預算辯論 · 2024-03-01 · 屆國會 14

新加坡經濟增長與AI挑戰

AI 經濟與產業 AI 與就業 AI 與國家安全 AI 基礎設施與研究 爭議度 2 · 溫和質詢

議員質詢新加坡如何在土地、勞動力和碳排放限制下推動經濟增長，特別關注生成式人工智慧等新興技術帶來的機遇與挑戰。政府回應強調保持投資吸引力，強化製造業和服務業，提升基礎設施和人才培養，確保政策穩定以應對全球競爭和技術變革。核心爭議點在於如何平衡創新發展與經濟基礎的穩固。

關鍵要點

  • • 經濟增長面臨多重限制
  • • 新興AI技術帶來挑戰機遇
  • • 需持續吸引高價值投資
政府立場

推動創新與穩固經濟基礎

政策訊號

強化AI與高階投資支援

“The rapid rise of new disruptive technologies such as generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) presents both challenges and opportunities to Singapore.”

參與人員 (24)

完整譯文（中文）

Hansard 原始記錄 · 2026-05-02

主席：貿易與工業部第五部分。梁榮華先生。

發展我們的經濟

梁榮華先生（武吉班讓）：主席先生，我請求動議：“將估算表中第五部分的總撥款減少100元。”

先生，擁有一個增長且充滿活力的經濟，是我們努力建立強大社會契約的重要組成部分。我們需要一個增長的經濟，為新加坡人創造良好且有意義的工作，併產生資源以應對我們的社會和長期挑戰。如果我們的經濟停滯不前，將會抑制人們對更好未來的期望和希望，可能導致民眾的不安和不安全感。

先生，我們知道未來幾年經濟增長將更加困難。我們面臨的固有限制——土地、勞動力和碳排放——將變得更加嚴峻。我們還必須應對一個更加分裂和充滿爭議的世界，各國更願意利用經濟槓桿來維護自身利益。

中午12點30分

經濟格局也發生了深刻變化。生成式人工智慧（GenAI）等新興顛覆性技術的快速崛起，以及大數據分析、雲端計算、電子商務和自動化技術的廣泛應用，既給新加坡帶來了挑戰，也帶來了機遇。

所有這些聽起來可能令人望而生畏，但幸運的是，我們能夠從強勢地位做出回應。

那麼，未來我們如何推動經濟增長？請允許我簡要談及三個方面。

首先，新加坡必須繼續成為高附加值投資的首選目的地，這些投資使我們處於尖端技術的前沿。擁有先進企業的樞紐和基地，有助於克服我們的規模限制，促進技術的傳播和技能人才的發展。

為實現這一目標，我們必須滿足投資者關注的各項條件。關鍵要求包括卓越的基礎設施和連通性、多元化的人才庫、值得信賴且富有創新的樞紐、強健的財政狀況和政治穩定。

儘管是一個小型經濟體，新加坡仍是全球第四大外國直接投資（FDI）接受國。然而，基本侵蝕和利潤轉移（BEPS）第二支柱的實施將重置投資競爭的遊戲規則，並對我們吸引高質量和高附加值投資的努力產生影響。

這就是為什麼我們必須繼續努力提升整體吸引力；持續大量投資於勞動力、基礎設施和創新；同時加強我們的連通性和經濟基本面；並制定穩健且一致的政策。

其次，我們必須繼續強化經濟的兩大支柱——製造業和服務業。貿易與工業部（MTI）在之前的預算委員會供應階段已闡述了我們的製造業和服務業戰略。儘管製造業目前佔國內生產總值（GDP）不到30%，但它仍是我們經濟的重要支柱。

新加坡是全球第八大高科技產品出口國，擁有許多高附加值產業，如精密工程、醫療技術、航空航天、半導體等。除了創造就業和附加值外，製造業還增強了我們經濟的韌性，並促進了服務業的增長。除了吸引和固定全球前沿製造商在此設立基地外，我們還應繼續努力發展和壯大本地企業的製造能力，目標是將它們培育成區域冠軍。

先生，我現在談談服務業。我們的服務業涵蓋廣泛的業務領域，包括面向外部的金融服務、物流、貿易，以及面向國內的餐飲和零售業。

在去年的MTI預算委員會供應階段，顏金勇部長分享了我們的“服務2030”願景，旨在利用數字化和可持續發展領域的增長機遇，確立新加坡作為領先且充滿活力的商業、生活方式和旅遊樞紐的地位。這一戰略和重點將發揮我們的優勢，減少我們的短板。

服務業中最能發揮我們優勢且難以被他人複製的是我們作為金融樞紐和東方國際金融中心的卓越地位。我很高興我們沒有自滿，今年預算中宣佈向金融業發展基金注入另外20億新元，以進一步提升我們的競爭力。

為了繼續成為全球企業首選的服務樞紐，我們需要使我們的城市成為世界上最具商業友好性和最宜居的城市之一。因此，城市重建局（URA）的長期城市規劃如總體規劃，以及交通、休閒設施、醫療保健、會議設施等基礎設施升級，都有助於打造一個有利於向全球消費者和企業提供服務的樞紐。

第三，我們通過持續投資新技術和能力來推動經濟增長。去年，我們見證了人工智慧驅動應用和系統的快速湧現，這一勢頭今年可能繼續並加速。我們需要開發本土人工智慧技術，擴大人工智慧人才庫，並鼓勵企業採用人工智慧技術。

除了人工智慧，我們還需要持續投資於科研和創新，深化科學能力，強化初創生態系統，以捕捉價值。

先生，2024年預算還採取了重大措施保障我們的能源安全，這關係到我們長期的經濟競爭力。主要舉措包括建設第二個液化天然氣（LNG）終端，以及設立初始注資50億新元的未來能源基金，以進一步發展關鍵基礎設施並向清潔能源過渡。

先生，為實現上述目標，新加坡必須擁有所需的技能和人才庫。我們正在大力投資培養本地人才，如技能未來升級計劃、職業健康計劃等；但我們也必須開放引進外部勞動力，以補充和強化我們的整體競爭力。

先生，在此背景下，請允許我向部長提出幾個問題。

第一，鑑於當前動盪的時代，政府如何確保新加坡保持全球競爭力和相關性？

第二，貿易與工業部計劃如何繼續支援我們的企業，抓住區域及人工智慧和綠色經濟等增長領域的未來機遇？

第三，政府能否分享更多關於提升製造業競爭力的計劃？

第四，為加強我們的連通性和國際聯絡，部長能否分享更多關於國際合作努力的細節，以及新加坡企業如何從這些合作中受益？

第五，副總理在預算宣告及總結髮言中提到發展本地企業領導人才管道，並加強支援新加坡人獲取海外經驗。請問能否提供更多該計劃的細節？

最後，第六，關於旅遊業，貿易與工業部宣佈政府已預留5億新元支援旅遊業復甦。請問能否更新旅遊振興工作的進展？我們還能做些什麼，以確保新加坡在激烈的全球和區域競爭中保持吸引力？

先生，我期待部長的回應。

【（程式文本）提案問題。（程式文本）】

支援中小企業發展

符美霞女士（西海岸）：主席先生，中小企業（SMEs）作為我們商業環境的主體，當前正面臨諸多挑戰，威脅其增長和可持續發展。

人力成本上升是主要關注點。加上原材料、租金、公用事業及其他運營費用的增加，給其本已微薄的利潤率帶來巨大壓力。利率環境的上升也加劇了融資成本，增加了中小企業獲取資本以實現增長和創新的難度。

先生，此外，人力短缺使許多中小企業處於困境，無法填補關鍵崗位，維持運營，更談不上創新和轉型。數字化轉型的需求已從奢侈變為生存和發展的必需。

另一個緊迫問題是環境影響和日益增長的綠色合規要求。許多中小企業缺乏知識和資源向綠色實踐轉型，儘管它們面臨來自同行和法規的壓力，要求遵守綠色標準。這一差距進一步阻礙了它們有效且可持續地競爭。

先生，2024年預算中的企業支援方案將立即為中小企業提供一些緩解。但最重要的支援措施是傾向於能夠重組和轉型的企業。因此，為支援中小企業開啟轉型之旅，我建議政府在三個方面加大力度。

首先，我們必須大力推動大型企業與中小企業在供應商發展和共創領域的合作。副總理黃循財正確指出，“我們不能強迫跨國企業只選擇本地供應商，但我們可以且將幫助新加坡企業達到高標準，與跨國企業形成雙贏合作關係。”

我歡迎能力轉型夥伴計劃的擴充套件，涵蓋更廣泛的合作領域。然而，為進一步加強該計劃，我建議政府考慮採取額外措施——這是一個重要步驟——將新加坡本地中小企業的參與作為跨國企業和大型企業申請政府資助時的積極考量因素。

這一納入——即在申請中包含中小企業——應特別強調適用於研發和創新相關的高附加值投資資助。這樣不僅能激勵大型實體與中小企業合作，還能確保政府支援專案的利益惠及更廣泛的商業生態系統。

其次，政府企業融資計劃（EFS）旨在協助中小企業滿足各種融資需求。其關鍵特點是風險分擔機制，即新加坡企業發展局與參與金融機構共同承擔企業破產時的貸款違約風險。政府的風險分擔比例可達70%，為銀行提供了重要的安全保障。這一安排應使銀行願意承擔更多風險，併為中小企業提供更優惠的貸款條件。

通過提供此類支援，政府有充分理由期望參與的金融機構改善對中小企業的貸款條件。政府如何支援中小企業獲得更優惠的利率、更靈活的擔保要求以及更有利的還款條款，尤其是對於使用EFS貸款的企業，相較於使用標準銀行貸款的企業？

未來十年經濟增長

朱德明先生（淡濱尼）：主席先生，正如副總理王瑞傑在今年預算演講中指出，新加坡正準備迎接一段增長緩慢和高通脹的時期。

我們的人口迅速老齡化，本地勞動力增長最終將趨近於零。人口老齡化將導致社會支出增加、消費減少和勞動力產出下降。我們還面臨土地、電力和碳排放的限制。

未來十年我們的GDP將如何表現？研究顯示，超級老齡化的日本GDP預計將比人口穩定的基線情景下降約5%。我們絕不能讓這種情況發生在新加坡。

請問部委能否分享未來十年在面對這些限制時，推動GDP增長的總體規劃？

我有三點建議供部委考慮。

第一，我們必須增加中小企業的資本投入和創新技術採用。新加坡已是全球自動化領域的領導者之一，尤其是在工業機器人方面，2021年僅次於韓國。

為了持續增長，我們需要加強中小企業的自動化和創新。請問目前在加大資本投資和創新採用方面的進展和計劃如何？能否更新科技研究局（A*STAR）T-UP計劃的採用情況，以及如何繼續提升中小企業的參與度？

其次，我們需要更多企業在海外運營，以帶來收入和就業機會。從經濟角度看，我們需要關注國民總收入（GNI）人均值，與GDP人均值同等重要。新加坡幸運地位於東南亞，這是全球增長最快的地區之一，擁有6.5億年輕且持續增長的人口，新加坡可接觸到龐大的市場和人才庫。

我們的企業必須抓住有限的視窗期，在區域內擴充套件。貿易與工業部如何幫助新加坡企業拓展區域市場？未來有哪些計劃支援中小企業走向區域化？

最後，我們必須抓住人工智慧帶來的機遇，使新加坡繼續發揮超出體量的影響力。人工智慧有潛力極大提升工人生產力。

然而，人工智慧研發需要大量資源，尤其是電力和人才。部委如何確保新加坡擁有必要的基礎設施和人才，使企業能夠跟上步伐並深化人工智慧工作？

中午12點45分

支援產業轉型

黃偉中先生（裕廊）：主席先生，在全球經濟日益互聯、數字技術迅速發展的時代，企業保持競爭力的需求比以往任何時候都更為關鍵。面對21世紀的複雜局面——包括氣候變化帶來的緊迫挑戰——數字創新、全球市場擴充套件和可持續實踐成為企業不僅生存而且繁榮的關鍵。

數字化和可持續實踐是全球供應鏈和商業複雜網路中韌性和增長的核心支柱。數字化通過實現技術的無縫整合，促進企業間前所未有的效率、敏捷性和連通性，從而提升競爭力和市場準入。同時，可持續實踐應對減少環境影響的緊迫需求，推動負責任的採購和生產方式。

因此，貿易與工業部採取了哪些關鍵措施，支援我們的行業和企業在數字化、國際化和可持續發展方面的轉型努力？

在BEPS 2.0世界中保持競爭力

瑪麗亞姆·賈法爾女士（森巴旺）：先生，隨著BEPS 2.0的即將實施，全球許多司法管轄區正努力在吸引投資和確保公平稅收之間取得平衡。多個國家已實施各種政策，包括新的稅收激勵和抵免、增強的投資扣除、針對特定行業的支援以及對個別公司的直接補貼。

議長先生，我們這些曾在經濟發展局（EDB）等一線機構工作的人，以及跨國公司國家團隊的成員，深知在新加坡錨定優質投資所需付出的巨大努力。這個土地稀缺的小紅點，沒有可言的國內市場，工資和生活成本高於許多其他地區。我們不能自滿，競爭性的稅制至關重要。

因此，可退還投資稅收抵免方案非常受歡迎。它直接減輕企業稅負，同時允許經濟發展局和新加坡企業發展局針對最能促進經濟增長、為人民和本地企業創造機會和就業的公司和行業。對該計劃的實施方式及其對新加坡經濟和新加坡人的潛在益處有清晰瞭解，對企業和公眾均有幫助。為此，我有幾個問題請教部長。

一、在考慮其他司法管轄區採取的措施時，該計劃如何保持新加坡作為投資目的地的吸引力？二、經濟活動和合格支出的清單似乎相當廣泛；部長能否具體說明預期涵蓋的行業和合格支出？三、如何確保稅收抵免激勵資本投資並推動期望的成果，如提高生產力或實現脫碳目標；並幫助跨國公司實現這些目標？最後，政府還採取了哪些措施支援企業保持競爭力？

主席：請譚淑珍女士一併發言。

企業轉型

譚淑珍女士（東海岸）：謝謝主席先生。面對地緣政治不確定性、快速的技術發展、結構性擾動和通脹壓力，2024年預算傳達了企業轉型的緊迫性。轉型已不再是可做可不做的選擇，而是企業保持相關性、持續經營和增長的必由之路。

業務轉型並不容易，因為它涉及業務流程和運營的變革；採用相關的數字技術；以及需要培養員工新的深層次能力，以應對結構性顛覆。隨著氣候變化，我們看到可持續性標準和披露的立法日益增多。這將要求企業承諾並轉向可持續的經營方式，如果他們想繼續開展業務的話。

有了產業轉型路線圖和眾多支援措施幫助企業轉型，貿工部能否分享新加坡企業，包括中小企業，在業務轉型方面的進展？

2024年預算案中宣佈的各項措施將如何協同支援企業，包括中小企業，在數字化、網路安全、可持續發展以及國際擴充套件等轉型努力？有多少新加坡企業已利用這些支援措施進行轉型？

作為全球商業樞紐的地位

主席先生，新加坡保持了世界領先的商業樞紐地位。但隨著地緣政治不確定性增加、新興顛覆性技術出現以及BEPS 2.0的實施，新加坡的樞紐地位面臨挑戰。政府正在採取哪些努力，確保新加坡繼續在全球保持吸引力和競爭力？正如尊敬的Mariam Jaafar女士所言，跨國企業在新加坡落地投資並非易事，競爭極為激烈，尤其是在當今世界。

我們正在探索哪些策略，繼續使新加坡成為全球頂尖企業選擇設立區域及全球業務的地點？這對新加坡實現良好增長、引進尖端技術、專業知識和優質就業機會至關重要。

能否分享更多關於國際合作夥伴關係的細節，以及這些合作如何確保新加坡繼續處於全球貿易中心？利用新加坡作為全球商業樞紐的地位，新加坡企業如何利用2024年預算案中宣佈的增強支援措施，拓展並抓住增長機遇，在區域和全球價值鏈中發揮重要作用？

主席：Neil Parekh先生，請將您的兩個發言合併。

抓住未來增長機遇

被提名議員Neil Parekh Nimil Rajnikant：主席先生，在亞太地區，數字經濟（包括人工智慧）和綠色經濟帶來了巨大的增長機遇。預計到2030年，東南亞網際網路經濟將達到1萬億美元，綠色經濟預計將創造五到六百萬個新工作崗位。

在新加坡本地，預計到2030年將創造超過5萬個綠色就業崗位。2023年，貿工部宣佈加強企業發展補助計劃對可持續專案的支援，幫助更多企業在向綠色經濟轉型過程中抓住新的增長機會。

先生，毫無疑問，數字經濟和綠色經濟的重要性日益增長，新加坡企業必須抓住這些增長領域的機遇，進一步在這些領域取得進展。

我想問貿工部：貿工部計劃如何繼續支援我們的企業，抓住區域及增長行業（如人工智慧和綠色經濟）的未來增長機遇？同時，鑑於東南亞的增長潛力，貿工部如何加強新加坡與該地區在綠色經濟和人工智慧領域的聯絡與合作，使我們的企業和人民能夠利用海外機遇？

促進國際化

主席先生，隨著全球經濟日益互聯互通，我們必須認識到國家的增長與我們走出國門的能力密切相關。新加坡雖小，但潛力無限。要充分釋放潛力，國際化不僅是選擇，更是持續經濟增長的必需。

然而，疫情餘波、地緣政治緊張和宏觀經濟不確定性導致世界日益分裂。經濟增長面臨高通脹和波動性增加的逆風。

在新加坡，我們迄今取得了不少成就。我們已建立了27個自由貿易協定（FTA）網路，並簽署了亞太地區多個區域協議，如《全面與進步跨太平洋夥伴關係協定》和《區域全面經濟夥伴關係協定》。

貿工部、企業新加坡和新加坡工商聯合會（SBF）也提供多個計劃，如全球創新聯盟，支援企業國際化。未來，新加坡需要識別新機遇，打造新的增長引擎，並繼續加強國際合作夥伴關係。

我想問貿工部：貿工部如何繼續促進企業抓住東南亞、南亞、拉丁美洲、中亞、中東和非洲等快速增長市場的新經濟機遇？同時，我們如何保護新加坡企業在這些新興市場的投資？

自由貿易協定與新加坡競爭力

Pasir Ris-Punggol議員Sharael Taha：主席先生，副總理黃循財在預算演講中提到，國際環境急劇惡化——主要大國在當前地緣政治氣候下優先考慮國家安全而非經濟相互依賴，還有諸如BEPS 2.0等潛在逆風，可能影響新加坡吸引投資的競爭力。

鑑於此，我們的全球自由貿易協定如何保持相關性，創造跨境投資條件並提升新加坡競爭力？

主席：He Ting Ru女士，請將您的兩個發言合併。

反經濟脅迫影響

Sengkang議員He Ting Ru：先生，當前世界日益不確定且充滿爭議，尤其是美中競爭加劇。由此，新加坡面臨經濟脅迫的風險增加。這不一定是因為我們做了什麼，而是因為大國及其他國家認為可以強迫我們採取某些立場。

我們已見到美國限制技術轉讓，限制部分出口能力。特朗普政府時期，新加坡曾被列入潛在貨幣操縱國名單，可能面臨制裁。中國公佈了包括澳大利亞、捷克、加拿大、日本和韓國在內的國家名單，因其行為不被認可。

經濟脅迫可能是任意且突發的。隨著中美國內政治變化，這種情況可能加劇。我們採取了哪些具體措施準備和緩解可能的經濟壓力？這些計劃必須儘早包含公眾和企業的積極參與，才能有效。

新加坡企業聲譽風險

歐盟目前提議一項法律，要求大型企業識別對人權及供應鏈的實際或潛在負面影響，並防止、緩解及補救這些影響。這是在現有法律基礎上，要求大型企業對供應鏈進行盡職調查，確保有風險識別計劃，涵蓋勞工實踐、健康安全及環境問題。

我們關於招聘費用的政策影響新加坡吸引投資和業務的能力，尤其是海事等需僱傭大量外籍勞工的行業。勞工部（MOM）在政策制定和執法資源分配方面，企業面臨哪些聲譽和法律風險？

歐洲議會和理事會已達成協議，預計很快將出臺加強全球供應鏈勞工權利的規則。這些規則旨在營造法律確定性、公平競爭和可持續競爭的商業環境，杜絕剝削勞工。

德國已頒佈類似法律。2019年，國際勞工組織（ILO）理事會批准了招聘費用及相關成本的定義，強調招聘費用不應由工人或求職者承擔，工人不應為獲得就業機會支付費用，或因勞動力結構調整而延遲。

歐盟立法者和歐盟跨國公司已有國際標準可採納。外籍勞工仍支付高達1.2萬美元的招聘費以獲得在新加坡工作的機會。鑑於債務束縛對工人權利及其經濟決策能力（如選擇離開工作環境惡劣的崗位）的風險，這一領域令人擔憂。具體而言，我們的招聘費用情況如何？工人黨重申呼籲建立政府職位門戶，公佈所有外籍勞工空缺職位，減少工人支付給新加坡及海外中介的費用。

我注意到去年對一項國會質詢的回應稱，我們正考慮促進返工人員的直接招聘渠道，有無最新進展？據稱我們無權管轄外籍勞工在原籍國支付的招聘費用，但勞工部和貿工部是否與來源國就招聘費用問題進行接觸，鑑於這將影響跨國公司在新加坡的供應鏈？

主席：Mark Lee先生，您可以將兩個發言合併。

離岸補助計劃

被提名議員Mark Lee：先生，隨著新加坡尋求新的增長引擎，同時克服國內資源限制，例如柔佛-新加坡特別經濟區，部分發展工作可能需要利用離岸資源在境外進行。這些離岸活動最終將貢獻有形和無形資產，惠及新加坡，使企業降低成本並最大化價值獲取。

貿工部是否考慮修訂現有補助計劃，涵蓋離岸開發活動中產生的業務費用？此調整可大幅幫助本地企業利用國際資源，同時確保成果惠及新加坡經濟。

下午1點

能力轉型夥伴計劃（PACT）

先生，我支援PACT計劃促進跨國企業與中小企業合作。請問貿工部如何激勵參與PACT計劃，促進中小企業與跨國企業之間的互利合作？

本地企業反映，因跨國企業為迅速擴張運營，常提供高但不可持續的薪酬以滿足外勞配額，導致中小企業在人才保留和培養上處於劣勢。針對這些問題，貿工部如何培養本地中小企業有效應對挑戰？

支援中小企業

黃偉中議員：主席，近年來，尤其是全球疫情後，中小企業面臨前所未有的挑戰，考驗其韌性、適應力和可持續性。

貿工部在推出多項支援措施，幫助企業應對復甦複雜局面並尋求新增長機會方面發揮了關鍵作用。政府將如何繼續支援這些中小企業？

企業成長支援與旅遊業

Holland-Bukit Timah議員Edward Chia Bing Hui：主席先生，疫情前，我們投入大量努力幫助本地企業抓住海外機遇，擴大全球影響力。疫情後，外部環境和供應鏈因強調韌性和地緣政治緊張而發生重大變化，導致極化和“友岸外包”增加。

鑑於這些變化，貿工部如何調整如Scale-up等專案，以適應不斷變化的外部環境，確保區域化支援有效？

此外，考慮到貿工部近年來成功吸引外資及跨國企業入駐，這些因素將如何助力本地企業抓住新興機遇？這是否會納入加強版PACT計劃？Scale-up與PACT之間有何協同？

貿工部積極簽署多個自由貿易協定，為本地企業拓展海外收入提供更多機會。貿工部如何協助本地企業抓住這些機會？貿易協會和商會（TACs）在這方面發揮何種作用？貿工部如何加強對TACs的支援，提升其秘書處人力和能力？

疫情後，旅遊業格局也發生變化。旅遊及相關行業企業面臨多重挑戰：一是勞動力市場緊張導致人力成本上升；二是能源費用增加；三是傳統主要市場旅遊人數恢復緩慢；四是新加坡元兌主要旅遊市場貨幣走強。

貿工部有哪些策略應對這些挑戰？

儘管努力，旅遊人數及預測尚未恢復到疫情前每年1900萬的水平。過去兩年旅遊業強勁反彈，主要得益於如就業支援計劃（JSS）等方案，保留了能力和產能，但其他全球旅遊中心已恢復勢頭和競爭力。競爭市場也推出大量新舉措和景點，爭奪旅遊市場份額。

鑑於此，貿工部有哪些具體策略恢復旅遊業至疫情前水平？在這些策略中，有哪些具體舉措提升本地內容，賦能本地企業培育強大的智慧財產權（IP），而非單純依賴進口IP？

支援中小企業——數字化、人工智慧與綠色經濟

Nee Soon議員Derrick Goh：先生，數字化對中小企業在快速變化的技術環境中生存和抓住新經濟機遇至關重要。2023年，人工智慧及其實際應用取得突破。但常言道，人工智慧不會取代人，使用人工智慧的人才會。實質上，能更快適應和轉型的中小企業，將數字化和人工智慧視為朋友而非敵人，才會更成功。

作為一名在風險管理和審計工作中使用包括生成式人工智慧（GenAI）等多種人工智慧工具的從業者，我理解中小企業為何會感到人工智慧令人生畏。需要幫助中小企業消除“對未知的恐懼”，打破人工智慧僅限跨國企業使用的觀念。

在這方面，貿工部能否分享計劃，幫助中小企業加速數字化，使更多本地企業能利用人工智慧轉型並提升生產力？

關於可持續發展，我很高興2024年預算涵蓋了綠色轉型的關鍵方面，作為競爭優勢，因為跨國企業較早啟動可持續發展之路，也期望我們的中小企業供應商同樣如此。我也很高興得知更多行業的中小企業將受益於綠色貸款和能源效率補助計劃，這是我去年供應委員會辯論中提出的建議，呼籲政府支援更具包容性。

然而，儘管綠色轉型至關重要，且政府資金增加，2023年DBS研究發現，只有37%的中小企業有明確的可持續發展目標路線圖。許多企業表示，複雜的報告標準是障礙。

對此，貿工部如何評估現有補助和計劃（如企業可持續發展計劃）的進展和成效？如何加強這些計劃，幫助中小企業提升環境、社會及治理（ESG）意識？

數字經濟和綠色經濟機遇眾多，但轉型不易，單靠資金支援不足。更根本的是中小企業需轉變心態，願意加快轉型步伐。對於願意轉型的企業，應提供便捷的專業支援。中小企業中心和貿易協會作為關鍵的接觸和諮詢樞紐，應發揮更積極作用，推動和幫助中小企業數字化和綠色轉型。

我與業界交流時，部分中小企業反饋希望這些中心不僅僅是推廣補助選項和提供通用指導，而是提供更多業務發展建議和定製化專業指導。

因此，能否請貿工部分享三方面內容：

一、是否有計劃提升中小企業中心的諮詢能力，並將其關鍵績效指標（KPI）從一級或基礎目標（如中小企業訪問量）調整為更貼合成果的指標，如所覆蓋中小企業的生產力和客戶增長？

二、是否可以引導行業協會（TACs）深入瞭解其成員的具體情況，以便提供更有針對性的協助和支援，並促進成員之間更有效的跨領域學習？

三、我們是否可以為中小企業（SMEs）構建一個更全面的支援生態系統，例如通過：（a）協同中小企業中心和行業協會的角色，與加強版的中小企業能力轉型夥伴計劃（Partnerships for Capability Transformation Scheme for SMEs）結合，使企業更容易學習數字化和綠色戰略；（b）深化與高等院校的培訓合作；（c）利用擁有廣泛商業聯絡的宗親會進行倡導。

支援人工智慧轉型

瑪麗亞姆·賈法爾女士：主席先生，人工智慧的快速發展正在改變企業和行業。然而，企業在將人工智慧從試點和概念驗證（POCs）推廣到規模化方面遇到困難，因此未能從其努力中獲得價值和影響。

正如我在預算辯論演講中提到的，我也想宣告我的利益關係——我是一家從事人工智慧工作的諮詢公司的董事總經理兼高階合夥人。人工智慧的規模化不僅僅是購買一個平臺和僱傭幾名資料科學家。我提到過10-20-70規則：10%的努力在於演算法；20%在於技術和IT基礎設施——基礎架構、資料架構；而70%則是關於人員和流程——工作方式、業務流程重塑、如何推動大規模採用、組織、人才戰略和變革管理。

因此，企業需要超越試驗和概念驗證。他們需要有明確的戰略和路線圖，說明如何構建人工智慧平臺、資料、流程、組織及其他支援要素，並按順序開發用例，以便能夠為人工智慧轉型之旅提供資金，並在中期取得成功。

貿易與工業部（MTI）已推出多項良好舉措，如人工智慧創新沙盒和實操工作坊，旨在識別人工智慧和生成式人工智慧（GenAI）用例；以及人工智慧先驅者計劃，幫助組織識別生成式人工智慧用例並構建解決方案原型。

政府將如何幫助組織邁出下一步，在概念驗證和試點之外實現人工智慧的大規模實施？

鼓勵創業精神

許凱思先生（提名議員）：主席先生，裁員和冗員預計將持續。跨國企業（MNEs）、Lazada、亞馬遜和谷歌等科技企業已減少員工。Tetra Pak的關閉將影響300名工人。當地企業也時常因環境變化而縮減規模或停止運營。

這些現實並不新鮮。我們需要不斷尋找新的外資投資，同時繼續建設和強化本地企業。本地商業部門是由具有創業精神的個人經過數十年甚至數百年建立起來的。雖然大多數被歸類為中小企業，但我們也有大型成功的本地企業，這些企業共同僱傭了許多新加坡人。

我想問財政部和我們所有人：我們將如何保持創業精神的活力，尤其是在充滿挑戰的時期和商業環境可能不利的情況下？此外，隨著“前進新加坡”（Forward SG）計劃的推進，社會創業專案可能會復興。我們如何支援這些變革推動者？

支援我們的中小企業

何婷如女士：主席先生，企業融資計劃和能源效率補助的增強值得歡迎。激勵和補助對於提供種子支援至關重要，是推動中小企業增長的關鍵，也是我們制定工業戰略，特別是綠色轉型的重要訊號。然而，星展銀行的一項調查發現，亞洲63%的中小企業認為轉型為可持續商業模式是最大的挑戰。

據《新加坡商業評論》上月報道的一項調查顯示，58%的小型和微型企業對2024年的前景信心不足。調查還指出，除了補助外，中小企業還希望在人才補貼、收購計劃（反映勞動力市場緊張）、國際擴充套件支援以及租金援助和支援等方面獲得更多幫助。

同一調查還發現，簡化補助申請流程是企業的願望之一。我們應繼續簡化補助的採用流程，尤其是綠色補助。

對許多中小企業來說，日常運營是優先事項，而非補助申請及相關行政工作。或許改進系統的一種方式是由新加坡企業發展局（Enterprise Singapore）提供一個一站式網頁，向中小企業提供如何實現綠色轉型及相關補助的建議和指導。資金本身及資金的時間價值也非常重要。政府是否可以考慮將部分補助以現金形式而非報銷方式發放，以幫助那些通常不會將環保事項納入現金流規劃的企業？

此外，為了正確瞭解我們的補助是否真正支援了中小企業，我們應公開宣佈如何跟蹤補助的成效。例如，除了公佈綠色補助的發放金額外，還應說明每花費一美元減排了多少噸排放量，以便公眾、民間社會和議員們確信這些納稅人資金補貼是有效的，並衡量其目標的實現情況。其他評論者指出，缺乏標準化的報告測量使得中小企業在環境、社會及治理（ESG）合規方面面臨挑戰。

最後，去年《商業時報》轉載的一篇文章指出，中小企業的員工和管理者通常缺乏資源和專業知識來理解和妥善應對心理健康挑戰，部分原因是大多數關於職場心理健康和福祉的研究通常在大型組織中進行。我希望我們能研究如何在中小企業背景下解決職場心理健康和福祉問題，瞭解他們面臨的具體挑戰，並最終制定有針對性的干預措施，提高中小企業員工的福祉；並探討是否可以超越目前人力部（MOM）“全面職場安全與健康”計劃中的干預措施。

