equilibrium approach to this issue.
I commend MICA on putting forth this maiden Bill. There will certainly be some teething problems, but certainly we must move forward and continue to fine-tune as we progress into the future. It is not going to be smooth sailing. Certainly, data and information transactions have become a key part of our lives today and, indeed, we all must handle this with utmost integrity and ethics. Sir, with that, I support the Bill.
Mr Teo Siong Seng (Nominated Member): Mr Speaker, good afternoon. I would like to first declare that I am the President of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, representing 4,000 corporate members and 145 trade associations from a great diversity of trades, industries and service providers.
Today, I would like to speak about the Bill which is up for a Second Reading. There are two main sections in the Bill: the Personal Data Protection Act and the Do Not Call registry.
On the Personal Data Protection Act, firstly, the move to establish this is an important step to further enhance our position to build a trusted business and information technology hub. The Act would help to prevent companies from using personal data of individuals irresponsibly and without their knowledge or express consent. We understand that such a personal data privacy law has been enacted in the EU, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and the Philippines.
On the other hand, the implications of this Act can be far-reaching. It would cover all industries because personal data also includes human resource records. Therefore, the Act would affect industries including, but not limited to, insurance, outsourced telephone marketing services providers, data storage service providers, property, banks, financial institutions, health, medical, security, and so on. All industries which need to refer to or make use of personal data to promote or expand their business would feel the impact. By the same token, industries which need to refer to HR records of individuals for recruitment purposes may face certain practical difficulties.
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On Care of Personal Data, under Part VI, section 24, \"An organisation shall protect personal data in its possession or under its control by making reasonable security arrangements to prevent unauthorised access, collection, use, disclosure, copying, modification, disposal or similar risks.\"
Companies would need to look for suitable security solutions to protect their data. Because the Act does not provide clear perimeters for what is meant by \"reasonable security arrangements\", it would be open to certain ambiguities. Multinational companies or large companies would most likely go for the best solution and sometimes costly solutions to protect their database, because they have the resources and can afford to do so, or may have done so already.
On the other hand, the incremental cost of compliance to the new Act, in terms of safeguarding the data and allocating the manpower to get it done, will be so much higher for an SME to manage. Under Part III, section 11(3), the Act states that \"An organisation shall designate one or more individuals to be responsible for ensuring that the organisation complies with this Act.\" Under section 12(a), the Act also specifies that an organisation shall \"develop and implement policies and practices that are necessary for the organisation to meet the obligations of the organisation under this Act.\"
Firstly, the cost of purchasing a highly secure data management system may be beyond their means. Secondly, with only a skeleton team managing administration and operations, it may not possible for SMEs to devote another headcount to handle compliance matters. Thirdly, in addition to the cost of buying the security solutions and the cost of compliance, SMEs have to worry about the consultancy and development costs to put in appropriate policies.
The compliance is not straightforward by any means. Organisations may also allow individuals from outside to access their data and accede to the request for individuals to correct their personal data. The organisations have to manage their database in such a way that they could provide information on which parties the individual's personal data had been disclosed to within the past year and be ready to communicate any corrections to them. At the same time, organisations have to provide information on the ways the data has been and may have been made use of. These are some of the onerous compliance procedures that are not only time-consuming but also put undue obstacles in the way of an SME's operations. Over and above their daily operational matters, SMEs would now have to cope with compliance procedures to manage their database.
There is a proposed sunrise period of 18 months before the law on personal data protection will come into effect. The business community feels that 18 months is far too short for all companies and organisations to be ready. IT solutions companies may not have sufficient resources to customise and install suitable security measures for all Singapore companies within 18 months.
I would like to appeal on behalf of the business community for a longer sunrise period, especially for the SMEs. We could stagger the sunrise period, keeping the originally proposed 18 months for MNCs or large companies and selected businesses like headhunters, insurance brokers and marketing companies. Our proposal is to let smaller companies with less than $10 million in annual revenue use the 18 months to draft appropriate compliance policies, while the sunrise period can be extended by another 12 months. This would give them more breathing space for proper implementation. The SMEs and IT solutions vendors could also learn from the bigger companies on the implementation procedures and bring them up to speed.
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At the same time, the financial penalty \"not exceeding $1 million\" for non-compliance is extremely heavy. This also gives rise to a certain ambiguity. There is this ceiling of $1 million for the heaviest penalty but no indication of what the lower range is likely to be. SMEs and MNCs are operating on different scales altogether and we hope the financial penalty would not be applied unilaterally irrespective of the size and scale of the company.
Next, on the Do Not Call (DNC) registry which I also welcome personally. While we are aware that the Do Not Call registry protects individuals against unsolicited calls like spa packages, bank loans, facials, and other marketing messages, we are concerned that this would become another additional cost for businesses. There are three separate registers: phone calls, SMS/MMS, and fax. Organisations would have to subscribe to the Do Not Call registry for each tier. A company wishing to send marketing messages would have to subscribe with each separate register – for phone calls, SMS/MMS and fax. No details have been given on the subscription fee or how it would be administered. We seek more clarity on this, especially bearing in mind that business cost is getting higher and higher in Singapore.
We also foresee that the cumbersome nature of having organisations make renewed checks with the DNC registry once in every \"prescribed duration\". Again, this compounds to the costs of doing business. In particular, the SMEs will be thrust into a difficult position of having to comply with such procedures, on top of their usual heavy workload and cost.
The penalties per breach for the DNC, capped at $10,000, may be acceptable for the big companies. But this is considered a very large amount for SMEs. We would appeal to the Personal Data Protection Commission to review this amount in all fairness to the SMEs. We also wonder if the penalty is commensurate to the offence.
While the business community understands the rationale for having a Personal Data Protection Act and the setting up of a DNC registry, it does introduce many areas of concern, in terms of overall compliance, additional costs, heavy penalties and an overarching impact on the SMEs.
We would also like to understand why the Personal Data Protection Act has now removed the Data Protection Fund which was originally intended to provide financing or incentives, including grants and scholarships, to any public authority, enterprise, education institution, or other person undertaking or facilitating any programme to promote data protection awareness or implementation and running costs of the Commission. This Fund could have been used to alleviate some of the operational and compliance costs for the SMEs. I hope that these relevant concerns will be heeded. In closing, I support the Bill.
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Mr Ang Wei Neng (Jurong): Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Bill. I will commence in Mandarin.
(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech on Pg 940.] The Personal Data Protection Bill comes at the right time. In today's Internet world, personal data can easily be stolen or misused by unscrupulous people. Singapore is unlike the EU, US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, where comprehensive consumer data protection laws are in force. Quite often, we receive uninvited calls, SMSes or emails trying to sell various products and services. The most annoying is a call like this: \"xxx, you are our bank's valued customer; I call to recommend our newest insurance products/loans.\" Banks possess our personal data and they vow to keep the information confidential. However, the banks pass our mobile phone numbers to their agents and partners who in turn promote insurance products we usually do not need. I believe many Members of the House might have similar experiences!
Therefore, the Do Not Call registry will be welcomed by many people. Clause 40 of the Bill stipulates that customer can apply and register his telephone number with the registry or to have the number removed from the registry in the form and manner determined by the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC). I hope that PDPC can simplify the application process. It would be ideal if we could allow consumers to apply through phone, using any of the four official languages, after simple authentication of identity. If the consumer subsequently decides to pull out, I suggest the application to remove his number from the registry has to be made in writing. We do not want unscrupulous people or organisations to take advantage of illiterate Singaporeans by persuading them to withdraw from the registry, or to withdraw on their behalf.
While we protect the consumers, we also need to provide some safeguards to SMEs, so as to curb the cost of compliance. Section 3 of clause 11 mandates that an organisation must designate an individual to ensure that the organisation complies with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). For example, EU Data Protection Law stipulates that organisations with over 250 staff must employ one dedicated data protection officer. However, considering SMEs' limited resources, perhaps the Commission could consider establishing a consulting service to help SMEs to comply with the requirements of PDPA at affordable fees.
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In recent years, the technology of digital camera and video camera has improved drastically while the costs remain affordable. Consequently, more and more companies install surveillance camera on their premises to deter crime, help solve customer disputes, etc. At this point of time, I would like to declare my interest as I work in a Public Transport Organisation (PTO). We operate trains and buses that are installed with CCTV. I understand that video images recorded by surveillance cameras could be considered as personal data and come under the ambit of the Bill. I agree. Under clause 24 of the Bill, an organisation shall protect the video images which include taking steps to prevent the images from circulating on websites, such as YouTube, without prior authorisation.
(In English): In the last part of my Mandarin speech, I said I am glad that video images recorded by the surveillance cameras are considered as personal data as the video images can identify an individual. I understand that the PDPC will be issuing guidelines on the application of the PDPA to the use of CCTV and surveillance cameras.
I suggest that the PDPC could take reference from the data protection legislation in the EU when drafting the guidelines. For example, the guidelines can require organisations to inform their customers or members of the public about the presence of CCTV on their premises. They should also make provision to protect the CCTV video recordings in their possession or under their control by having reasonable security arrangements to prevent unauthorised access, collection, use, disclosure, copying, modification, disposal and similar risks, as stated in clause 24 of the Bill.
At the same time, it is advisable that an organisation should only release the CCTV recordings to public agencies, as defined in clause 2 of the Bill, and not to individuals, especially with regard to law and order issues such as allegation of thefts or assaults. This is because CCTV recordings, most of the time, may reveal images of other individuals which could be construed as personal data about these individuals and fall under the provision of clause 21, section (3)(c).
On the issue of transfer of personal data outside Singapore, I am disappointed that the Bill does not sufficiently protect the consumer. Clause 26, section 1, states that an organisation shall not transfer any personal data to a country or territory outside Singapore except in accordance with requirements prescribed under the Bill. However, putting the onus on the organisations that collect the data in Singapore to ensure that a comparable standard of protection is accorded to the personal data transferred overseas is, in my view, asking a fox to mind the chicken coop. Organisations and businesses will be inclined to take the routes most beneficial to their own entities and bottom line. To this end, I would urge the Minister to consider allowing personal data to be transferred to a third country only if that country provides an adequate level of protection, that is, at the country level rather than at the firm level.
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Lastly, I would like to ask the Minister whether the personal data and information collected during the house visits and walkabouts by fellow Members of the House, including myself, would fall under the purview of this Bill. I am of the opinion that the same standards and regulations should apply but I hope the Minister could elaborate.
Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan (Nee Soon): Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of this Bill which will help to safeguard individuals' personal data against misuse, ensuring the interests of our consumers and putting us on par with advanced economies in terms of data protection laws. It is also good to note that most organisations and companies will be subject to this baseline law in ensuring compliance from the way customers' data is collected to establishing the accuracy of its data and defining its retention and usage within and outside of Singapore.
A difficult challenge that this new Bill has to address is to balance between satisfying the consumers' need for information and to prevent the infringement of their private space with spam e-mails, unsolicited SMSes and calls. It seems to me that the measure before and after Personal Data Protection (PDP) may sway to one or the other end for the caller and intended recipient. Before the PDP is proposed, the intended recipient will usually be hounded by sales or telemarketing calls often regarding banking, insurance or property marketing. After the PDP and the Do Not Call (DNC) registry option are implemented, will the majority of people list themselves on the register? It may be easier and faster to reject the call than to list the organisation or person under the register. If the calls are persistent, would enhancing harassment laws not be a more effective deterrent? While the DNC register is a good initiative, I ask whether it will entirely solve the problem of nuisance calls or it will just be a back-up option that is not fully utilised. The fact remains that people do not even know how their personal data is compromised in the business-to-business transactions of customer database.
I would like to provide the classic case of cold calls from property agents to illustrate how seeking a balance for consumers can be tricky. The context of the intended recipient will blur what should be considered as a breach of personal data or what can be considered to be a normal market transaction. For a property owner who is looking to sell or rent his or her property, he or she would welcome as many calls as possible by property agents, solicited or unsolicited, to get the best price or quotation. He or she may even encourage personal data to be passed on from one property firm to the other. Having sold or rented the property, would the individual therefore regard further calls by interested agents to be with or without \"consent\"? It may be difficult to apply the DNC regime in such a broad stroke for the customer or consumer. From another perspective, the new privacy laws will also add on to the burden of businesses having to manage their clients' ever evolving needs.
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Under the new Bill, it is stated that organisations shall not attempt to obtain consent for collection or using personal data by deploying deceptive or misleading practices. We know how easy it is to bypass this by dangling a lucky draw to obtain personal details from the customer. By sharing my personal particulars for the lucky draw, I may have only consented to its usage for the lucky draw alone. I may not have agreed for the business to share these details with other business associates. However, from the company's perspective, they may have already regarded this as a broad consent, which in most cases are explicitly stated upfront in a lucky draw coupon, and for any of its intended commercial purposes such as promotion of products through e-mails, tele-marketing, and so on.
So, when the sales mechanism is activated, one may find oneself unwittingly applying for a credit card or, in the worst case, signing away one's right for our personal data to be used in any way that the company wants. While consent can be withdrawn, it leads to much personal hassle which could have been prevented with better consumer knowledge. How do we ensure consumers understand the terms and conditions that they may have unwittingly agreed to? How about those who are not able to read and understand the fine print well? How does the new law draw the line in this case between promoting commerce and protecting the interests of consumers? What would be considered as deceptive and misleading practices? By putting forth these questions, I would like to highlight that the challenges will be in the execution, implementation and enforcement. This will include the criteria and the interpretation of the law and rules even though consumers can apply to be in the DNC register or carry out withdrawal of consent.
From the business perspective, the new legislation may have adverse effects on the business if they are unable to handle the new privacy demands of their customers well. I am equally concerned on the impact on the livelihood of the many insurance and property agents as some of them may be freelance professionals themselves. With the new Bill, it would be useful to have supporting guidelines or guides in a succinct format, as to how these industries, their stakeholders and individuals are to act in compliance with the new laws and still be efficient and profitable. Perhaps, even the standard form or format which is in legal compliance with the new law is circulated or shared by the Ministry.
In terms of the exclusion list for this new Bill, public agencies do not have to be subject to the rules under PDP. The apparent inconsistencies in the application of rules are an immediate concern. We know that the Government has its own set of data protection rules that public officers have to comply with. These rules are said to be like the PDP itself and therefore an additional layer of law is not needed.
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In a similar vein, I put forward, would a not-for-profit organisation, such as the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and 61 affiliated unions, with the interests of workers in mind, not qualify to be exempted from the PDP? Currently, for NTUC and our affiliated unions, we already have strict internal controls as to how we manage the database of our members to protect their privacy. My concern is whether the new laws will affect our outreach and communications to our workers and members. At the same time, will the Unions' organising efforts to engage more non-members in the public domain be affected?
NTUC's membership efforts need to be as wide-ranging and pervasive as possible. While we understand that there is freedom of association, NTUC and our affiliated unions would like to share our benefits effectively to the working populace. It would be far easier to carry this out without the onerous requirements now set out. NTUC as an inclusive Labour Movement can only play the role of bringing different communities closer together. NTUC and our affiliated unions are driven by a social cause and not for profits. Hence, I submit that we should not be subject to these additional regulatory measures intended for the private sector. I would like to strongly appeal for organisations such as NTUC with a keen interest in workers' welfare to be exempted from this new Bill and Act.
Having listed the effects that PDP has on various stakeholders, it would be good to consider the overall impact that PDP will bring to our society. The establishment of the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) is meant to implement the law. However, with its wide-ranging powers, I am concerned about the impact that it has on the civil rights of our people and commercial rights of our businesses. Herein lies the challenge of the balancing act again – how do we establish the genuine intention of fair business practices versus the indiscriminate selling of customer databases from business to business. It is important that while we will vest PDPC with its investigative powers such as search without warrant, the composition of PDPC should reflect the diverse perspectives of not just the Government but of businesses and civil rights leaders. There should also be significant public and consumer education about the appeal mechanism and grounds for appeal.
It is important for us to be able to establish the desired outcomes that we would like to see from the implementation of the PDP. The desired outcomes should be inclusive to ensure win-win for consumers, businesses and protection of the individual's privacy. Once again, on behalf of the Labour Movement, I would like to seek the exemption of NTUC and our affiliated unions from this Bill. Notwithstanding, I support this Bill to tighten the protection of our personal data.
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Mr R Dhinakaran (Nominated Member): Mr Speaker, Sir, today, we are on the verge of passing a landmark Act, which will make personal data more confidential and safe. While I understand the need for such a Bill arose from the plight of several unhappy residents of Singapore having being accosted by strangers offering various unsolicited services, and the need for the law to take a tough stand to dissuade such nuisance creators, it is important to understand and think through the needless collateral damage we may be causing with this Bill.
The Bill has tried to define personal data, its usage and various obligations for the party holding on to this data. While the attempt has been towards clarifying the usage and their implications, it will weave in a maze of legal complexity into the subject. I wish to bring to highlight certain types of challenges we are likely to face after this Bill is passed.
Firstly, I would like to illustrate the example of signing forms with disclaimers like in the case of credit cards, and so on, where most people sign on the dotted line without going through the page full of clauses in detail and in very, very small letters. You need a kind of binoculars to go through the details. They may have unknowingly permitted usage of their personal data for marketing purposes, which the company is within legal bounds to use.
However, the customer may take offence under the present law claiming the calls as violation of privacy and the business forced to prove that its calls were legitimate. For small businesses, the legal and operational costs incurred to prove that it was legally accorded the right to use the data by the customer will be an over burden.
In addition, the businesses always grow in size and scope and it is very natural for new add-on services to emerge, keeping in view of its relevance to its customer base. This results in the creation of newer business divisions, entities and subsidiaries within the same parent group.
The Bill forbids usage of existing customers' data between subsidiaries or group companies unless explicitly collected for the use. This will lead to severe duplication of efforts and maintenance of separate databases, marketing team, etc, and may even kill cross marketing efforts which drive increasing productivity and even customer satisfaction. Of course, it leads to higher costs for businesses in duplicating the marketing efforts.
