Volume 94 Monday No 81 6 August 2018

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES

SINGAPORE

OFFICIAL REPORT

CONTENTS

Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time Page

40. Update on Local Enterprise and Association Development-Plus (LEAD+) 3 Programme (Mr Thomas Chua Kee Seng) 41. Differentiate between Taxi Drivers and Part-time Hire Drivers (Er Dr Lee Bee 5 Wah) 42. Barring Companies with Safety Lapses from Public Project Tenders for Longer 6 Duration (Mr Lip Fong) 44. Reviewing Quality of Roads (Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap) 6 46. Impact of Digitalisation on Bank Tellers and Their Jobs (Mr ) 7 48. Projected Number of Data Protection Officers Needed (Mr Yik 9 Chye) 52. ’s Role Post Trump-Kim Summit (Dr ) 10 54. Locations of SingHealth Dental Clinics (Mr ) 13 55. Drug Rehabilitation Centre’s Assistance for Inmates to Stop Addiction and 14 Cultivate Healthy Pursuits (Mr ) 56. Singapore's Contribution to Upcoming Singapore Convention on Mediation (Mr 15 Christopher de Souza)

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58. Trend of Graduate Under-employment in Singapore (Ms ) 19 59. Design of Lift Lobbies at BTO Blocks Traps Rain (Ms Foo Mee Har) 20 60. Update on Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage Scheme for Stray Dogs (Mr Zainal 21 Sapari) 61. Subsidies for Early Intervention Programmes at Pre-school Level (Mr Leon 22 Perera) 62,63. NEA’s Standard Protocol for Handling Feedback about Smoking in Prohibited 23 Areas (Er Dr , Mr ) 64. Government's Plans to Further Liberalise Energy Market (Mr Desmond Choo) 25 65. Update on Construction of Pedestrian Overhead Bridge Lifts in Toa Payoh East- 26 Novena (Mr ) 66. Proposal for Free Public Transport on Buses and MRT for Senior Citizens during 27 Off-peak Hours (Mr ) 67. Top-performing Students Opting for Further Studies in Information Technology 28 and Engineering (Dr Chia Shi-Lu) 68. Foreign Domestic Worker Grant Eligibility for Those with Mentally Disabled 29 Parents Living in Separate Households (Mr ) 69. Smartphone Addiction among Young Children and Teenagers (Mr Murali Pillai) 30 70,71. Jobs Made Obsolete due to Artificial Intelligence and Global Downsizing 31 Trends (Mr Saktiandi Supaat) 73. Penalties for Companies that Do Not Implement Wildlife and Environmental 33 Mitigation Measures for Projects near National Parks and Nature Reserves (Mr Kok Kwang) 74,75. Creating Awareness on Zero-wastage and Recycling (Ms ) 35 76. Bicycles with Long Handlebars Not Allowed on Footpaths (Mr Dennis Tan Lip 37 Fong) 77. Advance Medical Directive as Opt-out Scheme for Older and Terminally Ill 38 Persons (Dr Chia Shi-Lu) 78. Treatments that Blend Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine (Ms Joan 39 Pereira)

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79. Retrenchment Benefits Paid Out by Companies that Retrench Workers for 40 Reasons not Related to Financial Distress (Mr Pritam Singh) 80. Special Employment Credit for Freelancers and Seniors Working in Shared 41 Economy Sector (Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry) 81. Preserving Farrer Park Field and Adjoining Facilities for Sports Heritage (Mr 42 Melvin Yong Yik Chye) 82. Plans for NEA's Daily-rated Staff to be Skilled for Future Jobs (Mr Zainal Sapari) 43 83. Progress On Raising Awareness for Climate Change (Miss ) 44 84. Elderly Patients Readmitted within 30 Days after Discharge From Hospital 46 (Assoc Prof Pei Siong) 85. Companies’ Ability to Meet Water Efficiency Benchmarks (Er Dr Lee Bee Wah) 47 86. Singapore's Efforts at Managing Climate Change (Mr ) 49 87. Impact of Hyflux’s Debt and Business Reorganisation on Singapore's Water 51 System and Water Security (Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong) 88. Alternative Sites for Sea Burials (Mr ) 52 89. People's Association’s Malay Activity Executive Committees Council (Mr 53 Azmoon Ahmad)

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UPDATE ON LOCAL ENTERPRISE AND ASSOCIATION DEVELOPMENT- PLUS (LEAD+) PROGRAMME

40 Mr Thomas Chua Kee Seng asked the Minister for Trade and Industry whether he will provide an update on (i) the $30 million that was set aside for the Local Enterprise and Association Development-Plus (LEAD+) programme introduced in 2016 to improve the capabilities of Trade Associations and Chambers (TACS) and (ii) the LEAD+ feature to second up to 20 public officers to TACs to forge closer partnerships between the Government and industry and to better the public officers' understanding of the needs of enterprises. Mr : Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs) have an in-depth understanding of industry needs and growth opportunities, and are connected to extensive business networks. They are able to complement efforts by government agencies to support and reach out to a wide pool of enterprises. Our TACs play important roles to help companies transform their operations, enhance their competitiveness and capture new growth opportunities in domestic and overseas markets. As we move into a new phase of economic development, we must continue to evolve and strengthen the partnership between the Government and TACs. Many TACs have stepped up to work closely with government agencies to catalyse enterprise and industry transformation. For instance, the Singapore Food Manufacturers’ Association and the Singapore Manufacturing Federation worked with JTC to jointly conceptualise the development of JTC Food Hub @ Senoko, which lowers business costs for food companies through features such as a shared cold room and warehouse facility. The Singapore Business Federation has also been working with MTI and Enterprise Singapore to organise training workshops for our companies, so that they know what the benefits are under the Free Trade Agreements which we have signed with other economies. In the area of sector-specific training, the Singapore Precision Engineering

4 and Technology Association and the Logistics Alliance have also worked with SSG to curate a list of SkillsFuture Series courses for their respective industries. These are some of the important roles which we want our TACs to focus on. The Local Enterprise and Association Development-Plus (LEAD+) programme was introduced at Budget 2016 to encourage TACs to raise their internal competencies to be more effective champions of industry transformation. At COS 2018 this year, MTI announced the consolidation of several grant programmes for TAC initiatives, including LEAD+, into a single enhanced LEAD programme to drive comprehensive industry upgrading and internationalisation efforts. The combined LEAD programme budget for 2016-2020 is about $115 million. TACs can now tap on the enhanced LEAD scheme to strengthen their leadership and secretariat teams, improve organisational processes, and deliver new and value-added services to their members. As of June 2018, Enterprise Singapore has provided almost $10 million to 9 TACs to upgrade their internal capabilities. We expect more TACs to come on board over the next few years. The enhanced LEAD programme covers all areas that were previously supported under LEAD+, including the secondment of public officers. Efforts to second public officers to TACs are not new. Prior to Budget 2016, then-SPRING had seconded over 10 public officers to TACs to drive the implementation of key programmes such as the SME Talent Programme and SME Centres. Since Budget 2016, three more officers have been seconded to the TACs. We will facilitate more secondment arrangements for TACs which are keen to play a constructive role, and can organise themselves to work with the Government to transform their sectors and upgrade the capabilities of their members. Back to Contents

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DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN TAXI DRIVERS AND PART-TIME HIRE DRIVERS

41 Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether he can update the House on the Ministry's review on the regulations of private-hire car services with a view to differentiate the tax regime between taxi drivers and part-time hire drivers; (b) whether the minimum mileage clocking is one of the areas under review to differentiate the two categories of drivers; and (c) when is the review expected to be completed. Mr : The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has reviewed the tax treatment for taxi and private hire car (PHC) drivers and held a public consultation on the draft Income Tax Amendment Bill 2018. The draft Bill proposes allowing PHC drivers, regardless of whether they drive part-time or full-time, to claim tax deductions on car- related expenses against their driving income, under the revised tax treatment. This is because like taxi drivers, PHC drivers also provide similar point-to-point transport services. With this proposed change, all PHC drivers can enjoy the same tax treatment as taxi drivers. The proposed change will take effect from Year of Assessment 2019, that is, on income earned in 2018. To improve taxi availability, LTA had previously required taxi companies to maintain a certain percentage of their taxi fleets with minimum daily mileage of 250 kilometres. This was removed in 2017 as the introduction of private hire car services had boosted the availability and range of point-to-point options for commuters. MOT is currently undertaking a review of the regulatory framework for the point-to- point service sector. More details will be released when ready. Back to Contents

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BARRING COMPANIES WITH SAFETY LAPSES FROM PUBLIC PROJECT TENDERS FOR LONGER DURATION

42 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport whether contractors who have a record of safety lapses or who have been blacklisted by the Ministry of Manpower for safety lapses can be made ineligible to tender for public infrastructure projects for a longer period of time to ensure that all contractors take building quality and safety seriously. Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The Standing Committee on Debarment, which consists of representatives from various agencies, decides on all cases of debarment of contractors from participating in tenders by government agencies. Contractors may be debarred on safety grounds, such as when a contractor had been blacklisted by MOM due to breaches of workplace safety and health laws. The period of debarment depends on the severity of each case. For land transport infrastructure projects, LTA follows the whole-of-government framework for debarment. In addition, LTA scrutinises contractors’ safety records and may disqualify bids by contractors with poor safety performance. Back to Contents REVIEWING QUALITY OF ROADS

44 Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for Transport what processes are in place to review the quality of roads such as those with potholes and those affected by maintenance shortcomings. Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) maintains more than 100 km of expressways, more than 700 km of arterial roads, and more than 2,000 km of minor roads in Singapore. LTA conducts inspections regularly to ensure their serviceability, looking out for not only potholes, but also defects in lane markings, signs,

7 kerbs, et cetera. The frequency of the inspections ranges from once a week for expressways to once every two weeks for major roads to once every eight weeks for minor roads. Defects such as potholes are typically repaired within 24 hours upon discovery. Members of the public who wish to provide feedback on road matters can do so by calling the LTA Hotline. LTA also takes additional measures to reduce the frequency of the occurrence of potholes, ranging from patching of localised road sections to resurfacing of entire stretches of roads. LTA is also studying the feasibility of using asphalt preserver and asphalt mix additives to prevent the formations of potholes. Back to Contents IMPACT OF DIGITALISATION ON BANK TELLERS AND THEIR JOBS

46 Mr Desmond Choo asked the Prime Minister in light of the announcement by a major bank to reduce the number of bank tellers by half (a) whether there will be similar changes across the banking industry; (b) what are the measures in place to help older residents migrate to digital banking; and (c) how is the Ministry helping bank tellers who are at risk of losing their jobs as digitalisation persists. Mr (for the Prime Minister): Technology is changing the way that financial services are being provided and used. Consumers in Singapore, as in other countries, are increasingly making use of their smartphones for electronic payments and other banking transactions. This reduces the demand for physical bank branches, and for bank tellers. However, this also means new jobs are created in areas such as service ambassadors, software development for banking apps, data analytics for consumer insights, and cyber security.