下午1時15分

削減能源效率補助

李顯龍先生：主席先生，隨著中小企業在不斷變化的監管框架下整合可持續實踐所面臨的挑戰，增強版能源效率補助（EEG）旨在彌合這一差距，特別是針對食品服務、製造和零售等行業，並計劃擴充套件至更多新行業。貿易與工業部能否提供EEG在這些領域的成效見解，強調成功策略並分享經驗教訓，以鼓勵新納入行業的更廣泛採用？

此外，鑑於中小企業在採用節能實踐時面臨的財務和技術障礙之外的挑戰，貿易與工業部是否考慮將EEG擴充套件為涵蓋更全面的支援方案，包括諮詢、執行和培訓費用，以促進這一轉型？

此外，在向清潔能源轉型及其高昂成本的背景下，貿易與工業部能否說明對中小企業，特別是在採用商用和工業用電動車輛方面的支援措施？最後，貿易與工業部能否解釋為何關鍵行業如流程和物流未被納入EEG，鑑於它們在脫碳中的重要性？是否有計劃將這些行業納入該計劃？

社群活力2025計劃

黃偉中先生：社群企業的活力對我國社會經濟結構至關重要，它們不僅是本地經濟的支柱，也是社群生活的心臟。

2022年，貿易與工業部和新加坡企業發展局啟動了“我們的社群2025”計劃，旨在振興本地社群。請問貿易與工業部能否提供該計劃下對社群企業支援措施的最新情況？

支援社群企業

傅美霞女士：主席先生，在當今大型零售連鎖和線上購物平臺主導市場的環境下，我們的社群商店面臨前所未有的挑戰。然而，這些小型商鋪提供了超越商業的寶貴价值——它們是我們社群的生命線。我們的社群企業提供獨特的社會價值，滋養社群精神。這些地方是建立個人聯絡的場所，店主知道你的名字、家庭和喜好。

這些企業通常由家庭和本地創業者經營，深深紮根於社群。它們為社群做出貢獻，創造就業機會，並經常提供大型商店無法提供的個性化服務。因此，政府積極介入支援這些重要的社群資產至關重要。

我讚賞政府推出多項舉措以激勵和支援我們的社群商店。因此，我想請部長分享“我們的社群2025”和“社群數字化”計劃的進展情況。這些舉措對於幫助我們的社群商店提升競爭力，打造獨特角色以在未來幾年蓬勃發展至關重要。

支援社群企業

沙基安迪·蘇帕特先生（碧山-多美歌）：主席先生，2022年疫情後，貿易與工業部和新加坡企業發展局啟動了“我們的社群2025”計劃，以促進社群商店的增長和效率，這些商店在疫情期間展現了“令人難以置信的韌性和轉型能力”。

我的選區多美歌東有相當數量的社群餐飲和零售商店，尤其是在洛朗8市場和熟食中心，以及金吉食品中心。這些開放式底層商鋪的魅力是我們的購物中心和綜合體無法複製的，更不用說它們為社群內的老年人提供的便利。

請問財政部該計劃在2025年需達成的關鍵績效指標（KPI）是什麼？財政部能否提供“我們的社群2025”計劃下對社群企業支援措施的最新情況？

加強行業協會

許凱思先生：主席先生，行業協會在疫情期間發揮了寶貴作用，包括與政府和議員密切合作，提供商業現實的反饋，並提出應對疫情、保留就業的方案。

歷史上，行業協會將同一行業的志同道合企業聚集起來，共同合作，分享最佳實踐，提高生產力，並在許多情況下推動國際化。疫情後的復甦對某些行業來說不均衡，許多行業仍面臨多方面成本上升的挑戰。行業協會仍將保持相關性，儘管某些行業可能面臨整合，而其他行業則看到增長機會。廣泛的預算支援措施將幫助許多公司。

貿易與工業部將如何在全球和國內商業動盪的這一挑戰階段最好地支援行業協會？對於那些面臨整合但仍具備生存能力的行業及其行業協會，貿易與工業部將如何應對？

提升企業

黃偉中先生：主席先生，在我國經濟的複雜結構中，行業協會和商會（TACs）作為關鍵推動者，增強了各行業企業的能力、影響力和韌性。通過提供倡導平臺、分享最佳實踐和促進合作，行業協會在提升和維持企業，特別是構成經濟支柱的中小企業方面發揮著重要作用。因此，我們如何確保行業協會具備充分能力有效履行這一角色？

製造業提升計劃

沙基安迪·蘇帕特先生：主席先生，我們的製造業是新加坡2030經濟願景的重要組成部分。畢竟，製造業約佔我們年度GDP的五分之一，過去十年約佔就業的11%至14%。我們的戰略是吸引前沿投資進入新加坡，為新加坡人創造優質製造業崗位。戴森、現代和環球晶圓（GlobalFoundries）是最近在新加坡開設或宣佈計劃開設先進製造工廠的一些知名企業。

然而，過去十年，IBM、可口可樂和顯示器製造商友達光電（AU Optronics）等公司關閉了其價值數百萬美元的製造設施。作為一個資源有限的國家，我們較高的土地、勞動力和運輸成本對全球製造商構成挑戰。我們不希望吸引製造業巨頭進駐，卻在五到十年後因廉價國家技術和知識趕超而失去他們。政府能否分享更多關於提升製造業競爭力、留住製造業企業以及本地企業如何從中受益的計劃？

海洋離岸行業轉型

黃偉中先生：主席先生，海洋和離岸工程行業長期以來是我國工業格局的基石，為經濟發展和全球貿易能力做出了重大貢獻。然而，面對全球能源需求變化、技術進步和可持續發展的緊迫需求，該行業亟需轉型和未來保障。政府能否分享更多關於行業轉型計劃如何支援海洋和離岸工程行業的資訊？

旅遊業振興

尼爾·帕雷克·尼米爾·拉吉坎特先生：主席先生，旅遊業對我們的經濟至關重要。作為經濟的重要支柱，旅遊業不僅為公民創造就業和機會，還提升了我們作為全球商業中心和充滿活力生活方式的國際品牌。

疫情影響了全球旅遊流動，也影響了新加坡。然而，在新加坡旅遊局的支援下，2023年旅遊收入已反彈至約140億新元。進入疫情後的新世界，新加坡繼續搶佔旅遊市場仍然至關重要。

2022年，貿易與工業部宣佈政府已撥出5億新元支援旅遊業復甦。請問貿易與工業部能否提供旅遊振興工作的最新情況？貿易與工業部將如何確保新加坡在日益激烈的全球競爭中保持有吸引力的旅遊目的地？

支援企業和創意人才創造價值

施金麗·簡女士（提名議員）：主席先生，有意識地將新加坡企業與新加坡藝術、文化、媒體和設計領域的創意專業人士的能力結合起來，是帶來產業復興的變革者。正如印刷術的出現帶來了前所未有的變革，數字技術和人工智慧正在引發新的生產和貿易方式。因此，如果技術和人工智慧是企業用來重新構想運營模式的工具，那麼創意視角必須是企業用來重新定義商業模式的方式。

為了促進進步企業與創意自由職業者的思想碰撞，我向部長提出三項建議供考慮。

第一，財政部是否願與全國職工總會（NTUC）的視覺、音訊、創意內容專業人士協會（VACCPA）及相關行業機構緊密合作，開發並分享企業何時及如何利用新加坡不同創意形式創造新價值的用例？例如，零售商可以利用自由職業者創造新穎的虛擬購物體驗，使用3D數字資產建立。經濟資助計劃可擴充套件以涵蓋此類創意用例。

第二，財政部是否可以擴大技能未來企業信貸（SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit），以涵蓋一至兩人的創意微型企業？

最後，財政部是否可以促進創意自由職業者參與經濟機構支援的國際專案的工作和學習機會？例如，可以為新加坡自由職業照明設計師創造機會，參與國際巡演活動，這些活動被吸引到新加坡。此類崗位可通過穩健的招聘和認證及相關三方標準支援。自由職業者將受益於其發展和作品集的提升。

通過這三項建議，新加坡企業和創意自由職業者可以釋放協同效應，發展新的競爭優勢，以應對變化和全球競爭。

創意經濟計劃

烏莎·錢德拉達斯女士（提名議員）：主席先生，新加坡擁有充滿活力且蓬勃發展的創意經濟，包括藝術文化、媒體和設計等行業。根據文化、社區及青年部（MCCY）的資料，針對我今年早些時候提交的一項議會質詢，這三個行業的名義增加值在過去五年增長了近50%，從2017年的79億新元增至2022年的117億新元。

文化、社區及青年部（MCCY）也表示，未來幾年，新加坡創意經濟的前景是積極的。根據MCCY的說法，雖然該行業的增長取決於許多因素，但創意從業者有機會，尤其是如果他們能夠利用不斷增長的需求和趨勢。這包括利用技術，與區域和國際合作夥伴合作，觸及新加坡以外的觀眾。MCCY還保證，政府將繼續通過注入資金、提供技能發展機會以及與私營部門搭建合作伙伴關係，幫助該行業成長，為創意人才開闢機會。

請貿易及工業部（MTI）澄清，在即將到來的財政年度中，其自身的發展或其他開支中，將有多少資金分配用於新加坡創意經濟的增長和發展？例如，新加坡旅遊局是否會為促進新加坡藝術的旅遊消費而產生任何重大開支？我們是否可以期待在塑造新加坡作為創意和文化消費首選目的地方面看到更多開支？我們最近就見證了泰勒·斯威夫特（Taylor Swift）時代巡迴演唱會以及政府對斯威夫特團隊的聯絡。

經濟發展局（EDB）和新加坡企業發展局（Enterprise Singapore）是否將在即將到來的財政年度開展與創意經濟發展和增長相關的具體專案或計劃？如果有任何與創意經濟相關的具體計劃正在進行中，部委能否分享重點關注的具體領域？

RIE2025——新加坡的研發努力

黃偉中先生：主席，研發推動新產品、服務和流程的創造，使企業能夠創新並保持競爭優勢。這種持續的創新對於維持長期經濟增長至關重要，因為它促使開發滿足新興消費者需求並適應市場變化的獨特產品。通過研發，公司和經濟體可以找到新的生產方法，更有效地利用資源並改進運營流程。它還通過提供建立初創企業所需的知識基礎和技術進步，鼓勵創業。因此，MTI將重點關注哪些研發舉措和行業以推動新加坡經濟增長？

研發投資與優先事項

陳順娘女士：主席，為加強新加坡的研發工作，副總理黃循財在2024年預算案中宣佈向《研究、創新與企業2025計劃》（RIE2025）追加30億新元投資。新增資金將用於國家重點領域的研究及相關投資，包括深化我們在先進製造業、可持續發展、數字經濟和醫療保健方面的能力。

下午1時30分

MTI能否分享自2020年啟動以來RIE2025計劃的進展？MTI將重點推進哪些舉措以建設新加坡的創新能力，推動經濟增長？我們將如何擴大新加坡的人才庫，幫助將這些創新推向市場，並增強企業的能力？

在預算辯論期間，副總理王瑞傑談到了在各級別建立更緊密聯絡與合作以及創新生態系統的重要性。能否分享更多關於這些創新生態系統的資訊，以及它們對新加坡作為創新和商業樞紐的影響？

RIE2025

尼爾·帕雷克·尼米爾·拉吉坎特先生：主席，科學與技術對新加坡的生存和成功至關重要，幫助我們克服了國土面積小和資源有限的限制。RIE生態系統仍是新加坡發展成為知識型、創新驅動經濟和社會的基石。

RIE生態系統也是創造新增長途徑和提升新加坡經濟競爭力的重要推動力。

在RIE框架下，本地企業的研發業務支出從2010年的11億新元增長到2020年的16億新元，而參與研發的本地企業數量也從約450家增加到近600家。副總理黃循財在2024年預算案中的最新宣佈，強調了政府推動創新和研發舉措以推動經濟發展的承諾。

新加坡研發工作的一個關鍵領域是發掘新的經濟機會，幫助新加坡經濟和企業轉型以保持競爭力。

這可能包括先進製造業、健康科技和人工智慧等新興領域的新機會。研發還可以支援企業的綠色轉型和推動更大可持續發展。主席，2024年預算案中，政府宣佈向RIE2025追加投資，以加強研發工作。

我想問部委：首先，MTI能否分享將重點關注的研發舉措和行業，以推動經濟增長？其次，MTI計劃如何利用研發抓住有前景的增長領域，促進新加坡向低碳經濟轉型？

最佳化土地資源

薩克提安迪·蘇帕特先生：主席，除了勞動力、資本和企業，土地是新加坡作為一個小國的重要稀缺資源。

難以想象，濱海灣金沙（MBS）所在的土地直到1992年至2004年濱海灣地區填海之前，全部是海域。三個月前宣佈，我們將在新加坡東海岸填海造出一個新的“長島”，預計面積是濱海灣的兩倍。

但由於我們的海洋邊界和航運樞紐地位，我們從海洋填海的空間有限。因此，我們通過概念規劃和總體規劃，審慎分配稀缺土地以滿足不同需求。2021年宣佈，新加坡長期土地使用規劃的審查也需考慮不確定因素，如可快速轉換為應急用途的土地緩衝區。

請問部委，政府如何確保有足夠土地滿足工業、住房和休閒等多種競爭性需求？我們如何最佳化土地使用，釋放資源潛力？

能源轉型

陳順娘女士：主席，新加坡電力部門佔排放總量的40%。新加坡設定了到2050年實現淨零排放的雄心目標。

作為一個可再生能源潛力有限的小國，平衡可持續、安全和負擔得起的能源供應具有挑戰性。新加坡能源轉型（SET）於2021年啟動，作為電力部門脫碳和實現氣候承諾的藍圖。SET包括更可持續地使用天然氣、最大化太陽能部署、引入區域電網和電力進口；併為利用氫能和新興低碳替代能源實現深度脫碳做準備。

MTI能否分享新加坡電力部門脫碳計劃的進展？新加坡是否在投資其他低碳替代能源以綠色化電力部門？

在2024年預算案中，副總理黃循財宣佈設立新的未來能源基金，注資50億新元，助力國家向更清潔能源轉型。將投資哪些關鍵舉措以推動新加坡向清潔能源轉型？

核聚變

謝耀權先生（裕廊）：主席，地球上所有生命所需的能量最終都來自太陽。那麼，如果我們能在地球上覆制太陽核心的能量生產呢？

這就是核聚變能源的簡要承諾。

我必須澄清，核聚變與核裂變完全不同。聚變不產生同樣的放射性廢物；沒有熔燬風險；也不依賴其他國家的燃料，如鈾。鑑於聚變的優勢，我希望當我們說研究未來清潔能源組合中的核能選項時，我們的重點是核聚變能源。

我還要進一步說，雖然我們可以並將通過區域電網和/或氫能進口清潔能源，但最終，能源進口可能不足且不夠安全。

因此，我認為我們需要國內生產的聚變能源，以確保長期清潔能源未來。

但聚變技術尚未成熟。此外，我們的淨零目標是2050年，副總理黃循財也表示，我們將在未來20年構建清潔能源組合。因此，有人可能認為我們有時間，也應該花時間決定是否採用聚變能源。但這僅從能源安全形度考慮。

從經濟角度看，聚變也為新加坡和全球帶來巨大經濟機遇，我們實際上有更少時間做決定。矛盾的是，正因為技術尚未成熟，我們應加快步伐。

引用我的裕廊同事陳武明博士的話，我們可以成為先行者，也可能發現自己行動太晚。過去兩年聚變技術取得重大進展，業界稱為“淨能量產出”的真正突破可能在未來五年內出現。

這將推動首批實用規模聚變電廠在2030年代初至中期建成。全球各國已開始認真推進聚變。

英國宣佈為其聚變專案追加約11億新元資金。拜登總統設定了美國到2032年實現商業聚變能源的“十年願景”。中國在聚變研究上投資超過10億美元，日本最近啟動了全球最大的實驗性聚變反應堆。

因此，如果我們現在開始，已有追趕領先者的任務。但如果做得好，新加坡可以成為亞太地區聚變裝置製造中心。這將為新加坡人帶來一系列新興且激動人心的工作崗位——下一代聚變科學家、工程師和操作員，設計和製造未來世界的能源技術。

為此，我們現在需要做三件事。

第一，領導並支援我們的大學、研究機構和本地中小企業建立能力，立即進入聚變供應鏈，參與原型和試點電廠；第二，與領先國家合作設計聚變專用法規；第三，重要的是，我們需要在2050年能源路線圖中納入聚變能源，正式設定目標，並向全球聚變社群發出訊號，表明新加坡希望成為參與者並做出貢獻。

關於核聚變，我們應胸懷大志，立即行動，併發出強烈訊號。

未來能源基金

李顯龍先生：主席，商界歡迎政府通過50億新元的未來能源基金，支援清潔能源舉措。正如副總理黃循財強調，向綠色能源轉型需要政府主導的催化資金支援基礎設施和技術的重大投資。

然而，已有多家企業率先開展將清潔能源進口到新加坡的專案，如建設新加坡與鄰國之間的高壓海底電纜。鑑於此，我想了解政府是否計劃與這些企業合作，部委是否考慮利用未來能源基金提升這些專案的財務可行性？

應對能源限制

謝炳輝先生：主席，我想談談在滿足氣候承諾的同時解決能源限制問題，這對我們的經濟和環境至關重要。

首先，國家電網必須高效整合多樣化能源來源，減少傳輸損失。同時，提高發電、儲能和輸電效率也很關鍵。請問MTI有哪些計劃現代化能源電網，以高效整合多元能源並提升整體效率？此外，電網現代化如何融資？對消費者和企業的成本影響如何？

其次，隨著我們鞏固資料和人工智慧中心地位，資料中心和晶片製造設施對能源的需求必然增加。MTI如何預測未來能源需求以支援數字經濟特別是人工智慧領域的發展？

鑑於資料中心和晶片製造設施的冷卻需求顯著增加整體電力消耗，採取了哪些措施最佳化新加坡的冷卻系統？此外，氣候變化導致氣溫升高，新加坡的冷卻用電需求增加。我曾在議會提及新加坡在發展區域冷卻系統方面的進展及其優勢。是否有計劃加強這方面的努力，培養本地企業提升能力，並將此專業知識出口到全球其他地區？

2024年預算案中，政府宣佈擴大能源效率補助計劃（EEG）。但我們需要評估此類計劃的效果。

本月初，我曾提出議會質詢，部長回應稱企業新加坡已批准近5,000份EEG申請。迄今為止，補助支援的裝置採購預計節省多少能源？擴大後的EEG目標節能總量是多少？

此外，考慮到潛在的系統性影響，我想問是否有空間推出更多針對工廠、建築和區域的上游能源效率補助？此類上游節能對整體節能工作有重大益處。

50億新元的未來能源基金是邁向清潔能源的積極舉措，但可能不足以完成清潔能源轉型。未來是否會追加資金？基金是否會結合借貸工具，如SINGA債券？如何催化私營部門投資？

在減少碳足跡和促進可持續增長的目標下，清潔能源的有限獲取是經濟增長的關鍵制約因素，可能影響新加坡人的實際收入增長和生活水平。因此，我們必須解決清潔能源限制問題。

加強消費者保護

蔡慶偉先生（盛港）：儘管消費者與企業的互動方式發生了變革，新加坡保護消費者權益的方式似乎未隨之演進，顯得對消費者保護態度較為冷漠。

我們只需看看新加坡近期多起引人關注的消費者事件——聖淘沙天燈節、健身房連鎖突然關閉、郵輪和航班長期超額預訂、裝修承包商失信、二手車行業“檸檬車”問題，以及某些汽車共享和食品快遞運營商普遍存在的不滿意客戶服務。這些只是消費者權益保護方面存在不足的幾個具體領域。

新加坡消費者協會（CASE）報告稱，2022年預付款損失同比增長24%，消費者報告損失超過64.5萬新元。在許多案例中，企業不能僅僅賣訂閱服務後關閉，令消費者無處申訴；“平臺積分”退款與現金退款並不等同；如果航空公司超額預訂無法安排旅程，責任完全在於航空公司提供令客戶滿意的替代方案。此外，儘管許多二手車由經銷商代售，許多消費者並不知情，此類購買不受“檸檬法”保護——這在二手車行業“檸檬車”普遍存在的情況下頗具諷刺意味。

下午1時45分

雖然政府已採取一些措施應對不公平交易行為，但仍未建立起新加坡作為一流經濟體應有的強有力保護框架。我們需要轉變“買者自負”的傳統觀念，讓個人能夠自信地對抗大企業的強勢，明白客戶不總是對的，但至少我們會被公平對待。

提升消費者保護

楊益才先生（拉丁馬士）：主席，我宣告本人為新加坡消費者協會（CASE）會長。價格透明是保護消費者的核心原則，確保我們做出明智的購買決策。

為應對“縮水通脹”問題，即零售商表面維持產品價格但暗中減少份量，MTI能否與CASE合作，調查此類做法在新加坡的普遍程度，並鼓勵本地零售商在店內推行單位定價？自2023年1月1日起，CASE已在“價格腳印”應用程式上推出了6,000多種商品的單位定價。在MTI支援下，CASE準備協助零售商實施單位定價。

根據消費者協會（CASE）的年度投訴統計，2023年與電子商務交易相關的投訴數量激增了47%。最常見的問題涉及未能在規定的交貨時間內收到訂單以及未能收到退款。這令人深感擔憂。我們必須採取緊急行動，更好地保護消費者，尤其是在購買行為發生轉變，許多消費者現在依賴電子商務的情況下。

《消費者保護（公平交易）法》上一次審查是在2016年，當時電子商務尚未在新加坡興起。我敦促貿易與工業部（MTI）審查該法案，以適應消費者購買習慣的演變。消費者協會願意與MTI合作，以便我們共同更好地保護消費者。

主席：顏金勇部長。

貿易與工業部長（顏金勇先生）：主席，首先感謝各位議員的深思熟慮的意見。

過去幾年非常具有挑戰性。作為一個小型開放經濟體，新加坡深刻感受到疫情帶來的不確定性和全球經濟結構性轉變的影響。但我們沒有被擊倒。我們繼續推進轉型之路，幫助企業將挑戰轉化為機遇。

在新冠疫情期間，我們經歷了自獨立以來最嚴重的經濟衰退。當時我們的首要任務是支援企業度過這場前所未有的危機，保護新加坡人的就業。

疫情尚未結束時，新的挑戰又出現了。由於供應鏈中斷，全球食品和能源價格大幅上漲，進而引發全球通脹。各國央行為應對通脹壓力提高利率。美中等大國之間的地緣政治競爭加劇。烏克蘭和中東地區爆發衝突，應對氣候變化的緊迫性日益增加。

在這些挑戰中，我們的經濟在2023年增長了1.1%。2024年，我們預計GDP增長在1%至3%之間，通脹將有所緩和。

儘管如此，正如多位議員指出的，我們的外部環境仍然充滿波動和不確定性。許多企業，尤其是中小企業，擔心業務成本上升和融資渠道受限。他們也希望獲得更多支援，以推動轉型和培訓，保持競爭力並抓住新機遇。

黃先生詢問了對企業的支援措施。我們已撥出13億新元設立企業支援計劃，以應對這些短期挑戰。該計劃包括三個部分：企業所得稅回扣以幫助現金流；調整企業融資計劃以幫助企業獲得貸款融資；以及延長SkillsFuture企業信用，以支援轉型和技能培訓。

首先，關於企業所得稅回扣。2024評估年度應繳企業所得稅的公司將獲得50%的回扣，最高不超過4萬新元。為確保即使繳納少量或無所得稅的小型企業也能受益，2023年僱傭至少一名本地員工的公司將獲得最低2000新元現金支付。企業所得稅回扣將惠及眾多企業，尤其是中小企業。

接下來，我們將調整企業融資計劃（EFS），以促進貸款融資。疫情期間，我們大幅增強了EFS，為企業提供更強支援。我們已審查並調整EFS，以更好滿足當前業務需求。例如，疫情期間全球市場停滯，國際化計劃受到嚴重干擾。為幫助企業持續努力，我們將EFS貿易貸款的最高貸款額度翻倍至1000萬新元，並將政府風險分擔比例提高至70%。

一家利用EFS實現國際化的公司是Apeiron Bioenergy，該公司利用廢棄物生產清潔燃料。該公司利用EFS貿易貸款和EFS綠色貸款，將首批廢棄食用油（一種清潔生物燃料原料）出口到美國市場，並擴大了其在亞洲和阿聯酋的設施。

鑑於全球市場仍在恢復中，我們將把1000萬新元的最高貸款額度延長一年，至2025年3月31日，但風險分擔比例調整為50%。這與李顯龍先生呼籲支援新加坡企業海外擴張的建議一致。

疫情期間，我們還擴大了EFS專案貸款計劃，涵蓋受影響嚴重的國內建築專案。大多數建築專案現已恢復進度，行業整體回暖，儘管部分企業仍面臨挑戰。因此，我們將把EFS專案貸款（國內）對國內建築專案的支援延長一年，至2025年3月31日，但最高貸款額度從3000萬新元降至1500萬新元。

此外，我們將永久提高EFS營運資金貸款的最高額度至50萬新元。疫情期間，我們曾臨時提高上限，以應對企業嚴重的現金流壓力。此後，儘管現金流有所改善，中小企業的營運資金需求實際上因業務量和成本增加而上升。將更高的最高貸款額度設為永久，將更好支援中小企業。

自2020年以來，超過3萬家企業利用SkillsFuture企業信用（SFEC）支援員工培訓升級和企業轉型。

其中包括Aux Media Group，這是一家活動和演唱會組織公司。該公司利用SFEC抵扣數字化工作流程轉型專案的費用，還利用SFEC派員工參加涵蓋人力資源到無人機駕駛的SkillsFuture培訓課程，以滿足公司需求。

為讓企業更多受益於SFEC，我們將把申報截止日期延長一年至2025年6月30日。我們將繼續完善對企業的支援，深化勞動力和企業轉型。

勞工部長兼國會議員劉燕玲也將介紹專門支援社群企業的額外措施。

在應對短期挑戰的同時，我們必須繼續投資於長期未來，建設一個有韌性且充滿活力的經濟體。為此，我們需要實施GUTC戰略。GUTC代表四大戰略：增長經濟（Grow our economy）；釋放資源潛力（Unlock our resource potential）；轉型企業（Transform our businesses）；連線全球（Connect），以鞏固我們作為全球商業樞紐的地位。

讓我重點介紹增長新加坡經濟的戰略，其他同事將詳細闡述另外三大戰略。

我們將通過三大重點推動經濟增長：利用貿易網路；促進投資和新技術採用；發展人才。

首先，關於利用貿易網路。新加坡處於有利位置，可從區域及更廣泛地區的增長中受益。我們廣泛的連通性一直是並將繼續是我們的關鍵競爭優勢。新加坡已建立起作為連線良好、可靠且值得信賴的物流和運輸樞紐的強大聲譽。全球供應鏈轉變中，企業和投資者因我們穩健的基礎設施、親商政策和熟練勞動力而持續青睞新加坡。外國直接投資（FDI）五年前為1.9萬億美元，至2023年底已增長超過50%，達到約2.9萬億美元。預計這一趨勢將持續。

為了維持經濟增長，作為小型經濟體的新加坡不能拒絕全球市場，也不能讓全球市場拒絕我們。

梁永華先生、陳潔儀女士和沙拉爾·塔哈先生詢問政府如何確保新加坡保持競爭力並吸引全球投資者。首先，我們必須通過繼續加強基於規則的貿易架構，擴大國際和區域連通性，拓寬經濟空間，抓住全球機遇。這將使我們能夠在不同地區發展創新貿易合作模式，擴大貿易伙伴社群，並建立與新市場的聯絡。

我們將繼續深化與全球夥伴的合作，促進貿易增長和吸引投資。我們將通過現有平臺，如《全面與進步跨太平洋夥伴關係協定》（CPTPP）和《印太經濟框架》（IPEF），以及雙邊夥伴關係，如美新加坡增長與創新夥伴關係、中新自由貿易協定和印新部長級圓桌會議，積極與夥伴互動。

在更近的地區，預計東南亞地區未來五年經濟增長速度將超過全球平均水平。

在東盟內部，貨物貿易從2018年的6450億美元增長約30%，達到2022年的8570億美元。作為一個整體，東盟也在加強與夥伴的外部關係。去年在印度尼西亞擔任主席期間，東盟完成了升級東盟-澳大利亞-紐西蘭自由貿易協定的談判。我們目前正在與加拿大談判自由貿易協定，並升級和審查與中國和印度的東盟協議。

我們也加強了與鄰國的合作。例如，我們正在探索建立柔佛-新加坡特別經濟區，以加強與馬來西亞和柔佛的經濟合作。今年1月簽署了諒解備忘錄（MOU），並同意努力改善貨物、人員和投資的跨境流動。

梁永華先生、傅美霞女士和尼爾·帕雷克先生詢問MTI如何抓住未來增長機遇。

首先，正如副總理黃循財宣佈的，我們將通過引入新的可退還投資稅收抵免（RIC）來增強投資促進工具包。RIC是一種帶有可退還現金功能的稅收抵免，將支援符合條件的企業在新加坡開展高價值和實質性經濟活動，如設立或擴建制造設施、商品貿易、研發與創新以及脫碳活動。

下午2點

正如賈法爾女士指出，RIC將增強我們吸引和留住優質投資的競爭力，為新加坡人創造更多機會和優質就業。

我們還將幫助企業乘勢全球技術進步浪潮，抓住先進製造、人工智慧和可持續發展等新興增長領域的機遇。通過成為先行者和採用者，我們可以提升企業競爭力，捕捉這些新市場的快速增長，打造世界領先企業。

製造業是我們經濟的關鍵支柱。正如薩克蒂安迪·蘇帕特先生所指出，製造業貢獻約五分之一GDP，僱傭約八分之一勞動力。我們將加倍發揮機器人和自動化優勢，瞄準先進製造中的高價值機會，開闢新增長路徑。

例如，在生物醫藥科學領域，精準醫療這一新興領域具有強勁增長潛力，2022年全球市場規模達740億美元，預計到2030年年均增長率為11.5%。我們將識別並培育有潛力的本地初創企業，開發尖端解決方案。

其中一家企業Engine Biosciences開發了專有平臺，利用人工智慧、機器學習和基因編輯發現基因相互作用，開發有前景的新療法。該公司目前處於臨床前階段，計劃利用新加坡的研發基地拓展國際市場。

人工智慧的前所未有增長將在未來幾年加速，市場規模預計從2023年的1500億美元飆升至2030年的1.35萬億美元。我們必須緊跟發展步伐，確保企業能分享人工智慧紅利。我們將採取企業和行業雙重策略推動人工智慧應用。我們將與100家公司合作，建立內部人工智慧能力，開發和採用人工智慧解決方案。希望這些公司各自成為人工智慧卓越中心（CoE）。

我們還將設立行業人工智慧卓越中心，解決行業範圍的應用場景，構建領域專屬能力。作為起點，A*STAR將在今年底啟動製造業人工智慧卓越中心。該中心將召集產業、研究和初創企業利益相關者，開發針對製造業應用場景的人工智慧解決方案。

我們將從該試點中學習，並研究如何將此模式推廣至其他行業。向低碳和可持續經濟轉型也將帶來新的綠色增長機遇。例如，我們已建立充滿活力的碳服務和交易生態系統，利用全球碳市場的增長。

還有開發可持續產品的機會，如生物燃料、可持續航空燃料和綠色化學品，支援我們的綠色增長目標。例如，Neste於2023年擴大了其在新加坡的生物煉油廠，使我們成為全球最大的可持續航空燃料生產國。此外，化工公司Arkema在裕廊島建造了生物工廠，生產由可持續材料製成的高效能聚合物。