Furthermore, wilful wrong submissions of data by customers who want to protect privacy but are also keen to have businesses reach out to them on offers is not uncommon. Some people may be filling mandatory fields in an online form, with fictitious email, IDs and phone numbers. While these numbers may not be theirs, it may be existing numbers of other people who have shown no interest in the company's products or services but are now exposed to marketing calls unwittingly. Is the business guilty on the count of breach of privacy?
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The Bill states the need to preserve logs and usage of personal data for a minimum period of one year. Is it practical to expect SMEs to maintain logs for every marketing call they make if they do not use the services of a sophisticated call centre? I am sure some small businesses may not have the resources to engage such professional services for peripheral reasons or spending additional resources in maintaining the data internally.
While the Bill requires data users to preserve sources of data, it allows already available public data for use. What about customers who have detailed online profiles giving personal contact particulars while also seeking privacy or selectively signing consent for certain use? Does the public information available overrule all the selective consent given? What if visiting cards shared in business forums or meetings are used as a consent and implicit interest in the company's products and services?
I would like to draw attention to the DNC database. This is the most direct redressal of key grievances leading to the Bill. I am sure most of us receive unsolicited calls typically trying to market unsolicited financial instruments. We may want to join the DNC list out of frustration and irritation. Having joined the list, it does not preclude any of us from being enamoured by some exciting things we see or offers we like and therefore we may register our interest for these services or goods.
However, if the business does really check the DNC registry, we should be getting no communication. Is this what we want? Is this acceptable? Will we not charge the retailer for not providing good services and not receiving the communication despite registering for it? The fact that we have chosen to enlist in DNC may have occurred in a different context and timeframe.
The DNC, being dynamic in nature, makes it even more onerous for businesses to follow. Businesses may make a decision based on the status at a point in time, only to be unwittingly violating it at the point of making the call should the customer opt out of the DNC list by then. These are practical realities and complexities. Moreover, the call roster to make calls at call centres is made in advance.
Having spelt out a few instances of complexity and additional costs we may be weaving into the existing practices, I would like to imagine brief immediate recourse by businesses to avoid the maze of legal complexities the Bill may bring about.
Today, in many western countries where a DNC registry is in place and personal data protection law is in force, unsolicited calls are almost non-existent. Businesses have adapted to use other communication channels to reach out to their customers. These methods are largely generic and public channels. The use of flyers is extremely high in these markets. Perhaps, while we would have addressed the menace of unsolicited marketing approaches with a tedious-to-implement data protection law, we may be unwittingly inviting more flyer menace in our mailboxes. We may want to look and think about this well in advance, especially when we are spending large amounts of resources to control littering in our country!
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At a time when we are looking at customised services and customised marketing, the new Bill will increase costs significantly for database handling and administration, making more of the smaller businesses to go back to blanket marketing methods which will be easier and less costly.
The irony of this subject is that while we are annoyed by unsolicited approaches, we are still keen to have the best offers to selectively reach us. It is a choice to make between wants for better deals and offers, and the need for privacy. A costly choice for the businesses, it is the price we are trying to assign for the legal complexity we may be weaving into our lives which may not address the real issue of breach of privacy as it may eventually lead to other kinds of unsolicited approaches. Marketing, after all, is to create a need where there is none, and it is the best possible when you reach out to a target segment beyond your existing customer base.
Having made my point through the speech, I would like to acknowledge that there is indeed a need to protect the privacy of our people and it should not be abused by cold calls and unsolicited approaches. But I feel the approach we are taking is perhaps more theoretical than keeping it simple, practical and perhaps clinical. Some possible ways will include those I will list.
If there is indeed clamour in the market on unsolicited communication, it would be perhaps best to analyse and segment the noise and address the specifics alone. For instance, if financial marketing of loans and credit lines are the majority of the breach of personal privacy, then an opt-out option could be made compulsory before making the call.
To ensure that customers' privacy is respected but at the same time he is exposed to new products and services that may be of interest to him or her, we should allow a less direct but personalised approach. A SMS to an intended customer seeking permission to call for discussing an offer can be sent together with an option to unsubscribe future messages and calls on a toll-free basis will clearly avoid nuisance while giving the customer a choice with minimum intrusion. A call should follow only having a reply from the customer rather than a message where silence is implied as acceptance to the offer.
Imagine, if offers in supermarkets are not to be communicated to regular buyers, how would the customers react to their favourite retailers not communicating to them on bargain buys? Clearly, there is a distinction on what we would want to hear and what we do not want to hear from the marketers. A blanket approach may not be a good solution.
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Besides, in case of disputing the intrusion by both parties, the resolution would become an expensive and needless affair for both parties. What we need to build in here is more a sense of responsibility to marketers and a clear option for customers to opt out after having been given a chance to understand what is being offered.
This will ensure that the customer later does not cry foul that he was never informed, while the fact would have been that he had opted out of all marketing calls because he was irritated by one stray call for something he did not want. A simple and balanced approach is the way to go forward, than to weave complexity and create more work for all parties, including the judiciary. The cost-benefit analysis may also prove the complexity is unworthy. On the whole, I support the Bill, Sir.
Mr Lim Biow Chuan (Mountbatten): Sir, I rise in support of the Bill. Over the last few years, many consumers have complained about the proliferation of unsolicited calls and SMSes which they received. These calls and SMSes generally try to sell them a service or product which they did not ask for. For example, I am not looking for a house. Yet, each month, I receive several SMSes promoting the sale of houses and the launch of new housing developments. In addition, I also receive cold calls from advertisers trying to sell me hotel packages, financial products and timeshare package.
Sir, some of these calls were made at odd hours and some calls were made whilst consumers were overseas. Many consumers complain that they get very irritated each time they are overseas and received unsolicited calls or SMSes from advertisers. They then may have to bear the extra overseas telecom charges for these unsolicited advertising calls and SMSes. It is a waste of their time and disruptive to their work to have to answer to such calls or to read SMSes when they are busy or at a meeting.
I have also heard from a friend that once, when he tried to cut short the telemarketer and said that he was not interested in the product, he received a string of expletives and the caller then hung up the phone. Unfortunately, the marketing call was made from an unlisted telephone number and he had no recourse to complain.
Sir, the general consensus is that much of the information which is available to commercial advertisers is derived from data which consumers innocently gave whilst filling in forms for lucky draws, for some VIP or privilege cards or completing survey forms. These data are then compiled and then traded for sale. Thus, if we search the Internet, we will find that some 5,000 names can be sold for as little as $250. In this computerised age, it is so easy to replicate and sell the data list again and again to different organisations trying to launch their new products or services. In fact, feedback from many consumers suggest that their details are being circulated amongst timeshare companies as these consumers receive repeated marketing calls from different timeshare companies.
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For these reasons, Sir, I strongly support the introduction of this Personal Data Protection Bill. It is the right thing for the Government to regulate the collection, use and disclosure of personal data and to ensure that once collected, the data cannot be used for different purposes or reasons unless express consent from the individual has been obtained.
I also support the setting up of the Do Not Call registry at Part IX of the Bill. I accept, Sir, that there is a need to balance the social benefits and economic advantages of some form of electronic advertising. It is also not in the interest of society to absolutely ban all forms of electronic advertisement, some of which may be educational in nature, some of which may promote a charitable cause and some of which may be for research. Thus, the definition of specified message at section 37 of the Bill with the exclusions at the Eighth Schedule is acceptable for the moment. These may have to be reviewed at a later date as technology and the norms of the world change.
Sir, allow me to seek some clarifications on the Bill from the Minister. Section 13 of the proposed Bill provides for the organisation to seek consent from individuals before collecting, using or disclosing the personal data. Section 20 provides for the organisation to notify the individual the purpose for collection of the personal data and any other purpose for the use or disclosure of the data.
Sir, supposing an organisation buries details in small print in its lucky draw or survey forms, that they are collecting the personal data for sale to third parties and that the individual, by completing the form consents to the disclosure and sale of the personal data, is that allowed under this law?
My concern is that many consumers do not actually read the small print which may be found at the back of the page or that it is simply too small print.
Some years ago, when I bought a sofa set, I was given 15 lucky draw forms to complete. At that time, my focus was simply to quickly fill in the forms, much less read the small print terms and conditions. I have since stopped filling in lucky draw forms.
Sir, section 22 of the Bill provides that an individual may request an organisation to correct an error or omission in the personal data. May I ask whether that individual can also request that his data be deleted?
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Section 26 of the Bill provides that an organisation shall not transfer any personal data to a country or territory outside Singapore except in certain circumstances. Suppose a rogue organisation breaches this section and sells all the personal data to another organisation outside Singapore, how would such a breach be established? Secondly, if the buyer of such personal data were to operate from overseas to trade in the data, what would the Government do? With the current Internet technology, it is really not too expensive to call from overseas using Internet platforms like Viber.
Sir, I do express concern about how proactive the Government is in enforcing the law because when the Spam Control Act was introduced in 2007, I spoke on it, and I had some hopes that spam e-mails would be reduced. However, quite honestly, I have seen little improvement to the situation. My e-mail and many of my friends' e-mails still receive a large amount of spam e-mail weekly.
Next, Sir, section 28 of the Bill provides for the power of the Commission to review certain complaints. Could the Commission's power to review be extended to investigate a complaint by an individual that an organisation has required the individual to consent to the collection, use or disclosure of personal data beyond what is reasonable, or to review a complaint that an organisation has not made reasonable security arrangements to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure of personal data.
Section 32 of the Bill provides for a person who suffers loss or damage to have the right of action for relief. Could the Minister clarify what kind of loss or damage is envisaged before an individual may commence such an action?
Sir, finally, Part IX of the Bill, the Do Not Call registry, Minister had earlier stated that there would be a separate register for facsimile messages. May I know whether businesses can ask to be included in this Do Not Fax registry so that they do not receive spam faxes? What about e-mails? If e-mails are not included, would businesses resort to sending e-mails since they are no longer allowed to make voice calls, SMSes or faxes?
Finally, Sir, I would urge for this law to be implemented as early as possible. Otherwise, personal data collected may be traded before implementation of the law, or may be transferred out of Singapore before the implementation date. Sir, I support the Bill.
Mr Gan Thiam Poh (Pasir Ris-Punggol): Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of this Bill. I appreciate the Ministry's sincere efforts to take into account the concerns of all stakeholders regarding personal data protection. Not less than three rounds of public consultations were conducted between September last year and this April. Members of the public and industries had contributed close to 1,900 feedback regarding this protection framework, the Do Not Call (DNC) registry and the proposed legislation. I would just like to add a couple of points.
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Firstly, with 97% of the respondents in the MICA poll supporting the idea for a DNC registry, perhaps we should consider changing the registry to an opt-in list of phone and fax numbers instead. That is, only individuals who do not object to being contacted by organisations seeking to provide goods and services have to register for the list. The assumption is that the rest of the population does not desire unsolicited calls, SMSes and faxes. I think this is a more cost effective and efficient way. In addition, such a registry is more considerate of the needs of the vulnerable members of our society, including many elderly folks. Why should they be inconvenienced with the requirement of opting-out registration? In fact, I suspect after the passing of the Bill, telemarketers will end up targeting this group after the more savvy residents had submitted their opt-out applications.
Secondly, we have this problem of calls originating from call centres overseas. May I ask the Minister to share with the House the legal implications and enforcement measures for businesses with multiple call centres in other jurisdictions, as this Bill only addresses organisations in Singapore.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: Thank you, Mr Speaker. First, I thank the many Members of this House for their support for this Bill, and for sharing their thoughts on important issues that this piece of legislation seeks to address. Sir, Members have raised many different scenarios about the protection of individuals and the concerns of organisations. The Bill is drafted to apply to all sectors in the economy and necessarily contains broad and general principles. It will therefore not be possible to give a definitive answer to each and every scenario, as this would require an assessment of all the facts of the specific case.
Sir, with this in mind, let me address the key themes and questions that Members have brought up. One of the key issues that Members have brought up is the issue of compliance costs, especially for SMEs. This is a key consideration for us in developing this Bill. We have sought to mitigate compliance costs for businesses where possible. Several requirements have been adjusted to take into account the feedback and suggestions received from the businesses during the public consultations period.
[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Charles Chong) in the Chair]
For example, Sir, the law will impose fewer obligations on organisations known as \"data intermediaries\", which process personal data on behalf of other organisations. Measures are also in place to mitigate organisations' costs for handling access requests. Business-to-business marketing calls and messages are also excluded from the Do Not Call (DNC) registry so as not to unduly hinder business-to-business marketing.
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Sir, I would like to assure Members that we have been mindful to ensure the Bill does not impose overly onerous requirements on our businesses, while maintaining an adequate level of protection for our consumers. Nonetheless, Sir, some costs are inevitable in complying with any new piece of legislation or regulation.
Both Mr Zaqy Mohamad and Ms Low Yen Ling asked about training and financial assistance to help our SMEs comply with the Act. Sir, to ease organisations into the new law, the Bill provides a transition period of 12 to 18 months for organisations to adjust their practices to comply with the DNC registry and data protection requirements, respectively. During this period, the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) will focus on building up the capabilities of organisations to comply with the Act. The PDPC will issue advisory guidelines, provide educational materials as well as conduct education and outreach activities to help both organisations and individuals better understand the Act. These education and outreach activities will continue beyond the transition period because it is in our interest to ensure that everybody knows the Act well so that they can comply with it effectively and efficiently.
Sir, there are also existing industry assistance schemes, such as IDA's iSPRINT scheme and SPRING's Innovation and Capability Voucher scheme, that companies can potentially tap on to help defray costs in upgrading their systems or processes to comply with the Act.
Sir, both Mr David Ong and Ms Jessica Tan rightly pointed out the need for a framework that balances innovation and flexibility with the need to ensure good data governance. A data protection regime can help promote business innovation and enhance competitiveness. It was also observed that consumer data, if appropriately used, can lead to better services and products that help local businesses become more competitive. The Bill also supports Singapore's development as a global data hub by providing a conducive environment for global data management industries, such as cloud computing and business analytics, to operate in Singapore.
Sir, Mr Desmond Lee asked how the Bill is envisaged to operate in relation to common law principles. The Bill does not seek to change any right or obligation conferred by or imposed under the common law, including the common law principles of confidentiality and consent. The Bill does address a number of issues that are not covered under the common law today. For example, the common law does not have a general requirement that consent must be obtained for the purpose for which personal data is collected, used or disclosed.
The Bill, as we have mentioned, is a baseline legislation that will operate concurrently with other legislative and regulatory frameworks. Taking the example of the health sector, medical records that contain personal data are covered under the Bill. This includes personal data contained in electronic health records. Doctors will need to follow the rules for collection, use, disclosure, access and correction, and care when dealing with personal data in medical records. In addition, Sir, other relevant laws, such as those under the purview of the Ministry of Health, may also apply.
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Several Members also commented on the definition of personal data. Mr Zaqy Mohamad raised the concern that the definition is broad and vague and may not cover information such as a person's salary and religious preferences. As one can tell from the different situations that Members have raised, it is necessary for the definition to be sufficiently broad to allow the Bill to apply to differing circumstances. The definition adopted in the Bill encompasses any data that can identify an individual, and it will cover the examples cited by the Member. The definition also covers personal data recorded in both electronic and non-electronic formats.
Mr Ang Wei Neng spoke about CCTVs. The Bill covers CCTV recordings to the extent that images of identifiable people are captured. However, imagery captured by CCTV in public places may be considered as \"publicly available\" personal data, and can be collected, used or disclosed without consent. However, for CCTV surveillance at private premises, consent would generally be required unless other exceptions apply. In such cases, it may suffice to notify individuals through the placement of signs that CCTVs are monitoring the premises. The PDPC will provide more detailed guidance on the use of CCTV and surveillance cameras in due course.
Sir, several Members asked how the Bill will apply to personal data posted online, such as social networking sites and blogs. Online sites, including social networking sites and blogs, may be considered \"publicly available\" sources depending on the circumstances. The collection, use or disclosure of \"publicly available\" data will not require the consent of the individual concerned.
On Mr Zaqy Mohamad's suggestion to cover cyber-bullying and other undesirable online behaviour, the Bill is concerned with regulating the management and the protection of personal data. It does not govern other actions of individuals online. This would be more appropriately addressed by other laws.
Sir, several Members asked about the application of the Bill to foreign organisations operating in Singapore, and ensuring personal data transferred overseas are accorded the same level of protection. The Bill will apply to any organisation that collects, uses or discloses personal data in Singapore. This includes foreign companies operating in Singapore.
We are not adopting a prescriptive approach of restricting transfers of personal data to countries that have an adequate level of data protection. Instead, the Bill adopts a \"principle-based\" approach, where the onus will be on the organisation in Singapore to put in place measures, such as contractual arrangements, to ensure a comparable standard of protection is accorded to personal data transferred overseas. Therefore, there is no need to further burden our organisations with disclosing to consumers where copies of their personal data will be transferred to.
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Sir, the Bill applies to all organisations across the private sector, regardless of whether they have commercial or non-commercial aims, such as NTUC. This is important as it will assure the public that there is a minimum set of data protection rules applied consistently across the private sector and foster greater trust.
The Bill does not cover the public sector as it already has its own set of data protection rules that all public officers must comply with. These rules are guided broadly by the same principles under the Bill. Statutory provisions in several Acts also regulate the collection, use and disclosure of information by the public sector. These ensure that public agencies and officials are subject to responsibilities to maintain confidentiality and protection of personal data, while enabling them to carry out their statutory functions in an effective and accountable manner.
All Ministries, Statutory Boards and Organs of State are required to comply with the public sector rules with regard to Data Protection. The Government takes steps to ensure that officers comply with Government policies and regulations, including Data Protection, for example audits may be carried out, and where there are cases raised to the Government, these will be investigated and officers who are found to have violated these regulations may be disciplined according to the Public Service Disciplinary Regulations. Agencies have mechanisms and processes in place to receive and address complaints or enquiries about Government's policies and procedures relating to the handling of personal data. In relation to individual's access and correction rights, individuals can also request.
Sir, I understand that individuals may also request Government agencies to correct inaccurate personal information held by the agencies. I would also like to reiterate that personal data held by Government agencies are protected by appropriate security safeguards against accidental or unlawful loss, as well as unauthorised access, use or disclosure. This is regardless of the format in which the personal data is kept.