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The opportunities presented by technology are immense. But the upside is limited by how much we can retrain and reskill employees to take on new roles, and to educate and help consumers to embrace technology. On the first1, the approach taken by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is to work closely with the banks and unions, to pre-emptively reskill and redeploy affected employees into new job roles. Specifically for jobs in consumer banking, NTUC, MAS, Workforce Singapore, the Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF), and the banks have put together a professional conversion programme to re-skill bank tellers and customer servicing staff to take on new roles in relationship management, quality assurance, process re-design, data analytics and digital marketing. Through the programme, the major consumer banks have committed to re-train 3,500 employees over the next three years under the PCP. To date, more than 800 employees have commenced training, of which over 450 have successfully completed their training and have been deployed into new roles. PCPs are in the works for three other areas in banking, namely operations, technology and wealth management. In the case of the bank which the member asked about, as announced by the bank earlier, it has committed to retrain existing customer service officers at branches to take on these new roles, and does not expect them to be retrenched. Digital banking models will become more ubiquitous in the years ahead. This is a trend not just in banking, but across industries. With close collaborations between Government, unions and employers, we will do our best to educate and help consumers, and to retrain workers, so that can ride the wave of the digital revolution.

Note(s) to question 46: 1 The second issue will be addressed in the reply to Question No. 2137 for Oral Answer, which has been deferred to the next sitting of Parliament. Back to Contents

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PROJECTED NUMBER OF DATA PROTECTION OFFICERS NEEDED

48 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Communications and Information (a) what is the projected number of Data Protection Officers (DPO) needed in Singapore for the next five years; (b) what is the current shortfall; and (c) what is the Ministry's plan to train and deploy more DPOs. Mr S Iswaran: It is mandatory under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), for all private-sector organisations to designate one or more individuals as a Data Protection Officer (DPO). The DPO is responsible for ensuring that the organisation complies with the PDPA. According to a 2018 survey commissioned by the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC), close to 60% of private sector organisations in Singapore have appointed at least one DPO. This represents a six percentage point increase from the previous year. PDPC is studying this issue closely, with a view to increasing both the numbers and capabilities of DPOs. There are two parts to my Ministry and PDPC’s plan to train and deploy more DPOs. Firstly, we are developing and supporting training programmes for DPOs. For example, since 2014, PDPC has developed an e-learning programme for DPOs to learn about the fundamentals of the PDPA. PDPC is supplementing this by rolling out more advanced training programmes to enhance DPOs’ skills. These include the Professional Conversion Programme for DPOs, which started last month, and the Practitioner Certificate for Personal Data Protection Preparatory Course, which starts in October this year. In addition, PDPC has supported the development of personal data protection-related courses to be taught at the National University of Singapore and Singapore Management University starting this academic

10 year, through which graduates can attain professional, internationally recognised certification. The second part of our strategy is to foster a collaborative environment where DPOs can learn best practices. PDPC is making Singapore a training hub for data protection professionals in the region by anchoring data protection-related events here, such as the annual Personal Data Protection Seminar hosted by PDPC. PDPC is also encouraging the formation of more communities of practice, such as AsiaDPO and the Law Society’s Cybersecurity and Data Protection Committee. While we continue to grow and deepen the pool of DPOs, organisations must also do their part by appointing and supporting their DPOs. By doing so, organisations will not just comply with the PDPA, but more importantly, build consumer trust in their ability to use and safeguard personal data responsibly. Back to Contents SINGAPORE’S ROLE POST TRUMP-KIM SUMMIT

52 Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs after the Trump-Kim summit (a) what role can Singapore play to keep up the momentum for dialogue between the US and North Korea; (b) whether Singapore is involved in any diplomatic efforts to encourage the denuclearisation of North Korea; and (c) how has the summit strengthened relations between Singapore and North Korea. Dr : Singapore acceded to the request by the US and the DPRK to host the Summit between US President Donald Trump and DPRK State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un on 12 June 2018. We did so in order to facilitate peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula.

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Before I address the role of Singapore in future developments on the Korean Peninsula, allow me to highlight two key features of the Summit that resonated with some of the key attributes of Singapore. First, the choice of Singapore as the venue of the Summit reaffirmed our reputation as an impartial, reliable and safe country. We did not put our hand up or volunteer to host the Summit, but we were pleased to provide a conducive and secure venue which had the full confidence of both parties. The US and the DPRK have publicly stated that they selected Singapore as host because we are politically neutral. Singaporeans can take pride in this expression of trust and confidence in us. We should continue to uphold our reputation as a credible, trusted and consistent partner that is able to play a constructive role on the international stage. Second, hosting the Summit highlighted the importance of a whole-of-government effort. While MFA was the lead coordinating agency, an undertaking of this scale and nature is not something that MFA can do alone. We worked closely with other Ministries and agencies, including MHA, MINDEF and MCI, amongst others, to organise the Summit. The various agencies had to deal with the major security and logistical challenges, as well as facilitating the large global media presence. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of Team Singapore who made this Summit possible. I am also grateful to all Singaporeans for your understanding and patience during the Summit. Let me now address the question on Singapore’s role in the dialogue between the US and the DPRK. We were not involved in the direct bilateral discussions between the US and the DPRK that led to the signing of the Joint Statement between the two leaders in Singapore. Neither are we party to the ongoing discussions between the US, Japan, ROK, China, Russia and the DPRK. Singapore welcomes the Joint Statement at the Singapore

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Summit, which is an important step forward, and we wish the US and the DPRK success in implementing it. Of course, we are aware that the Summit is only the first step in a long and difficult peace process. We hope that the US and the DPRK will continue to engage in dialogue and make efforts towards peace, building on the agreement forged during the Singapore Summit. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers have also issued a statement welcoming the successful conclusion of the Summit. Although Singapore is not party to the ongoing negotiations on the Korean Peninsula, anything that happens on the Peninsula will affect the rest of the region, including Singapore. It is in our collective interest to see a peaceful, stable and denuclearised Korean Peninsula, and we will continue to support efforts to these ends. What are some of these efforts? On our part, we encourage the DPRK’s engagement with the international community, such as through participation in multilateral fora. One of these is the ASEAN Regional Forum, or the ARF for short, which was just held in Singapore over the last weekend on 4 August 2018. The ARF is a constructive platform for participants to promote confidence-building and preventive diplomacy in the region. It is currently the only ASEAN-led platform that the DPRK is a member of, and we hope that their continued participation in the ARF would contribute to efforts in resolving the situation on the Korean Peninsula. The Singapore Summit has also helped broaden our relations with the DPRK. Prime Minister Lee met Chairman Kim on the sidelines of the Summit, where the two leaders exchanged views on Singapore-DPRK relations, as well as developments in the DPRK and on the Korean Peninsula. I also visited Pyongyang in the lead-up to the Summit, at the invitation of Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho. During my visit, I called on President of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly Kim Yong Nam, and met Foreign Minister Ri. We had wide-ranging and frank discussions on bilateral relations,

13 developments on the Korean Peninsula and global issues. I continued my discussion on these issues when I hosted Foreign Minister Ri on his visit to Singapore last week, in conjunction with his participation in the ARF. These engagements with the DPRK have increased the mutual understanding between our two countries. At the same time, notwithstanding the positive developments on the Korean Peninsula in recent months, the reality is that United Nations Security Council sanctions on the DPRK remain in place. All UN Member States, including Singapore, are obligated to implement the UN Security Council Resolutions. We take our international obligations seriously, and remain committed to fully implementing the sanctions. We look forward to concrete progress towards the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, which would create an environment for the easing of sanctions. We will continue to keep our channels with the DPRK open, while fully complying with the UN Security Council Resolutions. We encourage the DPRK to continue engaging with the international community through multilateral fora. We hope that all parties involved will continue the dialogue and efforts towards establishing lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Back to Contents LOCATIONS OF SINGHEALTH DENTAL CLINICS

54 Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for Health (a) what are the considerations for the locations of SingHealth dental clinics; (b) what is the average waiting time for patients to make a dental appointment; (c) whether there are plans to have more SingHealth dental clinics in other big estates to enable affordable dental services and accessibility to the public; and (d) whether a SingHealth dental clinic can be made available in every polyclinic.