我們還與海洋及離岸工程（M&OE）行業緊密合作，確保其高效、具全球競爭力，並能抓住新增長機遇。這要求行業重新思考運營模式，轉向更高技能、更高價值活動，減少對外籍勞動力的依賴。為推動這一轉變，我們將調整海事船廠行業的優惠依賴比率上限（DRC），從3.5:1調整至2026年的3:1。我們將密切關注行業發展，再決定是否進一步調整。

我們還將推進2013年宣佈但因M&OE行業低迷和新冠疫情推遲的外籍勞工徵費上調措施。這些措施將在人力部的國會答問環節中進一步討論，作為政府更廣泛人力策略的一部分。

我們認識到轉型雖必要，但從不容易。因此，我們將提供總額約1億新元的M&OE支援計劃，未來五年幫助企業轉型，提升工人技能，定位M&OE行業抓住新增長機遇。這將使我們成為全球有影響力且繁榮的樞紐，能在M&OE價值鏈中提供可持續解決方案。

我們正在探索的一個增長機會是海上風電，全球市場預計到2030年將以每年22%的速度快速增長。一些公司已開始這條路，如Seatrium，正參與多個大型海上風電專案。我們將識別並抓住價值鏈上的機會，將其錨定於新加坡。

一家有前景的本地初創企業是BeeX，設計、製造並部署懸浮自主水下航行器（HAUVs），用於海上風電場的檢測。BeeX利用50萬新元的Startup SG Tech資助建造了首個HAUV。其解決方案已獲國際驗證，目前正開發高規格的第二代HAUV+。

我已概述我們繼續吸引優質投資進入新加坡的計劃。我們還將支援企業合作，投資創新生態系統。首先，傅美霞女士、李顯龍先生和謝偉強先生會高興地知道，我們將加強能力轉型夥伴計劃（PACT）。

目前，該計劃鼓勵大型企業與中小企業之間、跨國公司、大型本地企業與中小企業之間在供應商發展和協同創新方面的合作。未來，我們將擴大PACT涵蓋更多行業和模式，包括能力培訓、國際化和企業風險投資。

讓我分享幾個PACT促進的合作案例。GlobalFoundries與其供應商Forefront AM緊密合作，提升其增材製造能力，以修復GlobalFoundries的高價值半導體制造裝置。另一個例子是SATS，利用PACT支援組織能力建設研討會，幫助其中小企業供應商瞭解並跟蹤碳排放。SATS還計劃鼓勵供應商開展脫碳行動。

我們目標在未來五年促成100個新的PACT合作伙伴關係，為中小企業提供更多提升能力、增強競爭力、融入全球和區域價值鏈的機會。

我們還將投資創新工作，包括上游研究、轉化和商業化。自2016年啟動以來，Startup SG Equity計劃已催化超過23億新元的私營部門資金，支援230多家新加坡初創企業，涵蓋先進製造、製藥與生物製劑（pharmbio）、醫療技術（medtech）和農業食品技術（agri-food tech）等新興領域。我們正著手進一步完善Startup SG Equity計劃，相關細節將於今年晚些時候公佈。

第三，雖然我們需要繼續利用全球人才來補充本地勞動力以推動經濟增長，但我們將加倍努力加強本地人才庫，使新加坡人能夠從這種增長中受益。正如梁先生所言，在全球對領導人才競爭日益激烈的情況下，我們必須確保企業能夠獲得符合“前進新加坡”諮詢建議的新加坡企業領導人才儲備。

我們將推出一項新舉措——全球企業領導者計劃（GBLP），支援企業派遣具有領導潛力的新加坡中高層管理人員赴海外任職及參與其他發展機會。GBLP參與者將被納入新加坡領導者網路會員，接受指導並拓展專業人脈。

GBLP將支援企業的區域化努力，培養能夠將業務推向新高度的新加坡企業領導人才儲備。這將補充人力部在本地勞動力發展方面的工作，支援各級員工的職業韌性、更健康的職業發展和更長的職業軌跡。

主席先生，總結來說，我談到了通過企業支援計劃為企業提供短期支援，幫助他們應對眼前挑戰。同時，我們需要投資於長期未來，推動經濟增長。我們可以通過利用貿易網路、引領新技術採用和發展人才來實現這一目標。

經濟轉型一直是我們的重點。副總理王瑞傑早前強調了轉型在我們增長曆程中的重要性。事實上，轉型是這個快速變化世界中的常態。我們必須保持敏捷，抓住新機遇，不斷提升生產力、創新力和競爭力，推動經濟增長。

未來仍將存在不確定性和挑戰，但只要我們作為新加坡團隊共同努力——工人、企業、行業協會、商會和工會各司其職，我們就能在全球舞臺保持相關性，增強影響力。我們能夠抓住新的增長機會，改善所有新加坡人的生活，共同建設我們的未來。[掌聲]

主席先生：陳志龍博士。

貿易及工業部第二部長（陳志龍博士）：主席先生，新加坡是一個資源有限的小國。儘管如此，我們已發展成為今天的全球領先城市。但要維持這種增長，我們需要最大化資源潛力，將潛力轉化為下一階段的成功。

我今天的發言將圍繞如何繼續突破界限，釋放資源潛力，並在四個領域帶來新機遇：第一，能源與碳排放；第二，研發；第三，人力；最後，土地。

首先，關於能源與碳排放。氣候變化對全球所有國家構成不對稱的長期挑戰。作為一個低窪島國，新加坡受到氣候變化的影響尤為嚴重。我們的資源限制比許多國家更為明顯，這使得脫碳更加困難。

儘管如此，我們堅信新加坡能夠克服這些限制，實現並在淨零未來中蓬勃發展。今天，我將分享我們在投資新脫碳路徑方面的努力，同時確保電力系統穩定。

首先，穩定的電力市場以及可靠安全的電力系統必須成為推動新加坡能源轉型的基礎。過去一年，能源市場管理局（EMA）實施了多項措施，加強電力市場結構，減少市場波動。這些措施包括：一、引入集中流程，促進和指導私人投資新發電能力；二、對電力零售商施加更嚴格的監管要求，更好保護消費者；三、實施臨時價格上限機制，緩解批發電力市場的極端價格波動。

下午2時15分

今年，我們還將集中採購天然氣，確保電廠的長期燃料充足。除了穩定的電力市場，我們還需要可靠的電網。謝偉俊先生問我們的電網是否足夠強大以整合多樣化能源。雖然主要依賴天然氣，我們的電網已接納太陽能和垃圾發電等其他能源，同時保持高電網可靠性。未來幾十年，我們預計更多多樣化能源將接入電網，我們正在升級電網管理系統以應對。

展望未來，隨著數字化、經濟增長和電氣化的推進，電力需求將增長，正如謝偉俊先生所提。EMA與相關機構緊密合作，確保有足夠容量滿足需求。因此，我們已啟動新發電能力招標，建設更環保、更高效的電廠。EMA最近授予裕廊電力（YTL Power Seraya）建設、擁有和運營一座聯合迴圈燃氣輪機（CCGT）的權利。該CCGT的碳強度比現有CCGT低10%，將成為第三座可使用氫氣的CCGT，氫氣是一種潛在低碳燃料，計劃於2028年投入運營。這是在建的吉寶和勝科的氫能預備電廠之外的專案。

新加坡的能源轉型將是一個持續數十年的過程。在此期間，天然氣將在未來一至二十年內繼續發揮重要作用。因此，新加坡液化天然氣公司（SLNG）正在建設第二個液化天然氣終端，以滿足天然氣需求並增強能源安全。

雖然天然氣是最清潔的化石燃料，但若要實現淨零承諾，我們必須綠色化電力供應。我們正在推進低碳電力進口專案，研究氫氣和氨等低碳能源替代方案。Jessica Tan女士會高興地知道，我們已取得良好進展。低碳電力進口方面，我們目標是到2035年進口多達4吉瓦（GW）的低碳電力，約佔當時新加坡電力供應的30%。

針對謝偉俊先生的問題，我們正按計劃實現該目標。去年，EMA已授予條件批准，允許從柬埔寨、印度尼西亞和越南進口最多4.2吉瓦的低碳電力。相關企業正在進行可行性研究，並從源頭和過境國獲取監管批准。專案實現後，也將成為東盟電網的基礎。

我們還在研究多種其他低碳能源的潛力。氫氣方面，我們將啟動小規模先導專案，測試和部署直接氨燃燒電廠及氨燃料補給。該專案的招標正在進行，預計本月底結束。

地熱能源也是我們研究的潛在能源。我們將開展全國範圍的非侵入性地球物理研究，評估新加坡深層地熱資源發電潛力。EMA正在評估招標提案，獲獎結果將很快公佈。

先進核能技術和聚變能源也是潛在的變革者。我們廣泛與國際組織及具備核能深厚能力的國家合作，拓展對先進核能技術（包括小型模組化反應堆）的理解，以評估這些技術一旦被證明安全可行後，是否適合新加坡。

謝耀權先生提到太陽能——聚變能源的潛力。近年來聚變能源領域取得重大突破，但仍存在工程挑戰。除目前無示範電廠能發電外，還有其他挑戰，包括全球氚供應不足，氚是聚變的重要燃料。因此，專家對聚變何時能安全商業化存在較大分歧。

我們也密切關注聚變能源發展，並與海外研究機構合作，提升該領域能力。我們將繼續識別本地生態系統中與聚變相關的能力，探討在聚變供應鏈中可能發揮的作用。

同時，低碳能源研究（LCER）計劃等研發投資，有助於實現低碳替代方案潛力，支援擴大適合新加坡的技術解決方案範圍。

LCER計劃下的定向氫能計劃支援研究有助於新加坡安全經濟地進口和使用氫氣的技術。我高興宣佈，我們將撥款約4300萬新元支援六個研究專案，這些專案共同解決新加坡在氫能部署中面臨的關鍵挑戰，如能效、耐久性和安全性。

除氫能外，我們還支援對有潛力成為重大突破的前沿技術的研究。作為首屆新興技術資助計劃的一部分，我們將撥款約1200萬新元支援十個研究專案，涵蓋多種低碳技術路徑，如能量收集。

最後，我們與國際組織的緊密合作幫助我們建立能力，加速能源轉型。上月，我們宣佈在新加坡設立國際能源署（IEA）區域中心。該中心是IEA總部巴黎外的首個辦事處，也是新加坡首個專注能源的國際組織。中心將為政府和區域機構提供技術諮詢和政策支援，加速能源轉型，例如通過擴大可再生能源和其他清潔能源技術的部署。預計中心今年底投入運營。

各位議員，我已詳細介紹了我們轉型和脫碳電力部門的計劃。儘管缺乏本地可再生能源資源，新加坡仍必須推進能源轉型，以保持在邁向淨零的世界中的相關性。我很高興正如李偉銘先生早前指出，已有多家企業在開拓此類清潔能源專案。

但要實現脫碳，我們需要大規模部署清潔能源。這可能涉及新興技術，伴隨重大商業和地緣政治風險，或需高額前期資本支出。所有這些都需要政府和企業的大量投資。

國際可再生能源機構早前估計，全球需在所有能源轉型技術上投資約150萬億美元，才能實現2050年淨零排放目標。

對於對新加坡脫碳旅程具有戰略價值的專案，政府將提供支援，促進此類專案發展。這將幫助新加坡以所需規模和速度確保可靠且更清潔的能源供應，實現氣候目標。

基於此，政府將設立新的未來能源基金，正如副總理黃循財所宣佈。該基金可支援我們部署低碳技術（如氫能）所需的基礎設施投資，前提是這些技術已具備可行性。

我們需要現在開始為這些投資儲備資金。基金將設立於EMA，初始注資50億新元，相關立法修訂將在今年晚些時候進行。

謝偉俊先生問是否需要進一步追加資金。我們將在財政空間允許且根據能源轉型發展計劃時追加。前路不易，我們需靈活應變。但請放心，政府將謹慎規劃能源轉型，確保在脫碳的同時維護能源安全，並保持成本競爭力。我們特別關注能源轉型對電價的潛在影響。

我向家庭和企業保證，我們將盡最大努力調整能源轉型程序及其對電價的影響。我們也將繼續支援中低收入家庭，減輕轉型對電費的影響，並幫助企業降低能耗、提升能效，從而降低能源成本。

各位議員，除了電力部門，我們的工業過程也貢獻了新加坡大量排放。我們需要積極探索工業過程脫碳路徑。

正如張志賢資政在總理辦公室的預算演講中提到的，我們正在開發的路徑之一是碳捕集與封存（CCS）。CCS涉及從點源（如化工廠或電廠）捕集排放的二氧化碳，然後將其運輸至適合的地質構造，注入地下深處封存。

我們一直在與有意開展CCS的企業接洽。今天，我想分享政府將與由埃克森美孚和殼牌組成的產業聯盟S Hub合作，研究開發跨境CCS專案的可行性，捕集新加坡排放。政府將與S Hub評估技術經濟可行性，整合新加坡排放，並與區域夥伴合作研究潛在二氧化碳儲存地點。

我們期待與志同道合的夥伴合作，實現跨境CCS專案，發揮整個區域作為CCS樞紐的潛力。新加坡最近與印度尼西亞簽署了跨境CCS意向書。根據意向書，雙方將成立工作組，推進新加坡與印度尼西亞的CCS合作。

談到研發，持續投資研發對保持我們的優勢和競爭力至關重要。正如預算演講所述，政府將額外投入30億新元支援2025年研究創新與企業計劃（RIE2025），保持研發勢頭。

針對Jessica Tan女士、黃少文先生和Neil Parekh先生的問題，貿易及工業部將加大支援研發投資力度，特別是關鍵和新穎技術的深度技術研發。深度技術通常因技術驗證和風險較大，商業化週期較長。投資深度技術將幫助我們鞏固研發，發展新產業叢集，創造新經濟機會，推動創新驅動增長。

我們正在打造新的研發轉化平臺，提供額外資源，推動四個重點領域。

第一，科學技術研究局（A*STAR）將設立國家半導體轉化與創新中心（NSTIC），預算約1.8億新元，促進平面光學和矽光子學領域的合作與研發轉化，這兩個領域依賴半導體制造技術。半導體行業因高投資成本（如潔淨室和裝置）門檻高，NSTIC旨在幫助企業和研究人員獲得半導體基礎設施，支援原型製作和小批次製造。

我最近訪問了MetaOptics Technologies，這是一家本地初創企業，設計和製造平面透鏡及光學器件。這些平面透鏡比人類頭髮細數百倍，可大幅縮小光學感測器和攝像頭等裝置尺寸。MetaOptics計劃利用NSTIC的研發專長和製造服務，在本地生產裝置，避免外包給成本更高、交付週期更長的海外晶圓廠。MetaOptics還獲得了A*STAR派駐的兩名科學家支援，通過其企業能力升級技術計劃（T-Up），正如朱德明先生早前提問的。

第二，A*STAR啟動了9700萬新元的核酸治療倡議（NATi），旨在將新加坡打造為RNA藥物和疫苗的區域研發、臨床轉化和商業化中心。

下午2時30分

大多數人可能在新冠疫情期間聽說過RNA疫苗。新加坡多年來通過持續投資生物醫學研發，已發展出RNA研究能力。通過NATi，新加坡將加速RNA藥物和疫苗開發，提升RNA製造能力。目前，我們至少有10家本地中小企業涵蓋RNA治療價值鏈，NATi將支援並培育更多本地中小企業和初創企業，吸引更多公司落戶。

第三，A*STAR將啟動MedTech Catapult——一項耗資3800萬美元的計劃，旨在通過與公司和產品所有者合作，加速新型生命科學工具和醫療裝置的開發，將研究成果轉化為商業產品。

該計劃將幫助中介機構，如本地合同製造組織，提升價值鏈地位，使其不僅能夠製造，還能開發自己的醫療技術產品設計和能力。通過MedTech Catapult，我們還旨在培訓和提升產品工程師的技能，使他們能夠服務於行業。

第四，將為國家機器人計劃（NRP）提供約6000萬美元的新一輪資金。

NRP自2016年啟動以來，取得了良好成果，例如開發了機器人中介軟體框架，該框架通過標準化通訊和避免導航路徑衝突，使不同品牌的機器人能夠無縫協作。

未來，NRP將加強機器人研發能力的轉化，特別是在製造、物流、設施管理和醫療保健等領域。它將通過“機器人叢集”（RoboClusters）匯聚公共部門研究人員、終端使用者和機器人公司，促進合作與共創具有經濟潛力的解決方案。NRP還將幫助加速新加坡本土機器人中小企業和初創企業的成長。

Jessica Tan女士詢問MTI如何擴大研發人才庫。

我剛才提到的四個平臺預計將培養超過200名專業研究人才，如產品和機器人工程師及研究科學家。他們還將完成75個以上專案，授權超過40項技術等成果。所有這些將有助於打造一個開放包容的生態系統，使研究、創新和企業能夠匯聚，創造對企業具有商業意義的成果，幫助我們的行業夥伴實現規模化。

第三，談談我關注的人力資源。我們需要與經濟競爭力同步加強勞動力競爭力。正如Gan部長早前所述，我們致力於在經濟增長的同時為新加坡人創造良好機會。為了讓新加坡人抓住這些機會，我們的勞動力需要具備相關技能。

請繼續關注，我將在人力部部長辦公廳演講中分享更多細節，介紹人力部支援各層次工人提升就業能力、強化職業健康及獲取海外工作經驗的計劃；以及如Gan部長早前提及的全球商業領袖計劃，如何支援具領導潛力的新加坡中高層管理人員獲取相關海外工作經驗和領導技能，成為企業領導者。

這將補充MTI與印尼和越南正在開發的雙邊人力計劃。Tech:X計劃（與印尼）和創新人才交流（ITX）計劃（與越南）啟動後，將允許新加坡人在印尼或越南的科技和創新領域進行工作輪換，反之亦然。這將支援我們的公司和新加坡人把握我們快速增長地區的激動人心的機會。

最後，關於最佳化我們稀缺的土地資源。Saktiandi Supaat先生詢問政府如何確保有足夠土地滿足工業、住房和娛樂的競爭需求。國土發展部將分享政府的總體規劃流程及如何在競爭土地用途間取得平衡。

在規劃工業區時，JTC公司致力於通過土地集約利用和迴圈利用，以及將工業用途安排在靠近住宅和娛樂設施的混合用途區內，最佳化工業用地使用。我們即將推出的新工業區，如榜鵝數字區（PDD）和裕廊創新區（JID），即體現了這一理念。

PDD將設有新加坡理工學院校區及數字科技公司，創造應用學習機會，培養本地技術人才。PDD的主要租戶之一是大華銀行，將建設30萬平方英尺的全球技術與創新中心，容納約3000名技術人才。JID支援新加坡製造2030願景，成為先進製造的全球商業、創新和人才樞紐。

企業與A*STAR的先進再製造與技術中心（ARTC）共同入駐，ARTC與約100家行業參與者合作，包括政府機構、研究院和學術界，將加速創新，打造先進製造生態系統。

JTC還將振興雙溪加東、宏茂橋和加冷-哥蘭阿耶等重點工業區。JTC的租戶將享有更智慧、更可持續的設施和基礎設施。適合的現有建築和結構也將被識別用於適應性再利用，成為工人及周邊社群的活動節點。更多細節將在城市重建局（URA）2025年總體規劃草案中公佈。

主席先生，最後總結。我談到了如何釋放能源與碳、研發、土地和人力資源領域的潛力。話雖如此，前路不會輕鬆。事實上，對於資源有限的新加坡來說，從未輕鬆過。但正如中國諺語所說，“時勢造英雄”，意即“艱難時刻造就英雄與女英雄”。

這就是我們的故事。我們曾小而無自然資源稟賦。但我們的人民齊心協力，憑藉有限資源的最佳化利用及人類智慧和創新，使之成功。通過良好規劃和企業及新加坡人的大力支援，我相信我們能夠釋放資源潛力，爭取下一階段增長。唯有如此，我們的企業才能持續保持競爭力，保持優勢，為新加坡和新加坡人帶來更多機會和利益，持續數十年。

主席：貿工部國務部長劉燕玲。

貿工部國務部長（劉燕玲女士）：主席，今天我們面臨的世界與過去大不相同。早前，Gan金榮部長分享了全球不確定性如何給我們這個小而開放的經濟體帶來壓力。現在已非往日常態。變革、持續轉型和創新成為現今常態。

要在新常態中茁壯成長，我們需要積極心態擁抱轉型。變革總是充滿挑戰，我們深知這一點。然而，回想新冠疫情期間，我們的企業，包括社群企業，成功克服了對變革的牴觸。我稍後會談及此。

我們的企業展現了轉型以確保更好未來的能力。我想向各位議員保證，貿工部及經濟機構，政府致力於長期支援企業的轉型之路。

今天，我將詳細說明政府如何加大對企業轉型和發展的關鍵支援。正如黃先生早前強調，我們決心幫助企業抓住可持續發展和數字化等新興增長領域的新機遇。

我還將深入介紹如何推動製造與海事工程（M&OE）行業的部門轉型，正如Gan金榮部長早前提及；並持續推動社群企業的積極變革勢頭。我還將分享政府如何助力新加坡企業加速綠色轉型，受益併為未來做好準備。

此外，我將談及如何幫助企業抓住新興數字機遇，實現下一階段增長。最後，我將更新大家關於如何深化與行業諮詢委員會（TACs）的合作，正如多位議員在質詢中提及，以推動行業轉型計劃和努力。

主席，為幫助新加坡企業和產業未來做好準備並實現轉型，政府已推出23個行業轉型地圖（ITMs），並更新了2025年計劃。這些努力涵蓋創新、數字化、就業與技能、國際化、生產力和可持續性等戰略領域。許多行業在其路線圖上已取得進展，我們將持續支援其轉型。

正如Gan部長早前提及，製造與海事工程（M&OE）行業正經歷重大變革。我同意黃先生的看法，這一傳統勞動密集型行業需轉型以保持競爭力。為此，我們旨在加速M&OE行業，抓住海上風電和海事脫碳等新興機遇。

目前，行業內多家先行者已調整業務，服務於我提及的這些增長市場。

舉個例子，Penguin International是一家本土造船商和船東，也是全球最大的鋁製船舶製造商之一。該公司過去幾年致力於未來準備，提升內部設計、建造和運營綠色船舶的能力。目前，該公司正與殼牌合作建造和運營三艘電動渡輪。

這些環保渡輪預計每年減少約6000噸二氧化碳排放。6000噸相當於約18000次新加坡至曼谷單程公路旅行的環境影響。這就是三艘電動渡輪的減排效果。

未來五年，貿工部將通過1億美元的企業與勞動力轉型支援計劃，支援M&OE行業轉型。企業可通過生產力解決方案補助金（PSG）提升生產力，並藉助企業發展補助金（EDG）強化新能力。

除為M&OE企業提供短期過渡支援以完成既定合同交付外，我們還將更新M&OE行業數字計劃，鼓勵更廣泛採用行業特定的提升生產力數字解決方案。為裝備M&OE工人迎接未來，新加坡勞動力發展局和企業新加坡將合作制定M&OE就業轉型地圖，規劃新興職業路徑並突出能力建設機會。

此外，正在識別新的職業機會。新加坡海事與海上能源工業協會（ASMI）、新加坡勞動力發展局和企業新加坡將合作，於今年晚些時候推出海事數字化冠軍計劃。

該計劃將為新加坡人提供新的數字技能，以從事M&OE行業的高價值工作。此外，新加坡勞動力發展局將擴大職業轉換計劃，涵蓋海上風電，培養本地中年職業人才，支援海上風電場的開發與運營。

關鍵是，我們將通過激發青年對M&OE職業的興趣，為強大人才管道奠定基礎。貿工部將與行業及ASMI緊密合作，提升該行業吸引力，鼓勵更多M&OE企業提供行業獎學金。

我很高興，ASMI與我們的機構共同制定了新的行業計劃，明確策略，助力企業抓住綠色增長新機遇，併為長期轉型做好準備。ASMI將在未來幾個月分享其計劃。

主席，在社群層面，我們看到企業轉型的積極跡象。Foo Mee Har女士、Saktiandi Supaat先生和黃先生對此話題表達了熱情。我想向他們保證，我們的社群企業在數字化和零售創新方面取得了良好進展。

目前，超過17000家社群企業採用了電子支付解決方案，超過九成。超過12000家社群企業擁有線上存在，約佔三分之二。擁抱數字轉型的企業擴大了客戶基礎，超越鄰里和實體客流，甚至吸引了海外客戶。

下午2時45分

Bee Choo Origin是一家發源於宏茂橋的美髮產品公司，2007年由一家美髮沙龍起步。其創始人謝美珠女士，最初是居家美髮師，將謙遜的沙龍發展成全球美髮護理公司。2020年因疫情開始線上銷售產品，三年內收入增長25%。如今，Bee Choo Origin在11個市場擁有170家門店，正由謝女士34歲的女兒Estee領導，進入下一階段增長。

零售業快速演變，技術、電商和消費者偏好迅速變化。政府致力支援零售業及企業轉型、創新和抓住機遇。

我相信議員們還記得去年貿工部部長辦公廳辯論時，我宣佈了Sprout@AMK計劃——中文名為宏茂橋創新天地，旨在為宏茂橋鎮中心的社群引入新零售概念。我很高興分享，這些新穎的零售亭即將推出。

同時，我們也歡迎首批參與社群創新與轉型計劃（HIT，創新在鄰里計劃）的零售商，他們將在宏茂橋展示產品。

我非常欣慰，這些新一波商鋪中的一些零售商推出了改善健康與福祉的創新概念和產品，以滿足社會需求。我想給議員們預覽一些新穎概念。每年我都會帶來代表社群企業的產品。例如，這個有趣的拼圖。該公司名為Project Enigma，利用3D列印生產拼圖及其他玩具，旨在提升人們的學習和健康。除了在宏茂橋的零售亭，Project Enigma還在亨德森社群俱樂部設立了拼圖博物館和圖書館，並舉辦社群工作坊。他們不僅侷限於店鋪，還走進社群俱樂部舉辦活動，提高公眾意識。

我的貿工部同事已將許多有趣的拼圖和玩具放置在議員休息室，因為我們深知經過一整週的預算和部長辦公廳辯論，議員們可能想動動腦筋，鍛鍊不同腦部肌肉。

另一個有趣例子是Tea Dojo。讓我給議員們展示。Tea Dojo提供新鮮沖泡、更健康、無糖漿的珍珠奶茶。我已通知王乙康部長和健康促進局，我將介紹此產品。這款烏龍茶的營養等級為A級。今天我們帶來了三種口味：桃子烏龍、葡萄波霸和芒果柚子。我們準備了許多飲品，待澄清時間後，大家可以休息時品嚐，議員們可任選三種口味。

主席先生，您工作辛苦。我已在您的辦公室為您預留兩杯，如需更多，請告知。

這就是我們新鮮沖泡、更健康、無糖漿的珍珠奶茶，由專門發明的茶機制作。許多社群企業正推出新穎概念、商業模式和收入模式。

除了宏茂橋的零售轉型，我們將在武吉甘柏和淡濱尼西試點兩個社群振興專案。武吉甘柏鄰里中心將轉型為現代遺產社群樞紐（鄰里特色文化基地）。下月5日至7日，武吉甘柏將舉辦首屆Rasa Gombak Day Out節，展示該受歡迎鄰里中心的歷史與文化。島另一端的淡濱尼西鄰里中心將轉型為社群活動樞紐（新興社群活動站）。

去年10月，淡濱尼西商戶協會與新加坡零售商協會合作舉辦了Wunderground活動。這是一個結合都市生活品牌的快閃活動，吸引了超過3萬名訪客，平均每天約3000人。居民未來可期待更多此類活動。

過去三年，我們加大力度轉型和振興社群。我們支援新加坡商戶聯合會（FMAS）和社群企業中心（HECS）在新加坡各鄰里中心舉辦了60多場場所營造活動，包括三屆成功的社群節。

通過這些活動，企業報告客流量增加三分之一，銷售額增長20%。整體而言，該舉措強化了各區域的身份認同，使企業能夠差異化產品並提升價值主張。

在基層，我們很高興看到社群商店和商家積極提出新想法，共同策劃活動，使我們的鄰里更加精彩和充滿活力。例如，Bold at Work 是裕廊東的一家聯合辦公空間提供商和青年參與顧問。他們將裕華的停車場變成了一個有趣的空間，舉辦現場音樂表演、嘉年華遊戲和工作坊。這反過來吸引了大量人流，也促進了當地社群商店產品和服務的需求。

我們將鼓勵更多創新方式接觸基層的觀眾和顧客。我們將推出“鄰里企業社群營造計劃”（Heartland Enterprise Placemaking Grant），支援基層企業在組屋區創造愉悅的體驗。符合條件的基層企業可獲得最高1萬新元的資助，用於組織社群營造專案。

我相信有許多好點子等待被髮掘。因此，我們希望鼓勵基層企業提出令人興奮的方案。讓我們期待共同策劃的新可能性。主席，請用普通話。

（普通話）：【請參閱方言發言。】主席，我們的中小企業是經濟的支柱。中小企業佔新加坡註冊公司總數的99%，僱傭了高達70%的勞動力，為我們的經濟帶來活力和動力。

我們的鄰里企業不僅在經濟中扮演重要角色，也作為社群的情感中心，承載著許多成長記憶，增強鄰里的凝聚力。因此，貿易及工業部致力於支援中小企業和鄰里企業，提升它們應對未來經濟挑戰的能力。這包括多項計劃和措施，協助中小企業轉型以及振興鄰里企業，為社群注入更多活力。

過去三年，我們支援新加坡商會聯合總會和新加坡鄰里企業中心組織了60多場社群營造活動，包括年度的鄰里節。

在這些活動中，一些企業報告客流量增加了三分之一，銷售額增長了20%。通過這一系列活動，新加坡人對各鄰里的歷史和獨特之處有了更深瞭解，鄰里企業也增強了品牌建設的信心，利用科技擴大客戶群，甚至拓展海外業務。例如，Bee Choo Origin 從安哥莫基的一個分店擴充套件到11個海外市場，為公司帶來了新的商業和發展機會。

除了政府、商會和行業協會主導的專案外，我們的鄰里企業也主動組織活動。這些活動將平凡轉變為非凡，為社群帶來新的活力。

為鼓勵更多此類舉措，貿易及工業部宣佈設立“鄰里企業社群營造計劃”，為符合條件的企業提供最高1萬新元的資助，支援它們為社群創造獨特體驗，推動鄰里經濟發展。

通過這一系列新舉措和資助，我們希望鼓勵中小微企業和鄰里企業釋放創造力，把握經濟轉型機遇，推動新加坡的可持續發展。

（英文）：主席，綠色轉型為企業帶來機遇與挑戰。我想向何庭如女士和尼爾·帕雷克先生保證，政府將繼續深化和拓寬對企業在可持續發展各階段的支援。

首先，我們通過能源效率資助（EEG）加強現有支援，幫助企業實現更可持續發展。2022年，我們推出EEG，幫助企業抵消能源成本上漲。自那時起，嘉偉先生和李偉強先生會高興地知道，已有近2000家公司使用了EEG。例如，CF F&B 是一家位於美食中心的飲品攤位。我舉這個例子是想讓議員們知道，EEG不僅被大型中小企業使用，基層商家甚至美食中心攤位也能使用。CF F&B 利用資助採購了三臺節能熱水器，節省了約80%的成本。我們將幫助更多企業投資節能裝置。從4月1日起，本地餐飲、零售和製造企業可繼續獲得最高70%的增強支援。

EEG將在今年年底向海事、建築和資料中心等其他行業開放。貿易及工業部正與業界緊密合作，按需納入更多行業。我們還將通過整合各行業的EEG申請至企業資助門戶，簡化申請流程。