Mr Ang Wei Neng touched on how the Bill will apply to Members of Parliament. In general, Sir, Members are required to comply with the requirements under the Bill when collecting, using or disclosing personal data in the course of their work. In certain cases where an individual voluntarily provides his personal data to the Member for a purpose, such as for the Member's assistance, consent may be deemed to be given for the Member to pass the personal data to a relevant organisation for the purposes of providing assistance. Where the Member is acting on behalf of a public agency, the public sector rules will apply.
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Sir, Mr Desmond Lee asked about the exceptions provided in the Second to Fourth Schedules. These are based on the overarching intent of ensuring adequate protection for individuals without placing onerous burdens on organisations to comply with the law. They also take into account international practice and Singapore's context. For example, exceptions apply in certain circumstances or situations where obtaining consent for the collection, use or disclosure of personal data may not be feasible. Such situations include collection of personal data for life-threatening emergencies. Exceptions are also necessary to enable certain organisations to effectively perform their functions, such as investigations or legal proceedings.
Sir, let me now address some of the queries on specific situations. Sir, as I mentioned earlier, how the Bill applies will depend on the facts and circumstances of the case. In the example of the lucky draw forms, mentioned very often today, including by Mr Patrick Tay, that if the organisation had clearly stated on the lucky draw form that the personal data provided would be used for the purposes of contacting the individual to market certain products, then the organisation would be able to use it for those purposes. So, I advise that you read the fine print in future. If, however, there was no mention of the marketing purpose, then it is likely the organisation will be in breach of the provisions if they use the data for marketing activities.
Likewise, for the example of the use of the NRIC details raised by Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef, organisations should consider if collecting a person's NRIC number is reasonable for the purpose, and obtain the individual's consent. For example, if the organisation needs to verify the individual's identity to provide certain services, such as for admission to a hospital or to check on his health insurance, it may be reasonable to require the individual to provide his NRIC details to prove his identity.
Sir, several Members raised the need to provide for special groups of people such as children and the mentally incapacitated. Members may wish to note that the details of persons who may act for minors and the extent to which they can exercise their rights or powers of such individuals will be set out in the subsidiary legislation subsequently.
The Bill is designed to allow sectoral legislation to provide higher level of protection on top of its baseline requirement. Additional protection for other special groups that is required can thus be catered for by sector-specific laws. I take Ms Low Yen Ling and Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef's point that children's personal data will be an increasingly important issue, as tools and platforms for collecting children's data become more prevalent.
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The Bill, Sir, is a first step in putting in place a basic personal data protection regime for Singapore. We will continue to review and adjust the legislation to address additional areas of concerns where necessary.
Sir, several Members raised queries about the Do Not Call or the DNC registry. Allow me to clarify some of these concerns. Mr Dhinakaran raised concerns about the DNC registry's impact on organisation practices. Today, nothing prevents organisations from freely collecting, using, sharing, or selling consumers' personal data without consent. The Bill imposes the necessary requirement on how organisations may collect, use or disclose personal data so as to protect individuals from the misuse of their personal data.
To clarify a point mentioned by Mr Dhinakaran, the Bill does not prohibit the sharing of personal data between entities, as long as consent is obtained. This approach strikes a balance between allowing organisations to share personal data and allowing individuals to decide how their data may be used. The Bill also does not prescribe a retention period for personal data. It only states that organisations should not retain personal data when such retention no longer serves the purposes for which the data was collected. It does not make business sense – if you do not use it, delete it. This is in recognition that the appropriate retention period will vary according to the legal or the business needs of each organisation.
Requirements of the DNC registry are not as complex as some Members may perceive. Organisations that send marketing messages must check their contact list with the DNC registry within the prescribed period before sending the message. A 60-day checking interval will be prescribed for the first six months of the DNC registry's operation. Thereafter, we will reduce the checking interval to 30 days. An organisation will not be in breach of the rules if it sends marketing messages to individuals who register their numbers within the interval period, after the organisation has checked with the DNC registry. So, if you check on day one and his number is not there on the registry, you can send a marketing message to him. On day two, he enters his number in the registry. This is still within the prescribed period. However, this individual should not receive any marketing messages after the 60-day or 30-day interval. Organisations may still send marketing messages to registered members if they have obtained clear and unambiguous consent to do so, in written or other accessible form.
In the examples raised by Members, seeking consent to use personal data using general or vaguely-worded clause, buried within pages of other terms and conditions, is unlikely to be considered clear and unambiguous consent. This may not comply with the requirement to notify individuals of the purposes of collecting, using or disclosing their personal data and could also be considered a misleading or deceptive practice prohibited under the Bill. Organisations should also retain the records of consent that its customers have given, to indicate that they can be contacted for telemarketing. This is a practical way for organisations to demonstrate that they are compliant with the law.
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Sir, Mr Zaqy Mohamad and Mr Lim Biow Chuan made a valid observation about telemarketing calls originating overseas. Similar concerns of the abuse of personal data by overseas organisations were also raised. While the PDPC may seek to enforce the Act against overseas organisations, in reality it may be difficult to investigate and proceed with any enforcement action against such organisations. Recognising this limitation, clause 37 provides the ability to enforce against any local organisation that authorises sending of the marketing message. So, this will mitigate the problem as marketing messages targeting Singapore telephone numbers are likely to involve goods and services by organisations with a local presence. The Bill also contemplates that the PDPC may establish arrangements with foreign data protection regulators, which may include cross-border co-operation.
Sir, Asst Prof Eugene Tan asked about covering e-mails under the scope of the DNC registry. We have decided not to include e-mails as unsolicited e-mails can be blocked through e-mail filters and cause less of a nuisance to delete when received as compared to phone calls in the wee hours of the morning, SMSes and fax messages which are more difficult for the individuals to filter out. A significant proportion of spam e-mails also originate from overseas, which makes it difficult for any enforcement action to be taken, even if the e-mail messages were to be included.
Sir, I take the point raised by Mr Dhinakaran that the DNC registry may lead to more organisations using mass marketing channels such as direct mailers and flyers. Sir, I would suggest that the DNC registry will better focus organisations' telemarketing efforts. This is because the DNC registry allows them to effectively target a group of consumers who are genuinely interested in receiving information on products and services, and eliminate time and resources wasted on those who do not wish to receive such information. It should drive more positive behaviour rather than negative behaviour.
Individuals who change their minds can withdraw their numbers from the DNC registry using a similar method as registration. The process could be as simple as calling a number, using the phone of which the telephone number is to be registered or deregistered, or filling up an online form.
Sir, several Members raised the possibility of organisations taking advantage of the transition period to collect and use personal data. Do not forget the public also know that the Bill is coming. So they should be more cautious.
Sir, the Bill has taken the approach of protecting individuals' personal data without imposing overly onerous requirements on organisations. Requiring organisations to notify or deem consent from individuals for all personal data previously collected, would be too onerous. The Bill, therefore, takes a balanced approach by allowing organisations to use the personal data collected before their appointed date for the purpose for which it is collected, provided the purposes are reasonable. After the law comes into effect, individuals can withdraw consent that was previously given. These measures will help protect consumers from those who seek to use the transition period to misuse personal data before the law comes into effect.
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Sir, several Members also requested for staggered transition periods. Ms Jessica Tan proposed different sunrise periods for 12 months for large businesses and two years for small businesses. We have proposed a single sunrise period for at least 18 months for all organisations, regardless of size, in order to minimise confusion and perhaps keep implementation simple and effective.
Differential treatment for small companies in some jurisdictions was found to have added to the complexities of implementation. During the sunrise periods, the PDPC will conduct awareness-building activities for both businesses and consumers, in relation to their rights and obligations under the regime. These activities will be targeted at enhancing organisations' ability to comply with the PDPA when it comes into effect.
Sir, several Members touched on the issue of enforcement and implementation. The Bill provides the PDPC with a range of powers to enforce the Act effectively. It adopts what we call a complaints-based approach to enforcement and the PDPC will have the powers to initiate investigation or investigate if a complaint is lodged. It will have the power to investigate potential non-compliance and the power to issue directions to organisations to correct their non-compliance. In enforcing the law, the PDPC is expected to act on cases in a timely manner and may issue advisory guidelines on its procedures and associated timelines in due course.
Mr Desmond Lee expressed concern about the dispute resolution and the appeal process being cumbersome. The approach, Sir, takes into consideration that a large majority of cases are likely to be resolved early, which may not require a decision by the PDPC. However, in instances where the PDPC is required to investigate and take enforcement action against an organisation, the appeals process allows for a quicker resolution through reconsideration while providing aggrieved parties the appropriate avenues to appeal to an independent appeal body. Further appeals to the High Court and the Court of Appeal are allowed on points of law or on the amount of the financial penalty imposed. Sir, this is in line with other laws such as the Competition Act.
Sir, Mr Patrick Tay and Ms Jessica Tan spoke on the role of the composition of the PDPC. As mentioned in my earlier speech, the PDPC will serve as Singapore's main authority on matters relating to personal data protection. It will also undertake education and outreach activities to promote public awareness of personal data protection in Singapore. An advisory committee will be appointed to provide advice to the PDPC. It will comprise members of the industry, members of the public and civil society. The exact composition of the PDPC and the advisory committee will be firmed up and announced in due course, if the Bill is passed.
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Sir, the Bill is not intended to be overly prescriptive as it applies to all sectors of the economy. To provide greater clarity on the interpretation and the application of the Act, the PDPC will issue advisory guidelines which will be developed in consultation with the industry. Public education will also be key as some Members have highlighted and, in this regard, the PDPC will reach out to the public, including our young children and schools, to raise awareness to the importance of personal data protection. So, while the Bill puts in place safeguards to protect consumers' personal data, ultimately, individuals will have to take responsibility for their own personal data.
Sir, as you can see from the broad range of issues raised by Members of the House, from consumers and business interests to national and international considerations, we can appreciate the complexities of the issue of personal data protection and the importance of striking a balance within the various considerations. Sir, the issues that Members have raised are among the myriad issues we have considered in formulating a model that takes into account the interests of different stakeholders and Singapore's needs. We also recognise interests and circumstances may change. We will, therefore, need to continue to review and adjust the law to address new and emerging issues. As the Chinese proverb says – I will have to say this in English, Sir – \"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.\" Members of this House will agree that this is an important legislation and a significant step forward for Singapore, and I hope they can support the Bill, Sir.
[(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)]
[(proc text) Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. (proc text)]
[(proc text) The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. – [Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim]. (proc text)]
[(proc text) Bill considered in Committee. (proc text)]
[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Charles Chong) in the Chair]
Clauses 1 to 68 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill.
First Schedule ordered to stand part of the Bill.
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Second Schedule –
The Chairman: The Second Schedule. Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: Sir, there are two amendments to the Second Schedule, as indicated on the Order Paper Supplement. As both amendments are related, may I seek your leave to move both amendments together?
The Chairman: Please do so.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: Sir, I beg to move,
[(proc text) (1) In page 57, line 20, before \"the\", to insert \"subject to paragraph 2,\". (proc text)]
[(proc text) New Paragraph (A): (proc text)]
[(proc text) (2) In page 58, after line 27, to insert – (proc text)]
[(proc text) \"2. In this paragraph and paragraph 1(h) – (proc text)]
[(proc text) \"broadcasting service\" has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Broadcasting Act (Cap. 28); (proc text)]
[(proc text) \"news activity\" means ‒ (proc text)]
[(proc text) (a) the gathering of news, or the preparation or compilation of articles or programmes of or concerning news, observations on news, or current affairs, for the purposes of dissemination to the public or any section of the public; or (proc text)]
[(proc text) (b) the dissemination, to the public or any section of the public, of any article or programme of or concerning – (proc text)]
[(proc text) (i) news; (proc text)]
[(proc text) (ii) observations on news; or (proc text)]
[(proc text) (iii) current affairs; (proc text)]
[(proc text) \"news organisation\" means – (proc text)]
[(proc text) (a) any organisation – (proc text)]
[(proc text) (i) the business of which consists, in whole or in part, of news activity carried out in relation to a relevant broadcasting service, a newswire service or the publication of a newspaper; and (proc text)]
[(proc text) (ii) which, if the organisation publishes a newspaper in Singapore within the meaning of section 8(1) of the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act (Cap. 206), is required to be a newspaper company within the meaning of Part III of that Act; or (proc text)]
[(proc text) (b) any organisation which provides a broadcasting service in or from Singapore and holds a broadcasting licence granted under section 8 of the Broadcasting Act; (proc text)]
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[(proc text) \"newspaper\" has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act; (proc text)]
[(proc text) \"relevant broadcasting service\" means any of the following licensable broadcasting services within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act: (proc text)]
[(proc text) (a) Free-to-air nationwide television services; (proc text)]
[(proc text) (b) Free-to-air localised television services; (proc text)]
[(proc text) (c) Free-to-air international television services; (proc text)]
[(proc text) (d) Subscription nationwide television services; (proc text)]
[(proc text) (e) Subscription localised television services; (proc text)]
[(proc text) (f) Subscription international television services; (proc text)]
[(proc text) (g) Special interest television services; (proc text)]
[(proc text) (h) Free-to-air nationwide radio services; (proc text)]
[(proc text) (i) Free-to-air localised radio services; (proc text)]
[(proc text) (j) Free-to-air international radio services; (proc text)]
[(proc text) (k) Subscription nationwide radio services; (proc text)]
[(proc text) (l) Subscription localised radio services; (proc text)]
[(proc text) (m) Subscription international radio services; (proc text)]
[(proc text) (n) Special interest radio services.\". (proc text)]
Sir, as mentioned in my speech earlier, this amendment will provide a clear definition of what constitute news activities, the news organisations, to which the exception from the requirement to obtain consent for the collection of personal data will apply to. The intent of this exception, provided in clause 1(h) of the Second Schedule, is to enable the legitimate collection of personal data without consent for news gathering activities by organisations that are in the business of news, while providing some protection to members of the public from potential misuse and unwarranted publishing of personal data by other organisations.
Amendments agreed to.
The Chairman: Consequential amendments will be made.
[(proc text) (1) In page 58, line 13, to renumber paragraph 2 as paragraph 3. (proc text)]
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[(proc text) (2) In pages 58 and 59, to renumber paragraphs 2 and 3 as paragraphs 3 and 4, respectively. (proc text)]
The Second Schedule, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.
The Third to Ninth Schedules inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill.
[(proc text) Bill reported with amendments; read a Third time and passed. (proc text)]
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","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Standard of Cleanliness in Singapore","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OS","content":"The Leader of the House (Dr Ng Eng Hen): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, \"That Parliament do now adjourn.\"
[(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]
Er Dr Lee Bee Wah: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I urge this House, being aware that with the population growth, indiscriminate littering has made the upkeep and cleanliness of housing estates increasingly difficult, and mindful that there is a limit to the deployment of more manpower for cleaning work, pledge that Singapore is committed to preserve its reputation as a clean and beautiful garden city.
Growing up in a clean and beautiful garden city is something older Singaporeans are accustomed to. They have lived through the worst years of the pre-1960s and help our country to achieve its reputation as a litter-free garden city. The first national Keep Singapore Clean campaign was launched by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on 1st October 1968.
The month-long campaign was aimed at making Singapore the cleanest and greenest city in the region by focusing on the problem of inconsiderate littering. The campaign sought to instil in Singaporeans of all ages the importance of keeping public places clean. More than just a campaign, there were also changes in public health laws, hawkers were re-housed at hawker centres, proper sewage systems were developed, and disease control was vigorously pursued. The belief was that improved environmental conditions will not only enhance the quality of life for Singaporeans and cultivate national pride but also attract foreign investors and tourists to our shores.
Indeed, years ago, I would take delight in hearing tourists and foreign friends express surprise and admiration over our sparkling pavements and the roadsides lined with lush, fresh greenery and floral. These days, the picture is fading, especially at certain busy thoroughfares, walkways, bus stops, and so forth.
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Let me share with Members my experience in Nee Soon South. In Khatib Central, we have cleaners cleaning at 9.00 am as well as 5.00 pm. So, last Friday, I told Town Council cleaners not to do any cleaning from 5.00 pm onwards. And on Saturday, I went with about 100 grassroots leaders and community leaders to Khatib Central. We picked up bags and bags of rubbish. A lot of cigarettes butts, Toto/4D tickets and a lot of rubbish that was cleared out from the cars onto the carpark lots, and a lot of rubbish left behind at the loading and unloading bays at the back of the shops. And I am sure this is not uniquely Nee Soon South. It happens in a lot of places in Singapore.
Perhaps we have indeed become complacent. Perhaps a new generation has not learnt the lesson that filth and grime can impact environmental health. We have become dependent on an army of 70,000 cleaners, who do two to three rounds of cleaning each day in the public areas. While the various Government agencies have organised awareness campaigns year after year, and enforced penalties on the offenders who were booked, many get away. They know that the enforcement officers cannot be everywhere, every time and any time.
People are disposing litter where they should not. This is despite the fact that we almost \"litter\" our surroundings with bins to make it easier for them to throw their unwanted cups, papers, cigarette butts, etc. To many, they feel: why make the effort to throw the rubbish in the right place when someone will clean up after me? Somebody told me recently that in the radio Programme Capital 958 radio station, there was a caller who called in and said, \"I heard MP Lee Bee Wah say that she wants to implement ‘no cleaner days'. But we all have already paid Town Council fees, why should we be deprived of cleaners?\" This attitude is deplorable, indeed, and need to be changed! Those of us who dine at the hawker centres must have been plagued by the wince-worthy sight of messy tables covered with dirty utensils, food particles and gravy. Never mind that many large hawker centres these days have return points for patrons to deposit their dirty trays and utensils. It is very disheartening indeed! They can return the trays in schools and during their reservist training, why can it not be done when they are out into the working world?
Hiring more cleaners is not a long-lasting solution. Eventually, the wages of these cleaners will weigh down heavily upon the shoulders of the tax payers, while promoting further dependence on foreign workers. Neither is increasing the severity of penalties, if we cannot spare the resources to police offenders all over Singapore. The only solution is to change the mindset and habit of all residents of Singapore. There needs to be a commitment from us as individuals to uphold our Clean and Beautiful City image.