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Mr : Singaporeans can receive subsidised primary dental care at polyclinics as well as private dental clinics through the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). There are currently more than 700 CHAS dental clinics and together, they served a total of about 438,000 patient attendances in 2017. Ten of our polyclinics also offer subsidised primary care dental services. The median waiting time for new dental appointments at our polyclinics is about 4.5 months in 2017, compared to 5.8 months in 2013. Specifically on the Member’s question about dental clinics at SingHealth polyclinics, there are three of them in the eastern region, serving about 31,000 patient attendances in 2017. They are Polyclinic, Polyclinic and Polyclinic. In planning for dental care capacity, MOH takes into account both CHAS dental clinics and polyclinic dental capacity. Therefore, not every polyclinic will need to provide dental care services if overall, there is adequate subsidised capacity to meet the dental care needs within a geographic location. Back to Contents DRUG REHABILITATION CENTRE’S ASSISTANCE FOR INMATES TO STOP ADDICTION AND CULTIVATE HEALTHY PURSUITS

55 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Home Affairs how is the regime in the Drug Rehabilitation Centre assisting inmates to stop their addiction and replace addictive desires with healthy pursuits. Mr K Shanmugam: The Singapore Prison Service (SPS) introduced the Enhanced Drug Rehabilitation Regime (EDRR) in the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) in 2014. Under the EDRR, inmates are assessed for their risks of re-offending and the severity of their drug abuse problem upon admission into DRC. They undergo psychology-based correctional programmes which are calibrated to their risk levels and target the underlying attitudes and beliefs behind their drug abuse problem. For example, lower-risk

15 inmates learn about the consequences of drug use and pick up skills to prevent relapse. Higher-risk inmates will undergo high-intensity counselling programmes which address multiple risks and needs, such as criminal thinking and drug addiction issues. SPS also provides meaningful activities to engage DRC inmates and encourage them to desist from future drug abuse by pursuing healthy alternatives. One example is the Basketball Clinic programme, which encourages inmates to take up the sport, and inculcates positive values like teamwork. Another example is Urban Farming, which was introduced in May this year. Through this activity, inmates learn how to collaborate with others and to take ownership of shared goals. DRC inmates also participate in family programmes, skills training and religious counselling. So far, we’ve seen encouraging results with the enhanced regime in DRC. The two- year recidivism rate of DRC inmates has come down from 60 – 70% in the 1990s to around 30% for the 2015 release cohort. We will continue to enhance the regime for even better outcomes. While interventions within DRC are important, community-based programmes also form an integral component of rehabilitation. It allows inmates to serve the tail-end of their DRC detention in the community under structured supervision, supporting their reintegration back into society. We will continue to work closely with our community partners to strengthen the support to inmates on this front. Back to Contents SINGAPORE'S CONTRIBUTION TO UPCOMING SINGAPORE CONVENTION ON MEDIATION

56 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Law (a) what is Singapore's contribution to the anticipated Singapore Convention on Mediation to be signed in August 2019; (b) how will the Convention be promoted; and (c) how is Singapore preparing the legal industry for it.

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Mr K Shanmugam: On 25 June 2018, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) at its 51st session in New York, decided to recommend to the 73rd United Nations General Assembly the following: (a) first, to adopt a United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation; (b) second, to authorise a signing ceremony for the Convention to be held as soon as practicable in 2019 in Singapore; and (c) third, for the Convention to be known as the "Singapore Convention on Mediation". The Commission also adopted the Model Law on International Commercial Mediation and International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation. In recent years, mediation has become an increasingly popular means for resolving cross-border commercial disputes. Mediation is cost-effective, flexible and efficient. It is particularly attractive for businesses who wish to preserve relationships and leave open the possibility of working together in future. However, one oft-cited concern of mediation is the lack of enforceability, should one party later renege on his obligations. The Convention will address this concern. It will make it easier for businesses to enforce mediated settlement agreements, provide certainty to users, and facilitate international commerce. Singapore will host the signing ceremony of the Convention in August next year. It will be the first UN treaty named after Singapore. This will put Singapore on the world map for our thought leadership. Support for Singapore to host the signing of this significant Convention and for the Convention to be known as the "Singapore Convention on Mediation" at UNCITRAL was unanimous. This is a strong testament to Singapore’s leadership in international dispute resolution and Singapore’s contribution to the development of the Convention.

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Singapore is today one of the leading cross-border dispute resolution centres in the world. We have a trusted legal system, with strong rule of law. We provide a complete suite of professional dispute resolution services to meet the varying needs of business, including litigation, arbitration and mediation. To this end, we have also set up Maxwell Chambers, the world’s first integrated dispute resolution complex. As part of our efforts to strengthen the dispute resolution eco-system, Singapore has invested heavily in the development of international commercial mediation, including through building up institutions and updating our laws. (a) In 2014, we set up the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC) to provide international commercial mediation services and the Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI) to set standards for mediation and professionalise the sector. (b) In 2016, we set up the Singapore International Dispute Resolution Academy (SIDRA) to complement service and training with research, to develop Singapore thought leadership in negotiation and dispute resolution, including in mediation. (c) In 2017, the Singapore Parliament passed the Mediation Act to strengthen the enforceability of mediated settlement agreements in Singapore. In other words, we have already sought to address in Singapore the fundamental problem which the Convention seeks to overcome. As part of this effort, Singapore also contributed directly to the development of the Convention at UNCITRAL. We had a multi-agency team which worked hard on this. The team included MinLaw representatives and local industry experts, all of whom played a big part in seeing to the outcome we have today. Over a period of about three years, the delegation worked on the terms of the Convention, negotiating and building consensus when there were different positions amongst member states, and taking steps to ensure that diverse interests were accommodated. This process was chaired by a Singaporean. Overall, our team at UNCITRAL was able to exercise thought leadership on various

18 issues of differences which emerged over the course of negotiation, leading to a successful outcome. While conclusion of the Convention would be a significant achievement, it is but the start of a long journey. Adoption will take time, as individual countries consider the implications of becoming parties to the Convention, get the support of various domestic stakeholders and make the necessary adjustments to enable implementation. When the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (the New York Convention) was first adopted in 1958, it had 10 signatories. This year, as it marks its 60th anniversary, the New York Convention now covers close to 160 parties. The Singapore Convention on Mediation will enter into force six months after three States have signed and ratified the Convention. We hope that a critical mass of like- minded countries can sign on to the Convention in the first instance when the Convention is open for signature in Singapore in August next year. Singapore will support UNCITRAL in its work to promote awareness of the Convention amongst member states. Singapore will also be happy to share our own expertise and experience supporting and developing international commercial mediation. We look forward to welcoming all interested States to Singapore to be the first signatories to the Convention. Within Singapore, the next step is to ensure that we are "Singapore Convention- ready" in two ways: first, that our businesses are familiar with and competent in the use of mediation as another tool to handle commercial disputes; and second, that we have a good pool of practitioners who are capable of handling international commercial mediation and advising parties on its use. MinLaw will work with the industry and mediation institutions like the SIMC to conduct briefings to raise awareness of international commercial mediation, and to have available training in this area for interested corporate executives and legal practitioners.

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The Singapore Convention on Mediation is a great opportunity for Singapore to further strengthen our reputation as an international dispute resolution hub and for our legal industry to play a greater role in this growth area. My Ministry looks forward to working closely with the legal industry to propagate the benefits of the Convention and the strengths of our dispute resolution services to ensure that the needs of international commercial businesses operating out of Singapore continue to be well-served. Back to Contents TREND OF GRADUATE UNDER-EMPLOYMENT IN SINGAPORE

58 Ms Foo Mee Har asked the Minister for Manpower what is the trend of graduate underemployment in Singapore and what Government interventions are in place to facilitate optimal deployment of degree holders to relevant jobs. Mrs : In line with international practice, Singapore tracks time-related underemployment, or the percentage of residents in part-time jobs but willing and able to engage in additional work. Among resident degree holders, such underemployment has remained stable at around 2% over the last decade. Singapore's autonomous universities work closely with industry partners and sector agencies to ensure that course offerings stay relevant to the needs of industry. Increasingly, the curriculum and learning experience are infused with work-learn elements to better prepare students for employment. As a result, our AUs have consistently seen high rates of employment for their graduates. In addition, autonomous universities provide students with career services such as career preparatory workshops and modules on resume writing and interview skills. Career guidance offices also continue to offer such support to their alumni. These efforts are complemented by MySkillsFuture portal, a key source of industry information with tools

20 that enhance our students’ knowledge of employment opportunities and progression pathways in various sectors. Graduates who join the workforce can continue to tap on various SkillsFuture initiatives to acquire new skills and upgrade themselves. They may also take up Adapt and Grow programmes such as the Professional Conversion Programmes to move into new jobs or careers. Those looking for relevant job opportunities can use the MyCareersFuture online portal for smarter and faster job search. Jobseekers who require further assistance in their job search may also approach WSG's Careers Connect or NTUC's Employment and Employability Institute (NTUC's e2i) career centres for help. Back to Contents DESIGN OF LIFT LOBBIES AT BTO BLOCKS TRAPS RAIN

59 Ms Foo Mee Har asked the Minister for National Development what can be done to rectify the situation where BTO blocks' lift lobbies and the walkways between lifts and flats are always drenched during rainy days. Mr : The lift lobbies and common corridors at HDB BTO projects are designed to be naturally lit and ventilated. This open concept design is eco-friendly and lowers maintenance costs. In Singapore's tropical climate, especially during monsoon seasons, rainwater splashing along more open areas like lift lobbies and common corridors in a heavy downpour is inevitable. Hence, for weather protection, common corridors are provided with an extended overhang (that is, a canopy). While this measure is generally adequate, it may not be able to fully prevent the corridor from getting wet during heavy downpours accompanied by strong winds. To avoid water-ponding and overly wet floors during rain,