EEG與企業可持續發展計劃（ESP）等現有計劃互補，提供全面的端到端支援。例如，企業可先利用ESP的諮詢支援，找出效率提升點，再申請EEG購買節能裝置。

其次，我們將通過降低碳減排門檻，從每年500噸降至250噸，增強現有的排放資源效率資助（REGE），讓更多企業受益。

最後，我們將把企業融資計劃（綠色）（EFS Green）延長至2026年3月31日，並擴大範圍，涵蓋採用綠色解決方案的公司。正如嘉偉先生指出，資料中心和晶片製造商可利用EFS（綠色）等計劃減少排放。

受益於EFS（綠色）的公司之一是Koollogix，他們為資料中心提供冷卻技術。該公司利用該計劃改造並完成了新的實驗室設施。結合其他轉型努力，兩年內收入增長了十倍。

先生，隨著全球擁抱可持續目標和實踐，客戶和投資者將越來越期望企業對其碳足跡保持透明。財政部已宣佈，未來幾年新加坡將強制大型企業披露氣候相關資訊。因此，企業需要能力和資源來追蹤和報告碳足跡。

為此，我們將為大型企業提供最高30%的資金支援，啟動其可持續發展報告之旅。雖然較小企業不受新規影響，但可持續發展報告將幫助它們保持相關性，因為碳足跡資料披露將成為常態。

德里克·吳先生會高興知道，我們將提供最高70%的資金支援，並與碳服務提供商緊密合作，為小型企業提供基礎的可持續發展報告套餐。這將補充資訊通訊媒體發展局（IMDA）高階數字解決方案計劃下的預設碳核算方案。

此外，為幫助企業在保持健康競爭的同時開展可持續合作，新加坡競爭與消費者委員會（CCCS）制定了《環境可持續合作指引》。先生，為了企業成功實現可持續發展，我相信議會內所有人都會同意，員工也必須跟上步伐。因此，我們加強對勞動力的支援，提升技能和再培訓，抓住綠色經濟的新機遇。

去年，我們成立了綠色技能委員會，開發旨在促進低碳經濟的技能和培訓專案。今年，我們將繼續聚焦兩個領域：（一）可持續發展報告；（二）能源。為發展可持續發展報告技能，我們將為相關服務提供者提供薪資支援，培訓實習生。今年，我們將推出能源領域的培訓專案，解決該行業識別出的清潔能源技能缺口。

顏部長談到新加坡如何建立充滿活力的碳服務和交易生態系統。我很高興宣佈，經濟發展局和企業新加坡正與新加坡國立大學（NUS）和南洋理工大學（NTU）合作，開發碳管理、服務和交易的培訓課程。這些課程將幫助員工抓住這一增長領域的潛力。

下午3時

主席，另一個充滿前景的新興領域是數字經濟。新加坡企業在數字化方面取得了良好進展。2022年，中小企業採用數字技術的比例達到94%，比2018年增長了20%。我們許多人都同意，COVID-19疫情極大推動了數字工具和技術的採用。

許多議員在您的發言中提到了人工智慧。隨著生成式人工智慧等技術的興起，數字化變得比以往任何時候都更緊迫和動態。

目前，只有4%的企業使用人工智慧和機器學習。我們想分享更多關於如何幫助中小企業採用生成式人工智慧的資訊，並向德里克·吳先生、蔡偉傑先生、瑪麗亞姆·賈法爾女士和尼爾·帕雷克先生保證，貿易及工業部將支援企業邁入數字化轉型的下一階段。

我們鼓勵企業開始探索和使用人工智慧。有興趣的企業可以利用企業新加坡和資訊通訊媒體發展局新推出的中小企業生成式人工智慧沙盒，親身體驗生成式人工智慧。該沙盒將提供適用於廣泛行業的經濟實惠且易用的解決方案。我舉兩個使用方式的例子。

例如，我們的中小企業可以使用營銷和銷售解決方案，幫助它們提升收入和利潤。它們可以利用生成式人工智慧生成獨特內容，如定製郵件和產品圖片，用於營銷活動。

另一個領域是客戶互動解決方案，也能讓中小企業更大規模、更好地與客戶互動。這些由生成式人工智慧驅動的聊天機器人可以簡化資訊搜尋過程，釋放企業資源，提高生產力，使員工能專注於更高附加值的工作，服務客戶，甚至專注於業務發展等職能。我們鼓勵中小企業參與沙盒，搶先使用生成式人工智慧解決方案。

主席，行業轉型、綠色轉型和抓住數字機遇，政府無法單獨推動這些工作。許多議員談到了行業協會和商會的重要性。確實，行業協會和商會是我們推動行業轉型的重要合作伙伴。讓我詳細說明。

自2022年以來，我們通過本地企業與協會發展計劃（LEAD）支援了30個行業協會和商會，推動行業舉措，惠及約14,000家公司。

我們與行業協會合作，在全島設立中小企業中心，提供能力發展專案。去年，超過30,000家中小企業受益於這些服務。我想向德里克·吳先生保證，中小企業中心將繼續支援企業轉型工作，特別是在數字化和可持續發展方面。

行業協會和商會還代表各自行業的利益和需求，是行業、私營部門與政府之間的重要橋樑。我們與行業協會的緊密合作幫助我們更好地瞭解和解決基層的關鍵問題。

企業成本和競爭力是許多中小企業和企業當前最關心的問題。我們對此非常重視。雖然沒有靈丹妙藥，但私營和公共部門及工會代表已攜手共創解決方案，克服這些挑戰。

我們將成立由我和代表新加坡企業聯合會的李偉強議員共同主持的企業競爭力行動聯盟（AfA）。該聯盟將與行業共同制定解決方案，採納建議，幫助企業長期提升競爭力。這將補充親企業小組（PEP）現有的最佳化企業監管流程的工作。

為了使行業協會和商會成為有效的變革推動者，政府已大力投資提升它們的能力。

德里克·吳先生、蔡偉傑先生和黃翔先生會高興知道，貿易及工業部正與新加坡企業聯合會合作，為行業協會和商會及其員工開發更多能力建設專案。

未來五年，企業聯合會將為行業協會和商會建設共享資源，支援其會員在數字化、可持續發展和國際化等關鍵領域。我們將繼續與企業聯合會合作，提升行業協會和商會秘書處的能力，更好地服務會員。企業聯合會將在今年晚些時候分享更多細節。

最後，我們將與行業協會和商會一道，改善商業行為，加強消費者保護。《消費者保護（公平交易）法案》（CPFTA）已為欺騙和虛假宣傳等不公平行為提供民事救濟。感謝同時擔任消費者協會（CASE）主席的楊文輝先生和蔡偉豪先生提出加強消費者保護的建議。

我們感謝與消費者協會的緊密合作，以及消費者協會為支援消費者所做的所有工作。例如，消費者協會的“價格腳印”應用程式讓消費者比較多種家庭用品和熟食的價格，單位價格功能使比較更便捷。貿易及工業部、新加坡競爭與消費者委員會（CCCS）及經濟機構將繼續與消費者協會緊密合作，隨著消費者購買習慣演變，保護消費者利益。

主席，私營部門、公共部門和行業協會之間持續的合作精神賦予我們克服挑戰的勇氣和韌性。

我們擁抱轉型的決心將形成強大合力，戰勝困難。讓我們堅持不懈，保持轉型勢頭，無論是重塑製造業和其他行業，振興基層企業，還是抓住數字經濟和綠色經濟的潛力。通過共同承擔轉型責任，我們將揚帆起航，乘風破浪，駛向新加坡和新加坡人繁榮的未來港灣。[掌聲]

主席：貿易及工業部國務部長陳振聲。

貿易及工業部國務部長（陳振聲）：主席先生，我們已強勁復甦，走出艱難的疫情歲月。在地緣政治和宏觀經濟緊張、全球通脹壓力及投資者不確定性加劇的背景下，新加坡通過經濟發展局在2023年吸引了127億新元的固定資產投資承諾。這些專案將創造20,045個新就業崗位。這超出了經濟發展局的中期目標，也部分原因使新加坡成為亞洲最具競爭力的經濟體，並根據國際管理發展學院（IMD）排名，位列全球第四。

作為全球亞洲樞紐或文化、理念和商業的中心，我們如何加強作為世界樞紐的地位？首先，通過提升作為企業、遊客和居民充滿活力的目的地的吸引力；其次，通過深化和拓展國際合作夥伴關係。

讓我先談談旅遊業，該行業已強勁反彈。訪客人數回升，城市作為多元體驗繁華中心的活力恢復。

2023年，我們的國際訪客人數恢復至1360萬，達到2019年水平的71%，而2023年前三季度的旅遊收入達到2019年同期的98%。我們推出了新的本地體驗，抓住復甦的機遇。勞燕玲國務部長是您的基層導遊，我將是您的旅遊導遊。

我們開放了位於萬禮野生動物保護區的鳥類天堂、聖淘沙的HyperDrive以及聖淘沙名勝世界的《梵高：沉浸式體驗》。我們還舉辦了豐富的標誌性活動，如一級方程式新加坡航空大獎賽和作為新加坡藝術週一部分的首屆ART SG。還有現場娛樂活動以無與倫比的活力恢復，新加坡迎來了著名藝人，如Blackpink、Ed Sheeran、張學友，當然還有目前風靡新加坡的特別表演。

我們的會議、獎勵旅遊、會議及展覽業（簡稱MICE）也強勢迴歸。2023年，我們舉辦了亞洲科技×新加坡、Gastech和康寶萊亞太盛會等全球最大型MICE活動。我們還迎來了新活動，如第25屆世界皮膚病學大會，這是迄今為止最大規模的醫學大會；以及東南亞的運輸物流和航空貨運展，這是該地區的首次舉辦。

然後，我們還有本土舉辦的活動，許多朋友都參與過，比如新加坡國際能源周、新加坡國際網路周、新加坡創新科技周（SWITCH），當然還有新加坡金融科技節，這些活動年復一年地吸引了大量參與者。

會議組織者告訴我，他們選擇新加坡，是因為我們是人才、創意和商業的全球匯聚點。即使在像新冠疫情這樣的大規模衝擊期間，新加坡依然安全可靠地舉辦活動，這些會議組織者對我們未來在遇到干擾時繼續舉辦世界級活動充滿信心。因此，大家對我們的信心很強。通過世界級的活動。

同樣，我們對旅遊業也保持信心。今年，我們預計國際旅遊或訪客人數將達到1500萬至1600萬，旅遊收入約為260億至275億新元。

梁永華先生、尼爾·帕雷克先生和謝偉民先生問我們如何促進旅遊業復甦，並在全球競爭加劇的情況下保持吸引力。我們採取兩方面措施。

第一，通過投資。我們將向旅遊發展基金4注入超過3億新元，推動旅遊業發展。這將開發和推廣新產品和體驗，包括支援本地企業開發新的智慧財產權，振興現有旅遊專案，以及提升旅遊從業人員技能。

我們加大對基金4的支援，因為它引入了令人興奮的景點和生活方式活動。我曾參與啟動其中一些專案，包括亞洲首個雪地、衝浪和滑板生活方式目的地TRIFECTA，當然還有全年獨家停靠的新加坡迪士尼郵輪最新郵輪“迪士尼探險號”，該郵輪將於明年開始在新加坡啟航。

過去兩年，該基金還幫助了100多家本地旅遊企業提升生產力和可持續性。因此，我們鼓勵所有旅遊公司充分利用這筆追加資金，發展業務。

第二，我們還在新加坡開發一系列高質量且首創的體驗專案，計劃在未來幾年推出。這將幫助我們保持國際關注度，增強作為吸引力目的地的吸引力。讓我以你們的專屬導遊身份分享更多令人興奮的訊息。

首先，我們正在通過Sensoryscape提升聖淘沙的可達性。該新景點將連線聖淘沙名勝世界（RWS）和聖淘沙海灘，設有多感官花園，激發感官體驗，並在夜晚展示數字燈光秀。部分人士已提前體驗，我們期待本月的軟啟動。

在聖淘沙名勝世界，我兩年前為新加坡環球影城的小黃人樂園破土動工，期待明年開幕。明年，名勝世界還將推出新的新加坡海洋館，這是現有SEA水族館的三倍規模擴建。作為名勝世界擴建的一部分，還將建設新的濱水生活方式開發區，以及連線內陸和名勝世界的無人駕駛交通系統。

第三，我們有豐富的休閒和商務活動陣容。配合一系列世界級現場娛樂活動，今年我們將舉辦高質量的會議、獎勵旅遊、會議和展覽（MICE）活動，如全球可持續旅遊理事會全球會議（首次在新加坡舉辦）和2024年零售盛會亞洲太平洋（NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show Asia Pacific），這是本地區零售業的重要貿易展。

此外，濱海灣金沙擴建工程在本十年後期完成後，將使我們能夠舉辦更多知名的現場娛樂和MICE活動。擴建將包括一個可容納15,000人的世界級娛樂場館、更多MICE空間，以及一座標誌性的豪華全套房酒店塔樓，配備公共屋頂景點。

下午3點15分

為了繼續提升新加坡作為充滿活力的生活方式和經濟樞紐，我們必須繼續建設創意經濟，正如烏莎·錢德拉薩斯女士所建議的。我將分享我們的做法。

首先，新加坡舉辦許多高質量的藝術和文化體驗，提升我們作為充滿活力的生活方式中心或目的地的吸引力。我們全年藝術文化日曆包括新加坡藝術周、新加坡國際藝術節，以及牛車水、小印度和甘榜格南的文化節。

這些活動不僅深受本地居民歡迎，也吸引眾多遊客，新加坡旅遊局將繼續與活動組織者合作，提升和擴大活動吸引力，同時尋找具有國際吸引力的新主題、新藝術和文化體驗。

設計新加坡理事會是經濟發展局下屬機構，推動設計行業發展。該理事會為設計研究和產品開發提供資金和輔導，與企業合作推動設計助力業務增長，並培養具備行業能力的設計人才。

施珍女士也強調了利用創意人才重新定義業務的潛力。

除了設計新加坡的努力，廣泛的計劃如企業發展補助金（EDG）也允許企業聘請創意專業人士，打造戰略品牌和營銷能力。

還有好訊息。新加坡和中國自2024年2月9日起實施互免30天簽證政策。我們預計這將促進訪客人數和零售、餐飲及旅遊相關行業的消費。這項更長的簽證免籤便利了新加坡人赴中國休閒和商務旅行，促進雙向人員流動。

隨著我們繼續將新加坡推向世界舞臺，我們歡迎來自全球的人們——不僅作為旅遊目的地，也作為商業樞紐。顏金勇部長分享了我們的貿易網路如何助力經濟增長。我將重點介紹我們如何拓展聯絡，成為更強大、更有活力的商業節點。

尼爾·帕雷克先生強調，鑑於新加坡體量小、國內市場有限，貿易對新加坡至關重要。2005年至2023年間，我們的貨物和服務貿易總額翻倍多，從約8900億新元增至超過2萬億新元，目前約為GDP的三倍。

在地緣政治緊張和保護主義貿易政策日益加劇的背景下，何婷如女士也對此表示關切，我們必須繼續增強新加坡的全球貿易競爭力。如何做到？我提出三點：第一，繼續推進與合作伙伴經濟體的貿易和投資，尤其是增長中的市場；第二，幫助本地企業擴大規模和國際化；第三，鼓勵新興領域的新貿易流。

帕雷克先生問我們如何幫助企業抓住增長市場的新機遇。我的貿易與工業部同事和我一直在全球各地加強經濟聯絡。我們發掘新市場、新商機和新合作伙伴。部分行程單程達30小時，雖辛苦但值得。今年我還將進行更多此類訪問，因為顏部長委託我這麼做。現在讓我從貿易和商業視角帶大家環遊世界。

第一站：印度，我去年訪問過幾次。我們持續推進與印度的合作，世界經濟論壇預測印度到2030年將成為全球第三大經濟體。印度已是世界人口最多且人口最年輕的國家之一。

2012年至2022年間，新加坡對印度的投資增長超過五倍。2022年，印度是新加坡第11大貿易伙伴，印度將繼續是新加坡具有戰略重要性的關鍵市場。

在2022年首屆印度-新加坡部長級圓桌會議上，雙方確定了五個互利合作領域。我們已開始看到部分成果。

例如，在數字領域，印度和新加坡利用信息通信媒體發展局（IMDA）的TradeTrust框架，實現了全球首個無紙化信用證交易，支援可互操作的電子提單（eBLs）。這展示了數字技術如何簡化國際貿易並提升可及性。

我們還幫助學生更好地瞭解印度市場。新加坡企業發展局與印度工業聯合會（CII）於2024年2月宣佈“印度準備人才”（IRT）實習計劃，為大學和理工學院學生提供赴印度實習機會，加深對印度商業環境的理解。

從印度出發，我們前往拉丁美洲——這是我近年頻繁訪問的地區。

外交部長維文·巴拉克裡希南和我於去年12月訪問巴西，簽署了與南方共同市場（MERCOSUR）的自由貿易協定。南方共同市場包括阿根廷、巴西、巴拉圭和烏拉圭。這是我們與這四個南美經濟體的首個自由貿易協定，將加強我們與該地區2.7億人口市場的聯絡，帶來基礎設施建設、農產品貿易、油氣及先進製造等商機。

迄今已有150多家新加坡企業在拉丁美洲開展商業活動。這基於我們2022年與太平洋聯盟集團簽署的自由貿易協定，該集團包括智利、哥倫比亞、墨西哥和秘魯。通過這兩項協議，我們獲得了超過5億人口的拉丁美洲市場準入。

從印度和拉丁美洲，我們繼續前往中東和非洲。

2023年10月，李顯龍總理訪問沙烏地阿拉伯和阿聯酋期間，我們簽署了多項協議，包括關於清真認證互認的諒解備忘錄。新加坡企業現在可以期待向這兩個國家出口清真食品。

非洲也充滿機遇。非洲擁有全球最年輕的人口，預計到2050年，全球超過四分之一人口將是非洲人。

去年，我隨李總理訪問非洲，與南非和肯亞簽署協議。8月，我們在新加坡舉辦了第七屆非洲-新加坡商務論壇（ABSF），由新加坡企業發展局主辦。該論壇吸引了500多名代表，連線了亞洲和非洲的200家企業，探索合作機會，並利用新加坡作為促進亞非貿易的樞紐。

新加坡工商聯合會（SBF）帶領商務代表團訪問了許多這些地區，我們也與他們現場會面。他們前往探索商業機會，我邀請更多企業加入SBF及其他商務代表團，拓展這些極具潛力的新興市場。

除了自由貿易協定，我們還在新興增長引擎領域開拓新協議。

我們目前擁有四項數字經濟協議（DEA），促進端到端數字貿易，推動數字工具使用，支援開放安全的資料流動，並建立數字系統信任。

我們還制定了綠色經濟協議（GEA），支援減排同時促進經濟增長和綠色經濟就業。與澳大利亞的綠色經濟協議推動了科學研究、綠色航運走廊及中小企業共創新專案。我們歡迎更多企業加入綠色發展之路。

通過全球之旅，我們為本地企業發掘了豐富機遇。謝偉民先生問我們如何利用這些協議。這引出第二點：我們如何幫助企業國際化並進入增長市場。

通過新加坡工商聯合會，我們積極幫助企業瞭解並利用已簽署的自由貿易協定，包括舉辦推廣會和諮詢服務。2023年已有超過1600家公司受益。

過去一年，新加坡企業發展局支援本地企業通過460個海外專案獲得訂單、開拓市場和海外增長。預計這些企業的年收入將因支援增長52億新元。

作為開放經濟體，我們的企業不可避免地受到全球供應鏈影響。何婷如女士指出，新加坡企業面臨新風險。她提出了關於人力資源的具體問題，我們暫時交由人力部回應。

但關鍵是，我們無法完全保護企業免受風險，但可以提供融資支援並幫助提升能力。例如，企業可利用市場準備援助（MRA）和企業發展補助金（EDG）抵消開拓新市場的成本。

我們還通過國際化雙倍稅務扣除（DTDi）計劃，對國際市場拓展和投資發展相關合資格支出提供200%的稅務扣除。

張德明先生會高興地知道，我們幫助新加坡企業國際化的工作已有許多成功案例。其中一家是本土金融科技公司iFAST，提供投資產品和服務、數字銀行及養老金管理服務。iFAST為英國數字銀行iFAST Global Bank（iGB）設計了客戶獲取和入職策略，並制定市場進入策略以強化區域影響力。iFAST目標到2030年管理資產規模達1000億美元。我們期待更多此類成功故事，增強新加坡企業的全球影響力。

除了簽署協議和鼓勵企業國際化，我們還在碳信用和生物燃料等領域開拓新貿易流。我們已建立活躍的碳服務和交易生態系統。目前新加坡有超過120家碳服務和交易公司，較2020年的70家大幅增長。新加入者包括貝恩公司在新加坡設立的全球可持續創新中心，以及去年開設亞洲總部的國際排放交易協會（IETA）。我們也在發展生物燃料生態系統。

我們強大的能源和農產品交易網路使新加坡成為生物燃料及其原料貿易的聚集地，如美華集團全球銷售生物柴油。生產生物柴油所用原料包括廢棄食用油。

我們將繼續與產業夥伴共同發展生態系統，更好支援有助於氣候行動的商品和服務貿易，使新加坡成為可持續貿易流的核心。

先生們，今次預算案應對當前挑戰，併為我們國家在極不確定的未來指明方向。要實現這些目標，我們需要資源來保障民生併為未來奠定堅實基礎。這就是貿易與工業部工作的重要性所在。

貿易與工業部處於經濟增長的前沿，儘管增長艱難，但我們發掘能源和人才潛力，利用科技和科學的新發現，推動產業綠色數字轉型，應對氣候變化，並在各國趨向內向時更廣泛深入地連線世界。

先生們，貿易與工業部將繼續努力，因為建設強大、充滿活力和創新的經濟，將幫助新加坡在更動盪的世界中保障未來。[掌聲]

主席：我們還有時間進行澄清。梁永華先生。

下午3點30分

梁永華先生：謝謝您，主席。雖然我很想品嚐羅燕玲國務部長推薦的烏龍茶，但我有一個問題要問陳志凌部長，關於第二個液化天然氣終端。我理解我們需要這個終端來增強能源韌性。我們已經高度依賴管道氣，因此也需要液化天然氣作為備份。

但我想請問部長，貿易與工業部如何看待第二個液化天然氣終端的規劃時間表？我之所以問，是因為我們總體上正朝著更綠色、更清潔的能源方向發展。那麼，這個第二個液化天然氣終端在我們整體能源戰略中，尤其是在實現更綠色、更清潔能源方面，將扮演什麼角色？

陳志凌博士：感謝梁先生的補充提問。主席先生，目前我們約95%的發電需求來自天然氣。我們有兩大主要來源——來自鄰國的管道天然氣和液化天然氣。

正如我在部長職務演講中提到的，隨著新興產業的電氣化需求、外資直接投資的增長以及中小企業的發展，能源需求將持續增長，而非減少。

如果各位看時間表，我們已批准的4.2吉瓦進口容量，到2035年將佔我們整體能源需求的約30%。

因此，隨著我們從現在到2035年的逐步推進，我們需要考慮建設第二個液化天然氣（LNG）終端，部分原因是出於我們自身對能源安全的需求，因為第二個LNG終端將使我們能夠，配合現有的LNG終端，完全不依賴管道天然氣，所有通過船舶等方式進口的LNG就可以滿足我們100%的天然氣能源需求。這為我們提供了額外的安全保障。

此外，正如我在COS演講中早先分享的能源轉型內容，我們正在推進的其他多條路徑和舉措，無論是氫能的低碳能源研究（LCER）計劃，還是氨和氫的先導專案，這些實際上仍處於相對初期階段。我們還在考察其他措施，無論是地熱能，還是其他型別的先進核能技術，包括聚變能。因此，對我們來說，能源安全、可靠性和韌性至關重要。

當我們根據消費增長進行預測時，即使我們完全轉向可再生能源（這不太可能發生），第二個LNG終端也不會面臨重大資產擱淺風險。我希望這能回答議員的疑問和擔憂。

主席先生：傅美霞女士。

傅美霞女士：謝謝主席。我有兩個澄清問題。第一個是給顏部長的。在促進大型企業與中小企業合作方面，我曾問政府是否考慮將新加坡本地中小企業的參與作為跨國企業（MNE）和大型企業申請政府資助時的積極考量標準。這主要是為了確保，特別是在高價值投資領域，如研發和創新相關資助，政府支援的專案能夠覆蓋更廣泛的生態系統。部長能否說明我們是否可以加入這一小要求？

第二個澄清是給勞燕玲國務部長。我和梁永華議員一樣，祝賀她在推動基層創新方面的熱情。但我想問一個更具體的問題。鑑於政府連續發放的社群發展理事會（CDC）購物券，我想具體瞭解有多少支援資金流向了基層企業。

顏錦勇先生：感謝傅女士的澄清，這非常重要。我聽了議員的發言，並在我的COS演講中解釋過，像PACT這樣的具體計劃，合作物件是本地中小企業。因此，這已經是方案設計中自然而然的一部分，我們鼓勵大型企業、跨國公司，甚至本地大型企業與其供應商合作。這些跨國公司和大型企業現在也開始走向海外，並且非常希望帶著他們的供應商一起出海。

他們也需要提升能力，以便在海外市場與合作伙伴協作。因此，這個專案對於培養大型企業與本地中小企業的合作非常有用。但也有其他專案側重於引進技術和戰略投資，這些可能是本地產業尚無能力承擔的。

因此，我們需要評估每個專案的特點和背景，判斷是否適合納入本地企業合作。有時這樣做可能適得其反，反而會失去引進技術、專家、網路和機會的機會，因為我們本地可能沒有能力支援他們。

但在可能的情況下，我們始終鼓勵跨國公司在這裡投資時與本地企業合作。我們的所有計劃都考慮到這一點。在適當的情況下，我們會與申請資助者溝通，看看本地中小企業是否能發揮作用，這也是我們一直推動和鼓勵的。

事實上，許多來新加坡的投資者也在考察本地中小企業的能力。這是我們正在打造的整個生態系統，也是我們的重要賣點之一。很多時候，當我與投資者交談時，他們選擇新加坡不僅因為我們的資助，更因為我們建立的生態系統，他們可以利用中小企業的能力來增強業務，這也是他們選擇在這裡的原因。

但正如我所說，通過PACT，我們希望提升中小企業的能力，使他們能夠隨著跨國公司的成長而持續發展。我們理解議員的觀點，在可能和適用的情況下，我們肯定會考慮與本地企業的合作。

勞燕玲女士：主席，我感謝傅美霞女士的提問。我想她注意到這是貿易及工業部（MTI）的COS辯論，我介紹了企業新加坡同事推出的新計劃，即基層營造資助（HEPG）。我記得她和許多其他議員都非常熱情地談到了基層企業在新加坡的獨特作用，我完全贊同他們的看法。

這就是為什麼我們總是積極支援基層企業，尤其是在新冠疫情期間。我們都同意，基層商店不僅離我們家很近，也貼近我們的心。

首先，它們提供便利和豐富的產品與服務，通常是日常必需品和基本服務。其次，它們為許多不願遠行上班或兼職的居民提供就業機會，他們只想在附近工作。

更重要的是，它們為我們的社群注入活力，體現了村落精神和社群精神。這就是為什麼貿易及工業部和企業新加坡總是盡力支援基層商店數字化、擁抱轉型，並拓展新客戶，不僅是無法親訪的客戶，還有海外客戶，通過線上或數字平臺。

同樣，我們也在尋找志同道合的政府合作伙伴。坦白說，如果議員們記得CDC購物券的由來，是因為疫情封鎖。封鎖結束後，我們覺得支援低收入家庭非常重要，同時基層商店關閉了兩個月，長時間關閉可能讓這些商店生死攸關。那時是恆總理推出了2000萬元的紙質購物券，因為我們當時認為紙質券更有效，反響熱烈。

六個月後，即2021年1月，又發放了2000萬元。隨後，我們轉為數字化。李顯龍總理推出了首個全國數字CDC購物券。我們雖稱數字券，但也保證沒有智慧手機的居民可以在社群中心列印購物券，方便他們使用。

議員的問題是有多少資金流向了基層商店。2021年12月13日，李總理推出了第一批，每戶122萬戶發放100元。五個月後，黃總理推出第二批，同樣是每戶100元。去年2023年1月3日，黃總理推出第三批，每戶300元。不到兩個月前，黃總理又推出第四批，每戶500元。

幾天前我查了資料，前三批共促使我們的2.3萬個基層商店和小販攤位消費達4.07億元。如果加上正在進行的第四批，基層商店和小販攤位的消費總額達1.33億元。也就是說，前三批完成和第四批進行中，共促使基層商店和小販攤位消費達5.4億元。

關鍵是，這不僅僅是貿易及工業部和企業新加坡在支援基層商店創新、轉型和數字化未來。我們歡迎政府各機構參與，也與新加坡商會聯合總會（FMAS）、基層企業中心（HECS）合作。我們歡迎各位以不同身份分享如何協同支援基層商店，因為它們離我們家近，貼近我們的心。

主席先生：時間不多了。想提問和回應的議員請簡短。蔡慶偉先生。

蔡慶偉先生：知道了，主席。我有兩個澄清。第一個給勞燕玲國務部長。我在發言中提到“檸檬法”，即二手車寄售不受保障的漏洞。政府是否打算堵住這個漏洞，因為二手車可能是家庭最大價值的物品？

第二個給陳博士。我聽部長提到即將建設的發電廠將具備氫能適應能力。我想了解它們運營時使用氫氣的目標比例是多少？類似LNG採購，政府是否考慮集中採購氨或氫氣以實現規模經濟？

勞燕玲女士：主席，我會簡短，讓您享用桃烏龍茶。感謝蔡議員。我先問，您說的檸檬法漏洞，是指車主賣給車主，還是商家賣給車主？

蔡慶偉先生：基本上是二手車經銷商代車主賣給買家。

勞燕玲女士：謝謝澄清。經銷商代車主賣的二手車稱為寄售車，屬於車主與買家之間的消費者對消費者（C2C）交易。檸檬法只覆蓋商家對消費者（B2C）交易，不涵蓋C2C交易。但我保證，如果經銷商將C2C交易誤導為B2C交易，可依據現行《消費者保護（公平交易）法》（CPFTA）追究不公平交易行為。如果議員知道類似情況，請告知，我們會跟進。同時提醒消費者購買時多加謹慎。

主席先生：陳思凌博士。抱歉，陳部長。

陳思凌博士：感謝蔡議員提問。三臺聯合迴圈燃氣輪機（CCGT）——來自吉寶、勝科和我剛提到的YTL PowerSeraya——都能使用最高30%的氫氣。這是新一代CCGT，未來如有氫氣供應，預計能實現轉型。

下午3點45分

關於氫氣，某些擁有有利地理條件（如太陽能、風能、潮汐能）的國家能生產綠色氫氣。氫氣物流運輸成本目前非常高，因為液態氫的沸點極低，需大量能量維持低溫，經濟上不划算。

不過，我們不滿足現狀，開展了氨先導專案，嘗試小規模試點。我們也在推動供應鏈技術進步，降低氫氣運輸成本。

關於集中採購，技術成熟時我們會考慮。但目前即使有核能用於水電解制氫，也不算綠色氫氣，這涉及技術標準。希望解答了您的疑問。

主席先生：尼爾·帕雷克先生。

尼爾·帕雷克·尼米爾·拉吉尼坎特：感謝阿爾文·陳國務部長回答旅遊和國際化的眾多問題，以及3億新元的旅遊發展基金增撥。我想問，旅遊發展基金中哪些計劃效果最好？另外，帶來泰勒·斯威夫特來新加坡的策略是什麼？我認為這對提升國際品牌形象非常成功。