It is crucial to understand why people litter in Singapore. I have arrived at a few main conclusions, based on personal observation and research shared by other countries as part of their anti-litter campaigns. Litterbugs have no sense of ownership; they litter at public places, thinking that it does not make a difference to their lives. They litter where litter has accumulated; this is evident in the case of stacks of rubbish found at lift landings or outside rubbish chutes in HDB estates. They litter where they know others will pick up after them; our cleaners are so efficient that litterbugs are under the impression that their offence is of no consequence. There is no reinforcement of anti-littering mentality from a young age. With the prevalence of maid employment, such mentality is probably deemed unnecessary by some parents as the maids would clean up after the children. Some adults, sadly, do not set a good example to their children. According to a survey this year by NEA about littering, about six in 10 respondents say they \"never litter\". This shows that about 60% of our population are considerate people with morals, but may lack the courage to tell off the 40% who litter, and would rather develop tolerance for the offence.
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It takes a concerted effort from all parties to make social responsibility obligatory. Government agencies may explore more effective enforcement methods to nab the litterbugs. While the state of cleanliness is deteriorating, I understand that the number of litterbugs nabbed is decreasing instead of increasing. I just wonder, why? Is it because the enforcement officers are not in plain clothes, but in uniforms where people can then recognise them? Or is there a lack of usage of technology?
Take South Korea − one of the countries praised for high public cleanliness standards – has likewise had its fair share of littering problems in the past. The Seoul authorities came up with a unique solution – reward citizens for producing evidence of lawbreakers, litterbugs included, caught red-handed in the act. This initiative was so popular and lucrative that courses were created to teach citizens how to take good photos and videos of offenders which could serve as evidence for the police. There is even a term \"ssu-parazzi\" which is used to refer to regular citizens who specialise in catching litterbugs on film.
If the Singapore public is not willing to testify in Court, then encourage them to put the litterbugs on YouTube and let it go viral for everyone to see. Or send it to a Government agency for upload onto a web or Facebook to shame the litterbugs so that their friends, colleagues, relatives, family may spot them. Perhaps we should start another campaign: shame on you, litterbugs!
Looking at the quality of photos and videos posted on STOMP of citizens committing anti-social acts in public, I believe our citizens do not require professional training. On a serious note, they have proven their keen instincts for bizarre acts around them, as well as a sense of moral responsibility. Otherwise, they would not have taken the trouble and risk to capture those scenes and posting them online to shame the offenders. Let us make the most out of their interest and skills. Encourage them to turn over the evidence to the authorities. These would facilitate easier location and arrest of offenders.
In the long run, litterbugs will be conditioned to bin their litter right on the understanding that someone out there is always ready to catch their anti-social antics on camera. This initiative would incur a cost for rewarding citizens' whose work has led to successful arrests. However, the costs can be derived from the fines paid by litterbugs.
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Considering that the majority of people in Singapore do not litter, it is essential to grow this population by establishing a social norm where these morally-upright people are not afraid to reprimand litterbugs, where they are keen to spread good practices within their social sphere of influence. This is very commonly practised in Japan. I have a resident who just recently visited Japan with his daughter, and he told me that his daughter saw a Pepsi can left on the floor. With good intention, she picked up the can and she was walking to look for a bin. And she walked and walked and walked but could not find a bin. Then she quietly put it down on the floor again. And at this moment, she was surrounded by a group of Japanese and pointing to her to ask her to pick up the can. I think this is the behaviour that we would like to see in Singapore.
At the beginning of this year, the Public Hygiene Council had announced that this is what it hopes to do in outreach efforts to inculcate good hygiene practices. I commend such effort. I also propose teaching citizens how they can approach litterbugs in a safe and inoffensive manner to assert their stand, as one of the greatest concerns about calling out illegal acts is being treated with aggression. Perhaps if there is such a scheme, I would volunteer my grassroots leaders and residents who are keen to be trained by NEA. Let us showcase our role models. Let us recognise businesses that make the effort to encourage their employees to support the clean and beautiful philosophy.
Social and moral responsibilities are values that are more effectively inculcated from a young age. It is time to instil these values via our education system by imparting knowledge and introducing hands-on projects. Education on social responsibility and public hygiene should be widely encouraged in school activities. My friends in Japan told me that Japanese children are encouraged and taught from a very young age to clean up after themselves. School children are tasked to work in teams to clean their classrooms and corridors after class on a rotational basis. Some schools even assign toilet cleaning duties to the students, although hired cleaners are still responsible for aspects that demand greater skill and difficulty. In local schools, toilet and cleaning duties tend to be delegated to errant students as a form of punishment. This should not be the case. Cleaning up after oneself is a social obligation that everyone should be proud of doing, not punished into doing. At home, parents should be good role models to their children.
With the hike in foreign worker levies, this is the best opportunity to work with businesses to help them lower their dependence on foreign cleaners. All Town Councils too will support this, I believe. Assist them to design and implement technology and methodologies that will help them to keep their establishments clean. Encourage them to provide proper facilities for convenient disposal of rubbish, and insist on proper behaviour and responsibility. Let us begin with the meeting rooms. After a meeting, participants should be encouraged to clear the room of any cups and papers and not let the cleaner do the work.
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In conclusion, maintaining public cleanliness is not only the duty of the authorities and cleaning staff. Littering is a problem that plagues many countries. While there has been some of the most creative campaigns and advertisements around, there is a limitation to what awareness programmes can do to sway the deeply-rooted mindsets of those who have no sense of social responsibility. It has to be a coordinated, concerted effort by all socially responsible people in Singapore, alongside the authorities.
A litter-free environment, clean public toilets and hawker centres are not elusive if all of us play our part. We are a civilised city with good infrastructure, educated people and a history of being one of the cleanest countries in the world. There is no excuse for us not to be on par with Japan, South Korea and the Scandinavian nations. Let us not let 44 years of hard work cleaning up our country go to waste. Together, we can make Singapore clean and beautiful!
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":"Matter Raised On Adjournment Motion","questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Extension of a Sitting","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OS","content":"Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. Pursuant to Standing Order No 2(5)(d), I propose to extend the time of today's sitting beyond the moment of interruption for a period of up to 30 minutes to facilitate the completion of business. Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, please.
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","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Standard of Cleanliness in Singapore","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OS","content":"[(proc text) Debate resumed. (proc text)]
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: Deputy Speaker, Sir, I thank the hon Member for a quintessential Lee Bee Wah speech, brutally frank, but straight from the heart and from a good heart. I just want to make five points. First, I believe, as Singaporeans, we need to reaffirm our vision to ensure that Singapore remains one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the world. This is an ambition that we must maintain. Second, we must start with an honest appraisal of our values, our attitudes, our mindset, our behaviour and our sense of collective responsibilities. Third, I echo Er Dr Lee's point that this has to be an all-out effort by all segments of our society to prevent, to detect, to deter and to enforce against littering and to use the many new technologies which are available. Fourth, litter attracts litter. That means we have to make sure that we have a litter-free environment to start with. Fifth, that the time has come for us to review our penalties and fines, unfortunately, for this scourge.
Let us start with the first point. A clean and green Singapore. This was the outcome of an ambitious vision by our founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Singaporeans at that time believed in and supported this vision and over 44 years, as Er Dr Lee has mentioned, we transformed our city through meticulous cleaning, assiduous public campaigns, and strict enforcement.
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Today, a clean city is not unique. There are many clean cities in the world. But a clean city is a source of competitive advantage and it is a badge of honour. And I am sure that all Members would agree that this is something that Singapore cannot afford to backslide on. Having said that, let me also equally, honestly state that we can and must do much better. Quite frankly, Singapore today is a clean city, but is it a clean city, or a cleaned city because of our army of 70,000 cleaners?
The National Environment Agency (NEA) has for many years – if you go to the website, you would see the tagline – been stating that \"A clean city is a strong reflection of our moral and civic values\". But clean cities do not just come about by chance. As citizens, we must individually and collectively take responsibility for the cleanliness of our homes and our neighbourhoods, because this is something intrinsic within us. It is a reflection of what we hold to be important in our lives.
Er Dr Lee mentioned that one in five of our households today in Singapore have domestic help. I cannot help wondering how many of us – let us be equally honest – make sure that our children are taught to pick up after themselves. Or do we wittingly or unwittingly communicate that there is always going to be someone to clean after a Singaporean. Think about that.
The NEA survey in 2010 found that 63% of Singaporeans would not litter but the troubling finding is that one-third of Singaporeans would litter if they think they could get away with it. We have to find a way to deal with this problem. In fact, it is a problem caused by a minority but the burden is borne by the majority of us who have to deal with a polluted, dirty and unhealthy environment and ultimately have to also bear the cost of imposing these burdens on to cleaners. Every single Member of Parliament is involved with a Town Council. We all know that this is a problem which we all carry. This cuts across party lines.
Mr Lee Kuan Yew first launched the Keep Singapore Clean campaign in 1968. He said that everybody can learn and acquire the habit of treating common user areas as one's own home to be kept clean and maintained. These are words 44 years later but still relevant and we are still challenged by that. The Keep Singapore Clean message was broadcast through the mass media, stamped even on letters from the Government and statutory boards. At that time, the Government brought volunteers out onto the streets. They called them \"Broomstick Brigades\" to clean up the common areas of our constituencies. I can see from recent media reports that some residents have started to undertake their own cleaning brigades albeit only in the vicinity of their homes or outside their common corridors. We need to have more of such efforts. We need Members of Parliament to take the lead in this because we need to rediscover, reaffirm our civic values as individuals and as communities. We need to teach everyone that we have to pick up after ourselves, whether that means picking up rubbish within the home or outside in the common corridor or any neighbourhood. That is not something to be embarrassed about or to be ashamed of. That is a simple act of civic responsibility.
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Keeping Singapore Clean has become a well-known slogan. We even have a reputation for being a fine city. Some tourists still buy those T-shirts and we laugh about it. In fact, there is a serious point behind this. I am glad that, in fact, Singaporeans do take pride in the fact that we are a clean city and that we are a fine city. Even now, I receive – and I am sure many of you receive – many calls and e-mails from Singaporeans and especially from our constituents when the neighbourhood is littered. Some of them are very, very angry and get almost personal. If you look beyond their anger, in fact, it springs from a sense of wounded pride that their neighbourhood does not meet the standards which they hope for. So, as Members of Parliament, I think we have to recognise and accept that their anger, in fact, is righteous anger. And we need to respond appropriately.
We launched the refreshed Keep Singapore Clean movement last month and I suggested that these future movements be led from the ground by the Public Hygiene Council, the Singapore Kindness Movement, the Keep Singapore Beautiful Movement. These movements were built up on past efforts of the NEA's litter-free ambassador programme and other campaigns like \"Let's do the Right Thing, Bin It\" campaign. The anti-littering mindset needs to be inculcated from a young age and we need to underline the importance of this programme by making sure we reach out to schools and to young people. Let me cite a good example.
The Keep Singapore Beautiful Movement has developed a Know Cleaners Day – spelt K-N-O-W. It is a pun. \"No\" cleaners and \"knowing\" cleaners. Basically, the youths take on the role of cleaners in order to better understand the work and to appreciate the efforts put in by cleaners. In June this year, the youth became cleaners for a day in Tiong Bahru Food Centre. They encouraged their patrons to return their trays and to clear up after they finished their meals. The response was very positive and more than 200 members of the public returned their trays on that day. Whether we can maintain that is the big question.
In July, the Movement partnered the ITE College East to organise a Know Cleaners Day where hundreds of students and staff took on the task of cleaning their own campus. Such programmes enable our young people to understand first-hand the challenges of cleaning. But I think more important than that, if you stop to realise that every single piece of litter that you picked up is because someone else just could not be bothered and dropped it. Except for leaves on the road, everything else is caused by your fellow men. The purpose of having a Know Cleaners Day – and Er Dr Lee mentioned she is leading one such effort in her own constituency – is that it, in fact, makes you appreciate how selfish a small minority of people in our community are, and how the rest of our community, directly or indirectly, are having to carry that burden.
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We also agree that it is about creating a social norm. You know in life, people do not just respond to carrots-and-sticks, penalties and fines. Many of our actions as human beings depend on impulse, habit or on peer pressure. Think about these things. Impulse – spur of the moment, just chuck it. Habit – I have always dumped tissue paper outside my flat, so I just carry on. Peer pressure – everyone else does it, so what is the big deal?
So, you see, merely increasing fines by itself or having more advertisements on television will not be sufficient. And I totally agree with Er Dr Lee on that point. Just as we had previously organised the \"Broomstick Brigades\", we now work with the Members of Parliament, with the advisors, with the grassroots, the residents' committees, community leaders to remind everyone and to create peer pressure to maintain a clean environment. As Er Dr Lee graphically described – in fact we have more means today than ever before to identify, deter and, if it need be, to shame the recalcitrants amongst us.
The Public Hygiene Council has an on-going competition. It is called I Love my Singapore. Snap the good, the bad and the ugly. This is to encourage people to take photographs and nowadays everyone has camera in his phone. Take pictures of the good and the bad hygiene practices, upload it onto the Facebook page and then we will have an online voting contest for the \"best\" – I use the word best in inverted commas – photo. By encouraging everyone to participate in this, we actually achieve the point which Er Dr Lee mentioned. We need to tell everyone and especially the minority of us who are prone to litter that you will be seen. Someone, somewhere has seen you, snapped it and we will detect it.
We also know that litter attracts more litter. This is almost like fertility. You have one clump of litter outside the lift lobby or the void deck. Miraculously, it reproduces itself. But again, you stop to think about it. Most people do not want to be the first person who drops that piece of litter at the lift lobby or the void deck. So, that is why it is very important that we make sure the environment is clean to begin with. That is why NEA, Town Councils and all the Government agencies still have to work very hard.
We made an important step in April this year when we set up the Department of Public Cleanliness (DPC). The DPC will integrate the cleaning of all public areas including roads, pavements, drains, parks, vacant lands so that no public area will fall through the cracks. If anyone does detect any area which seems to have slipped through the cracks because of inter-agency coordination, please let me know.
We have to make sure that we start with a clean slate. The DPC has also been paying close attention to public feedback. We have even created apps which will allow people to photograph and send notifications, for example areas with litter. The DPC then has to scramble to make sure a response team resolves it and uploads the picture that shows the problem has been resolved.
\tPage: 898
Public education and community engagement are also part of the solution. We have in place an enforcement regime against littering offenders. Between 2011 and August 2012, we caught 17,627 people for littering.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Minister, you have one minute left.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: Yes, thank you, Sir. I am about done. I am sure many more got away with it. That is why I am also asking for us to consider two things: one is to deputise senior members of non-government organisations, and maybe even for grassroots organisations, to act as enforcement officers, to have a warrant card and to be properly trained as the Member has mentioned. Also, unfortunately, I think it is time for us to review the fines and penalties regimes for littering.
Mr Deputy Speaker, thank you for the time. Let me once again reaffirm, on behalf of everyone here today, that we intend to keep Singapore clean and green, to be one of the best cities in the world, to be an accurate reflection of our values and of the type of society that we want to be. We will continue to need the support of all Singaporeans. We will have a zero-tolerance policy to litter, and we will review our approach to cleaning and to the penalties and enforcement actions for littering. I thank the hon Member. This has been a thoughtful and heartfelt motion. I look forward to continuing this journey with the support of Members of all parties in this House.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. The time allocated for this adjournment motion has expired.
[(proc text) The Question having been proposed at 6.47 pm and the Debate having continued for half an hour, Mr Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order. (proc text)]
Adjourned accordingly at 7.17 pm.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":"Matter Raised On Adjournment Motion","questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Funds Disbursed to Help Singaporeans Earning Less Than $1,500","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"19 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance how much the Government has given, in terms of Government financial transfers, to Singaporeans earning less than $1,500 per month for the years of 2010, 2011 and year-to-date of 2012 respectively.
Page: 899
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam: It is meaningful to look at Government financial transfers to Singaporeans on a household basis rather than on an individual basis, as many transfers are given either on a household basis or to individuals based on their household's characteristics.
Average annual Government transfers to citizen households on a per capita basis – that is, including dependents and those who are not working – in the second lowest income decile was $1,737 in 2010 and $2,148 in 20111.
Those in the lowest decile would have on average received annual transfers of $2,549 in 2010 and $2,923 in 2011 on a per capita basis.
We are unable to provide the same transfers information for 2012 (year-to-date) at the moment, as the composition of households in each decile based on 2012 income is not known, and the detailed data on disbursement of transfers is also not yet available.
\tPage: 899
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":["1 : The transfers include housing rebates, cash and savings transfers, transfers related to Workfare Income Supplement Scheme (WIS) and Workfare Training Support, as well as transfers related to education, childcare and healthcare."],"footNoteQuestions":["19"],"questionNo":"19"},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Medical Benefits for Civil Servants Given Increasing Medical Costs","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"24 Mr Yeo Guat Kwang asked the Prime Minister (a) whether medical benefits for civil servants will be adjusted in view of the rising cost of medical treatments; (b) whether the cap of $70 for dental subsidy that was set in 1980 will be raised; and (c) whether the annual cap of $350 on medical subsidy for outpatient treatment will be enhanced.
Page: 899
Mr Teo Chee Hean (for the Prime Minister): I would like to thank Members for their interest in the medical benefits for civil servants. In July this year, Mr Zainal Sapari had also asked whether the Civil Service would consider increasing the quantum of medical benefits under the Medisave-cum-Subsidised Outpatient (MSO) Scheme. I would like to assure this House that the Public Service Division (PSD) is currently in the midst of reviewing the medical benefits for civil servants.
Page: 900
As part of the review, PSD will benchmark the Civil Service medical benefits with the market and assess if the current provisions are sufficient to meet the needs of officers. The review is expected to be completed by the end of this year and we will make adjustments to the medical benefits if necessary.
