Debate on President’s speech: Dennis Tan on support for Active Ageing Centres and independent arts spaces

In parliament on Thursday (Sep 25), MP Dennis Tan called on the Government to increase the resources provided to Active Ageing Centres, in light of Singapore’s Age Well initiative. He suggested help to make it easier and cheaper for them to book community spaces and for more to be done to reach seniors who are not participating in their activities. Mr Tan also spoke about the challenges facing independent arts spaces. He urged the Government to create policies that offer such spaces long-term stability and encourage Singaporeans to view the arts not as an indulgence, but as essential to national identity. Finally, he asked the Government to share more information with the public on climate strategies, such as the impact of carbon tax allowances for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed sectors.