阿爾文·陳：謝謝尼爾·帕雷克先生提問。我回答會很快。下週有幾項議會質詢會詳細針對這個問題。

旅遊發展基金包含多種計劃，已成功舉辦600多個活動，增強新加坡作為休閒和商務目的地的吸引力。大家要知道，我們旅遊業在疫情期間受創嚴重。2022年我們注入5億新元支援旅遊發展基金，幫助旅遊業復甦。現在他們已恢復，我在主答覆中提到，這3億增撥將繼續支援，吸引高質量生活娛樂和世界級會議展覽（MICE）活動，提升新加坡作為生活和商務目的地的吸引力。

主席先生：目前休會時間是下午4點15分，包括20分鐘休息。我看到還有很多舉手。如果議員們不介意，我們先短暫休息。我會允許更多澄清，但這會佔用休息時間。何亭如女士。

何亭如女士：謝謝主席。我有兩個澄清給顏部長。我聽到部長提到精準醫療，想了解貿易及工業部對精準醫療作為新加坡經濟增長領域潛力的評估。

第二，貿易及工業部是否正與衛生部和健康促進局合作，解決精準醫療目前成本高昂、可能影響低收入者可及性的問題？能否分享相關工作？

顏錦勇先生：謝謝。我在演講中已大致介紹精準醫療市場潛力，您可參考。具體潛力方面，精準醫療是新興技術的早期階段。正如一些議員所說，若不及時行動，將永遠沒有機會。

我們必須抓住機會，與該領域公司合作開發新技術。潛力在於通過基因組學研究基因相互作用，結合人工智慧，使精準醫療更有前景。我們有條件與全球領先者合作發展該領域。

關於第二個問題，我們確實與衛生部討論。公司進行臨床試驗時需與衛生部合作，確保獲得患者參與。療法可用後，我們將與衛生部討論如何確保資金充足，適當療法惠及新加坡人。臨床指南和適應症會存在，這是持續工作，我們會繼續與衛生部合作，涵蓋臨床療法和資金需求。

主席先生：施珍女士。

施金麗女士：謝謝主席。問題請教陳振聲國務部長。我認為我們對旅遊業的積極訊息感到非常振奮。我只是想指出，我們確實有不少來自大學和學校的年輕人，他們在創意專業方面非常有才華。我想他們很多人都渴望有機會與這些不同的表演團隊一起登臺。

所以，我向貿工部提出建議，是否可以與支援創意人才和年輕人的其他機構密切合作，給予他們機會參與一些進入新加坡的節目和表演，從而積累他們的作品集。

陳振聲先生：主席，我感謝施金麗女士的澄清。簡短的回答是肯定的。在旅遊業方面，我們有多種計劃，通過我之前提到的旅遊發展基金，不僅僅是基礎設施建設和引進這些表演及會展活動，還包括幫助建設我們的旅遊業。我發起了無數獎學金專案，與高等院校（IHLs）、理工學院、工藝教育學院（ITE）等合作，幫助提升人才儲備。

戴上文化、社區及青年部（MCCY）的帽子，我再多解釋一點。新加坡藝術計劃非常重視各類人才，不僅僅是地方營造，正如湯恩伯部長之前提到的，還包括提升藝術家的能力，以便當我們引進這些表演和活動時，他們有良好的機會參與其中。

主席：李顯龍先生。

李顯龍先生：主席，我感謝顏國興部長對傅美霞議員的深刻回應。我想繼續追問，並希望對她關於培育本地中小企業的問題獲得進一步澄清。

我認為許多企業，包括我們自己，在拓展國際業務和參與政府提供稅收優惠及其他激勵措施的專案投標時，實際上有明確政策和做法要求我們必須與本地合作伙伴合作，即使這些合作伙伴能力有限或幾乎沒有現有能力。我猜測這類政策旨在促進本地參與和技能轉移。我想知道貿工部是否可以考慮對此進行研究，看看如果強制執行此類合作會有哪些權衡。

我的第二個澄清是關於能源效率裝置（EEG）的問題，想請教羅國務部長。是否可以允許或考慮讓部分EEG批准的裝置跨行業使用？例如，電動叉車價格幾乎是柴油叉車的兩倍，而這些裝置幾乎適用於所有行業。

最後，我想問是否會允許對商業和工業用途的電動車輛採用給予援助。

顏國興部長：謝謝。為了珍珠奶茶的緣故，我簡短回答。答案是肯定的，我們肯定會考慮本地企業的機會以及為本地工人創造就業的因素。我們需要權衡利弊，有時必須考慮潛在投資。如果投資對我們具有戰略意義，帶來市場、技術和機會，這最終會溢位到本地產業。與其強制要求所有專案必須有本地合作伙伴，最終可能會失去更多機會而非獲得。因此，我認為應採取審慎的方式。

我們非常注意確保本地能夠獲得顯著價值，無論是通過直接的增值貢獻，還是通過與本地企業的合作。即使他們已經進入新加坡並投資，我們也會通過不同計劃，如我提到的PACT計劃、研發計劃，鼓勵他們與本地產業合作。

同時，我們也為本地產業提供計劃和支援，提升他們的能力，使他們能夠與大型企業合作，增加價值。

歸根結底，經濟效益必須對雙方都有意義。政府補助和計劃只是促進和推動他們合作的手段，最終雙方願意“結婚”，這段“婚姻”必須合理。我們是媒人，努力促成並給予適當鼓勵，但最終經濟效益必須雙方共同實現。

羅燕玲女士：謝謝主席。我簡短髮言。感謝李顯龍先生的提問和請求。我向他保證，我們肯定會幫助中小企業投資節能裝置。正如我提到的，兩年前推出該計劃時，批准的行業包括食品製造、餐飲服務和零售，因為電費是它們運營開支的重要組成部分。我們希望繼續將此支援擴充套件到其他行業。因此，從4月1日起，本地食品服務、零售和製造企業將享有70%的增強支援，最高限額為3萬元。

我向他保證，我們將繼續與貿工部外的其他主導機構合作，瞭解其他行業和部門的需求。EEG計劃將在今年年底向海事、建築和資料中心等行業開放。我歡迎新加坡工商聯合總會（SBF）和貿易協會（TACs）與我們合作，成為行業的聲音，促進與貿工部及經濟機構的溝通。

主席：像你們許多人一樣，我也口渴且有點餓了。那麼，梁先生，您是否願意撤回您的修正案？

梁榮華先生：主席，在撤回修正案之前，請允許我祝賀貿工部和能源市場管理局成功促成國際能源署在新加坡設立區域辦公室。這是一個偉大的成就。我相信陳振聲部長的個人魅力也起到了作用。

同時，我也感謝顏國興部長、陳振聲部長、羅燕玲國務部長和陳振聲國務部長對我們的提問給予全面答覆。我請求撤回我的修正案。

[(程式文本) 修正案，經許可，撤回。 (程式文本)]

[(程式文本) 頭V項下金額1,628,845,400元被批准列入主要預算。 (程式文本)]

[(程式文本) 頭V項下金額7,179,458,100元被批准列入發展預算。 (程式文本)]

主席：秩序。我建議現在休息一下。

[(程式文本) 隨後議長離開委員會主席席，回到議院主席席。 (程式文本)]

下午4時

議長：國家發展資政陳杰厚先生。

國家發展資政（陳杰厚先生）：主席，我為未能在質詢時間早些時候回答黃振輝議員的國會質詢表示歉意。我弄錯了議程和時間，因此在質詢提出時正在參加另一場工作會議。我已向黃議員道歉，並邀請他如果書面答覆未能充分回答問題，可提交補充質詢。

議長：秩序。會議休會，下午4時15分恢復會議。秩序，秩序。

會議休會

下午4時02分至4時15分。

會議於下午4時15分恢復。

[副議長（陳淑瑩女士）主持]

英文原文

SPRS Hansard · Fetched: 2026-05-02

The Chairman : Head V, Ministry of Trade and Industry. Mr Liang Eng Hwa.

Growing Our Economy

Mr Liang Eng Hwa (Bukit Panjang) : Mr Chairman, I beg to move, "That the total sum to be allocated for Head V of the Estimates be reduced by $100."

Sir, having a growing and vibrant economy is very much a part of our efforts to build a strong social compact. We need a growing economy to create good, fulfilling jobs for Singaporeans and to generate the resources to tackle our social and longer-term challenges. If our economy stagnates, it will dampen aspirations and hopes for a better future and may lead to unease and insecurity among our people.

Sir, we know that growing our economy is going to get even more difficult in the years ahead. The inherent constraints facing us – land, labour and carbon – will become more acute. We have also got to content with a more fractured and contested world, with greater willingness of countries to use economic leverage to exert their interests.

12.30 pm

There are also profound shifts in the economic landscape. The rapid rise of new disruptive technologies such as generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and the wider adoptions of big data analytics, cloud computing, e-commerce and automation technologies present both challenges and opportunities to Singapore.

All these may sound daunting but fortunately, we are able to respond from a position of strength.

So, how do we grow the economy going forward? Allow me to just touch on three areas.

Firstly, Singapore must continue to be a choice destination for high value-adding investments, investments that put us at the forefront of cutting-edge of technology. Having state of the art companies' hub and base here helps overcome our scale limitations and enable the proliferations of technologies and the development of skilled talents here.

To achieve that, we must tick the boxes in the list of checklist that investors look for. Among the key requirements are excellent infrastructure and connectivity, diverse talent pool, trusted and innovative hub, strong financial standing and political stability.

Despite being a small economy, Singapore is the fourth largest recipients of foreign direct investments (FDIs) in the world. However, the implementation of Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Pillar Two will reset the playing field in the competition for investments and would have implications in our efforts to attract high-quality and high-value investments.

And that is why we must keep working on enhancing our overall propositions; continue to invest heavily into our workforce, in infrastructure and also innovation; as well enhancing our connectivity, our economic fundamentals; and to have sound and consistent policies.

Secondly, we must continue to strengthen the two wings of our economy – manufacturing and services. The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) has in earlier Budget Committees of Supply (COS) outlined our manufacturing and services strategies. Although manufacturing now accounts for less than 30% of our gross domestic product (GDP), it remains a very important pillar in our economy.

Singapore is the eighth largest exporter of high-tech goods in the world and home to many high-value industries like precision engineering, MedTech, aerospace, semiconductors and so on. Besides the jobs and value-add that it creates, the manufacturing sector helps add further resilience to our economy and also helps contribute to the growth in the services sectors. Other than attracting and anchoring frontiers global manufacturers to base here, we should also keep working on developing and growing the manufacturing capabilities of our local enterprises, with the aim grow them into regional champions in their own right.

Sir, I will now move on to the services sector. Our services sector covers a wide spectrum of businesses, including both outward-oriented sectors like financial services, logistics, trade as well as domestic-facing ones like food and beverages (F&B) and retail trade.

At last year's MTI COS, Minister Gan shared that our Services 2030 vision seeks to harness the growth opportunities in the areas of digitalisation and sustainability and to anchor Singapore as a leading, vibrant hub for businesses, lifestyle and tourism. This strategy and the focuses would play to our strengths and minimise our shortcomings.

The one services sector that plays to our strengths and not easily replicable by others is our premiere position as a financial hub and as the international financial centre of the East. I am glad we are not resting on our laurels and have announced another $2-billion injection into the Financial Sector Development Fund to further up our game in this year's Budget.

To continue to be the service hub of choice for global businesses, we need to make our city the among the most business-friendly and among the most liveable city in the world. Hence, the longer-term urban planning such as the Masterplan by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the infrastructure upgrades in transport, recreational facilities, healthcare, convention facilities and so on – all adds to making us a conducive hub to offer services to the consumers and businesses of the world.

Thirdly, we grow our economy by continually investing in new technologies and capabilities. Last year, we saw the rapid emergence of AI powered applications and systems, and the momentum is likely to continue and increase this year. We need to develop homegrown AI technologies, grow the AI talent pool and encourage adoption of AI technologies among enterprises.

Besides AI, we would also need to sustain our investment in research and innovations to deepen our scientific capabilities and bolster the startup ecosystem here to capture value.

Sir, Budget 2024 also took a major step to safeguard our energy security which has a bearing on our longer-term economic competitiveness. Some of the major moves include building a second liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal as well as the setting up of the Future Energy Fund with an initial $5-billion injection to further develop the critical infrastructure and to transit to clean energy.

Sir, to do all the above, Singapore must have the requisite skills and talent pool. We are investing big time to grow our own timber, such as the SkillsFuture Level-Up, Career Health and others; but we have also got to be open to have external workforce that complements and strengthens our overall proposition.

Sir, in that context, allow me to frame a few questions for the Minister.

First, given these unsettling times, how is the Government ensuring that Singapore will remain globally competitive and relevant?

Second, how does MTI plan to continue supporting our enterprises, to capture future growth opportunities in the region and in growth sectors such as AI and the green economy?

Third, can the Government share more about its plans to enhance the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector?

Fourth, to strengthen our connectivity and international linkages, can the Minister share more details on our international collaboration efforts and how Singapore companies can benefit from these partnerships?

Fifth, in the Deputy Prime Minister's Budget Statement and in his round-up speech as well, he mentioned about developing local pipeline of corporate leadership talent and more support to help Singaporeans gain overseas experience. Can I ask for more details of this plan?

Finally, sixth, on tourism, MTI announced that the Government has earmarked half a billion dollars to support tourism recovery. So, can I seek an update on our tourism revitalisation effort? What more can we do to ensure that Singapore remains an attractive tourist destination amidst the intense global and regional competition?

Sir, I Iook forward to the Minister's response.

[(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]

Supporting Growth of SMEs

Ms Foo Mee Har (West Coast) : Chairman, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) forming the majority of our business landscape are currently navigating a myriad of challenges that threaten their growth and sustainability.

The rise in manpower costs is a major concern. This, combined with the increased costs of raw materials, rents, utilities and other operational expenses is exerting immense pressure on their already thin margins. The heightened interest rates environment also adds further pressure on financing costs, adding challenges to SMEs' access to capital for growth and innovation.

Sir, adding to all this, the manpower shortage has left many SMEs in a dire situation, unable to fill essential roles and sustain their operations, let alone the capacity to innovate and transform. The need for digital transformation has shifted from being a luxury to a necessity for survival and growth.

Another pressing issue is the environmental impact and the increasing demand for green compliance. Many SMEs lack the knowledge and resources to transform towards greener practices, even as they face increasing pressure from counterparts and regulations requiring adherence to green standards. This gap further hinders their ability to compete effectively and sustainably.

Sir, Budget 2024 Enterprise Support Package will provide SMEs with some relief immediately. But the most significant support measures are those tilted towards firms that can restructure and transform. Therefore, to support SMEs to embark on this transformation journey, I would like to ask the Government to double down on three fronts.

First, we must strongly promote collaborations between larger companies and SMEs in the area of supplier development and co-creation. Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong rightly pointed out that, "We cannot force MNEs to choose only local suppliers, but we can and we will help Singapore enterprises to meet the high standards and to form win-win partnerships with MNEs."

I welcome the expansion of the Partnerships for Capability Transformation scheme to encompass broader areas of collaboration. However, to further enhance this initiative, I propose that the Government consider an additional step – and this is an important step – by integrating the involvement of Singapore-based SMEs as a positive criterion for multinational enterprises (MNEs) and larger corporations when they access Government grants.

This inclusion – to include SMEs in the application – should be particularly emphasised for high-value investments such as research and development (R&D) and innovation related grants. By doing so, it will not only incentivise large entities to collaborate with SMEs, but also ensure the benefits of such Government-backed programmes extend across the broader business ecosystem.

Secondly, the Government Enterprise Financing Scheme (EFS) is designed to assist SMEs with various financing needs. A key feature is its risk sharing component, where Enterprise Singapore shares the loan default risk with participating financial institutions in the event of enterprise insolvency. The Government's risk sharing can reach up to 70%, therefore providing a significant safety net for banks. This arrangement should enable banks to take on more risk and provide more favourable terms to our SMEs.

By offering this level of support, the Government is really in a good position to expect participating financial institutions to improve loan conditions for our SMEs. How can the Government support SMEs to secure more favourable interest rates, more flexible security requirements and more favourable payment terms for those that are on EFS loans versus those that are on standard bank loans?

Growing the Economy Over the Next Decade

Mr Desmond Choo (Tampines) : Mr Chairman, Singapore has been bracing itself for a period of slow growth and high inflation as Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat has pointed out in his Budget Speech this year.

Our population is rapidly ageing, our local workforce growth will eventually slow down to zero. An ageing population will lead to increase in social spending, decreased consumption and decreased labour output. There are also constraints of land, power and carbon.

How will our GDP look like over the next decade? Studies have shown that super ageing Japan's GDP was expected to drop by about 5% relative to the baseline scenario of a stationary population. We must not let this happen to Singapore.

Could the Ministry share what are its overarching plans over the next 10 years to grow our GDP despite our constraints?

I have three suggestions for the Ministry to consider.

First, we must increase the amount of capital and adoption of innovation and technology by our SMEs. Singapore is already amongst the world's leaders in automation, especially in industrial robots. It was just behind South Korea in 2021.

For our growth to continue, we need to intensify automation and innovation in our SMEs. What is the current progress and plans to intensify capital investment and adoption of innovation by SMEs? Could the Ministry provide an update on the take-up of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) T-UP programme and how can we continue to improve take-up by SMEs?

Next, we need to have more of our companies operating abroad to bring in income and job opportunities. Economically, we need to focus on our gross national income (GNI) per capita as much as GDP per capita. Singapore is fortunate to be in Southeast Asia, one of the fastest growing regions in the world. With a young and still-growing population of 650 million, Singapore can have access to a large market and pool of talent.

Our companies must seize the limited window to expand in the region. How has MTI helped our Singapore companies to expand in the region? What are the future plans to help SMEs go regional?

Lastly, we must seize the opportunity provided by AI for Singapore to continue to punch above our weight. AI has the potential to improve our workers' productivity tremendously.

Yet, AI will require significant resources, especially power and talent, for R&D. How is the Ministry ensuring that Singapore has the requisite infrastructure and talent for companies to keep pace and deepen AI work?

12.45 pm

Supporting Industry Transformation

Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong (Jurong) : Chairman, in an era where global economies are increasingly interconnected and digital technologies are rapidly evolving, the need for our businesses to stay competitive has never been more critical. As we navigate through the complexities of the 21st century – including the pressing challenges posed by climate change – the imperative for digital innovation, global market expansion and sustainable practices is paramount to not only surviving but thrive in the global marketplace.

Digitalisation and sustainable practices are essential pillars for resilience and growth in the complex web of global supply chains and commerce. Digitalisation by enabling seamless integration of technologies, facilitates unparalleled efficiencies, agility and connectivity among businesses worldwide, thereby enhancing competitiveness and access to markets. Concurrently, sustainability practices address the urgent need to minimise environmental impact and promote responsibility sourcing and production methods.

As such, what are some of the key measures that MTI is undertaking to support our sectors and firms in their transformation efforts, particularly in digitalisation, internationalisation and sustainability?

Staying Competitive in a BEPS 2.0 World

Ms Mariam Jaafar (Sembawang) : Sir, with the impending implementation of BEPS 2.0, many jurisdictions around the world are grappling with the need to strike a balance between attracting investments and ensuring fair taxation. Several countries have implemented various policies, including new tax incentives and credits, enhanced investment allowances, targeted sectoral support and direct subsidies to individual companies.

Mr Speaker, those of us who have worked in the frontline in organisations, like the Economic Development Board (EDB) as well as those of us in country teams of MNEs, know the sheer effort it takes to anchor good investments in Singapore. This land scarce little red dot, with no domestic market to speak of, where wages and living costs are higher than in many other jurisdictions. We cannot be complacent and a competitive tax regime is critical.

The Refundable Investment Tax Credit is therefore very welcome. It directly alleviates the tax burden for businesses while allowing EDB and Enterprise Singapore to target the companies and sectors that will best contribute to economic growth; as well as opportunities and jobs for our people and our local enterprises. A good understanding of how the scheme will be implemented and its potential benefits for the Singapore economy and Singaporeans is therefore helpful for both businesses and the public. To that end, I have a few questions for the Minister.

One, how will the scheme keep Singapore attractive as an investment destination when taking into account the measures that other jurisdictions are putting into place? Two, the list of economic activities and qualifying expenditures appear to be quite broad; can the Minister give more specifics on the sectors and qualifying expenditures that can be expected? Three, how can we ensure that the tax credit will incentivise capital investment and drive desired outcomes, such as higher productivity or decarbonisation targets; and help MNEs achieve those targets? And lastly, how else is the Government supporting businesses to stay competitive?

The Chairman : Ms Jessica Tan, please take your two cuts together.

Business Transformation

Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo (East Coast) : Thank you, Mr Chairman. With geopolitical uncertainties, rapid technology development, structural disruptions and inflationary pressures, Budget 2024 signals the urgency for businesses to transform. It is no longer a good-to-do but a must-do if businesses want to stay relevant, continue to do business and grow.

Business transformation is not easy as it involves business process and operational changes; the adoption of relevant digital technology; as well as the need to build new and deep capabilities of employees to address the structural disruptions. With climate change, we see increasing legislation of sustainability standards and disclosures. This will require that companies commit to and transition to sustainable ways of doing business, if they want to do business.

With the Industry Transformation Roadmaps and the myriad of support measures to help businesses transform, can MTI share the progress of companies in Singapore, including SMEs, in their business transformation?

How will the various measures announced in Budget 2024 come together to support businesses, including SMEs, in their transformation efforts especially in digitalisation, cybersecurity, sustainability as well as growing internationally? How many Singapore companies have taken on the support measures to transform?

Position as Global Business Node

Mr Chairman, Singapore has retained our position as the world's leading business hub. But Singapore's hub status is challenged with increasing geopolitical uncertainties, emerging disruptive technologies and BEPS 2.0. What efforts is the Government making to ensure that Singapore continues to be attractive and competitive globally? As the hon Ms Mariam Jaafar has said, for MNEs to anchor their investments here, in Singapore, it is not an easy decision and it is extremely competitive. And in today's world, even more.

What strategies are we exploring to continue to make Singapore a place that the best global companies will choose to locate their regional and global businesses? This is important for Singapore to have good growth as well as bring investments in cutting-edge technologies, know-how and good jobs.

Can more details be shared on international partnerships and how these partnerships can ensure that Singapore remains at the centre of global trade? Leveraging on Singapore's status as a global business node, how can Singapore companies tap on the enhanced support measures announced in Budget 2024 to expand and capture growth opportunities to play an important role in regional and global value chains?

The Chairman : Mr Neil Parekh, please take your two cuts together.

Capturing Future Growth Opportunities

Mr Neil Parekh Nimil Rajnikant (Nominated Member) : Chairman, in the Asia Pacific region, the digital economy, including AI and the green economy, present immense growth opportunities. Southeast Asia's Internet economy is forecasted to reach US$1 trillion by 2030 and over five to six million new jobs are expected to be created through the green economy.

In Singapore itself, we expect to create more than 50,000 green jobs by 2030. In 2023, MTI announced enhanced support under the Enterprise Development Grant for sustainability projects to support more firms in capturing new growth opportunities in sustainability as we transition to a green economy.

Sir, there is no doubt that both the digital and green economies are growing in importance and Singapore's enterprises must seize these opportunities in these growth areas to further progress in these spaces.

My question for the Ministry is: how does MTI plan to continue supporting our enterprises and capture future growth opportunities in the region and growth sectors, such as AI and the green economy? At the same time, given the promising growth potential in Southeast Asia, how does MTI plan to strengthen Singapore's links and collaborations with the region for new growth opportunities in green economy and AI, so that our businesses and people can tap on the opportunities beyond our shores?

Facilitating Internationalisation

Chairman, as we navigate through an increasingly interconnected global economy, we must recognise that our nation's growth is intricately linked to our ability to venture beyond our shores. Singapore, although small in size, possesses boundless potential. But to fully unlock it, internationalisation becomes not just a choice but a necessity for sustained economic growth.

However, the lingering effects of the pandemic, geopolitical tensions and the macroeconomic uncertainty have given rise to an increasingly fragmented world. There are headwinds to economic growth with high inflation rates and increasing volatility in the world.

In Singapore, we have achieved quite a bit thus far. Today, we have forged an extensive network of 27 implemented Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) along with being a signatory to many regional agreements in the Asia Pacific like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

On its part, MTI, Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) also offer several schemes and programmes, such as the Global Innovation Alliance, to support companies' internationalisation efforts. Moving forward, Singapore needs to identify new opportunities and build new engines of growth as well as continue to build on our international partnerships.

My question for the Ministry is: how can MTI continue facilitating our companies' endeavours to seize new economic opportunities in the fast-growing markets in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Latin America, Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa? Also, how do we protect the investments of Singaporean companies in these emerging markets?

FTAs and Singapore's Competitiveness

Mr Sharael Taha (Pasir Ris-Punggol) : Mr Chairman, in his Budget speech, Deputy Prime Minister Wong shared that the international environment has darkened dramatically – major powers are prioritising national security over economic interdependence in this current geopolitical climate and there are other potential headwinds, like BEPS 2.0, that may affect Singapore's competitiveness to attract investments.

In light of this, how do our global FTAs remain relevant and create conditions for cross-border investments and boost Singapore's competitiveness?

The Chairman : Ms He Ting Ru, please take your two cuts together.

Anti-economic Coercion Effects

Ms He Ting Ru (Sengkang) : Sir, today's world is increasingly uncertain and contentious, not least because of growing United States (US)-Chinese competition. With these, come greater risk of Singapore facing economic coercion. Not necessarily because of anything we may have done but because major powers and others believe that it is possible to force us into certain positions.

We have seen US limits on technology transfers helm in some of the world's ability to export. During the Trump Administration, Singapore was placed on a list of potential currency manipulators that could face sanction. China has published a list of countries from Australia to Czechia from Canada to Japan and South Korea for acting in ways that it does not like.

Economic coercion can be arbitrary and sudden. This may get worse of shifts and domestic politics in China and the US. What are the concrete efforts being taken to prepare for and mitigate economic pressure that may come our way, both on our own and in conjunction with partners? After all, any such plans must involve active public and business participation, sooner rather than later, to be effective.

Reputation Risk for Singapore Companies

The European Union (EU) is currently proposing a law, which requires larger companies to identify actual or potential negative impacts on human rights and their supply chain; and to prevent, mitigate and remedy these impacts. This is on top of existing laws that already require large companies to perform due diligence on supply chains to ensure that they have a plan of vigilance to identify risks relating the labour practices, health and safety or environmental issues.

Our policies relating to recruitment fees have an impact in Singapore's ability to attract investment and business, particularly in sectors like the maritime industry, where companies have to employ many migrant workers. What are the reputational and legal risks for companies in the development of the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM's) policies and allocation of resources for enforcement?

Agreement has been reached between the European Parliament and Council and we are likely to see further progress on rules enforcing labour rights in global supply chains soon. These are seen to foster a business environment with legal certainty, a level playing field and sustainable competition that does not benefit from worker exploitation.

Germany has already enacted similar laws. In 2019, the International Labour Organization (ILO) governing body approved the definition of recruitment fees and related costs, emphasising that recruitment fee should not be borne by workers or jobseekers, as workers must not be required to pay for access to employment or it takes time for workforce structures to change.

There are international standards ready for adoption by EU legislators and EU-based MNCs. Migrant workers continue to pay high recruitment fees of up to $12,000 to have the opportunity to work in Singapore. This is an area of concern, given the risk of debt bondage to workers' rights as well as their practical ability to make economic decisions, such as a choice to leave a job with poor working conditions. Specifically, what are our recruitment fees? The Workers' Party reiterates our call for the creation of a Government jobs' portal that advertises all open positions for migrant workers to cut fees workers pay to agents in Singapore and overseas.

I note the response to a Parliamentary Question last year that we are considering facilitating direct recruitment channels for returning workers. Are there any updates? It is also said that we have no legal jurisdiction to influence the recruitment fees migrant workers pay in their home countries. But are MOM and MTI engaging with source countries on the recruitment fee issue, given the impact that it will have on MNCs' supply chains in Singapore?

The Chairman : Mr Mark Lee, you can take both your cuts together.

Offshore Grant Schemes

Mr Mark Lee (Nominated Member) : Sir, as Singapore looks towards new engines of growth while overcoming domestic resource constraints like for example, the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, a portion of development efforts may need to be conducted outside Singapore utilising offshore resources. These offshore activities will ultimately contribute to tangible and intangible assets that benefit Singapore, enabling our businesses to reduce costs and maximise value capture.

Will MTI consider revising current grant schemes to include coverage for business expenses incurred during offshore development activities? This adjustment can significantly aid local companies in leveraging international resources while ensuring the resulting benefits bolster Singapore's economy.

1.00 pm

Partnerships for Capability Transformation (PACT) Scheme

Sir, I support the PACT scheme for its role in promoting collaborations between MNEs and SMEs and now ask, how MTI intend to incentivise participation in the PACT Scheme to facilitate the creation of beneficial partnerships between SMEs and MNEs?

Local businesses have shared their struggle to retain and develop talent because MNEs and aiming to swiftly expand their operations, often offer high and yet unsustainable wages to fulfill their foreign worker quotas, disadvantage SMEs in talent development and acquisition. Given these concerns, how does MTI plan to nurture our local SMEs to navigate these challenges effectively?

Support for SMEs

Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong : Chairman, in recent years, particularly in the wake of the global pandemic, SMEs have faced unprecedented challenges that have tested their resilience, adaptability and sustainability.

MTI has been instrumental in introducing various support measures to aid these enterprises as they navigate the complexities of recovery and seek new opportunities for growth. As such, how will the Government continue to support these SMEs?

Enterprise Growth Support and Tourism

Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui (Holland-Bukit Timah) : Mr Chairman, Sir, before the onset of the pandemic, considerable efforts were dedicated to assisting our local enterprises in seizing opportunities abroad and expanding their global footprint. As we transition from the pandemic, the external landscape and supply chains have undergone significant shifts due to the heightened emphasis on resilience and geopolitical tensions, leading to increased polarisation and "friend-shoring".

In light of these changes, how is MTI adapting its programmes – such as Scale-up – to align with this evolving external environment, ensuring that support for regionalisation remains effective?

Moreover, considering MTI's success in securing Foreign Direct Investments in recent years and the presence of MNEs, how will these factors empower local businesses to capitalise on emerging opportunities? Will this integration be part of the enhanced PACT programme and if so, what is the synergy between Scale-up and PACT?

Furthermore, MTI's proactive approach to signing FTAs with various jurisdictions presents additional opportunities for local enterprises to expand its overseas revenues. How does MTI facilitate local businesses in seizing these opportunities? What contributions do trade associations and chambers (TACs) make in this regard and how is MTI enhancing its support to TACs to bolster secretariat manpower and capabilities further?

Another area that has changed post-pandemic is the tourism landscape. Businesses operating within the tourism and related sectors are encountering notable challenges stemming from several factors. One, escalating manpower costs due to tight labour markets. Two, increased energy expenses. Three, sluggish recovery of tourism arrivals from key traditional markets. And four, strengthening of the Singapore dollar against key tourism markets.

What are MTIs strategies to mitigate these challenges?

Despite efforts, tourism arrival figures and projections have yet to rebound to pre-pandemic levels of 19 million per year. While the sector witnessed a robust resurgence in the past two years – largely attributable to schemes like the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS) that retains capabilities and capacities – other global tourism hubs have regained momentum and competitiveness. Competing markets have also unveiled substantial new initiatives and attractions, vying for a share of the tourism market.

In light of these circumstances, what are MTI's specific strategies to restore our tourism sector to pre-pandemic levels? Furthermore, within these strategies, what specific initiatives are in place to enhance local content; empowering local enterprises to cultivate robust Intellectual Properties (IPs) instead of solely relying on imported IPs?

Support SMEs – Digital, AI and Green Economy

Mr Derrick Goh (Nee Soon) : Sir, digitalisation remains an imperative for our SMEs in a rapidly evolving technology space, to thrive and capture opportunities in the new economy. The year 2023 saw the breakthrough of AI and its use cases in the real world. But as is always said, AI will not replace humans but the person using AI will. In essence, SMEs who will succeed better are those that can adapt and transform quicker, by viewing digitalisation and AI as a friend instead of a foe.