Page: 900
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"High-rise Littering Hot Spots","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"26 Mr Zaqy Mohamad asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) if he will provide an update on NEA's plans to install surveillance cameras to monitor high-rise littering hot spots in HDB estates; (b) whether NEA has performed any studies on the extent of high-rise littering in the estates; (c) whether surveillance cameras will be a sufficient deterrent against high-rise littering; (d) how can NEA assure the public that their privacies are protected; and (e) how are the recordings handled to ensure that there is no leak or unauthorised viewing.
\tPage: 900
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: High-rise littering is a threat to public safety, damages the environment and a nuisance to neighbours who have to cope with stains on clothes, windows and floors. Common items thrown include cigarette butts, food waste and tissue paper. NEA has received an increasing number of feedback cases over high-rise littering – from 2,499 in 2008, to 5,700 feedback cases as at end-September 2012.
To counter this trend, NEA has in the last month installed surveillance cameras in HDB blocks where residents have been faced with persistent high-rise littering incidents. To date, NEA has installed surveillance cameras at 70 locations in 17 HDB estates, such as Pasir Ris, Punggol, Bukit Merah and Boon Lay. These cameras have enabled NEA to identify and initiate action against two offenders so far. If convicted, high-rise litterers can be fined a maximum of $1,000 and/or be issued a Corrective Work Order (CWO) not exceeding 12 hours. NEA's observation is that the high-rise littering situation has improved in areas where the cameras have been deployed.
Surveillance cameras are deployed only as a last resort if education and community outreach efforts fail to address the problem. We are mindful of residents' privacy and have put in place the following measures:
(a) The surveillance cameras are focused only on the external facade of the suspects' housing units;
(b) A general notice is issued beforehand to the residents of the affected block to inform them about the deployment of the cameras; and
(c) Only authorised personnel have access to the recordings. There are strict protocols in place to govern the viewing and copying of the footage, and to ensure that the recordings are used only for enforcement against high-rise litterers.
\tPage: 901
Even as we take a tough stance against irresponsible high-rise litterers, we must continue to work with partners like the Town Councils and the Singapore Kindness Movement to promote good neighbourliness, responsible behaviour and social graciousness in our schools and our community. We should not let up on efforts to cultivate the right social values that will help us make this a clean and endearing home.
\tPage: 901
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Impact of International Disputes on Relations between Groups of Foreigners Residing in Singapore","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"28 Mr David Ong asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what is the likelihood of the mounting tension over competing territorial claims in the South China Sea affecting the different foreign nationals residing here in Singapore; (b) what is the possibility of external tension leading to violence between the different nationals here; and (c) what can and has been done to avert such foreign nationals from taking things into their own hands.
Mr Teo Chee Hean: There have been no incidents leading to violence among foreign nationals in Singapore thus far arising from the latest South China Sea maritime dispute.
However, we are monitoring the situation closely, and will take firm action against acts calculated to inflame sentiments among different nationalities or groups in Singapore. We advise members of the public not to participate in activities which could lead to public disorder or negatively affect our relations with other countries. Any such activities should be reported to the Police.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Regulation of Taxi Fares","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"29 Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Transport in view of recent reports of taxi drivers who set their own taxi fares above the metered rate based on demand (a) whether LTA will take action against such taxi drivers; and (b) whether the Government will consider regulating taxi fares as a possible solution.
Page: 901
Mr Lui Tuck Yew: Taxi drivers are not allowed to charge fares above that set by their respective taxi companies. LTA will take stern action against errant taxi drivers. Under the Vocational Licence Points System (VLPS), a taxi driver will be penalised with a fine of $500 and 12 to 21 demerit points depending on the amount overcharged. The driver will also be liable for a minimum of four weeks' suspension and his licence will be revoked if he accumulates 21 or more demerit points within 24 months.
Taxi fares were deregulated in September 2008 to allow taxi operators flexibility to price their services according to the cost of service provision and to respond to changes in market conditions. Regulating taxi fares would take away this market-friendly flexibility. It would also not in itself prevent taxi drivers from overcharging their passengers. Such errant behaviour would be better addressed through the enforcement actions I described earlier.
\tPage: 902
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Income Ceiling for Buying New HDB Flats","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"32 Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB will consider waiving the income ceiling for buying a HDB flat so that all Singapore citizens will have at least one opportunity to buy a subsidised flat from HDB.
\tPage: 902
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: HDB is committed to helping Singaporeans, particularly first-timers and low-income families, to own a home. The income ceiling is in place to ensure that the Government's limited housing subsidies are given to those who need them most.
Last year, HDB raised the income ceiling for the purchase of new HDB flats from $8,000 to $10,000. The current income ceiling allows about eight in 10 households to qualify for new flats from HDB. We will periodically review and may revise the income ceiling when necessary. Meanwhile, our priority is to ramp up the supply of new flats, to address the imbalance in supply and demand. Any review to raise the income ceiling further would have to balance the objectives of allowing more people to enjoy subsidies, while bearing in mind the finite resources of the Government.
\tPage: 902
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Medisave for Prostate Illnesses","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"39 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider allowing Medisave to be used for the treatment of prostate illness under the Chronic Disease Management Programme as such illness is getting common among male Singaporeans.
\tPage: 902
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Medisave was designed primarily to help patients pay for hospitalisation costs. However, we have extended Medisave usage to the outpatient treatment of the more common chronic diseases under the Medisave Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) since 2006 to help lower the out-of-pocket payment by patients. Today, CDMP covers 10 common chronic diseases – diabetes, hypertension and lipid disorders, stroke, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, schizophrenia and major depression, dementia and bi-polar disorder.
We had extended Medisave use to these 10 conditions based on the following considerations:
First, a significant number of Singaporeans are affected by these conditions;
Second, the cumulative cost of treatment over long periods for these chronic conditions may pose a severe financial burden for the patients and their families. Some may forgo treatment until serious complications arise which may then require costly hospitalisations;
\tPage: 903
Third, there are established structured disease management protocols, processes and indicators to track and achieve better patient outcomes for these 10 diseases.
For serious prostate conditions like prostate cancer, treatment may require surgery or hormone therapy, for which Medisave can be used. The milder form of prostate conditions, such as the Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), can be treated effectively with medication and the commonly used medications are subsidised. Patients who have difficulty paying for their treatment may seek financial assistance at the polyclinics or restructured hospitals.
My Ministry regularly reviews whether to include other chronic conditions into CDMP so that treatment for chronic conditions remains affordable for Singaporeans, while at the same time ensuring that we do not deplete Medisave balances prematurely.
\tPage: 903
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Re-employment of Older Workers in Private Sector","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"40 Mr R Dhinakaran asked the Acting Minister for Manpower what is the number of workers who have been offered re-employment contracts in the private sector in Singapore since the Retirement and Re-employment Act came into force on 1 January 2012.
Page: 903
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: An ad-hoc survey on the retirement and re-employment practices in Singapore was conducted in the last quarter of 2011. The results of the survey were released in July this year. The survey showed that the large majority or 97% of the local private sector employees retiring in the year ending June 2011 were offered employment beyond 62. Employers in general were re-employment ready even before the law was introduced in January 2012.
The implementation of the new law has so far been smooth. Given the tight labour market and the strong promotional work put in by the tripartite partners, we are confident that older employees will continue to be offered re-employment if they are fit and able to perform the job.
Page: 903
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Promotion of Singapore-produced Films and Television Projects","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"45 Ms Janice Koh asked the Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts what is being done to develop and build an international market and audience for Singapore-produced film and television projects or co-productions and what kinds of resources and financial support are being set aside for this each year.
Page: 904
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: The Media Development Authority (MDA) recognises that the domestic market for Singapore-produced film and television content is small, and has, therefore, sought to open up access to international markets and audiences for these projects. MDA has taken a two-pronged approach to do so – one at the industry-level and another at the government-to-government level. Let me elaborate.
First, at the industry-level, MDA actively promotes Singapore-made content at international markets, encourages collaborations with foreign production companies, and cultivates relationships with international broadcasters and distributers. For the film industry, MDA has been supporting local filmmakers to travel and showcase their works at international market events and film festivals, including Cannes Film Festival and Pusan Film Festival. MDA also facilitates the submission of Singapore films for overseas showcases or awards, and supports the films' marketing and publicity efforts to increase their exposure and recognition internationally.
For television productions, participation in TV-related international market events, such as MIPTV and MIPCOM, is also key in providing opportunities for local content to obtain international distribution. For instance, MDA works with local and international distributors, such as MediaCorp, Passion UK, Looking Glass International, TVF and Electric Sky, to distribute Singapore-produced content in territories spanning Australia, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Middle East and USA. In addition, MDA, together with MediaCorp, continues to cultivate broadcasters, such as those in China and Indonesia, to carry our Chinese-language content on their channels on an on-going basis.
MDA's support for our companies to participate at the international market events has given them exposure to international producers and opened doors for them to secure new partners. I am happy to note that our companies have achieved successes through such collaborations with foreign production companies. Allow me to share two examples. First, local animation company Sparky Animation, collaborated with Japan's Bandai Visual, Baku Enterprise, Dentsu, and Duckbill Entertainment, on a CGI animated television programme based on the Japanese book series One Stormy Night. The programme premiered on TV Tokyo, TV Osaka and TV Aichi in April this year. A second example is from Singapore's leading Stereoscopic 3D computer graphics animation production company, Tiny Island Productions. The company worked with Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific to produce Ben 10: Destroy All Aliens, a television movie, which premiered in March this year on Cartoon Network globally. Ben 10 has proven to be a hit, spawning a highly successful global merchandise line.
In all, MDA has assisted more than 150 film and television companies and individuals in making their presence felt in 40 regional and international events over the past year. Beyond these, MDA has also established regional events in Singapore, such as ScreenSingapore and Asia Television Forum. These provide further platforms for our content producers to showcase their works. In terms of funding, MDA has set aside $5 million each year to support the marketing of local content.
Page: 905
MDA's second approach is to facilitate bilateral co-productions through government-to-government co-production treaties and agreements. To date, we have established official co-production agreements with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, China and Korea, and facilitated more than 20 projects, ranging from documentaries, animation series to feature films, through this network of agreements. By doing so, MDA hopes to secure a beachhead for our companies to identify co-production opportunities and partnerships with other like-minded companies.
MDA also regularly reviews its domestic schemes to ensure that these are aligned with the internationalisation efforts. For instance, effective from end-July 2012, MDA has put in place a revised copyright ownership framework for MDA-supported, locally produced Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) programmes. This framework recognises and accords ownership of the copyright of PSB productions to content creators, who are generally the production companies that have created and produced the original content. While the production of PSB content is primarily to serve the public viewing interest of Singapore viewers, the revised copyright ownership framework is an important step that will put our production companies in a better position to exploit their assets for sale of programmes overseas, licensing and merchandising.
MICA and MDA will continue to evaluate our approaches and strategies to support the local film and television sectors.
Page: 905
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Plans for Sungei Road Market","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"49 Ms Faizah Jamal asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources what are the Government's future plans for the Sungei Road Market and what will be done to support the livelihoods of affected vendors with the construction of the Jalan Besar MRT Station.
\tPage: 905
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: Vendors currently sell second-hand goods at the Sungei Road Temporary Hawking site from 1.00 pm to 7.00 pm daily on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The area has been zoned for residential and commercial development. These developments are expected to commence after completion of the Jalan Besar MRT Station in 2016. The vendors will be given advanced notice to cease their operations on the site once the detailed implementation timeline is confirmed.
NEA has already advised the vendors to anticipate the redevelopment and to make alternative plans. Vendors who wish to continue their business may bid for Piece and Sundry stalls in hawker centres during the monthly tender exercises. NEA, WDA and the CDCs will assist those who wish to exit the trade with job opportunities and financial assistance where necessary.
\tPage: 906
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Edusave Awards for Students Who are Permanent Residents","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"50 Mr R Dhinakaran asked the Minister for Education if the Ministry will consider awarding the Edusave Awards for Achievement, Good Leadership and Service (EAGLES) to students who are PRs so as to promote their active participation beyond academics in a bid to better integrate them into society here.
Mr Heng Swee Keat: All Edusave Awards, including the Edusave Awards for Achievement, Good Leadership and Service (EAGLES), are meant for Singaporean students. The Edusave awards are funded by income generated from the Edusave Endowment Fund and serve to recognise and promote excellence in both academic and non-academic areas.
Our schools provide a broad range of opportunities for all their students through Co-Curricular Activities, class activities, school events and level camps, and PR students do participate in these. Beyond the Edusave awards, students' excellence in academic and non-academic domains are also recognised through various school-based awards and awards given at inter-school competitions.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Use of Tempered Glass for Safety Barriers in Condominium Balconies","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"54 Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for National Development (a) what due diligence does the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) exercise before granting approval for condominium developers to use tempered glass in panels used as safety barriers at balconies despite the associated risk of spontaneous breakage; (b) what led the BCA to require the use of laminated glass instead in such panels with effect from July 2011; and (c) what is BCA's recommendation to resolve the safety issues for condominium developments which were constructed before application of the July 2011 ruling.
\tPage: 906
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: BCA requires safety barriers at balconies in condominiums to be designed by a Qualified Person who must be a Registered Architect or a Professional Engineer. Among other things, the barriers must be able to withstand the required horizontal loading as specified in our building codes. The latter are based on the British Standards for barriers in buildings.
Prior to July 2011, the BCA allowed tempered glass in panels to be used as safety barriers because tempered glass is known for its strength, and can withstand the horizontal loading and impact. Tempered glass does have a risk of spontaneous shattering which is caused by the expansion of nickel sulphide (Nis) crystals over time in the glass. Spontaneous shattering is, however, rare. That is why its use as safety barriers continues to be allowed in many countries, including USA, UK, Australia and Hong Kong.
\tPage: 907
Notwithstanding this, we decided to prescribe the use of laminated glass if glass is used as a safety barrier in our Building Control Regulations from July 2011, so as to enhance the design safety of the barrier. Laminated glass is the bonding of two or more pieces of glass together for greater strength. If one or more of the glass layers break, the laminate will have some residual strength, while the plastic interlayer will hold the broken glass fragments together, preventing them from falling from height. Tempered glass can still be used as glass layers in laminated glass.
Owners of existing buildings who wish to enhance their safety barriers may consider retrofitting and using laminated glass. Alternatively, they may install an additional layer of safety film on the tempered glass which will hold the broken glass shards together in the event of spontaneous shattering.
\tPage: 907
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Update on Work by Department of Public Cleanliness","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"55 Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) how is the performance of the Department of Public Cleanliness since its setup in April this year; and (b) what is the workload of the department and what proportions of this workload are diversions or redirections from other agencies.
\tPage: 907
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: The Department of Public Cleanliness (DPC) was set up in April this year to integrate the cleaning of public areas, including roads, pavements, drains, parks and vacant lands. These cleaning functions were previously undertaken by various agencies, such as the NEA, PUB, HDB, NParks, SLA, URA, LTA and JTC.
Since its formation, the DPC has set up a one-stop contact centre to handle and coordinate all public feedback on cleaning as it progressively works towards an integration of all the agencies' cleaning contracts. The first phase will involve the integration of cleaning for expressways, followed by road and pavement sweeping, together with drain cleaning, and, finally, the cleaning of parks, park connectors, vacant lands and URA carparks by 2016. The frequency of cleaning for areas with higher human traffic and volume of litter will also be reviewed.
The DPC will seek to raise cleaning standards by strengthening the audit regime, leveraging on technology, and improving litter bin infrastructure. The DPC will also work with the cleaning contractors to put in place a more robust system of checks on the quality of cleaning works carried out. For example, the DPC has initiated a pilot to outfit its contractors' mechanical road sweepers with GPS tracking devices, sensors and cameras to enable the DPC staff to monitor their cleaning performance remotely.
\tPage: 908
Since its formation, the DPC has fronted all responses to the public through the DPC hotline, 1800-600-3333, email or the new smart phone application CleanLah. To date, the DPC has received and worked on more than 10,000 cases of feedback since 1 April 2012. This translates into about 60 cases per day. About a third of the cases are on cleanliness of areas that were previously under the care of other agencies, and the DPC worked with these agencies to resolve them expeditiously, mostly within two working days. Less than 1% of the cases were more complex and took longer to resolve as they involved multiple agencies or review of existing policies and processes. We are happy to note that the initial public feedback from the cases handled so far has been positive given the greater ease in reporting cleaning lapses and the more responsive follow-up actions.
\tPage: 908
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Youth Unemployment in Singapore","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"58 Mr R Dhinakaran asked the Acting Minister for Manpower what is the current rate of youth unemployment in Singapore.
\tPage: 908
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: As in most countries, youths in Singapore have a higher unemployment rate compared to the overall labour force. In 2011, the average unemployment rate of residents aged 15 to 24 was 6.7%, compared to the overall resident unemployment rate of 2.9%2. This higher unemployment rate reflects youths' greater job search activity as many are entering the job market for the first time and, even after starting work, youths tend to change jobs more frequently.
Our youth unemployment situation compares favourably with advanced economies and our peer Asian economies. For example, our youth unemployment rate is significantly lower than that in the US (17%), the UK (21%), Germany (8.5%), Hong Kong (9.3%), South Korea (9.6%) and Taiwan (13%)3.
More importantly, youths in Singapore generally do not experience long unemployment spells. In 2011, only 7.7% of resident unemployed youths had been looking for work for at least 25 weeks, which was one of the lowest among advanced economies and our peer Asian economies. This was 30% in the US, 43% in the UK, 42% in Germany, 17% in Hong Kong, 3.4% in South Korea, and 27% in Taiwan4.
\tPage: 909
What this means is that unemployment among our youths is mostly \"frictional\" in nature. It reflects the normal time taken for fresh job seekers and employers to find a match, and that youths typically tend to change jobs more often.
Our fresh Polytechnic and University graduates also enjoy high employability. More than nine in 10 of our Polytechnic and University graduates who entered the labour market in 2011 found work within six months after completion of their final examinations5.
