Committee of Supply 2025 debate, Day 7: Edwin Tong on weaving a strong, diverse and uniquely Singaporean national tapestry
Singapore faces “daunting” challenges ahead - both internal and external - which is why now, more than ever, the Singapore spirit has to be nurtured and strengthened, said Culture, Community and Youth Minister Edwin Tong. In parliament on Monday (Mar 10), he said shared moments are the foundation of national identity and his ministry will create more such opportunities. One example is the new SG Culture Pass - a “very significant move”, said Mr Tong, to build a stronger affinity and appreciation for the arts and culture and bring people together through this shared appreciation. This is why the Pass focuses on in-person experiences, although its credits will be available to buy works of Singapore literature too. To encourage greater participation in sport, ActiveSG accounts will get a S$100 top-up in this SG60 year. Mr Tong added that the Sports Hub has been “reclaimed” as a place for all Singaporeans, hosting an unprecedented range of sporting and community events as well as top-tier global acts. Meanwhile, to better support the development of Singapore athletes, all dedicated sports institutions - the Singapore Sport Institute, National Youth Sports Institute and Singapore Sports School - will be consolidated into a new entity. This will enable “multiple layers of support converging around the athlete” throughout their journey from youth to senior levels, said Mr Tong - ensuring Team Singapore can “hit the ground running” when its future home at Kallang is ready. Finally, the minister said a Singapore Design Museum could be a key addition to the country’s growing arts and heritage landscape as design is an area of “untapped potential”. His ministry is studying the suitability of the old St Joseph’s Institution building at Bras Basah as a possible site.
Singapore faces “daunting” challenges ahead - both internal and external - which is why now, more than ever, the Singapore spirit has to be nurtured and strengthened, said Culture, Community and Youth Minister Edwin Tong. In parliament on Monday (Mar 10), he said shared moments are the foundation of national identity and his ministry will create more such opportunities. One example is the new SG Culture Pass - a “very significant move”, said Mr Tong, to build a stronger affinity and appreciation for the arts and culture and bring people together through this shared appreciation. This is why the Pass focuses on in-person experiences, although its credits will be available to buy works of Singapore literature too. To encourage greater participation in sport, ActiveSG accounts will get a S$100 top-up in this SG60 year. Mr Tong added that the Sports Hub has been “reclaimed” as a place for all Singaporeans, hosting an unprecedented range of sporting and community events as well as top-tier global acts. Meanwhile, to better support the development of Singapore athletes, all dedicated sports institutions - the Singapore Sport Institute, National Youth Sports Institute and Singapore Sports School - will be consolidated into a new entity. This will enable “multiple layers of support converging around the athlete” throughout their journey from youth to senior levels, said Mr Tong - ensuring Team Singapore can “hit the ground running” when its future home at Kallang is ready. Finally, the minister said a Singapore Design Museum could be a key addition to the country’s growing arts and heritage landscape as design is an area of “untapped potential”. His ministry is studying the suitability of the old St Joseph’s Institution building at Bras Basah as a possible site.
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