As a practitioner using various forms of AI, including GenAI, in my work to sharpen effectiveness and productivity in risk management and auditing, I can understand why SMEs may face and see AI as intimidating. There is a need to help SMEs dispel a "fear of the unknown" and the notion that AI is reserved only for MNEs.

In this regard, can MTI share its plans to help SMEs further accelerate their digitalisation so that more local businesses can harness AI to transform and increase productivity?

On sustainability, I am glad that Budget 2024 has covered key aspects of going green as a competitive advantage, because MNEs have started on their sustainability journey earlier and would expect the same for our own SME suppliers. I am also glad to learn that SMEs in more sectors will benefit from green loans and the Energy Efficiency Grant, which I had asked for at last year's Committee of Supply debate and Government support to be more inclusive.

Yet, while advancing in the green journey is essential and more Government funding is available, a DBS study in 2023 found that only 37% of SMEs had a clear roadmap on how to achieve their sustainability goals. Many cite having to navigate complex reporting standards as a hurdle.

On this note, what is MTI's assessment of the progress and effectiveness of existing grants and initiatives, such as the Enterprise Sustainability Programme and how may they be enhanced to help our SMEs be more ESG-savvy?

While opportunities in the digital and green economy are aplenty, we know that transformation is not easy and more funding on its own is not sufficient. What matters more fundamentally, is for SMEs to shift their mindsets and be willing to accelerate their efforts. For those who are, they should be provided with ready-access to expertise. This is where SME Centres and TACs, as critical nexus for engagement and advisory, can play a more proactive role to nudge and help SMEs digitalise and go green.

In my engagement with the industry, a feedback suggested by SMEs was for such Centres to go beyond the marketing of grant options and providing generic guidance; and offer more in terms of business development advice and more customised expertise and guidance.

As such, can MTI share on three areas.

One, whether there are plans to boost the effectiveness of SME Centres by enhancing its advisory capabilities and sharpening its own key performance indicators (KPIs) from Level 1 or baseline targets, such as number of SME visits, to be more aligned with the outcomes, such as SME productivity and customer growth of the portfolio of SMEs they cover?

Two, whether TACs can be guided to deepen understanding of their own members' profile to provide more targeted facilitation and support as well as more effective cross-learning between its members?

Thirdly, whether we can build a more comprehensive support ecosystem for SMEs, such as by (a) synergising the roles of SME Centres and TACs with the enhanced Partnerships for Capability Transformation Scheme for SMEs to connect more easily to learn digital and green strategies; (b) deepening collaborations with Institutes of Higher Learning for training; and (c) leveraging clan associations with wide business connections for advocacy.

Supporting AI Transformation

Ms Mariam Jaafar : Sir, rapid developments in AI are transforming businesses and industries. Yet, businesses struggle to scale up AI beyond pilots and POCs and therefore fail to derive value and impact from their efforts.

As I spoke about in my Budget debate speech and again, I would like to declare my interest as a Managing Director and Senior Partner of a consulting firm that does the work of AI. Scaling AI requires more than just buying a platform and hiring a few data scientists. I spoke about the 10-20-70 rule: 10% of the effort is in the algorithms; 20% in the technological and IT foundations – the infrastructure, the data architecture; 70% though, is about people and processes – ways of working, business-process reinvention, how to drive adoption at scale, organisation, talent strategy and change management.

Businesses therefore need to move beyond experimentation and POCs. They need to have a clear strategy and roadmap of how they will build the AI platform, data, process, organisation and other enablers and sequence the development of use cases so that they are able to fund their AI transformation journey and win in the medium-term.

MTI has launched a number of good initiatives, such as AI Innovation sandboxes and hands-on workshops aimed at identifying AI and GenAI use cases; and the AI Trailblazers initiative, which helps organisations to identify GenAI use cases and build solution prototypes.

How will the Government now help organisations take the next steps to implement AI at-scale, beyond POCs and pilots?

Encouraging Entrepreneurial Spirit

Mr Keith Chua (Nominated Member) : Mr Chairman, retrenchments and redundancies are expected to continue. MNEs, Lazada, Amazon and Google in the technological sector have reduced staff. The closure of Tetra Pak will affect 300 workers. From time to time, local enterprises also succumb to changing conditions and downsize or cease operations.

Such realties are not new. We need to continually find new foreign investments and also keep building up and strengthening local businesses. The local business sector was built over the decades, possibly centuries, by individuals with the entrepreneurial spirit. While the majority are classified SMEs, we also have large successful local enterprises and collectively, these employ many Singaporeans.

My question to the Ministry and to all of us is: what will we do to keep the entrepreneurial spirit thriving, especially in challenging times and when business conditions may not be conducive? Also, with Forward Singapore (Forward SG), there may well be a resurgence in social entrepreneurial initiatives. How can we support these agents of change?

Supporting our SMEs

Ms He Ting Ru : Sir, the enhancement of the Enterprise Financing Scheme and the Energy Efficiency Grant is welcome. Incentives and grants are critical in providing seed support and are crucial in driving SME growth and are important signals in the industrial strategy we are developing, especially for our green transition. Yet, a DBS survey found that 63% of SMEs in Asia identified as their top challenge transitioning to a sustainable business model.

In a survey reported in the Singapore Business Review last month, 58% of small and microbusinesses polled are less confident about prospects in 2024. The survey also said that apart from grants, SMEs feel they need more support in areas ranging from subsidies for talent and acquisition schemes, indicative of the tight labour market, more support for international expansion and rental assistance and rental support.

The same survey also found that a streamlined grant application process was on the wishlist. We should continue to simplify the adoption process for grants and in particular, green grants.

For many SMEs, daily operations are a priority and not grant applications and associated administrative work. Perhaps, one way to improve the system would be for Enterprise Singapore to provide a one-stop web page offering advice and guidance to SMEs on how they can green their business and what the associated grants are. Also important, are the money itself and the time value of money. Could the Government provide some of these grants on a cash rather than a reimbursement basis, to help firms who would not normally look at environmental matters in their cashflow planning?

Additionally, in order to properly understand whether our grants are properly supporting our SMEs, we should publicly announce how we track their success. For example, alongside how much has been disbursed for green grants, we should state how many tonnes of emissions have been mitigated per dollar spent, so that the public, civil society and Members of Parliament can be sure that these taxpayer-paid subsidies are working; and to measure how they have achieved their goals. Other commentators have noted that the lack of standardised measurement in reporting standards have made the environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance efforts challenging for SMEs.

Finally, a conversation article reproduced in the Business Times last year also stated that workers and managers in SMEs often have less resources and know-how to understand and properly tackle mental health challenges, partly because most research about mental health and well-being at work is usually undertaken in larger organisations. I hope that we would study how to tackle mental health and well-being at work in the context of our smaller enterprises in order to understand the particular challenges that they face and to ultimately develop interventions that are targeted to work to raise the well-being of our workers in SMEs; and see if any interventions can be made beyond those which currently form part of MOM's Total Workplace Safety and Health programme.

1.15 pm

Cut Energy Efficiency Grant

Mr Mark Lee : Sir, as SMEs navigate the challenges of integrating sustainable practices within an evolving regulatory framework, the Enhanced Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) aims to bridge this gap, especially for sectors like food services, manufacturing and retail, with plans to extend it to reach new sectors. Could MTI provide insights into EEG’s effectiveness in these areas, highlight successful strategies and share lessons to encourage broader uptake across newly included sectors?

Furthermore, in recognising beyond financial and technical hurdles SMEs encounter in adopting energy-efficient practices, is there a consideration from MTI to expand EEG to encompass a more holistic support package, covering consultancy, execution and training costs, to facilitate in this transition?

Moreover, in the context of shifting towards clean energy and the high associated costs, can MTI outline any assistance for SMEs, particularly in adopting electric vehicles for commercial and industrial use? Lastly, could MTI explain the exclusion of crucial sectors like Process and Logistics from EEG, given their importance in decarbonisation, and are there plans to integrate these sectors into the programme?

Heartlands 2025 Initiative

Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong : The vitality of our heartland enterprises is indispensable to the socio-economic fabric of our nation, serving not just the backbone of our local economy but also the heartbeat of our community life.

In 2022, MTI and Enterprise Singapore launched "Our Heartlands 2025" initiative to revitalise local neighborhoods. As such, can MTI provide an update on the support measures for heartland enterprises under this initiative?

Supporting Heartland Enterprises

Ms Foo Mee Har : Chairman, in today's world, where large retail chains and online shopping platforms dominate the market, our neighborhood shops are facing unprecedented challenges. Yet, these small establishments offer something invaluable that transcends mere commerce – they are the lifelines of our localities. Our heartland enterprises provide a unique social value that nurtures the spirit of our communities. These are places where personal connections are made, where the shopkeepers know your name, family and preferences.

These businesses, often run by families and local entrepreneurs, are deeply rooted in the community. They contribute to the local community, create jobs and frequently offer personalised services that larger stores cannot. Therefore, it is crucial that the Government proactively step in to support these vital community assets.

I applaud the Government in launching various initiatives to energise and support our heartland shops. So, I would like to ask the Minister to share the progress of "Our Heartlands 2025" and "Heartlands Go Digital". These initiatives are crucial in helping our neighborhood shops sharpen their competitive edge and carve out a distinct role for them to thrive in the years to come.

Support for Heartland Enterprises

Mr Saktiandi Supaat (Bishan-Toa Payoh) : Mr Chairman, coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, MTI and Enterprise Singapore launched the "Our Heartlands 2025" initiative to boost the growth and efficiency of our heartland shops which had demonstrated “incredible resilience and mettle to transform and thrive” during the pandemic.

There are a fair number of heartland F&B and retail shops in my constituency of Toa Payoh East, most notably around the Lorong 8 Market and Hawker Centre, and Kim Keat Food Centre. The charm of these open, ground floor establishments cannot be replicated by our shopping malls and complexes, not to mention the convenience that they offer to the seniors living in the neighbourhood.

May I ask the Ministry what are the KPIs to be met in 2025 under the initiative and would the Ministry be able to provide an update on the support measures for heartland enterprises under "Our Heartlands 2025"?

Strengthen Trade Associations

Mr Keith Chua : Mr Chairman, trade associations played a valuable role during COVID-19. These included closely working with the Government and Members, providing input on business realities and proposing ways to ride through the pandemic and to retain jobs.

Historically, trade associations have brought like-minded businesses by sector to work cooperatively, share best practices, improve productivity and, in many instances, to internationalise. Recovery from COVID-19 has been patchy for some sectors and many continue to face the recent challenges of higher costs across many fronts. Tr ade associations will remain relevant, though some sectors may face consolidation while others see opportunities for growth. The broad-based Budget support measures will help many companies.

How will MTI best support trade associations in this challenging phase of global and domestic business disruption? How will MTI approach those sectors and their trade associations that see consolidation but still remain viable?

Uplifting Businesses

Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong : Chairman, in the intricate tapestry of our nation's economy, trade associations and chambers (TACs) stand out as pivotal enablers that bolster the capabilities, reach and resilience of our businesses across various sectors. By offering a platform for advocacy, sharing best practices and facilitating collaborations, TACs play a crucial role in the upliftment and sustainability of businesses, particularly SMEs that form the backbone of our economy. As such, what are we doing to ensure that TACs are sufficiently equipped to play this role effectively?

Plans to Enhance the Manufacturing Sector

Mr Saktiandi Supaat : Mr Chairman, our manufacturing sector is a key part of our Singapore Economy 2030 vision. After all, manufacturing accounts for approximately one-fifth of our annual GDP and around 11% to 14% of jobs in the last 10 years. Our strategy is to attract frontier investments into Singapore to create good manufacturing jobs for Singaporeans. Dyson, Hyundai and GlobalFoundries are just some of the big names that have recently opened or announced plans to open advanced manufacturing plants in Singapore.

However, in the past decade, companies, such as IBM, Coca Cola and display maker AU Optronics, have closed their multi-million-dollar manufacturing facilities here as well. Being a country with natural resource constraints, our higher land, labour and transport costs make it challenging for global manufacturers. We do not want to draw a manufacturing giant in only to lose them five to 10 years later to cheap countries which have caught up in technology and know-how. Can the Government share more about its plans to enhance the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector, keep them here, and how our local companies can benefit from these plans?

Transformation of the Marine Offshore Sector

Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong : Chairman, the marine and offshore engineering sector has long been a cornerstone of our nation's industrial landscape, contributing significantly to our economic development and global trade capabilities. However, in the face of evolving global energy demands, technological advancements and the urgency for sustainability, there is a pressing need to transform and future-proof this vital sector. As such, can the Government share more on how the industry transformation plans to assist the marine and offshore engineering sector?

Revitalisation of Tourism

Mr Neil Parekh Nimil Rajnikant : Chairman, the tourism industry is vital for our economy. As a key pillar of our economy, the tourism industry, besides creating jobs and opportunities for our citizens, also enhances our international brand as a global business hub with a vibrant lifestyle.

The pandemic had impacted tourism flows across the world and also affected Singapore. However, with support from the Singapore Tourism Board, tourism receipts have bounced back to an estimated $14 billion in 2023. As we move into a new world after the pandemic, it remains crucial for Singapore to continue to capture the tourism market.

In 2022, MTI announced that the Government had earmarked half a billion dollars to support tourism recovery. Can MTI please provide an update on the tourism revitalisation efforts? What will MTI do to ensure that Singapore remains an attractive tourist destination amidst growing global competition?

Support Firms and Creatives to Create Value

Ms See Jinli Jean (Nominated Member) : Chairman, taking deliberate steps to infuse Singapore firms with the capabilities of Singapore’s creative professionals in arts, culture, media and design is the game changer that can bring forth an industry renaissance. Like how the advent of the printing press led to unprecedented change, digital technology and AI are initiating new ways to produce and trade. Thus, if technology and AI are the tools that a firm uses to reimagine its operating model, then a creative lens must be what a firm applies to redefine its business model.

To engender the meeting of minds between progressive firms and creative freelancers, I offer three possibilities for the Minister’s consideration.

First, would the Ministry work closely with NTUC’s Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association (VACCPA) and relevant sector agencies to develop and share use cases of when and how firms could tap Singapore's different creative forms to create new value? For instance, retailers could tap freelancers to create novel, virtual shopping experience using 3-D digital asset creation. Economic funding schemes could be expanded to cater for such creative use cases.

Second, could the Ministry expand the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit to cater to creative micro-firms of one to two persons?

Last, could the Ministry facilitate opportunities for creative freelancers to work and learn on international projects supported by the economic agencies? For instance, opportunity could be created for Singaporean freelance lighting designers to augment international touring acts courted to Singapore. Such stints can be underpinned by robust hiring and accreditation and the relevant Tripartite Standards. Freelancers would appreciate the boost to their development and portfolio.

Through these three possibilities, Singapore businesses and creative freelancers can unlock synergies and develop new competitive advantage to stay ahead of change and global competition.

Plans for Creative Economy

Ms Usha Chandradas (Nominated Member) : Mr Chairman, Singapore has a vibrant and flourishing creative economy which includes sectors, such as the arts and culture, media and design. According to the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), in response to a Parliamentary Question filed by me earlier this year, the nominal value added from these three sectors increased by close to 50% over the past five years and the increase was from $7.9 billion in 2017 to $11.7 billion in 2022.

MCCY has also stated that in the coming years, the outlook for the creative economy in Singapore is positive. According to MCCY, while the growth of the sector depends on many factors, there are opportunities for creative practitioners, especially if they are able to capitalise on growing demands and trends. This includes the leveraging of technology and working with regional and international partners to reach audiences beyond Singapore. MCCY also provided assurance that the Government will continue to provide support to help the sector grow by injecting funding, providing skills development opportunities and brokering partnerships with the private sector to open up opportunities for creatives.

Could MTI clarify how much of its own development or other expenditure will be allocated to the growth and development of Singapore's creative economy in the coming financial year? For example, will any significant expenditure be incurred by the Singapore Tourism Board for the promotion of tourist consumption of Singapore arts? Can we expect to see more expenditure in the profiling of Singapore as a premier destination for creative and cultural consumption? We saw this very recently with the Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert and the Government's outreach to Swift's team.

Will EDB and Enterprise Singapore be working on any specific projects or plans in the coming financial year that are related to the development and growth of our creative economy? If there are any specific plans underway related to the creative economy, can the Ministry share the particular areas of focus?

RIE2025 – Singapore's R&D Efforts

Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong : Chairman, R&D fuels the creation of new products, services and processes, enabling businesses to innovate and stay ahead of competition. This continuous innovation is essential for sustaining long-term economic growth, as it leads to the development of unique offerings that meet emerging consumer needs and adapt to changing market conditions. Through R&D, companies and economies can find new methods of production, utilise resources more efficiently and improve operational processes. It also encourages entrepreneurship by providing the knowledge base and technological advancements necessary for the creation of startups. As such, what are some R&D initiatives and sectors that MTI will be focusing on to grow our Singapore economy?

R&D Investments and Priorities

Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo : Mr Chairman, to enhance Singapore's R&D efforts, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced additional investments of $3 billion to the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan (RIE2025) in Budget 2024. The additional funding will go towards research and related investments in national priorities, which include deepening our capability in advanced manufacturing, sustainability, the digital economy and healthcare.

1.30 pm

Can MTI share the progress of the RIE2025 plan since its launch in 2020? What initiatives will MTI be focusing on to build Singapore's innovative capability to grow our economy? How will we grow the talent pool in Singapore to help bring these innovations to market and strengthen the capabilities of our enterprises?

During the Budget debate, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat spoke about the importance of building greater linkages and collaboration at all levels and of the innovation ecosystems. Can more be shared about these innovation ecosystems and the impact for Singapore as an innovation and business hub?

RIE2025

Mr Neil Parekh Nimil Rajnikant : Chairman, science and technology are instrumental to Singapore's survival and success and has helped us overcome the constraints of our small size and somewhat limited resources. The RIE ecosystem remains a cornerstone of Singapore's development into a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy and society.

The RIE's ecosystem is also a key enabler in creating new avenues of growth and raising Singapore's economic competitiveness.

Under the RIE, local enterprises' business expenditure on R&D increased from $1.1 billion in 2010 to $1.6 billion in 2020, while the number of local enterprises involved in research and development grew from approximately 450 to almost 600 now. The recent announcements by Deputy Prime Minister Wong during the 2024 Budget have underscored our Government's commitment to fostering innovation and driving research and development initiatives to propel our economy forward.

A key area of Singapore's research and development efforts would be unlocking new economic opportunities and helping Singapore's economy and businesses transform to remain competitive.

This could include new opportunities in advanced manufacturing, health technology and emerging areas, like AI. R&D can also enable companies' green transition and our push towards greater sustainability. Sir, during the 2024 Budget, the Government announced additional investments to RIE2025 to step up research and development efforts.

My questions for the Ministry are: first, can MTI share some of the research and development initiatives and sectors the Ministry will focus on to grow our economy? Also, how does MTI plan to leverage on research and development to tap into promising growth sectors and facilitate Singapore's transition to a low-carbon economy?

Optimising Our Land Resource

Mr Saktiandi Supaat : Mr Chairman, besides labour, capital and enterprise, land is an important scarce resource for Singapore as a small country.

It is difficult to imagine that the land where Marina Bay Sands (MBS) stands today was all sea until the Marina Bay area was reclaimed from 1992 to 2004. Three months ago, it was announced that we will reclaim and create a new "Long Island" off Singapore's eastern coast, expected to be double the size of Marina Bay.

But our maritime boundaries and our shipping hub status means there is a limit to how much we can claim further land from the sea. Hence, we have been deliberate about allocating scarce land to our competing land needs, through our Concept Plan and Master Plan. In 2021, it was announced that the review of Singapore's long-term land use plans will also need to cater for uncertainties, such as land buffers, which can be quickly converted for contingency uses.

May I ask the Ministry, how does the Government ensure that we have sufficient land for our many competing land needs, such as industrial, housing and recreational needs? How can we optimise our land use and unlock our resource potential?

Energy Transition

Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo : Mr Chairman, Singapore's power sector makes up 40% of our emissions. Singapore has set very ambitious plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

As a small country with limited renewable energy potential, it is challenging to balance delivering sustainable, secure and affordable energy. The Singapore Energy Transition (SET) was launched in 2021 as a blueprint laying out the broad plans for the power sector to decarbonise and help Singapore achieve its climate commitments. The SET involves using natural gas more sustainably, maximising solar deployment, introducing regional power grids and electricity imports; and preparing for deep decarbonisation using hydrogen and emerging low-carbon alternatives.

Can MTI share the progress of Singapore's plans to decarbonise our power sector? Is Singapore making other investments to green our power sectors with sources of low-carbon alternatives?

In Budget 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Wong announced the new Future Energy Fund with an injection of $5 billion to help the nation transition towards cleaner energy sources. What are the key initiatives that will be invested in to catalyse Singapore's transition to clean energy?

Nuclear Fusion

Mr Xie Yao Quan (Jurong) : Chairman, all the energy that powers life on Earth today ultimately comes from the Sun. And so, what if we can replicate that energy production in the core of the Sun, here on Earth?

This, simplistically, is the promise of fusion energy.

I must clarify that nuclear fusion is completely different from nuclear fission. Fusion does not produce the same radioactive waste; does not risk meltdowns; and does not entail dependence on other countries for fuel, such as uranium. Given the advantages of fusion, I hope that when we say we are studying the option of nuclear energy in our future clean energy mix, our bet is weighted towards fusion energy.

And I will go further, to say that while we can and will import clean energy, through regional grids and/or hydrogen, ultimately, energy imports may not be enough and not secure enough for Singapore.

And so, I think we will need domestically produced fusion energy to secure our clean energy future in the long term.

But fusion technology is not yet mature. Furthermore, our net-zero target is 2050 and Deputy Prime Minister Wong has also said that we will take the next 20 years to build our clean energy mix. So, one could argue that we have some time, and should take some time, to decide if we want to adopt fusion. But that is only considering the energy security standpoint.

From an economic standpoint, because fusion does also presents tremendous economic opportunities for Singapore and the world, we actually have a lot less time to decide. And paradoxically, precisely because the technology is not yet mature, we should move fast.

To paraphrase my Jurong colleague, Dr Tan Wu Meng, we can be the first mover or we can find ourselves too late to move. Fusion technology has made major strides in the last two years and the real breakthroughs could come in the next five years with what the industry calls "net energy production".

This will put on track the first utility-scale plants to be constructed in the early-to-mid 2030s. Countries around the world have started to make serious moves in fusion.

The United Kingdom (UK) has announced an additional $1.1 billion equivalent, in additional funding for its fusion programme. President Biden has set a "Decadal Vision" for the US to produce commercial fusion energy by 2032. China has invested more than $1 billion dollars in fusion research and Japan has recently launched the world's biggest experimental fusion reactor.

So, if we start now, there is already catching up to do with the leaders. But if we do it right, Singapore could become the Asia-Pacific manufacturing hub for fusion machines. This would mean a whole suite of new, exciting jobs for Singaporeans – the next generation of fusion scientists, engineers and operators, all designing and making the technology that will power the world in future.

To get there, we need to do three things now.

First, lead and support our universities, research institutes and local SMEs to build capabilities to get into the fusion supply chain, get into the fusion supply chain now for prototypes and pilot plants; second, work with leading countries to design fusion-specific regulations; and third, importantly, we need to feature fusion energy in our 2050 energy roadmap to formally set the ambition for ourselves and to signal to the global fusion community that Singapore wants to be a player and wants to contribute.

On nuclear fusion, we should dream big, start now and signal strong.

Future Energy Fund

Mr Mark Lee : Chairman, the business community welcomes the Government's commitment through the $5 billion Future Energy Fund aimed at bolstering clean energy initiatives. As Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted, transitioning to green energy necessitates substantial investments in infrastructure and technology, supported by Government-led catalytic funding.

Yet several businesses are already pioneering projects to import clean energy into Singapore, such as building a high-voltage subsea cable between Singapore and our neighbour. Given this context, I am seeking clarification is the Government planning to work with these businesses who are engaged in these initiatives and will the Ministry consider leveraging the Future Energy Fund to enhance the financial viability of these ongoing projects?

Addressing Our Energy Constraints

Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui : Mr Chairman, I would speak on addressing our energy constraints while meeting our climate commitments. This is crucial for our economy and environment.

Firstly, it is crucial for our national grid to efficiently integrate diverse energy sources without significant loss during transfer. In addition, it is essential to improve the efficiency of electricity generation, storage and transmission. Hence, what are MTI's plans to modernise our energy grid to efficiently integrate diverse sources of energy and improve overall efficiency? In addition, how will the modernisation of the energy grid be financed and what are the cost implications to consumers and businesses?

Secondly, as we secure our position as a data and AI centre, there will undoubtedly be a need for more energy to run the data centres and chip manufacturing facilities. So, what is MTI's projection of future energy needs to support the growth of our digital economy, especially in the domain of AI?

As the cooling demands in data centres and chip manufacturing facilities contribute significantly to the overall electrical consumption, what measures are being taken to optimise cooling in Singapore? Furthermore, with the escalating temperatures induced by climate change, Singapore faces heightened electricity usage for cooling purposes. I have highlighted in this Chamber – Singapore's strides in developing District Cooling Systems and their advantages. Are there plans to intensify efforts in this domain and cultivate local enterprises to bolster their capabilities in this sector and export this expertise to other global regions?

In Budget 2024, the Government announced an expansion of the Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG). However, we need to evaluate the effectiveness of such programmes.

Earlier this month, I asked a Parliamentary Question on the status of the EEG and the Minister shared that Enterprise Singapore has approved nearly 5,000 applications for the EEG. What is the total projected energy savings from equipment purchases supported by the grant thus far? Also, what is MTI's target for the total energy savings with the expanded EEG?

Furthermore, considering the potential for significant systemic impact, I would like to ask whether there is room for additional upstream energy efficiency grants targeting plants, buildings and districts. Such upstream savings could have substantial benefits to the overall energy conservation efforts.

The $5 billion FEF is a positive step towards cleaner energy. However, it may not suffice for our clean energy transition. Will there be future top-ups or will the fund collaborate with borrowings, such as through the SINGA bonds? How will it catalyse private-sector investments?

As we aim to reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainable growth, our limited access to clean energy stands as a key limiting factor to economic growth. This could impact the real income growth and living standards of Singaporeans. Hence, we must address our clean energy constraints.

Strengthening Consumer Protection

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis (Sengkang) : Despite transformative changes in how consumers engage with businesses, the approach to safeguarding consumer rights in Singapore has not evolved, appearing to maintain a somewhat indifferent stance toward consumer protections.

We only need to look at the many high-profile and recent consumer incidents in Singapore – from the Sentosa Sky Lantern Festival, the abrupt closure of gym franchises, the chronic overbooking of cruises and flights, errant renovation contractors, "lemons" in the used car trade and the unsatisfactory customer service that has become synonymous with certain carsharing and food courier operators. These are just a few of the specific areas which are found wanting when it comes to protecting the interests of consumers.

The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) reported a 24% year-on-year increase in prepayment losses in 2022, with consumers reporting more than $645,000 in losses. In many of these cases, you should not need a consumer association to tell you that businesses cannot just sell subscriptions and then shut down, leaving consumers with no recourse, or that a refund with "platform credits" is not quite the same as cash payments in kind, or that if an airline overbooks and is unable to accommodate your trip, it is solely on them to provide an acceptable alternative to the customers' satisfaction. Moreover, even though many used cars are sold by dealers on a consignment basis, unbeknownst to many consumers, such purchases do not fall under the "lemon law" – ironic, given the prevalence of lemons in the used car industry.

1.45 pm

While the Government has undertaken some initiatives to address unfair trading practices, it falls short of the robust protection framework that a first-world economy like Singapore should have. We need to transform the prevailing mindset of caveat emptor or buyer beware into one where individuals can confidently stand against the might of big business and know that the customer is not always right, but at least we will always be treated fairly.

Enhancing Consumer Protection

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye (Radin Mas) : Chairman, I declare my interest as President of CASE. Price transparency is a core principle that safeguards our consumers and ensures that we make well-informed purchasing decisions.

To address the issue of shrinkflation, where retailers seemingly maintain the price of a product but secretly reduces the portion size, can MTI work with CASE to examine the prevalence of this practice in Singapore and encourage local retailers to deploy unit pricing in-store? Since 1 January 2023, CASE has rolled out unit pricing on more than 6,000 items listed on the Price Kaki app. With MTI's support, CASE is prepared to assist retailers to implement unit pricing.

According to CASE's annual complaint statistics, the number of complaints relating to e-commerce transactions surged by 47% in 2023. The most frequent issues pertain to failure to receive orders within delivery timeframes and failure to receive refunds. This is deeply concerning. We must take urgent actions to better protect our consumers, particularly as purchasing behaviour has shifted and many consumers now rely on e-commerce.

The Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act was last reviewed in 2016, a time when e-commerce had yet to boom in Singapore. I urge MTI to review the Act to account for the evolution in consumers' purchase habits. CASE stands ready to partner MTI on this so that we can all better protect consumers.

The Chairman : Minister Gan Kim Yong.

The Minister for Trade and Industry (Mr Gan Kim Yong) : Chairman, let me first thank Members for their thoughtful comments.

The past few years have been very challenging. As a small and open economy, Singapore felt keenly the impact of uncertainties arising from the pandemic and structural shifts in the global economy. But we did not let this put us down. We pressed on with our transformation journey and helped our businesses turn challenges into opportunities.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced our worst recession since Independence. Our top priority then was to support our companies through this unprecedented crisis and protect jobs for Singaporeans.

Even before the pandemic was over, new challenges surfaced. Global food and energy prices rose sharply due to supply chain disruptions, which then led to global inflation. Interest rates were raised, as central banks around the world sought to counter inflationary pressures. Geopolitical contestation and strategic competition between major powers, such as the US and China intensified. Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East erupted and there is a growing urgency to address climate change.

Amidst these challenges, our economy grew 1.1% in 2023. For 2024, we expect our GDP to grow by between 1% and 3% and inflation to moderate.

Nonetheless, our external environment remains volatile and uncertain, as several Members have pointed out. Many businesses, especially SMEs, are concerned about increased business costs and access to financing. They have also asked for more support to pursue transformation and training to stay competitive and capture new opportunities.

Mr Shawn Huang asked about support for enterprises. We are setting aside $1.3 billion for the Enterprise Support Package to address these near-term challenges. The Package has three components: Corporate Income Tax Rebate to help with cash flow; adjustments to the Enterprise Financing Scheme to help businesses access loan financing; and an extension of the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit to support transformation and skills training efforts.

First, let me explain the Corporate Income Tax Rebate. Companies due for corporate income tax in Year of Assessment 2024 will receive a 50% rebate, subject to a cap of $40,000. To ensure that smaller companies, even those that pay little or no income tax, can also benefit from the rebate, companies that employed at least one local employee in 2023 will receive a minimum cash payout of $2,000. The corporate income tax rebate will benefit many enterprises, especially the SMEs.

Next, we will adjust the Enterprise Financing Scheme (EFS) that facilitates access to loan financing. During the pandemic, we significantly enhanced the EFS to provide stronger support for businesses. We have since reviewed and adjusted the EFS to better suit current business needs. For example, internationalisation plans were significantly disrupted during the pandemic when global markets came to a standstill. To help companies sustain their efforts, we doubled the maximum loan quantum for the EFS-Trade Loan to $10 million and increased the Government's risk-share to 70%.

One company that has used the EFS to internationalise is Apeiron Bioenergy, which produces clean fuel from waste products. The company tapped on the EFS-Trade Loan and EFS-Green to deliver its first contract of used cooking oil, a clean biofuel feedstock to the US market and expand its facilities in Asia and the United Arab Emirates.