21 the floors at lift lobbies and common corridors are graded to allow excess water to flow to the scupper drain. HDB introduces rain screens where appropriate, based on feedback from residents as well as its own studies. Nonetheless, such screens are not installed in all locations as some locations need to be kept open and well-ventilated for fire safety reasons. Some residents may also view the rain screens as an obstruction to their view. Members who have feedback on issues related to specific blocks can approach HDB so that we can look into the details. Back to Contents UPDATE ON TRAP-NEUTER-RELEASE-MANAGE SCHEME FOR STRAY DOGS

60 Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether he can provide an update on the Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage Scheme for stray dogs; (b) what resources can be provided to animal welfare groups who are helping and working with the community to address the stray dog problem; and (c) whether there are plans to regulate the pet industry further to minimise irresponsible abandonment of pets. Mr Lawrence Wong: The Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage programme, or TNRM in short, is a humane and science-based method to reduce the stray dog population through sterilisation. Our animal welfare groups or AWGs, have been working on localised sterilisation efforts in different areas in Singapore for many years. To take these efforts further, AVA has announced a nation-wide TNRM programme to sterilise more than 70% of the stray dogs in Singapore over five years. AVA plans to implement the programme progressively from the last quarter of this year, with support from AWGs, veterinarians, and other stakeholders. AVA will provide funding support and resources, and maintain oversight over key operational work, such as trapping, sterilisation, and outreach. However, AVA cannot do it alone. The success of

22 this programme requires close partnership with many stakeholders. In particular, we will need AWGs and vets to continue contributing their experience and expertise. For example, AWGs can help with trapping and rehoming efforts while vets can assist with the sterilisation procedure. As for the Member’s question on pet abandonment, AVA regularly reviews its regulations and programmes to promote responsible pet ownership. For example, AVA revised the dog licensing regime in March 2017. Pet businesses now have to license all dogs before they are sold. They also have to transfer the dog licenses to the new owners when the dogs are sold or transferred. This helps to improve traceability and deters abandonment. AVA will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the revised dog licensing regime. AVA will take enforcement action against errant pet owners who abandon their dogs. A person found guilty of pet abandonment may be fined up to $10,000 and/or jailed up to 12 months. Back to Contents SUBSIDIES FOR EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAMMES AT PRE-SCHOOL LEVEL

61 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how many special needs children are receiving subsidies for early intervention programmes at pre-school level under the Enhanced Pilot for Private Intervention Providers (PPIP) scheme; and (b) whether there are plans for increasing the number and geographic distribution of Enhanced PPIP centres. Mr Desmond Lee: The Enhanced Pilot for Private Intervention Providers (PPIP) scheme complements the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC). It provides developmental and therapy services for children aged 0-6 who are at risk of moderate to severe developmental delays. Parents whose children are referred to EIPIC can also enrol their child in an approved PPIP Early Intervention (EI) programme.

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Children will receive the same MSF subsidies, whether they enrol in PPIP or EIPIC programme. There are currently 21 EIPIC centres serving 3,000 children with developmental delays. MSF has recently increased the number of PPIP providers from 6 to 10. From 2015 to 2017, an average of 115 children were enrolled in PPIP each year. To ensure that these centres are accessible to parents and children, we have expanded the geographic spread of the centres. Earlier, the six PPIP centres were located in the Central, West and East regions. The current 10 centres operating are geographically spread across the North, North-East, Central, West and East regions. Back to Contents NEA’S STANDARD PROTOCOL FOR HANDLING FEEDBACK ABOUT SMOKING IN PROHIBITED AREAS

62 Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) what is the standard protocol for NEA to handle feedback about smokers smoking in prohibited areas; and (b) where there is no pictorial evidence and NEA is unable to catch the culprit red-handed, what other measures are taken to ensure that culprits will be apprehended especially those who have had multiple reports made against them in residential areas. 63 Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) what is the progress of efforts to keep our neighbourhood spaces smoke-free; (b) whether banning smoking in more designated areas have resulted in improving a smoke- free environment; (c) whether operators and premise managers are doing their part to stop patrons and visitors from smoking in prohibited areas; and (d) whether there are adequate enforcement resources and penalties to stop smokers who disregard the prohibitions imposed by NEA.

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Mr B M M: The Government has over the years progressively extended the smoking prohibition to more public places, to protect more people from the harmful effects of passive tobacco smoke. Such places include the common areas of housing estates such as void decks, fitness corners, and playgrounds, as well as sheltered pedestrian walkways and bus stops. In 2016, the prohibition was further extended to neighbourhood and reservoir parks. Today, smoking is disallowed in more than 32,000 places and progress has been made towards our vision of a smoke-free and conducive living environment. Generally, smokers appreciate the reasons behind these restrictions and most comply willingly. However, there is a minority who do not, and this is where the concerted efforts of various stakeholders can make a difference. When someone we know – be it a family member or a friend – lights up where he or she should not, we ought to remind them to spare a thought for those around. Such social cues are important for signalling and entrenching the positive social norms that smokers should abide by. Operators and managers of smoking-prohibited premises have a statutory responsibility to stop patrons from smoking and request them to leave if they refuse. Most managers are aware of the important role they play in safeguarding the health of their non-smoking patrons. Managers who fail to discharge their duties will be liable for a maximum fine of $2,000 upon conviction. Regarding the Member’s question about the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) protocol in responding to feedback on unlawful smoking, NEA upon receiving such feedback, will engage the manager of the relevant smoking-prohibited premises to ensure that signs are prominently displayed to remind smokers of the prohibition, and to remove any misleading cues such as litter bins fitted with ashtrays. If the complaints persist, NEA will undertake further investigations by contacting the complainant and other witnesses for additional information. NEA may also obtain video

25 footage from nearby CCTVs if available. If the alleged offender is identified, NEA will interview the person to ascertain culpability. A summons may then be issued if there is evidence that an offence had been committed. Errant smokers can face fines of up to $1,000 upon conviction. All said, it is not possible for the NEA to monitor every one of the 32,000 smoking- prohibited places at all times. Residents who come across people smoking in prohibited areas can submit feedback, including details of the incident, to NEA through the myENV mobile application, and NEA’s hotline and website. Such information can provide useful leads for us to target areas where breaches of the smoking prohibition occur repeatedly. While enforcement of the smoking prohibition will continue, it is not the panacea to curbing inconsiderate smoking. Our hope is for smokers to be mindful of the potential harm they may cause others, and not light up in places where smoking is prohibited. The families and friends of smokers, as well as the general public can also help reinforce positive social norms through reminders. Ultimately, we would like to help smokers kick the habit for the benefit of their own health, their loved ones, and the community. Back to Contents GOVERNMENT'S PLANS TO FURTHER LIBERALISE ENERGY MARKET

64 Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) how will the further liberalisation of the energy market and introduction of new energy sources such as JTC's SolarRoof project help to moderate prices of electricity in the short term and long term; and (b) what are the Government's plans to further liberalise the energy market. Mr Chan Chun Sing: Singapore relies on imported fuel to meet our energy needs, with natural gas accounting for about 95% of our electricity generation. Our electricity prices are thus largely driven by movements in the global energy markets, given that we are a small country and price takers for natural gas.

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Nevertheless, the Energy Market Authority of Singapore, or EMA, has pursued various measures to improve the price-competitiveness of our electricity supply. EMA has progressively introduced competition into our electricity market since the 1990s, so that companies would strive to be more cost-effective and offer better service in competing for customers. This includes our retail electricity market, which EMA has gradually opened up to competition since 2001, by allowing larger businesses to purchase electricity from retailers, instead of buying from SP Group at the regulated tariff. EMA is working to open up the rest of our retail electricity sector through the Open Electricity Market (OEM), which would allow all households and small businesses to choose an electricity supplier and price plan that best suits their needs. We introduced a soft launch of the OEM in Jurong in April 2018 and are on track to begin the nationwide rollout from the fourth quarter of this year. We will be sharing more details in the next few months. Beyond promoting competitive markets, the government has also sought to diversify our sources of generation, to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and exposure to volatile global fuel prices. For instance, we have been working to facilitate the adoption of solar power, which has grown from 0.4 megawatt peak (MWp) in 2008 to around 145 MWp by end-2017. Initiatives such as JTC’s SolarRoof project is part of our plan to raise solar adoption further to 350 MWp by 2020, and 1 gigawatt peak (GWp) beyond 2020. Back to Contents UPDATE ON CONSTRUCTION OF PEDESTRIAN OVERHEAD BRIDGE LIFTS IN TOA PAYOH EAST-NOVENA

65 Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether the Ministry can provide an update on Pedestrian Overhead Bridge (POB) lifts slated for construction in Toa Payoh East-Novena; and (b) whether a lift can be prioritised for the POB in front of 308 Thomson Road.

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Mr Khaw Boon Wan: To make public transport more accessible, LTA has been retrofitting pedestrian overhead bridges near public transport nodes with lifts. We give priority to bridges which are used by large numbers of less ambulant pedestrians. By the end of this year, we will have completed such retrofitting works at 47 sites, including a recently completed one near Blk 26 Toa Payoh Lorong 6. As for the pedestrian overhead bridge at 308 Thomson Road, the site will undergo major works as part of the North-South Corridor construction. LTA is taking the opportunity to study the various barrier-free crossing options, including the possibility of a lift, at this site. LTA will engage the Grassroot Advisors and other stakeholders in mid- 2019 after the preliminary findings are ready. Back to Contents PROPOSAL FOR FREE PUBLIC TRANSPORT ON BUSES AND MRT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS DURING OFF-PEAK HOURS

66 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether the Ministry will consider implementing free public transport on buses and MRT for senior citizens above the age of 75 during off-peak hours; and (b) whether audio announcements on buses to indicate stop locations can be introduced to aid elderly passengers. Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Public transport is affordable for our seniors. First, senior citizens above 60 years old enjoy substantial discounts of up to 57% off adult trip fares. With these discounts, their rail and basic bus fares do not exceed 87 cents. Second, with Differential Fares, senior citizens enjoy a further discount of up to 50 cents off their rail fare if they started their journeys before 7.45am. Third, senior citizens who travel frequently can buy monthly concession passes at $60, to enjoy unlimited bus and train rides. Fourth, senior citizens from lower-income households receive further assistance through Public Transport Vouchers.