\tPage: 909
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":["2 : Labour Force Survey, MOM.","3 : Data from respective national statistical agencies and OECD website. Youth refers to those aged 15 to 24, except for the US and UK which refer to those aged 16 to 24.","4 : Data from respective national statistical agencies and OECD website. Youth refers to those aged 15 to 24, except for the US and UK which refer to those aged 16 to 24. Long-term unemployed refers to those who have been unemployed for at least 6 months, except for Taiwan and US which refer to those unemployed for at least 27 weeks.","5 : Data based on Graduate Employment Surveys conducted by local publicly-funded Universities and Polytechnics."],"footNoteQuestions":["58"],"questionNo":"58"},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Holistic Health and Safety Measures at Workplace","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"59 Ms Faizah Jamal asked the Acting Minister for Manpower with Singapore's recent ratification of International Labour Organisation's Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, what steps will be taken to ensure that health and safety measures in workplaces include those relating to psycho-social risks, such as violence, bullying and sexual harassment.
\tPage: 909
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: Singapore's ratification of the International Labour Organisation's Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention (C187 Convention) reinforces our commitment to place the safety and health of workers as a national priority.
Our aim is for our workers to remain safe and healthy at the workplace. To do this, everyone must take ownership of Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) outcomes and we must cultivate a strong WSH culture so that all stakeholders have the right mindset and attitude. In a culture where everyone values safety and health, all stakeholders will actively look out for WSH risks and address them. With employers taking proactive steps to protect their workers and everyone looking out for each other, we seek to minimise and eliminate incidences of violence, bullying or harassment.
The WSH Council has developed a CultureSAFE programme to help businesses go beyond the development of WSH infrastructure and competency, and cultivate the right mindset and attitude in every employee. Under the programme, eligible SMEs can apply for funding to defray the costs of their culture building efforts. I encourage businesses to participate actively in the programme and to tap on the funding available.
Ms Faizah raised concerns specifically with regard to the mitigation of psycho-social risks at the workplace. The WSH Council has incorporated recommendations in several guidelines, to help companies and workers address this, including aspects of workplace harassment and violence. Let me share two of the recommendations. The first is to establish a clear set of protocols to guide workers to deal with encounters of harassment and violence. Workers must be equipped with the knowledge to deal with such situations. Only then can they help themselves and their co-workers during such encounters. The second is to implement a proper incident reporting system for such encounters. Workers must have a proper channel to escalate such incidents so that the relevant authority is aware and appropriate actions can be taken. I encourage companies to consider implementing these measures.
\tPage: 910
In addition, should workers encounter sexual harassment in the workplace and if an appropriate complaint channel within the company is not available, they can contact the Tripartite Alliance Fair Employment Practices (TAFEP) for advice and assistance. Serious cases can be referred to the police to be dealt with under the Penal Code.
Let me end off by saying that to effectively address psycho-social and WSH risks, everyone in the workplace must believe that they can make a difference and to proactively establish a culture where all stakeholders work together and look out for each other. Only then will we be able to achieve quality workplaces where workers work productively and go home safely to their families each and every day.
\tPage: 910
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Underground Piping of Natural Gas","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"61 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Trade and Industry whether the Government has plans for island-wide underground piping of natural gas as an alternate source of green and cheaper energy for all industrial and household users.
\tPage: 910
Mr S Iswaran (for the Minister for Trade and Industry): Natural gas is a clean and efficient energy source that is already widely-used in Singapore. We have two underground pipeline networks for natural gas, and a town gas network that serves three main groups of users of natural gas: power generation companies, industrial users and households.
Power generation companies have mostly switched from using fuel oil to natural gas, which allows for more cost-competitive electricity generation. As natural gas is a more efficient fuel, our electricity tariffs are lower than what they would have been had we continued to use fuel oil-fired power plants.
Many industrial users, especially the larger energy-consuming companies, use natural gas as feedstock and for industrial purposes, such as co-generation of steam, electricity and cooling. Using natural gas has helped to reduce local pollutants and mitigate our carbon emissions.
Currently, more than half of households use town gas, which is mainly manufactured from natural gas. Since 1986, all new HDB flats are installed with town gas piping. Building owners can connect to the town gas network by installing pipes within their premises.
\tPage: 911
We expect demand for natural gas to grow for power generation and industrial purposes.
PowerGas, the owner and operator of the underground natural gas pipeline network, is currently expanding this pipeline network in the western and northern parts of Singapore in stages to meet new gas demand. The pipeline network will be progressively expanded to the eastern part of Singapore, in tandem with the expected increase in user demand.
\tPage: 911
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Effectiveness of Direct School Admission Programme","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"63 Mr Alvin Yeo asked the Minister for Education whether the Direct School Admission (DSA) programme for Primary 6 and Secondary 4 students to be guaranteed a place in a Secondary school or Junior College respectively has achieved its purpose and whether the criteria for DSA will be reviewed.
\tPage: 911
Mr Heng Swee Keat: The DSA scheme, introduced in 2004, seeks to promote holistic education by recognising a more diverse range of student achievements, abilities and interests as criteria for school admission. Participating schools are given the flexibility to admit some students on the basis of their strengths, rather than rely solely on their performance at the national examinations.
Last year, under DSA, around 2,600 students, or about 6% of the student cohort, were admitted to Secondary schools, while 500 students or about 3% of the student cohort entered Junior Colleges. These students were admitted through a diverse range of talent areas which included sports, performing arts and visual arts, and specialised academic areas.
Overall, DSA has served to allow students to develop in their areas of strength, by broadening admission criteria beyond grades at national examinations. In general, schools can decide on their DSA admission criteria, as long as they are merit-based and transparent. The Primary 6 students must achieve PSLE results that would enable them to be eligible for admission to the course being offered by the DSA school, while the Secondary 4 students must meet the eligibility criteria for JC admission based on the GCE \"O\" level examination results. As with all of our policies, we continue to regularly review the DSA scheme and seek to improve upon it.
\tPage: 911
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Compulsory Installation of Window Grills for HDB Flats","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"64 Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB can consider installing window grilles for all HDB rental units as a standard feature for safety reasons.
\tPage: 911
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: HDB does not provide window grilles as standard features in its flats, whether sold or rental, as they are not considered as essential by all households.
\tPage: 912
Public rental tenants may, however, install window grilles in their flat if they wish. If they need financial assistance, HDB will refer them to the local Community Development Council or grassroots organisations for assessment. Alternatively, on a case-by-case basis, HDB can transfer the tenant to a unit on a lower level, or to one which has window grilles installed, if one is available.
\tPage: 912
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Installation of Fire-rated Doors in Front of Bukit Batok Flats","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"65 Mr David Ong asked the Minister for National Development what is the rationale for erecting fire-rated doors (FRD) at the front of HDB flats at three residential blocks in Bukit Batok that are undergoing the Lift Upgrading Programme; and (b) given the emphasis on barrier-free access and ageing in place, whether the Ministry can look at alternative solutions for such blocks.
\tPage: 912
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The three LUP blocks in Bukit Batok in question have internal voids and balconies. Such blocks require a long lift landing bridge to connect the new lift shaft to the existing staircase. To address concerns over privacy and security arising from the proximity of these bridges to their balconies, the residents selected a design solution with high walls at the bridges.
This design solution, however, reduces cross ventilation at the landing bridge and hinders smoke dispersion in the event of a fire. To comply with the fire safety requirements, a fire-rated door has to be installed at the end of the bridge to separate the lift lobby area from the staircase. This is to provide a safe and smoke-free escape route in the event of a fire.
\tPage: 912
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Measures to Ensure Businesses Benefit from F1 Night Race and Related Events","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"66 Mr Teo Siong Seng asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) what plans does the Ministry have to redress the loss of revenue to retail/food and beverage outlets in the vicinity of Marina Bay during the period of the F1 night race in Singapore; and (b) what is the percentage of contracts being awarded to Singapore companies for the build-up of the F1 event since the F1 contract has now been renewed for another five years till 2017.
\tPage: 912
Mr S Iswaran (for the Minister for Trade and Industry): The economic benefits of the Formula One (F1) Singapore Grand Prix were an important consideration in the Government's evaluation to extend the race till 2017. Over the last five years, each race has attracted close to 40,000 international visitors and about $150 million in incremental tourism receipts on average. Of this sum, about one-third or $50 million goes directly to the retail and F&B sectors, of which SMEs form a significant proportion. SMEs also account for about 80% of the race promoter Singapore GP's (SGP) race organisation works annually.
However, a street race will inevitably cause some short-term inconveniences, especially to stakeholders in the vicinity. While some businesses in the Marina Bay area have benefited from the buzz and the increase in visitors, others have reported a drop in their short-term sales during the road closure period.
\tPage: 913
Government agencies have been working with SGP to improve public access to the Marina Bay area and to minimise disruptions. For example, the duration of road closures has been halved from 12 days in 2008 to six today. LTA and SGP have also been working with businesses in the Marina Square and Suntec area to help more of their employees, suppliers and key customers drive to and from the malls via Raffles Boulevard, except during race times. Also, with the opening of the Circle Line stations around Marina Bay and the extended MRT operating hours during the race weekend, the area is easily accessible by public transport.
STB and SGP have also worked closely with local businesses to take advantage of the high volume of visitors to the race. STB and SGP will continue with their efforts in the years ahead and will welcome further suggestions to help businesses, including those in the Marina Bay area, derive greater benefit from the F1 Singapore Grand Prix.
\tPage: 913
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Gender Differences in PSLE Performance","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"67 Asst Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked the Minister for Education (a) what is the relative performance of Primary 6 boys and girls who sat for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) between 2001 and 2011, broken down into quintile performance bands; and (b) whether the results demonstrate that girls had an academic advantage over boys at the PSLE.
\tPage: 913
Mr Heng Swee Keat: Between 2001 and 2011, girls performed slightly better than boys at the PSLE. Dividing all PSLE students into performance band quintiles, girls are two percentage points over-represented in the top quintile and three to four percentage points under-represented in the bottom quintile at PSLE. This has been broadly consistent over the last 10 years.
Such differences occur across education systems worldwide. Girls outperform boys academically on average, not just at age 12, but also at older ages. For instance, in the 2009 PISA reading assessment of 15-year-olds, girls outperformed boys on average, in all participating countries. In fact, the difference in PISA 2009 performance between girls and boys in Singapore is smaller than most other countries, and smaller than the OECD average.
\tPage: 913
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Building New HDB Flats Ahead of Demand","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"71 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB will consider building flats ahead of demand so that first-time buyers, especially young couples, can obtain the keys to their new flats earlier than what is possible under the current Build-to-Order system whereby a construction tender is called only when about 70% of the units are booked.
Page: 914
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Since May last year, HDB has adopted a new approach and would proceed to call tenders for construction as soon as architectural drawings and tender documents are ready. They no longer wait for the 70% take-up rate.
\tPage: 914
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Construction and Maintenance Costs for Gardens by the Bay","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"72 Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the $1 billion cost in constructing the Gardens by the Bay includes the cost of land; and (b) whether the $1 billion was within the original budget slated for the project and, if not, what is the difference.
73 Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the annual maintenance cost for the Gardens by the Bay; and (b) whether the Ministry intends to recover the maintenance cost entirely from the revenue generated by ticket sales and the sale of items at the venue.
74 Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will consider (i) waiving entrance charges for the conservatories in the Gardens by the Bay for National Servicemen and senior citizens; and (ii) applying a special discount for Singaporean families with two or more children.
\tPage: 914
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The accounts are still being finalised but the final cost of developing the Gardens by the Bay will be within the approved budget of $1.035 billion. The budget does not include the cost of land, but it includes the cost of creating the supporting infrastructure, such as a major access road (Marina Gardens Drive), the drainage works to channel surface run-off from the Marina Bay Downtown into the Marina Reservoir (via a lake and a subterranean canal) and the cost of soil improvement works to strengthen the reclaimed site.
The project was first budgeted at $893 million in 2006. In 2009, approval was obtained to raise it to $1.035 billion, to accommodate the sharp rise in construction cost during the construction boom period of 2006 to 2008. Unforeseen difficult site conditions, together with technological and construction complexity of the Gardens, also contributed to the additional costs.
The National Parks Board (NParks) took active steps to manage the costs down. For example, the Conservatories were reduced in size, and the number of Super Trees was halved from 36 to 18.
The annual operating cost for the Gardens is estimated to be $53 million, of which $28 million is for operating the two Conservatories, and the remaining $25 million, for the outdoor gardens. The Government will subsidise half of the cost of operating the outdoor gardens. The rest of the operating cost, including for the two Conservatories, will be recovered through admission fees, commercial rentals, carparking charges and corporate sponsorships.
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Like the Singapore Botanic Gardens, there is no entrance fee for most of the Gardens by the Bay. This is unlike other top gardens around the world. For the Conservatories, a suite of ticket concessions is available to ensure that all Singaporeans will find it inexpensive to make multiple repeat visits.
Singaporeans have warmed up to the Gardens by the Bay, which has attracted more than 1.7 million visitors since its opening in June this year. Many have told us that they intend to return regularly.
\tPage: 915
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"3","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Installation of Rain-shielding Structures in HDB Flats","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"75 Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB will consider installing rain-shielding devices or structures free of charge for HDB units and blocks affected by heavy rains after HDB upgrading works.
76 Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB is able to install rain shelters at HDB flats so as to prevent rain water from entering HDB flats during heavy downpours.
\tPage: 915
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: In designing new flats, HDB takes into account the need for weather protection, and will consider providing canopies above windows and along corridors to reduce the impact of rainwater splashing. Typically, flats will also be provided with top-hung windows which can be opened during moderate rain to allow for natural ventilation. In doing so, HDB balances between shielding the rain off completely with achieving good natural ventilation and lighting.
In tropical Singapore, especially during monsoon seasons, it is inevitable to have rainwater splashing along the more open areas like the common corridors in a heavy downpour. To assist residents, HDB does provide rain screens along common areas, such as corridors or lift lobbies, on a case-by-case basis if splashing is severe. We are mindful of the subsequent maintenance efforts and costs for the solutions provided. HDB also works with residents to install a simple weather strip underneath their entrance doors to prevent rain water from seeping into the flat.
\tPage: 915
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"2","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Dialogue with Residents over Preservation of Pasir Ris Greenbelt","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"79 Ms Faizah Jamal asked the Minister for National Development whether he can provide an update on the dialogue between URA and residents over the preservation of the Pasir Ris greenbelt.
\tPage: 915
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The so-called \"Pasir Ris greenbelt\" is a piece of land which has been zoned for residential use since Master Plan 1998. The URA has development plans for the area. It was left fallow pending development and is a secondary forest with a limited range of biodiversity. It is located adjacent to the popular Pasir Ris Park and near to the mangrove-rich Sungei Api Api.
\tPage: 916
MND has received the petition from some residents and is currently reviewing their petition. We will give them a reply once the review is completed.
We appreciate the importance of having green and natural spaces in Singapore. However, in land scarce Singapore, we need to take a holistic approach to balance conservation and development. We have set aside 10% of the land for parks and nature reserves but it is not possible to preserve every green area.
\tPage: 917
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Optimum Old-age Support Ratio","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"1 Mr Pritam Singh asked the Prime Minister with reference to NPTD's Issues Paper \"Our Population, Our Future\" (a) what is the optimum old-age support ratio that is required to keep the Singapore economy vibrant up to 2030; and (b) how many additional non-residents, PRs and/or Singaporeans are projected to be required for a reasonably sustainable old-age support ratio and what is the basis of this calculation.
\tPage: 917
Mr Teo Chee Hean (for the Prime Minister): Our demographic changes will result in a smaller pool of working-age citizens and lower citizen old-age support ratio within the next decade. A multi-pronged approach is needed to overcome the challenges of a shrinking and ageing citizen workforce.
First, we are working towards raising our productivity through business restructuring and the retraining of our workforce through initiatives like the Productivity and Innovation Credit and Capability Development Scheme. Second, we are also encouraging more residents, including older workers and women, to enter and stay in the workforce through job-redesign and flexi-work schemes. Third, we need calibrated levels of foreign manpower to complement our resident workforce.
With current birth rates and no immigration, there will only be 2.1 working-age citizens (aged 20-64) to each citizen aged 65 and above in 2030. If our citizen population is supplemented by immigrants and a foreign workforce, the old-age support ratio in the total population will improve.
However, there are no international targets or recommended standards for the old-age support ratio. A declining ratio will mean a greater fiscal burden borne by working-age citizens. There will also be fewer citizens looking after their parents and elderly relatives. Issues regarding the sustainability of our citizen workforce will also arise.
A comparison of old-age support ratios of many developed countries today is in the table below.
\tPage: 918
The Government is engaging the public on these issues and is preparing to release a White Paper on Population in January 2013. We have invited Singaporeans, including all Members of Parliament, to provide their views.
\tPage: 918
2 Mr Pritam Singh asked the Prime Minister what scenarios has NPTD deliberated upon to address the prospect of new immigrants unwittingly creating an even larger elderly population for future generations of Singaporeans to look after in light of trends towards marriage and singlehood in developed countries and the data from Census 2010 which show a downward trend in the average number of children born to ever-married female PRs between 2000 and 2010.
\tPage: 918
Mr Teo Chee Hean (for the Prime Minister): Singapore's resident6\tTotal Fertility Rate (TFR) has been below replacement level for more than 30 years, and has been on a general downward trend. This is a common challenge faced by other East Asian urbanised societies, such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. Singapore's low TFR has resulted in an ageing citizen population as life expectancies increase.
Without immigration, and if our current low TFR continues, the citizen population will age and shrink rapidly. The size of the citizen population will decline from 2025 onwards, and the citizen population will age from a median age of 39.6 in 2012 to 46.9 in 2030.
Immigration delays the ageing and decline of our citizen population. The effects of immigration on the share of the citizen population aged 65 and above were examined in NPTD Occasional Paper on Citizen Population Scenarios published in April 2012 and widely reported in the media. The data provided in the Occasional Paper is summarised below.