As the global markets are still recovering, we will extend the enhanced maximum loan quantum of $10 million for one year until 31 March 2025, but at a 50% risk-sharing. This is in line with Mr Mark Lee's call to support Singapore businesses as they expand overseas.

During the pandemic, we had also expanded the EFS-Project Loan scheme to include domestic construction projects which were badly affected. Most construction projects are now back on schedule and the sector is generally recovering, although some companies are still facing challenges. Hence, we will extend the support for domestic construction projects under EFS-Project Loan (Domestic) by one year until 31 March 2025 to help the industry, but at a lower maximum loan quantum of $15 million instead of $30 million.

In addition, we will permanently increase the maximum loan quantum of the EFS-Working Capital Loan to $500,000. We temporarily increased the cap during the pandemic when businesses were facing severe cash flow constraints. Since then, while cash flow has improved, the working capital needs of SMEs have, in fact, increased, amidst the increased business volumes and costs. Making the higher maximum loan quantum permanent will better support our SMEs.

Since 2020, more than 30,000 enterprises have utilised the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC) to support the training and upgrading of their employees and to pursue enterprise transformation.

This includes Aux Media Group. This is an event and concert organiser. It used SFEC to offset costs of their digital workflow transformation project. The company also used SFEC to send their employees for SkillsFuture training courses, ranging from human resource to drone piloting, to meet the company's needs.

To allow businesses to benefit more from SFEC, we will extend the claims submission deadline by one year to 30 June 2025. We will continue refining our support for enterprises to deepen workforce and enterprise transformation.

Minister of State Low Yen Ling will also speak about additional measures to specifically support our heartland enterprises.

While we tackle near-term challenges, we must continue to invest in our longer-term future and build a resilient and vibrant economy. To achieve this, we need to be GUTC. By GUTC, we mean four strategies: Grow our economy; Unlock our resource potential; Transform our businesses; and Connect to strengthen our status as a global business hub and, therefore, GUTC.

Let me focus on our strategy to grow our Singapore economy, while each of my colleagues will elaborate on the other three strategies.

We will grow our economy through three key thrusts: leveraging our trade networks; promoting investment and the adoption of new technologies; and developing our talent.

First, on leveraging our trade networks. Singapore is well-placed to benefit from growth in our region and beyond. Our extensive connectivity has been and will continue to be our key competitive advantage. Singapore has established a strong reputation as a well-connected, reliable and trusted logistics and transportation hub. Amid shifts in global supply chains, businesses and investors continue to be attracted to Singapore due to our robust infrastructure, pro-business policies and skilled workforce. FDI has grown by over 50%, from $1.9 trillion five years ago, to reach approximately $2.9 trillion as at end of 2023. This trajectory is expected to continue.

To sustain our economic growth, Singapore, as a small economy, cannot afford to turn away from the global market; nor can we have the global market turn away from us.

Mr Liang Eng Hwa, Ms Jessica Tan and Mr Sharael Taha asked what the Government is doing to ensure Singapore will remain competitive and attractive to global investors. For a start, we must expand international and regional connectivity by continuing to strengthen the rules-based trading architecture, to widen our economic space and tap on global opportunities. This will allow us to evolve innovative trade cooperation models across different geographies, enlarge our community of trading partners and establish connections with new markets.

We will continue to deepen cooperation with our global partners to grow trade and attract investments. We will engage our partners through current platforms, like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, as well as via bilateral partnerships, like the US-Singapore Partnership for Growth and Innovation, China-Singapore FTA and the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable.

Closer to home, the Southeast Asian region is projected to grow more quickly than the global economy over the next five years.

Within ASEAN, trade in goods grew by about 30% from US$645 billion in 2018 to US$857 billion in 2022. ASEAN, as a grouping, is also strengthening external relations with our partners. Under Indonesia's Chairmanship last year, ASEAN concluded negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA. We are currently negotiating an FTA with Canada, as well as upgrading and reviewing ASEAN's Agreements with China and India.

We have also stepped up cooperation with our immediate neighbours. For example, we are exploring the establishment of a Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone to bolster our economic cooperation with Malaysia and Johor. We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in January this year and agreed to work towards improving cross-border flows in goods, people and investments.

Mr Liang Eng Hwa, Ms Foo Mee Har and Mr Neil Parekh asked how MTI intends to capture future growth opportunities.

First, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Wong, we will enhance our investment promotion toolkit by introducing a new Refundable Investment Credit (RIC). This is a tax credit with a refundable cash feature. RIC will support qualified firms in developing high-value and substantive economic activities in Singapore, such as the setting up of manufacturing facilities or an expansion of these facilities, commodity trading, R&D and innovation as well as decarbonisation activities.

2.00 pm

As pointed out by Ms Mariam Jaafar, the RIC will bolster our competitiveness in attracting and anchoring quality investments to create more opportunities and good jobs for Singaporeans.

We will also help our companies ride the global wave of technological advancement and pursue opportunities in new growth areas, such as advanced manufacturing, AI and sustainability. By being early movers and adopters, we can sharpen our companies' competitive edge, capture the rapid growth of these new markets and develop world-leading enterprises.

Manufacturing is a key pillar of our economy. As Mr Saktiandi Supaat has noted, it contributes about one-fifth of our GDP and employs about one-eighth of our workforce. We will double down on our strengths in robotics and automation to target high-value opportunities in advanced manufacturing and secure new growth pathways.

In the biomedical sciences sector for example, the nascent field of Precision Medicine has strong growth potential, with a global market size of US$74 billion in 2022, which is expected to grow at an average rate of 11.5% a year up to 2030. We will identify and nurture potential promising local startups, with the potential to develop cutting-edge solutions.

One such company, Engine Biosciences, has developed a proprietary platform which uses AI, machine learning and gene editing to discover gene interactions to yield promising new therapies. Engine Biosciences is currently in the pre-clinical stage and intends to leverage its R&D base in Singapore to expand into the international market.

The unprecedented growth of AI will accelerate in the coming years, with its market size projected to rocket from US$150 billion in 2023 to US$1.35 trillion in 2030. We must stay abreast of these developments and ensure that our businesses can reap the AI dividend. We will take both a company and sectoral approach to drive AI adoption. We will partner 100 companies to build internal AI capabilities, develop and adopt AI solutions. We hope that each of these companies will become a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for AI in its own right.

We will also set up sectoral AI CoEs to address sector-wide use cases and build domain-specific capabilities. As a start, A*STAR will launch a manufacturing sector AI CoE by the end of this year. The CoE will convene stakeholders from industry, research and the startup scene to develop AI-enabled solutions that addresses use cases in the manufacturing sector.

We will learn from this pilot and study how we might expand the same thing to the other sectors. The transition to a low-carbon and sustainable economy will also present new green growth opportunities. For instance, we have established a vibrant carbon services and trading ecosystem to take advantage of the growth in the global carbon market.

There are also opportunities to develop sustainable products, such as biofuels, Sustainable Aviation Fuel and green chemicals, which support our green growth objectives. For example, Neste expanded its biorefinery in Singapore in 2023, making us the world's largest producer of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. In addition, chemicals company Arkema has built its bio-factory on Jurong Island to produce high-performance polymers made from sustainable materials.

We are also working closely with the marine and offshore engineering (M&OE) sector to ensure that it is productive, globally competitive and well-positioned to leverage new growth opportunities. This requires the sector to rethink its operating model, pivot to higher-skilled, higher-value activities and reduce its reliance on foreign manpower. To catalyse this shift, we will adjust the marine shipyard sector's concessionary Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC), from a ratio of 3.5:1 to 3:1 in 2026. We will monitor developments in the sector before making further adjustments.

We will also proceed with the increase in foreign worker levies announced in 2013, but deferred in view of the M&OE downturn and COVID-19 pandemic. These moves will be discussed further in MOM's COS segment, as part of the Government's broader manpower strategy.

We recognise that transformation, while necessary, is never easy. We will thus provide the M&OE Support Package, totalling around $100 million over the next five years – to help companies transform, uplift our workers and position the M&OE sector for new growth opportunities. This will enable us to become a globally impactful and thriving hub that can deliver sustainable solutions in an M&OE value chain.

One growth opportunity that we are exploring is offshore wind, with a global market which is projected to grow rapidly at an average rate of 22% per year until 2030. Some companies have already embarked on this journey, such as Seatrium, which is working on several large offshore wind projects. We will identify and capture opportunities along the value chain and anchor them in Singapore.

One promising local startup is BeeX, which designs, builds and deploys hovering autonomous underwater vehicles (HAUVs) to conduct inspections of offshore windfarms. BeeX built its first HAUV with a $500,000 Startup SG Tech grant. Its solutions have been validated internationally and it is currently working on a high-specification, second-generation HAUV+.

I have outlined our plans to continue attracting quality investments into Singapore. We will also support enterprise collaborations and invest in our innovation ecosystem. First, Ms Foo Mee Har, Mr Mark Lee and Mr Edward Chia will be happy to know that we will enhance the Partnerships for Capability Transformation scheme, or PACT scheme.

Today, the scheme encourages partnerships between larger and smaller enterprises, between MNCs, large local enterprises (LLEs) and the SMEs, on supplier development and co-innovation. Going forward, we will expand PACT to more industries and modalities, including capability training, internationalisation and corporate venturing.

Allow me to share a few examples of collaborations facilitated by PACT. GlobalFoundries was able to work closely with its supplier, Forefront AM, to scale up its capability in additive manufacturing, so that it can repair some of GlobalFoundries' high-value semiconductor manufacturing tools. Another example is SATS, which has organised capacity building workshops with PACT support, to help its SME suppliers understand and track their carbon emissions. SATS also intends to encourage its suppliers to embark on decarbonisation initiatives.

We aim to facilitate 100 new PACT partnerships over the next five years. This will provide more opportunities for SMEs to level up their capabilities, enhance their competitiveness and plug into global and regional value chains.

We will also invest in innovation efforts, including upstream research, translation and commercialisation. Since its launch in 2016, the Startup SG Equity Scheme has catalysed over $2.3 billion in private-sector funding for over 230 Singapore-based startups, including in new growth areas, such as advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and biologics or pharmbio, medical technology or medtech, and agriculture-food technology or agri-food tech. And we are working on further enhancements to the Startup SG Equity Scheme and will announce details later this year.

Third, while we will need to continue tapping on global talent to complement our local workforce to grow our economy, we will redouble our efforts to strengthen our local talent pool, so that Singaporeans can benefit from this growth. As Mr Liang commented, amidst this intensifying global competition for leadership talent, we will have to ensure that our companies have access to a pipeline of Singaporean corporate leaders in line with recommendations from the Forward SG consultation.

We will introduce a new initiative, the Global Business Leaders Programme (GBLP), to support companies in sending their Singaporean middle to senior managers with leadership potential, for overseas postings and other developmental opportunities. GBLP participants will be inducted as Singapore Leaders Network Fellows, where they will receive mentoring and grow their professional networks.

The GBLP will support companies in their regionalisation efforts and in growing a pipeline of Singaporean corporate leaders who can take their businesses to new heights. This will complement MOM's local workforce development efforts to support career resilience, better career health and longer career trajectories for all levels of workers.

Sir, in summary, I spoke about providing near-term support to our enterprises via the Enterprise Support Package, to help them address immediate challenges. And at the same time we need to invest in our longer-term future and drive economic growth. We can achieve this by leveraging our trade networks, spearheading the adoption of new technologies and developing our talent.

Economic transformation has always been a key priority for us. Deputy Prime Minister Heng earlier underlined the importance of transformation in our growth journey. Indeed, transformation is the constant in this fast-changing world. We must remain agile and continue to grow our economy by seizing new opportunities, making ourselves ever more productive, innovative and competitive.

While there will still be uncertainties and challenges in the future, if all of us work together as Team Singapore – with workers, businesses, trade associations and chambers and unions each playing our part, we can remain relevant on the global stage and enhance our heft. We can seize new opportunities for growth, improve the lives of all Singaporeans and build our shared future together. [ Applause. ]

Mr Chairman : Dr Tan See Leng.

The Second Minister for Trade and Industry (Dr Tan See Leng) : Mr Chairman, Singapore is a small nation with limited resource endowments. Despite so, we have grown to become a leading global city that we are today. But to sustain this growth, we will need to maximise our resource potential and turn these potentials into the next bound of success.

My speech today would touch on how we can continue to push boundaries, to unlock our resource potential and to bring in new opportunities in four areas: first, energy and carbon; second, research and development ; third, manpower; and last but not least, land.

First, on energy and carbon. Climate change poses an asymmetric, long-term challenge to all countries across the globe. As a low-lying island-state, Singapore is disproportionately impacted by climate change. Our resource constraints are more stark compared to many other countries, which makes decarbonisation even more challenging.

But even so, we firmly believe that Singapore can rise above these constraints and achieve and thrive in a net-zero future. Today, I will share more about our efforts to invest in new decarbonisation pathways, while ensuring a stable power system.

First and foremost, a stable electricity market along with a reliable and secure power system must be the foundation upon which we advance Singapore's energy transition. Over the past year, the Energy Market Authority (EMA), has implemented guardrails to strengthen our electricity market structure and reduce market volatility. These include: one, introducing a centralised process to facilitate and guide private investments in new generation capacities; two, placing more stringent regulatory requirements on electricity retailers to better protect consumers; and three, implementing a Temporary Price Cap mechanism to mitigate extreme price volatilities in the wholesale electricity market.

2.15 pm

This year, we will also centralise the procurement of natural gas to ensure longer-term fuel adequacy for our power plants. Alongside a stable electricity market, we need a reliable grid. Mr Edward Chia asked whether our power grid is robust enough to integrate diverse energy sources. While largely fueled by natural gas, our grid today already takes in other energy sources, such as solar power and waste-to-energy, while maintaining high grid reliability. Over the next few decades, we expect more diverse energy sources to enter our grid and we are upgrading our grid management systems in preparation for this.

Looking ahead, we expect electricity demand to grow with increasing digitalisation, economic growth and electrification, as Mr Edward Chia mentioned. EMA works closely with agencies to ensure that we have sufficient capacity to meet this demand. That is why we have launched tenders for new generation capacity in the form of greener and more energy-efficient power plants. EMA recently awarded YTL Power Seraya the right to build, own and operate a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT). This CCGT will have a carbon intensity 10% lower than that of existing CCGTs in the system. It will be the third CCGT to be built that can run on hydrogen, which is a potential low-carbon fuel and will be up by 2028. This is in addition to Keppel's and Sembcorp's hydrogen-ready plants which are currently under construction.

Singapore's energy transition will be a multi-decade journey. In the meantime, natural gas will still play an important role over the next one to two decades. SLNG is, therefore, developing a second Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal to meet our gas needs and to strengthen our energy security.

While natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel, we have to green our power supplies if we want to achieve our net-zero commitments. We are working on realising low-carbon electricity import projects and studying low-carbon energy alternatives, such as hydrogen and ammonia. Ms Jessica Tan would be glad to know that we have made good progress. For low-carbon electricity imports, our target is to import up to four gigawatts (GWs) of low-carbon electricity by 2035, making up around 30% of Singapore's electricity supply then.

To Mr Edward Chia's question, we are on track to achieve this target. Last year, EMA granted Conditional Approvals to import up to 4.2 GW of low-carbon electricity from Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Companies are currently conducting feasibility studies and securing regulatory approvals from source and transit countries. When realised, these projects will also form the building blocks of an ASEAN Power Grid.

We are also studying the potential of various other low-carbon energy sources. For hydrogen, we will start with a small-scale pathfinder project to test and to deploy a direct ammonia combustion power plant, alongside ammonia bunkering. The Request for Proposal (RFP) to select a lead developer for this project is ongoing and we will close this later this month.

Geothermal is another potential energy source that we are studying. We will be conducting a nationwide non-invasive geophysical study to assess Singapore's deep geothermal resource potential for power generation. EMA is evaluating the RFP proposals and we will also announce the award soon.

Advanced nuclear energy technologies and fusion energy are also potential game-changers. We engage international organisations widely and countries with deep capabilities in nuclear energy to broaden our understanding of advanced nuclear energy technologies, including Small Modular Reactors. This is so that we can assess the suitability of these technologies for Singapore, once they are proven to be safe and viable.

Mr Xie Yao Quan spoke about the potential of the energy from the sun – fusion energy. While there have been significant breakthroughs in the fusion energy space in recent years, there still remain engineering challenges. Beyond the fact that there are no demonstrator plants today that can generate electricity, there are also other challenges, including the low global supply of tritium, which is an important fuel for fusion. As such, there is a big difference in opinions among experts on when fusion can be commercialised safely.

We are also keeping a close watch on the development of fusion energy and we are collaborating with overseas research entities to build up capabilities in this field. We will continue to identify capabilities in our local ecosystem that are fusion-relevant and where we could potentially play a role in the fusion supply chain.

At the same time, R&D investments, such as those under the Low Carbon Energy Research, or LCER Programme, can help us realise the potential of low-carbon alternatives and support efforts to expand the range of technological solutions suited for Singapore.

The Directed Hydrogen Programme under the LCER Programme supports research into technologies that can help Singapore import and use hydrogen safely and economically. I am pleased to announce that we will be awarding around $43 million to support six research projects. These projects collectively seek to address key challenges that Singapore faces in deploying hydrogen in areas, such as energy efficiency, durability and safety.

Beyond hydrogen, we also want to support research into emerging technologies with the potential to sprout into needle moving solutions. As part of the inaugural Emerging Technology Grant Call, we will award around $12 million to support 10 research projects, which span a range of low-carbon technology pathways, such as energy harvesting.

Lastly, our close relationships with International Organisations help us to build capabilities to accelerate energy transition. Last month, we announced the establishment of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Regional Centre in Singapore. This Centre is the IEA's first office outside of its headquarters in Paris and is also Singapore's first energy-focused international organisation. The Centre will provide technical advice and policy support to governments and regional bodies to accelerate the energy transition, for example, through scaling up the deployment of renewable energy and other clean energy technologies. We expect the Centre to be operational by the end of this year.

Members, I have spoken at length on our plans to transition and decarbonise our power sector. Despite our lack of indigenous renewable energy resources, Singapore must still embark on the energy transition to stay relevant in a world that is moving towards net-zero. I am glad that several businesses are already pioneering such clean energy projects, as Mr Mark Lee pointed out earlier.

But to decarbonise, we will need to deploy clean energy at scale. This will likely involve nascent technologies, come with significant commercial and geopolitical risks, or require high upfront capital expenditures. All these would require substantial investment from governments and companies alike.

The International Renewable Energy Agency earlier estimated that the world would require an estimated US$150 trillion worth of investments across all energy transition technologies to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

In instances where projects are of strategic value to Singapore's decarbonisation journey, the Government will provide support to catalyse the development of such projects. This will help Singapore secure reliable and cleaner energy supply, at the scale and speed required to meet our climate goals.

It is with this in mind that the Government will set up the new Future Energy Fund, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The Fund can support the infrastructure investments we need to deploy low-carbon technologies, such as for hydrogen, when they are viable.

And we need to start saving for these investments now. We will establish the Fund within EMA, with an initial injection of $5 billion and we will make legislative amendments to establish the Future Energy Fund later this year.

Mr Edward Chia asked if we would need to top up the Fund further. We will do so when our fiscal space allows for it and depending on our development plans for the energy transition. The path ahead is not straightforward and we will need to adapt and be nimble when circumstances change. But rest assured that the Government will take great care in charting our energy transition, to ensure that even as we decarbonise, we maintain our energy security and we will remain cost-competitive. In particular, we are mindful of the potential impact of energy transition on electricity prices.

I would like to assure households and businesses that we will do our utmost best to calibrate the trajectory of our energy transition and its impact on electricity prices. We will also continue supporting our lower- and middle-income households to mitigate the impact that the transition will have on electricity costs and we will continue helping our businesses reduce energy consumption, improve energy efficiency and, in turn, lower their energy costs.

Members, other than the power sector, our industrial processes also contribute a significant portion of Singapore's emissions. We will need to actively pursue pathways to decarbonise our industrial processes.

As mentioned by Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean in Prime Minister's Office's COS, one such pathway we are developing is carbon capture and storage (CCS). CCS involves the capture of emissions from point sources, such as chemical plants or power plants. The carbon dioxide is then transported to suitable geological formations where they are injected and stored deep underground.

We have been engaging companies interested to pursue CCS. Today, I would like to share that the Government will be working with S Hub, an industry consortium comprising ExxonMobil and Shell, to study the viability of developing a cross-border CCS project capturing emissions from Singapore. The Government will work with S Hub to evaluate the techno-economic feasibility of aggregating emissions from Singapore and collaborate with regional partners to study potential carbon dioxide storage sites.

We are keen to work with like-minded partners to make cross-border CCS projects a reality and realise the potential of our entire region as a CCS hub. Singapore recently signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) on Cross-Border CCS with Indonesia. Under the LOI, both countries will set up a workgroup to advance CCS cooperation between Singapore and Indonesia.

Moving on to R&D. Continued investment in R&D is critical in ensuring that we maintain our edge and competitiveness in other areas. As mentioned in the Budget speech, the Government will invest an additional S$3 billion to our RIE2025 efforts to keep up our momentum in research.

To Ms Jessica Tan's, Mr Shawn Huang's and Mr Neil Parekh's questions, MTI will double down on our efforts to support R&D investments, particularly in deep tech R&D for critical and novel technologies. Deep tech typically requires a long development in commercialisation period due to the extent of tech validation and the risks involved. Investments in deep tech would enable us to entrench R&D that diversifies our economy by growing new industry clusters, thereby generating new economic opportunities for Singapore, propelling us towards innovation-led growth.

We are creating new R&D translation platforms and providing additional resourcing to catalyse four key sectors.

First, A*STAR will establish a National Semiconductor Translation and Innovation Centre (NSTIC) at a budget of about $180 million to foster collaboration and boost R&D translation outcomes in the areas of flat optics and silicon photonics, both of which are emerging areas relying on semiconductor fabrication technologies. Semiconductor is a sector with significant barriers to entry due to high investment costs, with clean rooms and machines that can cost millions of dollars. NSTIC aims to help companies and researchers overcome this by providing them access to semiconductor infrastructure and supporting prototyping and small volume manufacturing.

I recently visited MetaOptics Technologies, a local startup that designs and fabricates flat lens and optical devices. These flat lenses are hundred of times thinner than a human hair, allowing for size reduction for devices like optical sensors and cameras. MetaOptics intends to leverage NSTIC's research expertise and fabrication services to make devices locally, instead of having to outsource to overseas foundries which have higher costs and longer turnaround times. MetaOptics is also being supported by two scientists seconded to the company from A*STAR, through its Technology for Enterprise Capability Upgrading Programme (T-Up), which Mr Desmond Choo asked about earlier.

Second, A*STAR has launched a $97-million Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative (NATi) to position Singapore as the regional node for research, clinical translation and commercialisation of RNA drugs and vaccines.

2.30 pm

Most of us would have heard about RNA vaccines during COVID-19. Singapore has actually been developing capabilities in RNA research over the years through sustained investments in biomedical research and development. Through NATi, Singapore will accelerate the development of RNA drugs and vaccines and grow our RNA manufacturing capabilities. We currently have at least 10 local SMEs across the value chain for RNA therapeutics, and NATi will support and grow more local SMEs and startups and attract more companies here.

Third, A*STAR will launch MedTech Catapult – a $38 million initiative to accelerate the development of novel Life Science Tools and Medical Devices, by working with companies and product owners to translate research into commercial products.

This initiative will help intermediaries, like local contract manufacturing organisations, to move up the value chain so that they can not only manufacture but also develop their own MedTech product design and capabilities. Through MedTech Catapult, we also aim to train and upskill product engineers who can then go on to serve in the industry.

Fourth, a new tranche of about $60 million funding will be provided to the National Robotics Programme (NRP).

Started in 2016, the NRP has delivered good outcomes, such as the development of the Robotics Middleware Framework, which enables different brands of robots to work seamlessly with each other by standardising communications and de-conflicting navigation routes.

Moving forward, the NRP will step up translation of our robotics research and development capabilities, particularly in sectors, such as manufacturing, logistics, facilities management and healthcare. It will do this through “RoboClusters”, bringing together public sector researchers, end-users and robotics companies to foster collaborations and co-development of solutions with economic potential. NRP will also help to accelerate the growth of promising Singapore-based robotics SMEs and startups.

Ms Jessica Tan asked how MTI will grow the talent pool in research and development .

Together, the four platforms that I just mentioned are expected to train over 200 specialised research talent, such as product and robotics engineers and research scientists. They will also deliver more than 75 projects and licence out over 40 technologies, amongst other outcomes. All these will contribute to the development of an open and inclusive ecosystem where research, innovation and enterprise can come together to create commercially meaningful outcomes for businesses and help our industry partners to scale-up.

Third, on my pet topic, manpower. We need to strengthen our workforce competitiveness in tandem with our economic competitiveness. As Minister Gan shared earlier, we are committed to creating good opportunities for Singaporeans as we grow our economy. To empower Singaporeans to seize these opportunities, our workforce will need to be equipped with the relevant skillsets.

So stay tuned, I will share more details in my MOM COS speech on MOM's plans to support workers at all levels to enhance their employability, strengthen their career health and acquire overseas work experience; and how the Global Business Leaders Programme, as mentioned earlier by Minister Gan, will support Singaporean middle to senior managers with leadership potential to acquire the relevant overseas work experience and leadership skills to become corporate leaders.

This will complement the bilateral manpower programmes MTI is developing with Indonesia and Vietnam. When launched, the Tech:X programme with Indonesia and Innovation Talent Exchange (ITX) programme with Vietnam will allow Singaporeans to pursue work stints in the areas of technology and innovation in Indonesia or Vietnam respectively, and vice versa. This will support our companies and Singaporeans to tap on exciting opportunities in our fast-growing region.

Finally, on optimising our scarce land resource. Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked about the Government's efforts in ensuring that we have sufficient land to meet our competing industrial, housing and recreational needs. The Ministry of National Development will share more on the Government's master-planning process and how we balance across competing land use needs.

In planning for industrial estates, the JTC Corporation seeks to optimise industrial land usage through land intensification and recycling, as well as the siting of industrial uses within mixed-use districts near to housing and recreational facilities. Our upcoming new industrial districts like Punggol Digital District (PDD) and Jurong Innovation District (JID) are designed to embody this philosophy.

PDD will house the new Singapore Institute of Technology campus alongside digital tech companies to create opportunities for applied learning and to build a robust pipeline of local technological talent. One of PDD's anchor tenants is United Overseas Bank, which will be building its 300,000 square foot global technology and innovation centre to house around 3,000 technological talents. JID supports Singapore's Manufacturing 2030 ambition to become a global business, innovation and talent hub for advanced manufacturing.

The anchoring of companies alongside A*STAR's Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC), which has collaborations with about 100 industry players – inclusive of Government agencies, research institutes and academia; will help to accelerate innovations to create an advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

JTC will also rejuvenate key industrial estates in Sungei Kadut, Ang Mo Kio and Kallang-Kolam Ayer. JTC's tenants can look forward to smarter and more sustainable facilities and infrastructure. Suitable existing buildings and structures will also be identified for potential adaptive reuse and will serve as activity nodes for workers and the surrounding community. More details will be provided within the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA's) Draft Master Plan 2025.

Mr Chairman, to conclude. I spoke about how we would unlock potential in the areas of energy and carbon, research and development , land and manpower. That said, the path forward would not be easy. In fact, it has never been easy for a resource-constrained nation like Singapore. But as the Chinese saying goes, "时势造英雄", which translates to "tough times create not just heroes, but also heroines".

That has been our story. We were small, with no natural resource endowment. But together, our people managed to make it work, by carefully optimising whatever resources we have coupled with human ingenuity and innovation. With good planning and strong support from businesses and Singaporeans, I am confident we can and we will be able to unlock our resource potential to strive for the next bound of growth. Only through this way, our businesses can continue to stay competitive, keep our edge and bring more opportunities and benefits to Singapore and Singaporeans for many more decades to come.

The Chairman : Minister of State Low Yen Ling.

The Minister of State for Trade and Industry (Ms Low Yen Ling) : Chairman, the world we face today is vastly different from what it used to be. Earlier, Minister Gan Kim Yong shared how the global uncertainties have strained our small and open economy. It is no longer business as usual. Change, continual transformation and innovation form the present order of things.

To thrive in the new normal, we need a positive mindset to embrace transformation. Change is always challenging. We know that. However, if you recall, during the COVID-19 pandemic, our businesses managed to overcome the resistance to change, including the heartland enterprises. I will touch on that later.

Our enterprises have shown the ability to transform to secure a better future. I want to assure all the Members that MTI and our economic agencies, the Government is committed to supporting our businesses' transformation journey for the long haul.

Today, I will elaborate on how the Government is ramping up critical support for companies to transform and thrive. As highlighted earlier by Mr Shawn Huang, we are determined to help businesses seize fresh opportunities in new growth areas, such as sustainability and digitalisation.

I will also delve into how, for instance, we will drive sectoral transformation for the M&OE industry as mentioned by Minister Gan Kim Yong earlier; and continue the momentum of positive change in our heartland enterprises. I will also share how the Government will help accelerate the green transition of our Singapore enterprises to benefit and to future-proof our business.

In addition, I will touch on how we will help companies capture emerging digital opportunities for their next bound of growth. Finally, I will update you all on how we will deepen our partnerships with TACs, as mentioned by many Members in their cuts, to drive industry transformation plans and efforts.

Sir, to help Singapore companies and our industries future-proof themselves and transform, the Government has rolled out 23 Industry Transformation Maps (ITMs) and refreshed the plans for 2025. These efforts cover strategic areas such as innovation, digitalisation, jobs and skills, internationalisation, productivity and sustainability. Many sectors have shown progress in their roadmap and we will not let up our efforts to support their transformation.

The M&OE sector, as Minister Gan has mentioned earlier, is undergoing substantial changes. I agree with Mr Shawn Huang that this traditionally labour-intensive sector will need to transform to stay competitive. To this end, we aim to turbocharge the M&OE sector to capture emerging opportunities in areas, like offshore wind and maritime decarbonisation.

Today, several trailblazers in the sector have pivoted their businesses to serve in these growing markets that I mentioned.

I will give you a quick example. One company that really stands out for raising their green capabilities is Penguin International. Now, this is a homegrown shipbuilder, homegrown ship owner and one of the world's largest aluminium shipbuilders. Penguin International has spent the past few years future-proofing themselves, building up their in-house capabilities in designing, constructing and operating green vessels. Currently, the company is working with Shell to build and operate three electric ferries.

These eco-friendly ferries are expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 6,000 tonnes annually. How much is 6,000 tonnes? This is comparable to the environmental impact of roughly 18,000 one-way road trips from Singapore to Bangkok. That is the impact of three electric ferries.

In the next five years, MTI will support the M&OE industry's transformation with a $100-million Support Package for enterprise and workforce transformation. Companies can raise their productivity with funding support from the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) and also strengthen their new capabilities with the help of the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG).

Besides offering near-term transitional support for M&OE companies to fulfil their pre-committed contract deliveries, we will refresh the M&OE Industry Digital Plan to encourage greater adoption of sector-specific productivity-boosting digital solutions as well. To equip our M&OE workers for the future, Workforce Singapore and Enterprise Singapore will work together and develop an M&OE Jobs Transformation Map that charts emerging career pathways and highlights capability-building opportunities.

In addition, new career opportunities are being identified. The Association of Singapore Marine and Offshore Energy Industries (ASMI), Workforce Singapore and Enterprise Singapore will work together and launch the Marine Digitalisation Champion Programme later this year.

This will equip Singaporeans with fresh digital skills for higher-value work in the M&OE sector. Furthermore, Workforce Singapore will expand its Career Conversion Programme to include offshore wind to develop local, mid-career talents for offshore wind farm development and operations.

Crucially, we will lay the foundation for a strong talent pipeline by nurturing interest in M&OE careers amongst our youth. MTI will work closely with the industry and ASMI to enhance the sector's attractiveness and encourage more M&OE companies to offer industry scholarships.