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The Public Transport Council (PTC) regularly reviews our fares to keep them affordable while ensuring the financial sustainability of the public transport network. In fact, over the past three years, fares for senior citizens have decreased as part of the annual Fare Review Exercise. Today, the total discounts for senior citizens travelling on our public transport network amount to about $80 million every year. Larger subsidies for one group of commuters will mean higher fares for other commuters or a heavier burden on taxpayers. The PTC has to balance these difficult trade-offs. As for the Member's second suggestion, I am pleased to inform that all new buses will have visual and audio announcements of the next bus stop. Back to Contents TOP-PERFORMING STUDENTS OPTING FOR FURTHER STUDIES IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING

67 Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked the Minister for Education among the students who perform in the top 10% tier for GCE "O" and "A" levels (a) what is the proportion who opt to pursue studies related to information technology and engineering fields in each of the last three years; (b) how do these figures compare to those who opt to study medicine and law; and (c) what measures are in place to encourage more of our best and brightest to consider pursuing their studies in engineering, computer sciences, information technology, artificial intelligence and robotics in order to build a strong Singaporean core in these fields. Mr : Among the top 10% of students in the GCE A-Level exam between 2012 and 2014, 14% entered courses in engineering or information and digital technologies, while 22% entered medicine or law courses at the local Autonomous Universities (AUs). It is not meaningful to compare the numbers for those who take O- Level exams because not all students sit for the O-Level exams, such as those in the Integrated Programme (IP).

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MOE encourages and enables our students to discover their inter-ests and strengths through the curriculum taught in our schools and a variety of programmes and experiences, supported by strengthened ed-ucation and career guidance at all levels. For example, to expose students to STEM, 60% of our secondary schools offer Applied Learning Programmes (ALPs) in STEM domains. MOE also organises Science enrichment and mentorship programmes for secondary school and junior college students. The Science Centre Singapore also conducts a range of science-related activities and enrichment programmes to en-courage interest in STEM among the public, including students. The polytechnics pool their efforts to promote engineering diploma programmes to secondary school students. They hold talks featuring industry practitioners who share why they chose engineering as a career. They also reach out to school teachers and involve them in industry learning journeys and workshops. Our AUs also offer unique programmes tailored to attract good students with the interest and aptitude in STEM. For example, NTU offers the Renaissance Engineering Programme, and NUS the Global Engineering Programme. SUTD infuses technology and design into every aspect of a student's learning experience. Back to Contents FOREIGN DOMESTIC WORKER GRANT ELIGIBILITY FOR THOSE WITH MENTALLY DISABLED PARENTS LIVING IN SEPARATE HOUSEHOLDS

68 Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider equalising the treatment of assessing Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) Grant eligibility for (i) FDWs employed by children of mentally disabled parents to take care of their parents at separate households and (ii) FDWs employed directly by parents who are compos mentis and living in separate households, through sponsorship of their children and, if not, why not.

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Mr Gan Kim Yong: The Foreign Domestic Worker Grant (FDWG) provides a monthly grant of $120 to help families employ an FDW to care for their loved ones who require permanent assistance with three or more Activities of Daily Living. As the grant is targeted at lower and middle income households, employers with household monthly income per person of $2,600 or lower will be eligible for the grant. Regardless of whether the FDW is employed by a family member living in a separate household, or the care recipient himself/herself, we consistently assess the means of the FDW employer’s household in determining the eligibility for the grant. This allows us to take into account the needs of the employer who is directly responsible for paying the salary of the FDW. Nevertheless, we will also consider appeals from families who have extenuating circumstances and genuinely require financial aid. Back to Contents SMARTPHONE ADDICTION AMONG YOUNG CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS

69 Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry is concerned about the increasing trend of smartphone addiction especially among young children and teenagers and what are the steps that it intends to take to arrest the situation. Mr Gan Kim Yong: Smartphone addiction is not a medical diagnosis under the international classifications such as the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases1 (ICD) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders2. Nevertheless, some children and teenagers do seek help in healthcare institutions for possible smartphone addiction and some of them have been diagnosed with impulse disorders3 . Based on data from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and the Response, Early Intervention, Assessment in Community mental Health (REACH) teams, the number of young patients diagnosed with impulse disorders did not show any upward

31 trend between 2013 and 2017. IMH reported an average of about 46 cases per year, and REACH teams reported an average of 14 cases per year. The figures however encompass various types of impulse disorders as there is no specific diagnosis for smartphone addiction. IMH’s National Addictions Management Service (NAMS) has put in place measures on addictions related to the use of smartphones. These include education through outreach efforts at various schools and improving awareness amongst the general public on behavioural addictions through various media platforms such as print and radio as well as during the National Addictions Awareness Day. There are also intervention services for young children and teenagers who experience related problems such as gaming addiction. NAMS provides assessment on the severity of the condition and offers treatment, such as counselling to overcome such addictions. Beyond NAMS, there are also services available in the community provided by REACH, Community Health Assessment Teams (CHAT) and TOUCH Community Services.

Note(s) to question 69: 1 10th Edition. 2 5th Edition. 3 Impulse disorders are characterised by the repeated failure to resist an impulse, drive or urge to perform an act that is rewarding to the person in the short-term, despite consequences such as longer-term harm either to the individual or to others, marked distress about the behavior pattern, or significant impairment in personal, social, or other important areas of functioning. Back to Contents JOBS MADE OBSOLETE DUE TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND GLOBAL DOWNSIZING TRENDS

70 Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Manpower (a) how many jobs have been made obsolete since 2016 because of artificial intelligence; (b) how can support networks be strengthened for those who are retrenched; and (c) whether the Ministry will

32 offer support to encourage businesses to retrain and offer new opportunities to the affected employees. 71 Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Manpower with global trends of companies downsizing (a) how many Singaporeans working in MNCs have been affected since 2017; and (b) what is the job market outlook for the rest of 2018 and 2019. Mrs Josephine Teo: Overall, the number of local retrenchments fell from about 11,000 in 2016 to about 9,000 in 2017. This is based on surveys of establishments with at least 25 employees. We do not specifically track retrenchments from Multi-National Corporations (MNCs), but these companies are included in our surveys. Over the same two years, close to 70% of local retrenched workers were displaced due to company reorganisation and restructuring of business processes, which in some instances may include the adoption of new technologies to automate job tasks. However, new jobs were created at the same time. In particular, local employment grew by 11,200 in 2016 and by a further 21,300 in 2017. The impact of technology on jobs is often mixed. While it may reduce manpower reliance in some areas, growing companies still have to hire more to fill other jobs. For example, Amazon hired more staff even as it introduced more robots in its business operations. Likewise, an industry may be shrinking due to technological disruption, but other industries may be growing in its place. Technology could also boost productivity, enabling higher wages for those with the skills to work with or alongside technology. While keeping an eye on the impact of technology including artificial intelligence, the government's priority is to help workers stay in employment by keeping their skills current, or get back into employment quickly if they are displaced. Through the Adapt and Grow (A&G) initiative, Workforce Singapore (WSG) and NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) offer employment facilitation services such as career coaching, employability workshops, job fairs and job matching. The Professional

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Conversion Programmes (PCPs) and Place-and-Train Programmes provide wage and training support for employers to re-train workers to enter new occupations or sectors. The Career Support Programme (CSP) encourages employers to give opportunities to mature, retrenched PMETs by providing wage support. In 2017, the A&G initiative helped place over 25,000 jobseekers, about 20% more than in 2016. Where possible, it is better to intervene upstream, before workers are retrenched. Together with the economic agencies, WSG engages companies on their transformation plans and manpower needs, so as to support them in reskilling and redeploying employees in jobs at risk, into new job roles. Last year, about 500 at-risk workers were retrained for new job roles through re-deployment PCPs. WSG will make a bigger push in sectors that are restructuring. Looking ahead, real GDP growth for 2018 is expected to be between 2.5% and 3.5%. We thus expect overall labour demand to expand, but with some unevenness across sectors. Job opportunities will be available in the Services sectors, including Finance & Insurance, Info-communication & Media, Healthcare, Professional Services and Wholesale Trade. However, hiring is expected to remain cautious in the Construction and Marine Shipyard sectors. Back to Contents PENALTIES FOR COMPANIES THAT DO NOT IMPLEMENT WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION MEASURES FOR PROJECTS NEAR NATIONAL PARKS AND NATURE RESERVES

73 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development whether there are plans to impose penalties on companies which do not implement proposed wildlife and environmental mitigation measures when carrying out construction near national parks and nature reserves.