\tPage: 919
While a calibrated pace of immigration can help to delay the decline and ageing of our citizen population, supporting Singaporeans in getting married and having children is our key priority, and it will continue to be so.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":["6 : The resident population comprises Singapore Citizens and permanent residents."],"footNoteQuestions":["2"],"questionNo":"2"},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Applications for Singapore Permanent Residence under the Financial Investor Scheme","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"3 Mr Pritam Singh asked the Prime Minister from 2004 to 2012 (a) how many foreigners secured permanent residence in Singapore under the Financial Investor Scheme; (b) which non-Asian and Asian countries did they originate from; and (c) how many applications were rejected.
\tPage: 919
Mr Teo Chee Hean (for the Prime Minister): From 2004 to 2012, a total of 1,080 investors were granted permanent residence (PR) status under the Financial Investor Scheme (FIS). Asian investors came mainly from China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and ASEAN countries, while non-Asian investors came from countries, such as Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. In the same period, 194 applications were rejected.
The FIS has ceased with effect from 15 April 2012.
\tPage: 919
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Ex-gratia Payments for Government Pensioners","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"4 Asst Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked the Prime Minister in light of the rapid increase in the cost of living in the last five years, whether the Government will make regular and more substantive ex-gratia payments to Government pensioners, especially those with low pensions.
\tPage: 919
Mr Teo Chee Hean (for the Prime Minister): The pension paid to a pensioner is based on the officer's length of service and his pensionable salary at the eve of retirement. The pension is a fixed quantum and is tax-exempt.
To help pensioners in the lower pensions group cope with inflation, the Government in 1974 introduced an ex-gratia allowance called the Singapore Allowance (SA) over and above the pensions paid to pensioners residing in Singapore, subject to a gross monthly pension ceiling. The current SA quantum and gross monthly pension ceiling is $260 per month and $1,190 respectively.
Since 1974, there have been 11 revisions to the SA with the last four revisions made between 2007 and 2011. In the latest revision made on 1 April 2011, the SA quantum was revised by $20 to $260 and the gross monthly pension ceiling (that is, SA and basic pension) revised by $20 to $1,190.
The Government will continue to carry out regular reviews of the gross pension ceiling and revise it when necessary.
\tPage: 920
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Singapore Permanent Residents Relinquishing Their Permanent Residency Status","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"5 Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Prime Minister (a) what is the annual number of Singapore permanent residents who gave up their permanent residency status between 2006 and 2011; and (b) what are the common reasons cited.
\tPage: 920
Mr Teo Chee Hean (for the Prime Minister): An average of 3,400 Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) renounced their permanent residence status each year from 2006 to 2011. This works out to an annual renunciation rate of about 0.7% out of the average stock of 500,000 PRs during this period. PRs are not required to give reasons for their renunciations.
\tPage: 920
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Unlicensed Moneylending and Harassment Activities","subTitle":"Number of cases reported and persons arrested","sectionType":"WA","content":"6 Mr Chen Show Mao asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs from January to September 2012 (a) what is the number of reports of unlicensed moneylending and harassment activities; and (b) what is the number of persons arrested in connection with such activities.
7 Mr Chen Show Mao asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs in each of the years from 2009 to 2011 and from January to September 2012 (a) what is the number of persons arrested in connection with unlicensed moneylending, harassment activities or assisting in unlicensed moneylending who are (i) debtors or (ii) persons below the age of 21; and (b) what percentage of the total number of persons so arrested did such numbers represent in the respective periods.
\tPage: 920
Mr Teo Chee Hean: For the six-month period of January to June 2012, there were 5,228 reported cases of unlicensed moneylending and related harassment. This represents a drop of 21% when compared to the 6,642 cases reported in the same period in 2011. In contrast, the number of persons arrested rose by 22% to 1,033 persons between the same two six-month periods. This overall improvement in the situation continues the trend which commenced two years ago. Police released this information in its regular report on the crime situation in Singapore on 14 August 2012.
The number of persons arrested for unlicensed moneylending and harassment offences from 2009 to June 2012, who are of the age of 19 years old and below, is provided in the table below.
\tPage: 921
We are not able to provide statistics on the number of debtors arrested. This is because borrowing from loansharks is not an offence, and Police do not routinely verify if the persons arrested for loanshark activities were also debtors.
\tPage: 921
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"2","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Review of Public Sector Procurement Policies","subTitle":"Impact on best sourcing initiatives","sectionType":"WA","content":"8 Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance whether the recent review of procurement policies by the public sector will affect the public sector's drive towards Best Sourcing initiatives as tenders/quotations may not then be awarded to the lower/lowest bidder(s).
\tPage: 921
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam: The review of procurement rules and procedures will not detract from the Best Sourcing initiative that Mr Patrick Tay asked about.
The Government procurement system is based on the principles of transparency, open and fair competition, and value for money. Public officers have hence been reminded to evaluate tender/quotation bids on the basis of both quality and price. Value for money is a key objective, and it is not always the case that the supplier offering the cheapest product or service will be awarded the contract.
All procurements must, nonetheless, be guided by a culture of prudence, and be subject to the checks and balances set out in our procurement rules.
\tPage: 921
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Number of Singapore Residents Declared as Property Traders","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"9 Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) in the last five years, how many residents in Singapore have been declared as property traders; and (b) whether they were informed in advance that they had been declared as property traders before they were taxed on their income.
\tPage: 922
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam: Singapore does not tax capital gains. Only gains which are income in nature are taxed.
Business entities that are in the business of trading in properties are taxed on their property disposal gains as trade income. This tax treatment is no different from income tax on any other type of trade income. IRAS does not track trade income by how the trade income is generated.
For other taxpayers, whether the gain derived from the sale of a property is capital or income in nature is determined based on the actual facts and circumstances surrounding the sale. The facts and circumstances that IRAS considers, similar to other tax authorities and based on case law, include the situation leading to the sale, the holding period of the property and the frequency of such sales. IRAS then informs the taxpayers accordingly if it assesses after its review that their property gains are income in nature and hence taxable. In the recent two years, only 201 individuals (less than 0.05% of total individual taxpayers) and 39 companies (less than 0.1% of total non-individual taxpayers) have been subject to income tax on their property disposal gains.
To assist taxpayers, they can apply to IRAS before selling their properties for an advance ruling to ascertain whether the disposal gains are taxable.
\tPage: 922
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Number of Companies Benefiting from National Productivity Fund","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"10 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Trade and Industry how many companies have benefited from the National Productivity Fund so far.
\tPage: 922
Mr Lim Hng Kiang: The National Productivity Fund (NPF) provides long-term support for productivity and continuing education initiatives and strategies over 10 years, starting from 2010. To date, about $950 million has been committed from the NPF to support a wide range of productivity programmes. These programmes have benefited about 5,700 companies so far.
\tPage: 922
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Number and Profile of People Working in Singapore Media Industry","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"11 Ms Janice Koh asked the Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts (a) what is the current number of people working in the media industry in Singapore; (b) what percentage of these are from the film, television and broadcast sector; and (c) within the film, television and broadcast sector, how many are fully employed and how many are freelancers.
\tPage: 923
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: The latest available statistics indicate that the employment in the media industry stood at around 68,300 in 20107. The media industry, as defined by the Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) codes, includes the film and video, broadcasting, publishing, printing, music, online media, and games and software sub-sectors.
Six percent of the people in the media sector were attributed to the film and video subsector. Another 7% were attributed to the broadcasting subsector. Both the film and video, and broadcasting subsectors employed over 4,000 workers each8.
While there are no official statistics on freelancers and their participation in specific media subsectors, previous surveys have estimated the number of freelancers in the whole media sector to be about 29,0009. Based on information from the industry, freelancers do switch from work-for-hire vendors to full-time employees of the production companies. Hence, the number of freelancers varies according to projects. The freelancers are mainly employed by the industry for creation and production activities.
\tPage: 923
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":["7 : Source: DOS and EDB.","8 : Source: DOS.","9 : This figure is not included in the employment figure of 68,300 for media sector."],"footNoteQuestions":["11"],"questionNo":"11"},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Amount of Government Grants Received by Media Production Houses","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"12 Ms Janice Koh asked the Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts (a) what is the current number of independent media production houses that are actively operating in Singapore; (b) what is the number of production houses that receive Government grants each year for film and television projects over the last five years; and (c) what is the total amount of grants received by these production houses each year for such projects over the last five years.
\tPage: 923
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: Based on the latest available statistics, there were 590 companies engaged in film and video-related services in Singapore in 201010. These services include film production, video filming, recording services and services pertaining to motion picture and video productions.
Over the past five years between 2007 and 2011, there were about 130 independent production companies that produced MDA-supported Public Service Broadcast (PSB) and non-PSB television and film productions.
Over this period, MDA disbursed about $235 million to these production companies in Singapore for locally-produced PSB television programmes as well as industry film and television projects.
\tPage: 924
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":["10 : Source: DOS."],"footNoteQuestions":["12"],"questionNo":"12"},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Completed Public and Private Housing Issued with Temporary Occupation Permits","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"13 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the number of completed HDB flats that were issued with temporary occupation permits in each of the last two years and how many are projected to be completed in the current FY and in each of the next three years; (b) what is the number of completed landed and non-landed private housing units that were issued with temporary occupation permits in each of the last two years and how many are projected to be completed in the current FY and in each of the next two years; (c) what is the number of unsold public and private housing units to date; and (d) what is the projected number of new private housing units that will be released into the market in the next one year.
\tPage: 924
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The number of housing units completed in the last two years and the projected completion of units in next three years are shown in the table below:
For public housing, any supply of unsold flats is ad-hoc in nature, comprising balance supply from earlier Build-to-Order (BTO) exercises, surplus replacement flats from the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme and repurchased flats. They will be accumulated and offered for sale to the public via a Sale of Balance Flats exercise once there are sufficient flats. Currently, all of HDB's unsold completed stock (1,500 units) is being offered for sale together with other unsold flats at various stages of completion (5,600 units) under the 2012 Sale of Balance Flats exercises.
For private housing, about 39,600 units from projects in the pipeline remain unsold as of 2Q2012.
Details for the Government Land Sales Programme for next year are not yet finalised.
\tPage: 924
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Stabilising Pricing of Public Housing","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"14 Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for National Development on how HDB aims to stabilise the pricing of public housing given the substantial rise in the open market prices of HDB flats in recent times.
\tPage: 925
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The rise in HDB resale prices in recent years is due to a temporary mismatch in supply and demand, coupled with global liquidity, low interest rates, and strong economic growth in Singapore. To restore market equilibrium, the Government has put in place a number of demand management and supply measures.
The resale market has shown signs of stabilising. Yearly RPI growth has come down from 14.1% in 2010, to 10.7% last year and to 3.9% in the first three quarters of this year. Quarterly average RPI growth has correspondingly trended down from 3.4% in 2010 to 2.6% last year. The current average is 1.3% per quarter; with an uptick in 3Q2012 (2% based on flash estimates). So, we are not yet out of the woods.
Ample global liquidity and low interest rates continue to contribute to the strong demand for residential property. MAS has recently announced new rules on loan tenures to encourage greater financial prudence among property purchasers in both the public and private housing markets.
On the supply side, HDB has ramped up its BTO supply significantly and we will keep up the pace of new flat supply into 2013. This will enable us to provide more options to suit individual housing needs and budgets. It will take some time for the ramped up supply to catch up with demand. We continue to monitor the public housing market closely.
\tPage: 925
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"National Service Defaulters","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"15 Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for Defence (a) in each of the years from 2006 to 2011 what is the number of National Service defaulters; and (b) of these, how many are (i) resident Singaporeans (ii) overseas Singaporeans and (iii) permanent residents.
Dr Ng Eng Hen: The table shows the breakdown of National Service (NS) defaulter cases from 2006 to 2011. NS defaulters are those who failed to register or enlist for NS, or failed to return after their exit permits expired.
\tPage: 925
As we are not able to locate them, we do not have the updated place of residence for NS defaulters.
\tPage: 925
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Licensed Moneylenders","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"16 Mr Chen Show Mao asked the Minister for Law what is the number of licensed moneylenders as at 30 September 2012 and 31 December 2011 respectively.
\tPage: 925
Mr K Shanmugam: There were 249 licensed moneylenders as at 31 December 2011, and 226 licensed moneylenders as at 30 September 2012.
\tPage: 925
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Fines Imposed on Licensed Moneylenders","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"17 Mr Chen Show Mao asked the Minister for Law in each of the years from 2009 to 2011 and from January to September 2012 (a) what is the number of fines imposed on licensed moneylenders as a result of enforcement actions; and (b) what is the average amount of such fines for the respective periods.
\tPage: 925
Mr K Shanmugam: In 2009 and 2010, there were no licensed moneylenders convicted in court, and thus there were no fines imposed on licensed moneylenders during the period. In 2011, three licensed moneylenders were convicted for 38 counts of moneylending offences, and were fined an average of $6,605 per count. From January to September 2012, four licensed moneylenders were convicted for 12 counts of moneylending offences, and were fined an average of $6,500 per count.
\tPage: 925
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Shisha Smoking","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"18 Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng asked the Minister for Health in light of findings on the effects of \tshisha smoking on lung functions published recently by the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (a) whether the Government will consider a review of its policies on \tshisha smoking; (b) how many licensed shisha businesses are there currently; and (c) how are the regulations on indoor \tshisha smoking being enforced.
Page: 927
Mr Gan Kim Yong: The study published in July 2012 by the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences found that lung functions in shisha smokers were adversely affected to the same degree as deep-inhaling cigarette smokers. This is in line with the findings published by other institutions like the Dokuz Eylül University, Turkey; Tishreen University School of Medicine, Syria; and Kuwait University, Kuwait.
There are a total of 43 tobacco retail outlets that sell shisha\ttoday. My Ministry will continue to promote a tobacco-free lifestyle in the population and has stepped up educational efforts to focus on the harm of \tshisha\t smoking. The Health Promotion Board embarked on a \tshisha\t education campaign in March 2012 targeted at young adults aged 18-25 years, using social media to correct the misconceptions youth might have regarding\tshisha\tsmoking. We also had youth advocates on the ground distributing educational material and educating their peers regarding the dangers of shisha.
NEA conducts routine checks of food and beverage establishments, including those that serve shisha, and enforces against any infringements. No distinction is made between shisha and other tobacco products with regard to smoking prohibitions. Between January last year and July this year, NEA issued more than 60 summonses against retail outlets that sell shisha for infringing smoking prohibition regulations.
Page: 927
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Use of Medisave Funds for Diagnostic Scans","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"19 Mr David Ong asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider the lifting of the current cap of $600 that can be used from Medisave funds by cancer patients requiring follow-up diagnostic scans.
\tPage: 927
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Medisave is primarily meant to help pay for hospitalisation, but we have extended Medisave usage to outpatient treatment, such as diagnostic MRI and CT scans, if they form part of cancer treatment, up to the withdrawal limit of $600 per patient per year.
Medisave withdrawal limits are generally set to be sufficient for the majority of patients in the Government hospitals and medical institutions. The current $600 limit is able to cover about 95% of the annual costs for Singaporean cancer patients at the Government hospitals and medical institutions. It was also adequate to fully cover the cost of scans for more than four in five such patients.
We need to balance higher withdrawal limits with the risk of cost escalation or over-consumption, especially at the private hospitals and clinics, to avoid premature depletion of Medisave balances. Patients who face difficulty paying for medical bills for their treatment at the Government hospitals and institutions could apply for financial assistance, for example, through Medifund.
\tPage: 928
We will continue to monitor the adequacy of Medisave withdrawal limits to help Singaporeans defray their healthcare bills.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Measures to Tackle Smoking Problems of Young People","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"20 Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Health (a) what impacts do our anti-smoking programmes have on dissuading the younger generation from taking up smoking; and (b) whether there is an inter-agency work group that tackles the smoking problems of young people below the age of 18.
\tPage: 928
Mr Gan Kim Yong: We have made progress in dissuading our youth from smoking through our tobacco control initiatives. National surveys of the youth population indicate that the proportion of Secondary 1 to 4 students who smoked at least one day in the last 30 days fell from 11% in 2000 to 9% in 2006, and 6% in 2009. Post-programme surveys also show that about 90% of youth are aware of the harmful effects of smoking which may deter them from experimenting with tobacco products11.
Nevertheless, we are mindful that much more remains to be done. Recent studies indicate that the incidence rates of smoking among the youth are showing signs of an increase, similar to many countries in the world. Therefore, our efforts need to be sustained, especially for each new cohort of youth, and we also need to ensure that our youth remain smoke-free as they get older. Hence, we have adopted a multi-pronged, whole-of-Government approach. This comprises legislation, health promotion and education, and smoking cessation efforts involving multiple agencies that aim at denormalising tobacco use and establishing smoke-free living as the social norm in Singapore.
For example, we have worked with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to incorporate messages on the harmful effects of smoking and ways to say \"no\" to smoking into the school curricula and co-\"curricular activities. The \"Live it Up Without Lighting Up\" initiative engages young people outside of the school environment, and highlights the benefits of being tobacco-free in areas that appeal to youth.
To help youth who are already smokers, we have increased the number of smoking cessation touch points in the community and in schools. The adolescent care clinics at our restructured hospitals also provide on-site, smoking cessation counselling to youth smokers. We are also working with the relevant Ministries to provide tailored programmes for full-time National Servicemen.
\tPage: 929
Underlying our health promotion and smoking cessation efforts is the creation of a tobacco-free environment for youth. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) takes firm action against retailers who supply minors with tobacco products, while the National Environment Agency (NEA) enforces the ban on smoking in public places, including the places where youth congregate, that come under the ban.
Families and the community can also play a positive role providing good role models and support to our young people to live healthy, smoke-free lives.
\tPage: 929
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":["11 : Post-programme surveys are administered to a random sample of students after every co-curricular activity, eg, the \"Too Tuff To Puff\" sports programme and the \"Live It Up Without Lighting Up\" smoking prevention module. Questions are similar to ease comparison and compilation. The reported is an average of responses gathered to assess students' knowledge of harms of tobacco products as a result of the programmes."],"footNoteQuestions":["20"],"questionNo":"20"},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Measures to Tackle Emotional Distress and Depression","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"21 Mr Laurence Lien asked the Minister for Health in light of the steady rise in the number of attempted suicides over the past five years, whether there is a need for a more concerted effort to tackle rising levels of emotional distress and depression among Singaporeans.