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Mr Lawrence Wong: Development projects that are near to sensitive areas such as Nature Reserves, Nature Areas, areas of significant biodiversity, and marine and coastal areas, are required to undergo an in-depth consultation process with the relevant technical agencies. Where necessary, agencies will stipulate the environmental requirements that need to be met, and ensure that mitigating measures are put in place by the developer to minimise the environmental impact. Agencies will also work with developers to ensure that the recommended mitigation measures are implemented, through environmental monitoring and management programmes. Should the developers deviate from the measures, agencies will ask developers to take appropriate actions to rectify the situation. If there is any unanticipated environmental impact or when the mitigation measures prove insufficient, developers will need to modify existing mitigation measures or put in additional mitigation measures, in consultation with the relevant agencies. MND and the technical agencies are reviewing the Environmental Impact Assessment framework to ensure that it remains robust and meets the intended objectives. As part of this review, we will study how best to ensure that mitigating measures are implemented in the right spirit, and whether there is a need to strengthen the penalties for non- compliance. Today, developers who violate regulatory requirements already face penalties under the various environmental Acts. These include NEA's Environmental Protection and Management Act, and PUB's Sewerage and Drainage Act in relation to air, noise and water pollution, and NParks' Parks and Trees Act in relation to activities within nature reserves and national parks. For example, under the Parks and Trees Act, conducting activities within nature reserve and national parks which causes alteration, damage or destruction to any plant, or injury to or the death of any animal or any other organism, are considered offences. The penalty for these offences is a fine of up to $50,000, imprisonment of up to six months or

35 both. A fine of up to $500 is further imposed for every day or part of the day which the offence continues after conviction. Back to Contents CREATING AWARENESS ON ZERO-WASTAGE AND RECYCLING

74 Ms Rahayu Mahzam asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) whether there has been a study on the effectiveness of campaigns and programmes to create awareness on zero-wastage and recycling; (b) if so, what are the outcomes of such a study; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider embarking on a mass public consultation exercise to collate suggestions from the public on effective strategies to encourage zero-wastage and recycling. 75 Ms Rahayu Mahzam asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) what are the current efforts or guidelines for businesses to penalise wastage as well as incentivise the reduction and recycling of waste; (b) whether the current efforts and guidelines have been effective; and (c) whether there are any plans to build on the existing framework. Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: My Ministry and the National Environment Agency adopt a combination of strategies to reduce waste generation and encourage recycling. In particular, we are focusing our efforts on three priority waste streams – food waste, e- waste and packaging waste. While there has been progress, more needs to be done to achieve our vision of a zero waste nation and circular economy. To make recycling easier, those living in HDB flats or landed properties are provided with either a blue recycling bin under their block or a centralised chute for recyclables under the National Recycling Programme (NRP). This has led to an increase in recyclables collected, from 25,300 tonnes in 2011 to 44,400 tonnes in 2017. In a survey conducted in 2015/2016, more than 70 percent of HDB households indicated that they

36 practised recycling. However, this has not translated into an increase in our domestic recycling rates, which have hovered at around 20 percent in recent years. Taken together, these figures indicate that households are generally aware of recycling, but do not practise it regularly. More needs to be done to make recycling part of daily living for all Singaporeans, by making it more convenient for households to recycle and through more outreach and education on good recycling practices. We also target large waste generators by requiring them to report their waste data and waste reduction targets and plans since 2014. In 2016, 269 large hotels and shopping malls provided these information to NEA. They have also become more aware of how to improve their waste management systems. The proportion of large hotels and malls that recycle has increased from 84 percent in 2014 to 94 percent in 2016. We will look into how the reporting requirement can be extended to other large waste generators such as industrial premises. My Ministry works closely with other Government agencies and private sector partners to combat food waste. NEA and the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) have published food waste minimisation guidebooks for food retail establishments, supermarkets and food manufacturing establishments. NEA’s 3R Fund has also supported 22 premises to install on-site food waste treatment systems. Our food waste recycling rate has increased from 12 percent in 2012 to 16 percent in 2017. But we can do better. My Ministry will continue to explore how we can not only recycle more food waste, but reduce its generation in the first place. To better manage e-waste, my Ministry will put in place an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for e-waste management by 2021. We are also studying the feasibility of extending the EPR concept to other waste streams, such as packaging waste including plastics. We will bring forward the mandatory reporting of packaging data and waste reduction plans from 2021 to 2020. This will build on current voluntary

37 efforts such as the Singapore Packaging Agreement (SPA) which encourages businesses to minimise packaging waste. Since its introduction in 2007, the signatories have collectively reduced 46,000 tonnes of packaging waste and saved over $100 million in packaging material costs. My Ministry recently announced that we are developing an inaugural Zero Waste Masterplan to be released next year. In developing the plan, we will be consulting the public and industry stakeholders on our strategies for achieving a Zero Waste Nation and circular economy. In the meantime, we encourage ground-up efforts to reduce waste and encourage recycling. Everybody must do their part. We also welcome anyone with good suggestions to write in to NEA via email or social media. Consumers can also encourage businesses to adopt environmentally-friendly practices through their purchasing choices and by giving them feedback. Everyone’s effort is important in our journey towards becoming a Zero Waste Nation and achieving a circular economy. Back to Contents BICYCLES WITH LONG HANDLEBARS NOT ALLOWED ON FOOTPATHS

76 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether any action is taken to ensure that owners of bicycles with handlebars exceeding 700 mm length are made aware that such bicycles are not allowed on footpaths and walkways; and (b) whether owners are given reasonable opportunity to change their handlebars without their bicycles being impounded immediately when they are found on footpaths and walkways. Mr Khaw Boon Wan: After extensive public consultation in 2015, the Active Mobility Advisory Panel recommended that bicycles used on public paths be subject to a maximum width of 700 mm. This is to ensure that there is sufficient space for cyclists to pass other path users, including individuals in wheelchairs, safely on footpaths that may

38 only be 1.5 metres wide. This width limit has been widely publicised by LTA since 2016 through numerous platforms including videos, posters and banners. LTA also works with retailers, interest groups and Active Mobility Patrol volunteers to reach out to the public about this width limit. Participants in the Safe Riding Programme developed by LTA and the Singapore Road Safety Council are also informed of this width limit. It is an offence to use a non-compliant bicycle on public paths, and bicycle owners should proactively ensure that their bicycles are compliant before using them on public paths. Non-compliant bicycles may be seized if they are found to be used on public paths, and users could be liable for a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment up to three months or to both. Back to Contents ADVANCE MEDICAL DIRECTIVE AS OPT-OUT SCHEME FOR OLDER AND TERMINALLY ILL PERSONS

77 Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider implementing the Advance Medical Directive as an opt-out scheme for (i) those aged 85 and above and (ii) those aged above 80 who are terminally ill and have been unconscious for more than a year. Mr Gan Kim Yong: The Advance Medical Directive (AMD) is a legal document that a person signs in advance, to direct the doctor treating him, not to employ extraordinary life-sustaining treatment to prolong his life, in the event that he suffers a terminal illness and is unable to exercise rational judgement at that time. Making an AMD is a personal, voluntary and optional decision. It represents a person’s considered and rational decision in advance. It is critical to maintain the principle that the decision on whether to accept or reject treatment should be considered carefully and made personally. Hence we do not support an opt-out scheme for AMD.

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Where a person is unable to communicate his preference and has not made an AMD, decisions relating to the care should be made by the attending doctor, in close consultation with family members and care givers, taking into consideration the best interest of the person, and any documented personal preferences. Back to Contents TREATMENTS THAT BLEND WESTERN AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

78 Ms asked the Minister for Health (a) how many clinical trials featuring integrative treatments that utilise Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine are in the works; and (b) how will the landscape for integrative medicine evolve in the years to come and what are the expected treatment costs. Mr Gan Kim Yong: The Ministry of Health has been encouraging collaborative research between researchers and practitioners in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and those from our healthcare institutions and institutes of higher learning. To support this, the Ministry established the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Research Grant in 2013. We have provided $8 million funding to date. Ten research projects were funded after the first two grants calls, and they are in various stages of progress. Examples of the collaborative projects include (i) a randomized controlled trial conducted by the Singapore Eye Research Institute and Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution on the use of acupuncture and herbal treatment in dry eyes, and (ii) a study conducted by KK Hospital and Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution on the supportive role of TCM in the management of mild to moderate childhood asthma. The third grant call closed on 30 June 2018 and the proposals are being reviewed. TCM plays a complementary role in our healthcare system. Where evidence for efficacy and safety is demonstrated, like acupuncture for pain management and post-

40 stroke rehabilitation, our public healthcare institutions have incorporated these into the care for patients. As more research evidence supporting its efficacy emerges, TCM can play a larger role. However, as we are still in the early stages of our research collaborations, we are unable to estimate the future costs of treatments integrating conventional western and traditional Chinese medicine. We will continue to monitor the progress and evaluate research evidence supporting not only its effectiveness but also its safety when TCM is used together with modern mainstream medicine. Back to Contents RETRENCHMENT BENEFITS PAID OUT BY COMPANIES THAT RETRENCH WORKERS FOR REASONS NOT RELATED TO FINANCIAL DISTRESS

79 Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for Manpower what levers are available to the Ministry to ensure that retrenchment benefits meet industry norms in the case of companies that retrench workers for reasons not related to financial distress. Mrs Josephine Teo: Companies must pay retrenchment benefits to workers who have served two years and above, if it is specified in their individual employment contracts or the collective agreements negotiated by their unions. Tripartite partners recognise that retrenchment is a difficult time for companies and affected employees. In this regard, we issued the Tripartite Advisory on Managing Excess Manpower and Responsible Retrenchment to provide guidance to employers on implementing retrenchment in a fair and responsible manner. The Advisory states that the prevailing norm is to pay a retrenchment benefit of between 2 weeks to 1 month of salary per year of service, depending on the financial position of the company and industry practices. According to our survey on retrenchment benefits in 2017, around 90% of establishments which retrenched workers paid retrenchment benefits, of which more than 70% paid retrenchment benefits that met or exceeded the prevailing norms.

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Retrenched workers who have not been paid retrenchment benefits as specified in their employment contracts can lodge a claim at the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) for mediation. If mediation fails, the claim will be heard at the Employment Claims Tribunals. Retrenched workers who do not have retrenchment benefits specified in their employment contracts can also approach TADM for advisory and mediation services. For eligible union members with retrenchment benefit disputes, the unions will help to negotiate an agreement with the employer. If no agreement can be reached, the unions can refer the disputes to the Ministry of Manpower for conciliation, failing which the disputes can be arbitrated at the Industrial Arbitration Court. Back to Contents SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT CREDIT FOR FREELANCERS AND SENIORS WORKING IN SHARED ECONOMY SECTOR

80 Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Special Employment Credit (SEC) is applicable for seniors working in the shared economy sector and freelancers; and (b) if not, whether there are any programmes that can help those seniors with a monthly income of less than $4,000. Mrs Josephine Teo: The Special Employment Credit (SEC) scheme offers direct wage offsets to employers to encourage them to hire older Singaporeans aged 55 and above earning up to $4,000 per month. It is not a wage supplement to the individual and does not apply to self-employed freelancers who generally decide on their own age of retirement. Nonetheless, there are other schemes to support seniors who are self-employed. The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) Scheme is applicable to employees as well as self- employed persons (SEPs). Under WIS, older workers earning up to $2,000 monthly receive higher cash payouts and CPF contributions, compared to younger workers earning the same income.

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Programmes under the Adapt and Grow (A&G) initiative also help older self- employed persons find suitable jobs. For instance, the Career Support Programme (CSP) offers wage support to employers who hire long-term unemployed or retrenched jobseekers, with more funding for older job-seekers. The SEC also helps by incentivising employers to hire older self-employed persons who wish to take on regular jobs. Back to Contents PRESERVING FARRER PARK FIELD AND ADJOINING FACILITIES FOR SPORTS HERITAGE

81 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will consider preserving Farrer Park Field and the adjoining facilities as the area has a rich sports heritage and memorable sports milestones instead of repurposing it into a residential development. Mr Lawrence Wong: Farrer Park Field has been used as a sports field since the 1930s. Other sport facilities adjoining the Field such as the Athletic Centre and Swimming Pool were built in the 1950s, and served as the training grounds for many local athletes. Over the years, as newer facilities such as the nearby Jalan Besar Stadium and Swimming Complex and the National Stadium were built, the facilities in the Farrer Park area were less frequently used as competitive sports venues. Today, they are used mainly by the public for recreational sports. The Farrer Park area is close to the city and the Little India MRT interchange, making it suitable for housing. The current plan is to develop the area for housing and community facilities, including a park. We are mindful of the Farrer Park area's history as a sporting ground, and will see how best to weave in elements of the heritage of the area in our future plans. We will seek feedback and ideas from key stakeholders and community partners, as we develop more detailed plans. Back to Contents

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PLANS FOR NEA'S DAILY-RATED STAFF TO BE SKILLED FOR FUTURE JOBS

82 Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources what are the plans for NEA's daily-rated staff to receive the necessary skills required for the future jobs under the Environmental Services Industry Transformation Map. Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The National Environment Agency (NEA) launched the Skills Framework for Environmental Services (ES) in Dec 2017 as an integral component of the Environmental Services Industry Transformation Map (ES ITM). The framework maps the skills and competencies that workers in the industry need to perform their roles effectively. NEA’s daily-rated employees (DREs) are potential beneficiaries of the ES ITM. To equip DREs with the skillsets for future jobs, NEA has been providing training opportunities such as Workforce Skills Qualifications courses in environmental cleaning, landscape operations and digital literacy. NEA also encourages its DREs to attend relevant training programmes under the ES Skills Framework to broaden and deepen their skills and knowledge. With the requisite training and work experience, DREs may take on more challenging or expanded roles within the agency and in the wider ES industry. One DRE who has benefited from NEA’s upskilling efforts is Mr Somasundaram Ganeson. Mr Somasundaram was previously an Environmental Support Assistant who kept the streets clean. At 62, he was recently promoted to be a Higher Environmental Support Assistant in vector control, after completing a vocational course and attaining the skills needed for the new portfolio. Accordingly, he now commands a higher salary. Other DREs have similarly upgraded their skills and taken on new roles. NEA is also working with Post-Secondary Education Institutions to enhance existing technical courses and develop new Continuous Education and Training programmes on

44 relevant topics that would also benefit DREs who wish to upskill and avail themselves of job opportunities in the industry. NEA will continue to partner stakeholders to expand education and training programmes to address the skills and manpower needs of the ES industry. Back to Contents PROGRESS ON RAISING AWARENESS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

83 Miss Cheng Li Hui asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) what is the progress thus far on raising the awareness of climate change; (b) what is the number of individuals, organisations and educational institutions that have taken the Climate Action Pledge; (c) what are the plans to include more individuals, organisations and educational institutions in the second-half of the year; and (d) whether the Ministry will work with or track the organisations and educational institutions in terms of their follow-up actions and, if so, how. Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: Singapore designated 2018 as the Year of Climate Action to raise awareness of climate change and to urge people to take climate action for a sustainable future. The public response has been very good. Many community groups, grassroots organisations, corporations, schools and NGOs have stepped forward to organise events and activities to raise awareness of the importance and impact of climate change, and to encourage the public to take responsibility to live more sustainable lifestyles. Since the Year of Climate Action was launched on 26 January 2018, more than a quarter million climate action pledges have been received. Of these, 221 are from educational institutions and 266 are from organisations, including NGOs. Many initiatives have come out of this Year of Climate Action. Let me highlight a few. The National Youth Council (NYC) is organising a series of youth conversations

45 throughout the year, and climate change is a key topic. Youths have shown keen interest in how they can contribute to climate action. The Singapore Scout Association has introduced a new Climate Action Programme, where Scouts earn Climate Action Ambassador Badges by initiating climate action activities and encouraging the community to do likewise. The Singapore Environment Council (SEC) has launched an EcoLifeSG app which helps users to calculate and track their carbon footprint. As part of UN Environment’s call to action on World Environment Day, City Developments Limited (CDL) and Global Initiatives (GI) launched a ‘live’ art installation at the Marina Barrage using discarded plastic bottles to raise awareness on the urgent need to reduce single-use plastics. Recently I went to the UN to present Singapore’s first Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. I shared that Singapore’s sustainable development is a Whole-of-Nation effort. Since our independence, we have balanced economic growth with environment protection and social inclusion. We have also taken a long-term approach towards policy implementation, based on collaborative multi-stakeholder partnerships. Our Year of Climate Action efforts is a good example of how we have come together as a nation to fight climate change and ensure sustainable development. We will continue to work with stakeholders to promote climate action messages in the second half of the year. The recent Partners for the Environment Forum on 10 July 2018 was themed "Accelerating Action on Climate Change", and gathered more than 260 participants to discuss how to better collaborate on climate action. A Climate Action SG Alliance has been formed by 18 corporate, educational and civil society leaders to develop new climate action initiatives to rally the public. In the coming months, they will look at how to promote education in schools on waste minimisation, how to encourage

46 businesses to be more environmentally sustainable, and how to educate the community on recycling right. Individuals, organisations and educational institutions that have taken the climate action pledge have taken an important step by making a public commitment of their plans. As organisations and institutions are at different stages of their climate action journey, they are able to craft their own pledges to commit to a realistic and achievable climate action plan that works for them. My Ministry will not be tracking the fulfilment of the pledges but will be happy to work with interested parties to support their plans. NEA offers a Climate Action SG Grant for NGOs and interest groups to fund projects that promote climate action messages, promote the 3Rs and energy conservation. Successful applicants receive a grant of up to $5,000. We have also supported organisations with good ideas to reach out to a wider audience. For example, we worked with PacificLight on their climate action-themed “Crea8 Sustainability” competitions for educational institutions. We encourage parties who have taken the climate action pledge to share their progress at suitable events so that there is mutual sharing and mutual encouragement as we all walk the sustainability journey together for the good of Singapore and the world. Back to Contents ELDERLY PATIENTS READMITTED WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER DISCHARGE FROM HOSPITAL

84 Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the readmission rates for patients aged 65 years and above within 30 days after their discharge from public hospitals have declined in the last five years; and (b) what measures have been taken to minimise readmission. Mr Gan Kim Yong: Across all public hospitals, the readmission rates for patients aged 65 years and older within 30 days after discharge showed a slight increase in the last

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5 years, rising from 18.9% in 2013 to 19.5% in 2017, as our patients get older. After adjusting for patients’ age and severity of their conditions, readmission rates range between 11.6% and 11.8%. Our public hospitals have implemented various programmes to reduce re-admissions. These include the Hospital-to-Home or ("H2H") programme which provide integrated care support to facilitate patients’ transition home via medication reconciliation, telephonic support, linkages with appropriate community-based services and caregiver training. To date, H2H has served more than 14,000 patients. MOH has also developed more community hospitals, to provide sub-acute as well as rehabilitation care for acute hospital patients who require a longer period of recovery. This enhances the functions and confidence of the patients, thus reducing the risk of readmission. MOH and the public hospitals will continue to work with community and primary care providers to enhance the continuation of care for our patients in the community after their discharge from the hospitals. Back to Contents COMPANIES’ ABILITY TO MEET WATER EFFICIENCY BENCHMARKS

85 Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) in the past three years, how effectively are firms meeting water efficiency benchmarks; (b) whether PUB will work closely with those that fail to achieve the benchmarks to help them reduce water wastage; (c) what is the status of the industry consultation on water efficiency practices; and (d) what else is the Ministry doing to keep water consumption manageable. Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: As one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, water has always been an existential issue for Singapore. We need to invest ahead in weather-resilient water sources, and expand and renew our water infrastructure and

48 network in a timely manner. But this is not enough. To ensure the long-term sustainability of our water resources, it is equally important that we manage demand and use water prudently. The non-domestic sector currently makes up more than half of our total water demand, and this is projected to increase to about 70% in 2060. Companies must use water efficiently. PUB requires large water users in the non-domestic sector to monitor their water usage through the installation of water meters and submit a water efficiency management plan annually. Through this process, companies can better understand their water usage patterns and identify ways to conserve water. Since 2015, more than 600 large water users have been submitting their plans annually. This has given PUB insights into how various industries use water and enabled PUB to develop targeted initiatives. During the Committee of Supply debate this year, I announced the launch of the Best Practice Guide on Water Efficiency for the Buildings sector. Another two guides - for the Wafer Fabrication and Semiconductor sector and the Refineries, Petrochemicals and Chemicals sector - were launched during the Singapore International Water Week last month. PUB has also developed water efficiency benchmarks for the office buildings, hotels, retail malls, wafer fabrication and semiconductor sectors. The series of consultations with industries and relevant stakeholders, as Er Dr Lee has mentioned, was instrumental to the development of these guides and benchmarks. PUB will continue to work closely with industries on water efficiency benchmarks and guides for other sectors. Through these benchmarks and guides, companies can assess how well they fare relative to their peers and learn from best practices. As the benchmarks have just been published this year, PUB will monitor the performance of the companies and help them improve their water efficiency, especially those who fall below the median performance.