\tPage: 929
Mr Gan Kim Yong: According to police records, the number of attempted suicide increased from 706 in 2007 to 992 in 2011, or an increase from 15.4 to 19.1 per 100,000 total population.
The corresponding figures for completed suicides (based on death records) show a decline from 8.2 per 100,000 residents to 6.7 over the same period, after adjusting for the changing age distribution of the population over the years.
The Government adopts a multi-pronged strategy to suicide prevention, which includes collaborative efforts from different agencies, such as MCYS, MOE, MHA, MOH and stakeholders in the social sectors. The broad approaches involve (a) building greater resilience in the population; (b) developing targeted interventions for high-risk individuals, and; (c) increasing public awareness of mental health issues.
Students are taught to set realistic and achievable goals for themselves, build positive and healthy relationships with others, and to seek help when necessary. For the elderly, social support is a key element in the prevention of suicides, and this is provided through community services, such as counselling and befriending.
Hospitals provide crisis interventions for patients who have attempted suicide. They aim to reduce the risk of identified suicide attempters through (i) elimination of acute suicide danger (for example, hospitalisation, sedation, crisis-intervention); (ii) adequate treatment (for example, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy); (iii) provision of follow-up care of those with high suicide risk; and (iv) counselling and support groups for patients both within the hospital and community settings.
As part of the multi-agency effort under the National Mental Health Blueprint, there have been enhanced efforts to increase public awareness of mental health and improve access to counselling and other support. For example, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) conducts various mental health promotion and education programmes to promote mental wellbeing among children, adults and seniors, enable them with coping skills, facilitate early detection and treatment, as well as share information on how to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental illness. In 2011, more than 40 initiatives and activities were organised in schools, workplaces and community settings, reaching out to some 170,000 students and members of the public.
\tPage: 929
Access to mental health services in the community has also improved. For instance, IMH's community mental health teams (CMHTs) provide psycho-social rehabilitation for stable patients in the community. CMHT also operates a Mobile Crisis Team which comprises a 24-hour hotline giving information and advice, and a Home Visit team that can help to de-escalate stressful situations that patients face in their homes. The GP Partnership programme helps GPs better manage persons with mental illness in the community.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Motor Vehicles Which Caught Fire on the Roads","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"22 Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for Transport (a) from 2011 to date, how many cases of motor vehicles which caught fire on the roads involve taxis; (b) whether the Ministry has established the cause of such incidents; and (c) what are the measures put in place to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers.
\tPage: 930
Mr Lui Tuck Yew: From 1 January 2011 to 21 September 2012, there were 26 cases of taxi fires that occurred on the roads reported to SCDF. In 21 of these cases, the probable cause was engine overheating, while four cases were likely caused by electrical short circuits. The remaining case was caused by sparks resulting from a road accident.
The taxi operators conduct regular preventive and corrective maintenance of their taxi fleet to keep them in roadworthy condition at all times. To ensure this, LTA subjects all taxis to compulsory inspections every six months.
\tPage: 930
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Singapore's Plan as an International Aviation Hub","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"23 Asst Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the likely impact of the Qantas-Emirates 10-year alliance on Singapore's plan as an international aviation hub; and (b) what is Singapore's strategic response to improvements in air transport, including the possibility of passenger aircraft being able to cover greater distances and thereby not requiring transit stops in Singapore for refuelling.
\tPage: 930
Mr Lui Tuck Yew: Last month, Qantas and Emirates announced a partnership that will see Qantas' London-bound flights from Sydney and Melbourne routed through Dubai instead of Singapore. At the same time, Qantas was reported to have plans to restructure its Asian network, to re-time its flights from Australia to Singapore to enable more seamless connections to Asian cities, and increase its capacity on those flights.
\tPage: 931
The re-routing of flights through Dubai affects about 1% of Changi's total number of flights and up to 2% of Changi's total passenger traffic. We understand that they are made in response to commercial challenges that Qantas is facing in its international operations, which were reported to have incurred an operating loss of A$450 million in the year ending June 2012.
Despite the withdrawal of Qantas' flights to London, Singapore remains well connected to London by British Airways and Singapore Airlines, with SIA having recently started a fourth daily flight between Singapore and London. At the same time, Changi Airport remains an important air hub for Australian travellers, with 10 passenger airlines operating more than 220 weekly services between Singapore and seven points in Australia. We believe that some of these airlines will capitalise on Qantas' partial withdrawal from Changi to gain market share, for example, Australian passengers who may prefer to fly through and stop-over in Singapore en route to London, rather than through Dubai. Changi Airport Group (CAG) will support these efforts. CAG will also work with Qantas on its plans to grow its Asian network through Changi Airport, building on the 90 weekly flights that Qantas currently operates between Singapore and Australia.
The Qantas-Emirates development underscores the rapidly evolving landscape in the aviation sector and the intense competition that Singapore faces as an air hub. It is a timely reminder that we must not take our hub status for granted. The Government is determined to ensure that our air hub maintain the highest level of competitiveness and edge in service, efficiency and connectivity, and, hence, remain a premier hub of choice, not just for travellers from Australia but all over the world.
Indeed, new technology and industry developments shape and disrupt established patterns of air travel, presenting both challenges as well as opportunities. While ultra-long range aircraft allow some traffic to by-pass Singapore and fly non-stop to their destinations, such aircraft can also be used to open non-stop routes that were not previously possible, from Singapore to far away cities, such as in Latin America and North America. Singapore Airlines' ultra-long range flight using the Airbus A340-500 aircraft for non-stop service to New York is one such example.
A key reason for the continued success of the Singapore air hub is connectivity. To encourage airlines (both Singapore and foreign carriers) to grow their operations at and through Singapore, the Government will continue to expand Air Services Agreements with key markets. CAG will also work closely with all airlines to strengthen our Airport's extensive network, and ensure that the passenger experience at Changi remains a key factor differentiating us from our competitors.
\tPage: 932
To cement Singapore's future as a leading air hub, the Ministry of Transport also established the multi-agency Changi 2036 Steering Committee earlier this year. Chaired by Minister of State for Finance and Transport, Mrs Josephine Teo, the Committee is driving the holistic planning of Changi's future development, including implementing the civilian use of Runway 3, developing a new passenger Terminal 5, and planning for related infrastructure, facilities and transportation links. These investments will shape and support Changi Airport's long-term growth, and anchor Singapore's continued competitiveness as a global air hub.
\tPage: 932
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Building, Architecture and Engineering Graduates","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"24 Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Education (a) how many building, architecture and engineering graduates did our local universities produce in the last three years; (b) how many of these graduates entered the construction industry; and (c) in view of the increasing problem faced by the construction industry in recruiting locally-trained personnel and the tightening of foreign worker employment rules, whether our local universities will increase their annual student intake for these courses.
\tPage: 932
Mr Heng Swee Keat: Over the past three years, our Autonomous Universities produced over 1,100 building, architecture, civil engineering and related graduates. We do not have exact figures on how many of these entered the construction industry, but our estimates, based on graduate surveys, are that close to half of these graduates are employed in the construction industry.
The Government will continue to work with our industry partners to attract local talent into the construction and other strategic industries. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) offers various scholarships, such as the BCA-Industry Built Environment Scholarship, to encourage Singaporeans to take up diplomas and degrees in the construction industry. There are also initiatives, such as Learning Journeys, career fairs and internship programmes, to reach out to students.
The Government also provides support for Continuing Education and Training (CET) degree pathways for adult learners to upgrade their qualifications. Employees can make use of the various schemes, such as the Workforce Training and Upgrading Scheme (WTU) or Skills Development Fund (SDF), to upgrade their skills and increase productivity. There are many courses relevant to the construction industry offered by organisations, such as the certification courses, specialist diplomas and part-time Masters programmes offered by the BCA Academy.
\tPage: 932
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Mental Wellness Programmes in Schools and Junior Colleges","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"25 Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked the Minister for Education (a) if he can provide an update on the mental wellness programmes implemented in primary and secondary schools as well as junior colleges; (b) what is the pickup rate for mental illnesses at these different levels; and (c) how are the treatment interventions for these students planned.
\tPage: 933
Mr Heng Swee Keat: Schools promote the mental well-being of students by:
(a) providing them with a caring and supportive school environment so that they can develop healthy relationships with teachers and friends;
(b) equipping students with social and emotional skills through explicit teaching and providing opportunities to practise; and
(c) providing a balanced and engaging curriculum so that students develop holistically, explore their interests and discover their strengths.
Schools also make use of mental health education packages called Mind Your Mind, which are jointly produced by Health Promotion Board and MOE. Primary school children are taught ways to manage stress and anger, while Secondary school students learn about positive self-esteem, communication skills and how to deal with stress and depression.
Schools also watch out for students who may be exhibiting signs of anxiety and depression and refer them for appropriate interventions. Form Teachers play a key role in identifying these students, and trained school counsellors follow up closely.
Students with more complex problems are referred to the REACH (Response, Early Intervention and Assessment in Community Mental Health) team for professional consultation and assessment. REACH is a multi-disciplinary team comprising medical doctors, clinical psychologists, medical social workers, occupational therapists and nurses. In 201112, REACH assessed that 250 students (or 0.05% of the student population) required specialised care. They were followed up by doctors at the Specialist Outpatient Clinics in the hospitals near their schools.
Another 250 students referred by schools were supported directly by the REACH team. REACH links up with partners (such as General Practitioners for medication and Family Service Centres for family-related issues) for individualised treatment within the community. The REACH team also provides individualised and group therapies in cases where students' conditions have stabilised and can be managed in the community without the need for medication.
For students supported mainly by school counsellors, the REACH team provides phone and email consultation on individualised management recommendations and therapy materials.
\tPage: 934
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":["12 : REACH was launched in phases since 2007 and covered all schools only in 2011."],"footNoteQuestions":["25"],"questionNo":"25"},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Assessments for Technical Programmes in Secondary Schools","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"26 Ms Mary Liew asked the Minister for Education (a) what are the non-academic assessments used for the technical programmes in Secondary schools; and (b) whether the existing skills-based assessments for these technical programmes are adequate to prepare early school leavers for entry-level jobs in the workforce.
\tPage: 934
Mr Heng Swee Keat: The main focus of Secondary education is to provide a general education to equip students with literacy and numeracy skills, as well as competencies, such as information management, effective communication and inventive thinking. These skills and competencies lay the foundation for our students to progress further to post-Secondary education. Our students can also benefit from hands-on applicative learning besides the core knowledge, skills and competencies provided by the academic subjects. A broad range of applied subjects is offered to all our students in the Secondary and specialised schools.
For example, NUS High School of Mathematics & Science offers a Design and Engineering module to their lower secondary students, and the School of Science & Technology (SST) offers applied subjects like Biotechnology, Media Studies and Fundamentals of Electronics to their upper secondary students.
Our Secondary schools also offer a range of applied subjects like Design and Technology, Food and Nutrition, and Art as GCE \"O\" level subjects to the Upper Secondary Express and Normal (Academic) students. In addition, schools also partner the Polytechnics to develop applied subjects like \"Creative 3D Animation\" and \"Introduction to Enterprise Development\".
All Normal (Technical) students take Computer Applications (CPA) as a core subject. This equips students with fundamental ICT skills like word processing, computer 3D drawing, designing multimedia presentations, and spreadsheet calculations. Elective subjects, such as Technical Studies, Food Studies and Art, are also offered as GCE ‘N\" level subjects to the Normal (Technical) students. Such subjects provide learning experiences for students to have active hands-on learning as well as basic appreciation of skills required for post-secondary education and careers in related industries.
Alternative methods of assessments are used in applied subjects, and these include the use of authentic situations and coursework. In Computer Applications, for example, students can design websites to introduce a place of interest to tourists. In Food Studies, students can apply their knowledge of food and nutrition, food commodities and culinary skills in planning a meal for a social gathering.
\tPage: 935
General education at Primary and Secondary level lays the foundation for our students to learn and to progress further. Different pathways are available at the post-Secondary level to help prepare students for further studies and for work.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Failure Rates at Year One in Junior Colleges","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"27 Mr Yee Jenn Jong asked the Minister for Education over the past three years (a) what is the failure rate at Year One promotion examinations in our Junior Colleges (JCs); and (b) of the two JCs with the highest failure rate at Year One promotion examinations (i) what are their failure rates and (ii) what percentage of their Year One students are retained or quit JC after failing the examinations.
Mr Heng Swee Keat: Our JCs set their own examinations based on their respective student profiles, and develop their own criteria for progression to the second year of their JC course. Hence, there is no standardised measurement of pass/fail across the JCs in the first year promotional examinations.
Over the last three years, approximately 6% of first year JC students in each cohort failed some subjects in their promotional examinations and were retained.
The two JCs with the highest retention rates at JC1 averaged around 15% over the past three years.
At the JCs, students are counselled if the A-level course is not the most suitable pathway for them. MOE closely monitors progression rates of students as they progress from one stage of the education system to the next. We continuously seek to improve the educational career guidance we provide secondary students to help them make appropriate educational choices.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"GCE \"A\" Level and International Baccalaureate Programme Graduates Pursuing Tertiary Education","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"28 Mr Yee Jenn Jong asked the Minister for Education in each year over the past three years how many students taking the GCE \"A\" Level and International Baccalaureate progress into (i) our Autonomous Universities; (ii) other Universities in Singapore; and (iii) Universities overseas.
Page: 935
Mr Heng Swee Keat: In each of the last three years, about 8,600 students who completed their A-level and International Baccalaureate (IB) qualifications here matriculated into publicly-funded University places.
MOE does not collect data on the number of GCE \"A\" Level and IB students matriculating into local private education institutions and Universities overseas.
Page: 936
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Pre-school Education for Children from Low-income Families","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"29 Mr David Ong asked the Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (a) what is the current number of children from low-income families who are not receiving pre-school education; and (b) what can be done to ensure that these children be given such education.
\tPage: 936
Mr Chan Chun Sing: The Government takes proactive steps to ensure citizen children have access to pre-school education. We invest in public education to reach out to low-income families with young children. In addition, since 2007, we have implemented a specific outreach programme that reaches out to five- and six-year-olds from low-income families who are not attending pre-school. This programme is a joint effort by various agencies, including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, People's Association, grassroots organisations and Voluntary Welfare Organisations.
The children are first identified using data from various agencies. Grassroots leaders and social workers would then conduct house visits to explain the importance of pre-school education to these families. They will assist the families to find a place in a childcare centre or kindergarten close to home. Those who need financial assistance will be guided and referred to the Community Development Councils. For families with multiple needs, social workers will assist them with casework support in areas, such as employment and family issues. The child's attendance in pre-school is also monitored to ensure that the child attends pre-school regularly.
We have achieved progress through these efforts. Only a small number of families were not contactable or did not to enrol. The percentage of Primary 1 going-aged children who did not have any pre-school education has declined from 5% in 2006 to 0.8% in 2012. Of the 261 children who did not attend pre-school, the majority were attending other enrichment programmes or were being home-schooled.
We will continue to work closely with our partners to further improve outreach efforts, and ensure that children from disadvantaged families are provided with pre-school education.
\tPage: 936
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Under-employment of Fresh Graduates from Local Tertiary Institutions","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"30 Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Acting Minister for Manpower whether there is an under-employment of fresh graduates from our local Polytechnics, Universities and private schools/Universities and, if so, whether he will elaborate on the size of the under-employment.
\tPage: 936
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: Under-employment is commonly defined in two ways. Firstly, time-related under-employment, an internationally accepted statistical concept, examines the extent to which a person is insufficiently engaged in employment based on hours of work. Specifically, it refers to persons working part-time but are willing and able to engage in additional work. Secondly, non time-related under-employment refers to employment which does not make full use of, or pay according to skills that workers could offer. This is more difficult to measure due to the subjectivity involved.
\tPage: 937
Time-related under-employment is generally low among young graduates from Polytechnics and Universities. Excluding students in employment13 and full-time National Servicemen, 1.5% of residents aged 20-29 from Polytechnics and Universities experienced time-related under-employment in 2011 (table below). This was lower than the time-related under-employment rate of 4.6% for all employed residents.
There is no internationally established statistical definition and method for measuring non time-related under-employment and most countries do not have official statistics on this. Nevertheless, we are looking into how we can appropriately measure this.
\tPage: 938
Beyond keeping unemployment low, it is also important to help our graduates utilise their time and capabilities fully in the labour market. Secondary and Junior College students can approach their schools' career advisors for career guidance and assistance, and use the Education and Career Guidance (ECG) portal provided by the Ministry of Education to make informed education and career decisions. The ECG portal aims to help these students find out more about suitable programmes across the post-secondary educational institutions (PSEIs) and provide information on related careers and salaries. Career services are also available at our Polytechnics and Universities, to provide career guidance to their students.
Beyond the campus, career facilitation and assistance are available at the Community Development Councils (CDCs), Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and Caliberlink, with career consultants on-site. MOM also disseminates labour market information regularly to help fresh graduates make informed choices and maximise their employment opportunities.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":"1","footNotes":["13 : Refers to students in vacation jobs, students undergoing internships, those working while schooling, and those working while awaiting examination results."],"footNoteQuestions":["30"],"questionNo":"30"}],"writtenAnswersVOList":[],"writtenAnsNAVOList":[],"annexureList":[],"vernacularList":[{"vernacularID":2459,"sittingDate":null,"vernacularTitle":"Vernacular Speech by Ms Low Yen Ling","filePath":"d:/apps/reports/solr_files/20121015/vernacular-NewTemplate-Low Yenling Data Protection 15Oct 2012_chinese.pdf","fileName":"NewTemplate-Low Yenling Data Protection 15Oct 2012_chinese.pdf"},{"vernacularID":2460,"sittingDate":null,"vernacularTitle":"Vernacular Speech by Mr Ang Wei Neng","filePath":"d:/apps/reports/solr_files/20121015/vernacular-NewTemplate-Ang Weineng Data Protection 15Oct 12 Chinese Amend.pdf","fileName":"NewTemplate-Ang Weineng Data Protection 15Oct 12 Chinese Amend.pdf"}],"onlinePDFFileName":""}