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Through one-to-one engagement sessions, PUB advises the companies on opportunities for water savings and offer customised expertise for water recycling and reuse projects. To encourage companies to implement such projects, PUB provides funding support, such as the Water Efficiency Fund and the Industrial Water Solutions Demonstration Fund. Companies can tap on these funds to carry out water audits, water recycling, use of alternate sources of water, and the test-bedding of innovative water technologies. Companies have responded positively, with a number looking to implement new water efficiency projects. For example, PUB has worked with and co-funded Micron Semiconductor Asia Pte Ltd to install a wastewater recycling plant this year. Once implemented, there will be an expected annual reduction of 400,000m3 in their NEWater demand. To recognise exemplary companies, PUB introduced the Water Efficiency Awards in 2017 for companies who are within the top 10th percentile of the industry-specific benchmarks. Last year, 27 award recipients from seven industries were presented with these awards. PUB is taking it one step further. From 2019, all large water users will need to appoint a certified water efficiency manager who has undergone training on how to conduct water audits and implement water efficiency measures. This will level up the capabilities of the industries in managing their water use. Water is valuable and I urge all companies to look into water conservation efforts. PUB stands ready to help companies in this. Back to Contents SINGAPORE'S EFFORTS AT MANAGING CLIMATE CHANGE

86 Mr Seah Kian Peng asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) how are Singapore's efforts to manage this year's climate change proceeding; (b)

50 whether such efforts are sufficient in light of the forecast by the Climate Prediction Centre of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of a 70% chance that El Nino will develop during end-2018; and (c) what countermeasures will Singapore adopt should El Nino develop. Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: Climate change poses existential challenges for Singapore as an island city-state. In 2016, we published our Climate Action Plan which outlines Singapore’s long-term strategy to mitigate and adapt to climate change. We continue to build on these plans. This year, we announced the introduction of a carbon tax which will take effect from 2019. This tax will incentivise emissions reduction across the economy and encourage our companies to adopt more energy efficient practices as we transition to a low-carbon future. We have also made progress in adapting Singapore to the potential impacts of climate change. In June, we opened Singapore’s third desalination plant in Tuas, and two more are currently under development. These weather-resilient sources will contribute to our water resilience as we continue to diversify our water supply. To prepare for warmer temperatures, agencies have put in place precautionary guidelines for groups that are at higher risk of heat injury, such as outdoor workers. Across government, agencies will continue to take steps to build a carbon-efficient and climate-resilient Singapore. But climate action cannot be the sole undertaking of the government. Everyone must participate in this effort. This is why we have designated 2018 as the Year of Climate Action, to raise our national consciousness of climate change and galvanise ground-up action for a sustainable Singapore. So far, more than 250,000 individuals, organisations, and educational institutions have made Climate Action pledges. We are encouraged by their commitment and hope this momentum continues beyond 2018.

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The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) assesses that there is a 60-70 per cent chance of a weak El Niño developing late in the year. Should the El Niño occur, it is not likely to have a significant impact on rainfall patterns in Singapore and the nearby region, due to its expected weak intensity and late development during the year-end rainy season. We do not expect a repeat of the strong El Niño event experienced in 2015/2016, which was one of the strongest in recent history and led to significantly reduced rainfall in Singapore. The MSS will continue to monitor developments and provide relevant alerts to the public and relevant agencies. Back to Contents IMPACT OF HYFLUX’S DEBT AND BUSINESS REORGANISATION ON SINGAPORE'S WATER SYSTEM AND WATER SECURITY

87 Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources whether the debt and business reorganisation of Hyflux Ltd will affect Singapore's water system and water security. Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: PUB’s key interest is to safeguard Singapore’s water security and confidence in our water supply. There are two desalination plants that Hyflux is involved in under a Design, Build, Own and Operate arrangement. One is the SingSpring Desalination Plant, which is majority owned by Keppel Infrastructure Trust with Hyflux owning a minority stake. This plant is not affected by Hyflux’s recent debt and business reorganisation. The other plant, the Tuaspring Desalination Plant, wholly owned by Tuaspring Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Hyflux, is affected by the reorganisation, but continues to supply desalinated water to PUB. Hyflux, Tuaspring and its creditor are currently in discussion on the potential divestment of Tuaspring. As this is a commercial matter, it will not be appropriate for my Ministry to comment further. Nonetheless, we are monitoring developments closely.

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Members of the House can be assured that there are adequate measures in place to ensure the plant remains in operation. Any divestment has to be approved by PUB. Water supply is an existential issue and one which PUB treats with the utmost seriousness. Water supply infrastructure is planned well into the future and investment made ahead of demand. We just opened our latest desalination plant, Tuas Desalination Plant, in June 2018. More water supply infrastructure is being constructed over the next few years. We will not allow the security of our water supply to be affected. Back to Contents ALTERNATIVE SITES FOR SEA BURIALS

88 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) whether other alternative sites to Tanah Merah for sea burials will be considered and studied before making a final decision on the location of the sea burial facility proposed at the shoreline of Tanah Merah; and (b) whether the findings of the environmental impact study on this proposal will be published prior to a decision being made. Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The National Environment Agency (NEA) has been working with the relevant authorities to identify a suitable site on mainland Singapore for the conduct of post-death rites prior to the scattering of cremated remains at sea. The provision of such a facility is in response to public feedback, to preserve the dignity and decorum of post-death proceedings and to ensure adequate provision of after-death care facilities to meet the needs of the various communities in Singapore. The site at Tanah Merah was proposed in consultation with the relevant authorities and with careful deliberation over competing needs. In addition, NEA has commissioned an Environmental Impact Study to be completed by 2019 to better assess the possible environmental impact of the facility.

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NEA has received feedback from stakeholders and engaged interested parties, for example the sailing fraternity, on their suggestions. We will take into account the outcomes of the Environmental Impact Study and suggestions from stakeholders when considering the next steps. NEA will also be engaging stakeholders and interested parties when the study is completed. Back to Contents PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION’S MALAY ACTIVITY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES COUNCIL

89 Mr Azmoon Ahmad asked the Minister for Environment and Water Resources & Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) what does the People's Association Malay Activity Executive Committees Council (MESRA) set out to achieve and what is its mission; (b) how is MESRA different from the Malay/Muslim Community Leaders Forum (CLF); and (c) whether the CLF Steering Committee is still functioning and if it has achieved its objectives since it was formed in 2003. Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The People's Association Malay Activity Executive Committees Co-ordinating Council (MESRA) and the Malay Activity Executive Committees (MAECs) play a key role in developing opportunities for which the Malay community can interact and collaborate with other communities and groups in Singapore. MESRA coordinates the efforts of the MAECs, which are based at Community Clubs across Singapore. The Community Leaders’ Forum (CLF) is a platform under MENDAKI, formed in 2003 to support Malay/Muslim Voluntary Organisations (MMOs). Our MMOs are central to efforts to uplift and empower the Malay/Muslim community. The Community Leaders' Forum (CLF) will continue to support the MMOs in areas such as education, youth, family and employability. For example, the Youth-in- Action programme carried out by 12 MMOs, such as the Association of Muslim

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Professionals, the Majulah Community and the Progress Class Society, addresses low school attendance rates and negative social behaviours, complementing efforts by schools. The CLF will also continue to fund partners that collaborate with community or government agencies to address social issues. For instance, through the Vista Sakinah programme, the CLF funds PPIS (Singapore Muslim Women's Association) to support remarriages and stepfamilies. Over the years, the CLF has made significant progress. (a) Within 10 years, the number of CLF partners increased from 10 MMOs and two mosques in 2004, to 65 in 2015. (b) The CLF identified service gaps that led to the implementation of flagship programmes by CLF partners, including Tiga M, Community Tuition Subsidy Scheme (CoTS), Family Excellence Circles, and SENSE employability programmes. Having achieved its initial objectives of forging community partnerships and providing capacity building for MMOs, the CLF Steering Committee was succeeded by two committees in 2015 – namely, the Malay/Muslim Capability Development Fund (MMCDF) Steering Committee and the CLF Leadership and Advancement Benefaction Scheme (CLF LABS) Steering Committee – which collectively oversee the CLF. MENDAKI serves as the CLF Secretariat, and also administers the MMCDF, which supports projects by the MMOs. CLF LABS supports youth-led and informal groups in test-bedding innovative ideas with MENDAKI’s seed funding. Moving forward, the Malay/Muslim political office holders and I will strengthen collaboration across our key community institutions – comprising MESRA, MENDAKI, and MUIS. We will strive to enhance MENDAKI's and MESRA's programmes so that they collectively they can reach more community segments, and deliver greater impact. They will also strengthen the last-mile for outreach, as well as expand and develop our pool of volunteers and community leaders.

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MESRA, MENDAKI and MUIS will work in partnership with government agencies, MMOs and other partners to harness the Malay/Muslim community's energy and creativity to contribute back to the community and the wider society. Back to Contents

Office of the Clerk of Parliament Singapore, 6 August 2018