I am glad that together with our agencies, ASMI has developed a new Industry Plan that sets out the strategies to enable the businesses to seize new green growth opportunities and get equipped for longer-term transformation. ASMI will share their plans in the next few months.

Sir, over in the heartlands, we are see encouraging signs of growing business transformation. Ms Foo Mee Har, Mr Saktiandi Supaat and Mr Shawn Huang they spoke very passionately about this topic. I want to assure them that our heartland enterprises are making good progress in digitalisation and retail innovation.

Today, more than 17,000 heartland enterprises have adopted e-payment solutions. More than nine in 10. Today, more than 12,000 heartland enterprises now have online presence, about two-third. Those who have embraced digital transformation have gained a bigger customer base, beyond their neighbourhoods, beyond footfall, to even online customers and some shops have even attracted overseas customers as well.

2.45 pm

Bee Choo Origin, a hair product company that started in Ang Mo Kio as a hair salon in 2007, is a good example. Its owner, Mdm Cheah Bee Chew, who began as a home-based hairdresser, grew her humble salon into a global hair treatment company. It began selling its products online in 2020, again due to COVID-19, and then saw their revenue rise by 25% in just three years. Today, Bee Choo Origin has 170 stores spanning 11 markets and is entering its next lap of growth under the leadership of Mdm Cheah's 34-year-old daughter, Estee.

The retail sector is evolving rapidly, with the growth of technology, e-commerce and fast-changing consumer preferences. The Government is committed to supporting the retail sector and businesses to transform, innovate and capture opportunities.

I think Members will remember last year, during the MTI-COS debate, I announced the Sprout@AMK initiative – the Chinese name is 宏茂桥创新天地, or to introduce fresh retail concepts to heartlanders in Ang Mo Kio Town Centre. I am happy to share that these novel retail kiosks will be rolled out very soon.

Alongside this, we also welcome the first batch of retailers under the Heartland Innovation and Transformation (HIT) Programme, or 创新在邻里计划, who will be unveiling their products in Ang Mo Kio.

I am very heartened that some of these retailers from these new waves of shops have come up with concepts and innovative products for better health and well-being to meet the needs of the society. I thought I would give Members a preview of some of these novel concepts. Every year, I will bring something representing the heartland enterprises. For example, this fun puzzle. This company is called Project Enigma, and they use 3D printing to produce this puzzle and many other puzzles as well as toys to improve people's learning and health. Besides their retail kiosk in Ang Mo Kio, Project Enigma has started a puzzle museum and library at Henderson Community Club (CC) and it is also running community workshops. So, they do not just confine their presence to their shop. They went out beyond that to the CCs to do events to raise awareness.

My MTI colleagues have placed many of their interesting puzzles and toys in the Members' room because we are keenly aware that after one whole week of Budget and COS debates, Members might want to tinker with this and exercise different parts of your brain muscles.

Another interesting example is Tea Dojo. Now, let me show Members. Tea Dojo offers freshly brewed, healthier, syrup-free bubble tea. I alerted Minister Ong Ye Kung and the Health Promotion Board that I am going to do this. The nutri grade of this oolong tea, the peach oolong tea, is grade A. Today, we brought three flavours: peach oolong as well as grape boba, and the third flavour is mango pomelo. We have prepared many of these drinks and after we have the clarification time, we can all have our break soon and Members can choose from any of the three flavours.

Mr Chairman, you work very hard. I have set aside two cups for you in your office and, if you need more, you can let us know.

So, this is our freshly brewed, healthier, syrup-free bubble tea made from a specially invented tea machine. Many of our heartland enterprises are coming up with novel concepts, business models and revenue models.

Besides the retail transformation in Ang Mo Kio, we will pilot two heartland rejuvenation projects in Bukit Gombak and Tampines West. Bukit Gombak Neighbourhood Centre will be turned into a Modern Heritage Heartland Hub or 邻里特色文化基地. From 5 to 7 April next month, Bukit Gombak will hold the Rasa Gombak Day Out, a first of its kind festival that will showcase the history and heritage of the popular neighbourhood centre. Over at the other side of the island, Tampines West Neighbourhood Centre will be transformed into a Heartland Events Hub, or 新兴社区活动站.

Last October, Tampines West Merchant Association worked with the Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) to organise Wunderground. This was a pop-up event featuring collaborations between urban city lifestyle brands. The event at the heartlands attracted more than 30,000 visitors in just 10 days, an average of 3,000 a day. Residents can look forward to more such events in the future.

In the past three years, we have ramped up our efforts to transform and to revitalise the heartlands. We supported the Federation of Merchant Associations Singapore (FMAS) and Heartland Enterprise Centre Singapore (HECS) to hold more than 60 placemaking activities all over Singapore in different neighbourhood centres, including the three successful runs of the Heartland Festival.

Through these campaigns, businesses have reported a one-third increase in footfall and a 20% increase in sales. Collectively, this initiative strengthens each precinct's identity and allows businesses to differentiate their products and also enhance their value proposition.

On the ground, we are glad that heartland shops and merchants are stepping up with fresh ideas to co-curate events to make our neighbourhoods more exciting and vibrant. For example, Bold at Work is a co-working space provider and a youth engagement consultant in Jurong East. They turned parking lots in Yuhua into an interesting space for live music performance, carnival games and workshop. That, in turn, drew a lot of people to that whole place, also catalysing demand for the products and services of the heartland shops there.

We will encourage more creative ways to reach out to audiences and customers in the heartland. We will launch the Heartland Enterprise Placemaking Grant, or 邻里企业社区营造计划, to support our heartland enterprises in creating delightful experiences in the housing estates. We will make available funding of up to $10,000 for eligible heartland enterprises to organise placemaking projects.

I am sure many good ideas are out there waiting to be explored. So, we want to encourage our heartland enterprises to come forward with exciting proposals. Let us look forward to new possibilities that we can co-curate together. Chairman, in Mandarin, please.

( In Mandarin ) : [ Please refer to Vernacular Speech .] Chairman, our SMEs are the backbone of our economy. SMEs account for 99% of the total number of registered companies in Singapore, employing up to 70% of the workforce, bringing dynamism and vitality to our economy.

Our neighbourhood businesses, besides playing an important role in the economy, also serve as emotional hubs for the community, carrying many of our growing-up memories and enhancing the cohesion of our neighbourhoods. Therefore, MTI is committed to supporting our SMEs and neighbourhood businesses, equipping them with the capabilities to address the challenges of the future economy. This includes various plans and measures to assist SMEs in their transformation as well as to revitalise neighbourhood businesses, injecting more vitality into these communities.

Over the past three years, we have supported the Federation of Merchants’ Association Singapore and Heartland Enterprise Centre Singapore in organising over 60 neighbourhood placemaking activities, including the annual Heartlands Festival.

During these events, some businesses reported a one-third increase in footfall and a 20% growth in sales. Through this series of activities, Singaporeans have gained a deeper understanding of the history and unique aspects of each neighbourhood, while neighbourhood businesses have gained confidence in building their brands, using technology to expand their customer base, and even expanding their businesses overseas. For example, Bee Choo Origin, which expanded from one outlet in Ang Mo Kio to 11 overseas markets, providing the company with new business and development opportunities.

In addition to projects led by the Government, business associations and Chambers of Commerce, our neighbourhoods, businesses have also taken the initiative to organise events. These activities transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, bringing new vitality to the neighbourhood community.

To encourage more of such initiatives, MTI has announced a Heartland Enterprise Placemaking Grant to provide eligible businesses with grants of up to $10,000 to support them in creating unique experiences for the community, driving the development of the neighbourhood economy.

Through this series of new initiatives and grants, we hope to encourage SMEs, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and neighbourhood businesses to unleash their creativity, seize the opportunities for economic transformation and drive sustainable development for Singapore.

( In English ): Chairman, the green transition presents both opportunities and challenges to enterprises. I want to assure Ms He Ting Ru and Mr Neil Parekh that the Government will continue to deepen and widen our support for businesses through the different stages of their sustainability journey.

First, we are enhancing our existing support to help businesses to become more sustainable through the Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG). In 2022, we launched the EEG to help our enterprises defray rising energy costs. Since then, Mr Edward Chia and Mr Mark Lee would be glad to know that almost 2,000 companies have used EEG. For example, CF F&B, a drink stall in a food court. I want to give Members examples like that so that you know that EEG is not just used by bigger SMEs but can be used by heartland merchants or even a food stall in a food court. So, CF F&B is a drink stall in a food court. They used the grant to procure three energy-efficient water heaters that led to cost savings of about 80%, 80% cost savings. We will help more businesses invest in energy-efficient equipment. From 1 April, local food services, retail and manufacturing companies can continue to receive enhanced support of up to 70%.

EEG will be open to other industries, such as maritime, construction and data centres by the end of this year. MTI is working closely with the industry to onboard additional sectors as necessary. We will also streamline the application process by consolidating all the EEG applications from different sectors on the Business Grants Portal.

EEG complements existing schemes like the Enterprise Sustainability Programme (ESP) to provide holistic end-to-end support. For example, companies can tap into ESP for consultancy support to pinpoint areas for efficiency gains before applying to buy the energy-efficient equipment under EEG.

Secondly, we will enhance the existing Resource Efficiency Grant for Emissions (REGE) by lowering the qualifying carbon abatement threshold from 500 tonnes to 250 tonnes per annum. This will enable more businesses to tap into the grant for their projects.

Finally, we will extend the Enterprise Financing Scheme (Green) or EFS (Green) till 31 March 2026 and expand its scope to cover companies adopting green solutions. As Mr Edward Chia pointed out, data centres and chip manufacturers would do well to use schemes like the EFS (Green) to reduce their emissions.

A company that has benefited from EFS (Green) is Koollogix. They provide cooling technologies for data centres. It tapped into this scheme to transform and complete a new lab facility. This, together with other transformation efforts, led to a tenfold increase in their revenue just within two years.

Sir, as the world embraces sustainable goals and practices, customers and investors will increasingly expect businesses to be more transparent about their carbon footprint. The Ministry of Finance has announced that climate-related disclosures will be mandated for large companies in Singapore in the coming years. Therefore, businesses need capabilities and resources to track and report their carbon footprint.

To this end, we will provide funding support of up to 30% to large companies to kickstart their sustainability reporting journey. While smaller companies will not be affected by the new regulations, sustainability reporting will help them to stay relevant as disclosure of carbon footprint data becomes commonplace.

Mr Derrick Goh would be pleased to know that we will provide funding support of up to 70% and work closely with carbon service providers to offer a basic sustainability reporting package for small businesses. This will complement the pre-scoped carbon accounting solutions offered under the Infocomm Media Development Authority's (IMDA) Advanced Digital Solutions Scheme.

In addition, to help businesses pursue sustainability-related collaborations while maintaining healthy competition, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) has developed an Environmental Sustainability Collaboration Guidance Note. Sir, for businesses to be successfully sustainable, I think all of us in the House will agree workers must also keep pace. Hence, we are boosting our support for the workforce to upskill and reskill to seize new opportunities in the green economy.

Last year, we set up the Green Skills Committee to develop skills and training programmes aimed at fostering a low-carbon economy. This year, we will continue to build on two focus areas: (a) sustainability reporting; and (b) energy. To develop skills in sustainability reporting, we will provide salary support to sustainability reporting service providers to train interns. This year, we will launch training programmes for the energy sector to address clean energy skills gaps identified by the sector.

Minister Gan spoke about how Singapore is establishing a vibrant carbon services and trading ecosystem. I am glad to announce that EDB and Enterprise Singapore are working with the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to develop training programmes in carbon management, services and trading. These courses will certainly help workers capture their potential in this growth sector.

3.00 pm

Chairman, another emerging area which offers exciting prospects is the digital economy. Singapore companies have made good progress in digitalisation. In 2022, digital technology adoption by SMEs reached 94%, a 20% jump from 2018. Many of us will agree that the COVID-19 pandemic has really catalysed the adoption of digital tools and technology.

Many Members spoke during your cuts about AI. With the rise of technologies, like Generative AI, digitalisation has become more urgent and dynamic than ever before.

Currently, only 4% of businesses use AI and machine learning. We want to share more about how we are helping our SMEs to adopt GenAI and I want to assure the Members, Mr Derrick Goh, Mr Keith Chua, Ms Mariam Jaafar and Mr Neil Parekh, that MTI will support businesses in the next lap of enterprise digitalisation.

We encourage businesses to start exploring and using AI. Interested firms can tap on Enterprise Singapore and IMDA's newly-launched Generative AI Sandbox for SMEs to gain hands-on experience with GenAI. The Sandbox will feature affordable and easy-to-use solutions applicable to a broad spectrum of sectors. I will cite two ways they can use it.

For example, our SMEs can use marketing and sales solutions. This will really them to grow their topline and bottom-line. They can use GenAI to help them use marketing and sales solutions to generate unique content, such as customised emails and product images for their marketing campaigns.

Another area is customer engagement solutions, which can also allow the SMEs to engage customers on a much larger scale better. These GenAI-powered chatbots can simplify the information search process and then allow businesses to free up their resources and become more productive, so they can allow their staff to focus on higher value-add work, serve customers and maybe allow them to focus on the business development kind of functions. We want to encourage our SMEs to participate in the Sandbox and get a head start in using GenAI solutions.

Chairman, sectoral transformation, the green transition and seizing digital opportunities. The Government cannot drive these efforts alone. Many Members talked about the importance of trade associations and chambers (TACs). And indeed, TACs are critical industry multipliers we work with to drive industry transformation. Let me elaborate.

Since 2022, we have supported 30 TACs to spearhead industry initiatives benefitting some 14,000 companies through the Local Enterprise and Association Development Programme (LEAD).

We partnered with TACs to set up SME Centres island-wide to offer SMEs capability development programmes. Last year, more than 30,000 SMEs benefitted from these services. I want to reassure Mr Derrick Goh that the SME Centres will continue supporting business transformation efforts, particularly in digitalisation and sustainability.

TACs also represent the interests and needs of the respective industries and form a vital bridge between the industry, the private sector and the Government. Our close partnerships with TACs help us to better understand and address critical concerns on the ground.

Business costs and competitiveness are top-of-mind issues for many SMEs and many businesses today. We are very cognisant of that. While there is no magic bullet for these pain points, the private and public sectors and the union representatives have come together to co-create solutions to overcome these challenges.

We will form an Alliance for Action (AfA) on Business Competitiveness co-chaired by myself and hon Member Mr Mark Lee, who represents SBF. The AfA will forge solutions with the industry and adopt recommendations to help businesses become more competitive in the long term. This complements existing efforts by the Pro-Enterprise Panel (PEP) to enhance the regulatory journey for businesses.

To enable TACs to be effective change agents, the Government has invested significantly in developing their capabilities.

Mr Derrick Goh, Mr Keith Chua and Mr Shawn Huang would be glad to know that MTI is working with SBF, our apex business chamber, to develop more capability programmes for the TACs, including their staff.

Over the next five years, SBF will build shared resources for TACs to support their members in critical areas like digitalisation, sustainability and internationalisation. We will continue to work with SBF to boost the capabilities of TACs' secretariats to serve their members better. SBF will share more details on this effort in the later part of this year.

Finally, with the TACs and the industry, we will improve business practices and strengthen consumer protection. The Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, or CPFTA, already provides for civil remedies for unfair practices, such as deception and false claims. Thank you to Mr Melvin Yong, who is also the President of CASE, and Mr Louis Chua for their suggestions on enhancing consumer protection.

We appreciate the close partnership with CASE, and all the work that CASE has done to support consumers. For example, CASE's Price Kaki app allows consumers to compare the prices of many different household items and cooked food and the unit pricing features makes it even easier to compare. MTI, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) and the economic agencies will continue to work closely with CASE to protect consumer interests as consumer purchasing habits evolve.

Chairman, this sustained spirit of collaboration and cooperation between the private sector, public sector and industry associations gives us the grit, give us the resilience to overcome challenging circumstances.

Our gumption to embrace transformation will set a formidable front against the odds. Let us stay the course. Let us keep up the momentum of transformation, from reshaping industry, whether it is M&OE or heartland enterprises, energising our heartland shops as well and also seizing potential in digital economy as well as the green economy. Because by taking shared ownership of our transformation path, we will set sails of positive change and ride new waves of opportunities to reach the harbour of a thriving future for Singapore and Singaporeans. [ Applause .]

The Chairman : Minister of State Alvin Tan.

The Minister of State for Trade and Industry (Mr Alvin Tan) : Mr Chairman, we have recovered robustly from the difficult pandemic years. Amidst geopolitical and macroeconomic tensions, global inflationary pressures and heightened investor uncertainty, Singapore, through EDB attracted $12.7 billion in Fixed Asset Investment commitments in 2023. These projects will create 20,045 new jobs. This exceeded EDB's medium-term goals and is partly why Singapore remains Asia's most competitive economy and the world's fourth most competitive, according to the International Institute for Management Development (IMD).

As the world's Global-Asia or Singapore as a hub for cultures, ideas and commerce, how can we strengthen our position as the world's hub? First, by strengthening our appeal as a vibrant destination for both businesses and tourists alike and residents; and second, by deepening and widening our international partnerships.

Let me begin with our tourism sector, which has rebounded strongly. There has been a resurgence in visitor arrivals and an energetic revival of our city as a bustling hub of eclectic experiences.

In 2023, our international visitor arrivals recovered to 13.6 million, which is 71% of our 2019 levels, while our tourism receipts for the first three quarters of 2023 reached 98% of the same period in 2019. We have launched new local experiences to capture the winds of recovery. Minister of State Low Yen Ling was your heartland guide. I will be your tourism guide.

We opened the Bird Paradise at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, HyperDrive at Sentosa and Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience at Resorts World Sentosa. We also enjoyed a vibrant calendar of signature events, like the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix or the inaugural edition of ART SG as part of Singapore Art Week. Then, we have live entertainment which resumed with unparalleled vitality, as Singapore played host to prominent acts, such as Blackpink, Ed Sheeran, Jacky Cheung and, of course, a particular act that is currently taking Singapore by storm.

Our Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions industry, or MICE for short, have also made a very strong comeback. In 2023, we hosted some of the world's largest MICE events, like Asia Tech x Singapore, Gastech and Herbalife APAC Extravaganza. We also welcomed new events, like the 25th World Congress of Dermatology, which is our largest medical congress to date; and the transport logistic and air cargo for Southeast Asia, with the first in the edition for the region.

Then, we have also our homegrown events, which many of you have participated in, such as Singapore International Energy Week, our Singapore International Cyber Week, the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) and, of course, the Singapore Fintech Festival, which continued year after year to attract a significant turnout.

Conference organisers tell me that they choose Singapore because of our position as a global meeting point for talent, ideas and for business. Even during massive disruptions like COVID-19, Singapore continued to deliver, safely and reliably and these conference organisers are bullish about our prospects to continue to play host to world-class events if there are disruptions in the future. So, confidence in us is strong. through world class events.

Similarly, we remain confident in our tourism sector. This year, we expect international tourism or visitor arrivals to reach between 15 and 16 million visitors and to bring approximately $26.0 to 27.5 billion in tourism receipts.

Mr Liang Eng Hwa, Mr Neil Parekh and Mr Edward Chia asked how we plan to facilitate tourism recovery and ensure we remain attractive despite intensifying global competition. We are doing so in two ways.

First, through investments. We will provide a boost to our tourism sector, through an injection of over $300 million to our Tourism Development Fund 4. This will develop and market new products and experiences, including supporting local enterprises as they develop new intellectual properties, rejuvenate existing tourism offerings and also upskill our tourism workers.

We are boosting this Fund 4 because it has introduced exciting attractions and lifestyle events here. And I got to launch some of these, including TRIFECTA, which is Asia's first snow, surf and skate lifestyle destination and also, of course, the year-round exclusive homeporting of Disney Cruise Line's latest cruise ship, Disney Adventure, which will start in Singapore next year.

Over the past two years, this fund has also helped over 100 local tourism businesses become even more productive and more sustainable. So, we encourage all of our tourism companies to make full use of the top-up to grow your business.

Second, we are also developing a pipeline of high quality and first-of-its-kind experiences here in Singapore, that we will launch in the coming years. This will help us to maintain international mindshare and strengthen our appeal as a compelling destination. Let me share some more exciting news as your in-house tour guide.

First, we are improving accessibility in Sentosa with Sensoryscape which is a new attraction that will connect Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) and Sentosa's beaches. It has multi-sensorial gardens that pique the senses and showcase digital light displays in the night. Some of us had a sneak peek and we look forward to the soft launch this month.

Staying at Sentosa at RWS, I broke ground on Universal Studios, Singapore's Minion Land just two years ago and we look forward to the launch next year. Next year, RWS will also launch the new Singapore Oceanarium which is an expansion of the current SEA Aquarium but three times its size. As part of RWS' expansion, there will also be a new waterfront lifestyle development and a driverless transport system between the mainland and RWS.

Third, we have a strong line-up of leisure and business events. Together with the suite of world-class live entertainment events, we will host high quality MICE events this year, such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Global Conference, which is the first in Singapore and NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show Asia Pacific, which is a significant tradeshow for our region’s retail industry.

Also, when MBS' expansion is completed in the later part of this decade, it will allow us to host more notable live entertainment and MICE events. The expansion will include a 15,000-seat world-class entertainment arena, more MICE spaces, and an iconic, luxury all-suite hotel tower with a public rooftop attraction.

3.15 pm

To continue enhancing Singapore as a vibrant lifestyle and economic hub, we must continue to build our creative economy, as Ms Usha Chandrasdas suggested. I will share how we are doing so.

First, Singapore hosts many high-quality arts and cultural experiences that enhance our attractiveness as a lively lifestyle hub or lifestyle destination. Our year-round arts and cultural calendar features events such as Singapore Art Week and Singapore International Festival of Arts, as well as cultural festivals in Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Gelam.

These events which many of you have attended are popular not just with our locals but also our visitors alike, and STB will continue to work with event organisers to improve and grow their appeal and also look for new themes, new arts and cultural experiences which have international appeal.

The DesignSingapore Council, which is a subsidiary under EDB, drives the growth of our design sector. This council provides funding and coaching for design research and product development, partners with companies to adopt design for business growth, and nurtures industry-ready design talent.

Ms Jean See also highlighted the potential of harnessing creative talent to redefine businesses.

In addition to DesignSingapore’s efforts, broad-based schemes such as our Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) will allow businesses to engage creative professionals to build their strategic brand as well as their marketing capability.

There is more good news. Singapore and China implemented a mutual 30-day visa exemption starting on 9 February 2024. We expect this to boost arrivals and spending across our retail, F&B, and tourism-related sectors. This longer visa exemption has made it more convenient for Singaporeans to travel to China for leisure and business, boosting two-way traffic.

As we continue to put Singapore on the world map, we welcome people from all around the world – not just as a tourist destination, but also as a business hub. Minister Gan shared how our trade networks help grow our economy. I will focus on how we are extending our connections to be a stronger and more vibrant business node.

Mr Neil Parekh emphasised the importance of trade to Singapore given our very small size and small domestic market. Between 2005 and 2023, our total trade in goods and services more than doubled, from around S$890 billion to more than S$2 trillion; and currently stands at around three times our GDP.

Amidst growing geopolitical tensions and protectionist trade policies, which was also a concern raised by Ms He Ting Ru, we must continue to strengthen Singapore’s global trade competitiveness. How? Let me suggest three ways: first, we must continue to advance our trade and investment with partner economies, especially in the growing markets; second, we must help our local companies to scale up and internationalise; and third, we must encourage new trade flows for in-demand areas.

Mr Parekh asked how we are helping companies to seize new opportunities in growing markets. Well, my MTI colleagues and I have been travelling the world to strengthen these economic ties. We are uncovering new markets, new business opportunities and new partners for our many companies. Some of these journeys are 30 hours one way, but they are worth doing even though they are very tiring. And I will be making more of these trips this year because Minister Gan has asked me to. But let me take you around the world from a trade and also a business lens.

First stop: let us go to India, a country I visited a few times last year. We continue to advance our collaborations with India, which the World Economic Forum projects to be the world’s third largest economy by 2030. It is already the world’s most populous nation and one of its youngest too.

Between 2012 and 2022, Singapore’s investments into India grew by more than five times. In 2022, India was Singapore’s 11th largest trading partner and India will remain a key market of strategic importance to Singapore.

At the inaugural India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable in 2022, our countries identified five mutually beneficial areas of collaboration. And we have started to see some fruits of success from this work.

For example, on the digital front, India and Singapore operationalised the world’s first paperless Letter of Credit transaction backed by interoperable electronic Bills of Lading (eBLs) using IMDA’s TradeTrust framework. This showcases how digital tech can make international trade easier and also more accessible.

We are also helping our students gain greater exposure to India’s markets. Enterprise Singapore, in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) announced the India Ready Talent (IRT) internship programme in February 2024. IRT offers our University and Polytechnic students internship opportunities in India to deepen their understanding of India’s business environment.

From India let us travel to Latin America – a region I have been travelling to extensively over the last few years:

Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and I were just in Brazil in December to sign a new FTA with the MERCOSUR. MERCOSUR is the Common Market of the South comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. This is our first FTA with all four South American economies, which will strengthen our ties with this market comprising over 270 million people and business opportunities in infrastructure development, agri-food trade, oil and gas, as well as advanced manufacturing, just to name a few.

To date, more than 150 Singapore companies have commercial interests in Latin America. This builds on the FTA we signed with the Pacific Alliance bloc in 2022, which comprises Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. With these two agreements, we have combined access to a market in Latin America of more than 500 million people, half a billion people.

From India and Latin America, let us now travel to the Middle East and Africa.

During Prime Minister's visit to Saudi Arabia and the UAE in October 2023, we signed several agreements including MOUs on recognition of halal certifications. Singapore companies can now look forward to exporting halal food products to both countries.

Africa also presents many opportunities. Africa is the most youthful population in the world and by 2050, more than a quarter of the world’s population will be African.

Last year, I joined Prime Minister Lee on his visit to Africa, where we signed agreements with South Africa and Kenya. In August, we hosted African business and political leaders at the 7th Africa Singapore Business Forum (ABSF) organised by Enterprise Singapore. This business forum attracted over 500 delegates and connected 200 businesses from Asia to Africa to explore collaborations while using Singapore as a node to facilitate Asia-African trade.

SBF led business delegations to many of these regions and we met with them on the ground. They were there to explore commercial opportunities and I invite more companies to join SBF and other business delegations to expand their reach into these very promising and high potential emerging markets.

Beyond FTAs, we are also pioneering new agreements in new growth engines.

We now have four Digital Economy Agreements (DEAs), to facilitate end-to-end digital trade by promoting the use of digital tools, enabling open and secure data flows and building trust in digital systems.

We also developed Green Economy Agreements (GEAs) to support emissions reduction while spurring economic growth and also create jobs in the green economy. Our GEA with Australia has catalysed collaborations in scientific research, green shipping corridors, and co-innovation programmes for SMEs and we invite more companies to join us along this green journey.

Through our journey around the world, we explored abundant opportunities for our companies back home. Mr Edward Chia asked how we are using these agreements. This leads me to my second point of how we are helping our companies internationalise and also enter these growth markets.

Through SBF, we actively reach out to help companies understand and to use FTAs that we have signed, including through outreach sessions and consultations. And more than 1,600 companies have benefited from these efforts in 2023.

In the past year, Enterprise Singapore also supported Singapore companies to secure deals, access new market opportunities and grow overseas through 460 overseas projects. These companies are expected to grow their annual revenue by $5.2 billion based on Enterprise Singapore’s support.

As an open economy, our firms are inevitably exposed to global supply chains impact. Ms He Ting Ru pointed out that Singapore companies are therefore having to deal with new risks. We note that she has asked specific questions on manpower which we will defer to the Ministry of Manpower to address at this point.

But the point is we cannot fully shield our companies from these risks, but we can provide financing for them and help them to build their capabilities. For example, they can use our Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) and the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) to defray the cost of venturing outside and exploring these new markets.

We also offer a 200% tax deductible on eligible expenses for international market expansion and investment development activities through our Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation (DTDi) scheme.

Mr Desmond Choo would be pleased to know that there are many success stories from our work in helping Singapore companies internationalise. One such company is iFAST, which is a homegrown fintech firm that provides investment products and services, digital banking and pension administration services. iFAST designed a customer acquisition and onboarding strategy for iFAST Global Bank (iGB), a UK-based digital bank and developed a go-to-market strategy to strengthen its regional presence. iFAST aims to reach $100 billion of assets under administration by 2030. We look forward to more of such success stories to strengthen Singapore companies’ presence worldwide.

Beyond signing agreements and encouraging companies to internationalise, we are also pursuing new trade flows in areas such as carbon credits as well as biofuels. We have built a vibrant carbon services and trading ecosystem for our companies. Today, there are over 120 carbon services and trading firms in Singapore, an increase from 70 since 2020. There are new entrants including firms like Bain & Company which has established its Global Sustainability Innovation Centre here in Singapore, and the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) which opened its Asia hub here last year. We are also growing our biofuels ecosystem.

Our strong network of energy and agri-commodities traders makes us home to a growing pool of companies that trade biofuels and its feedstock, such as Mewah, which sells biodiesel globally. To produce the bio diesel they use various raw materials including used cooking oil.

We will continue to grow our ecosystem with our industry partners to better support the trade of goods and services that contribute to climate action – and make Singapore the heart of sustainable trade flows.

Sir, this year's Budget addresses the present challenges we face and charts the directions for our nation in a very uncertain future. To do all that we set out to do, we need the resources to provide and care for people and set them on a strong footing for the future. That is why the work that MTI does is so important.

MTI is at the forefront of growing our economy in a time where growth is elusive, unlocking the potential in resources like energy and our people, in light of new and exciting discoveries in tech and science, transforming our sectors to grow green and digital as we are confronted with climate change and connecting more widely and deeply to the world when instincts compel countries to look inward.

Sir, MTI will continue to do all this because building a strong, vibrant, innovative economy will help secure Singapore's future in a more tumultuous world. [ Applause. ]

The Chairman : We have some time for clarifications. Mr Liang Eng Hwa.

3.30 pm

Mr Liang Eng Hwa : Thank you, Sir. Much as I would like to sample the oolong tea that Minister of State Low Yen Ling recommended, I do have one question for Minister Tan See Leng. This is on the second LNG terminal. I can understand that we need this terminal to strengthen our energy resilience. We already depend heavily on piped gas and, therefore, we will need also to have, as a backup, LNG.

But can I ask the Minister how MTI sees the planned time horizon for this second LNG terminal? I ask this because, directionally, we are heading towards greener and cleaner energy. So, how would this second LNG terminal feature in our overall energy strategy, in terms of having greener and cleaner energy?

Dr Tan See Leng : I thank Mr Liang for his supplementary clarification. Today, Mr Chairman, about 95% of our power generation needs come from natural gas. And we have two main sources – piped natural gas, which is from our neighbours, and LNG.

As I have shared earlier on in my COS speech, the energy needs, the electrification needs, with the newer industries, FDIs coming in with the growth of our industries, as well as the SMEs' growth, these energy needs will continue to increase and not decrease.

If Members look at the time horizon, our imports – at 4.2 GW for the conditional approvals that we have given – would constitute about 30% of our overall energy needs, and that is by 2035.

So, as we ramp up from now to 2035, we will need to factor in the building of a second LNG terminal, in part, due to our own need for energy security, because that second LNG terminal would then allow us, supplemented by the existing LNG terminal that we have today, to be completely non-dependent on piped natural gas, and all of the LNG that comes in through ships and so on, can then fulfil 100% of our gas energy needs. So, that gives us an added measure of security.

On top of that, as I have also shared earlier on energy transition in the COS speech, a number of the other pathways and initiatives that we are pursuing, whether it is the Low Carbon Energy Research (LCER) programme for hydrogen, or embarking on pathfinder projects for ammonia and hydrogen, these are actually still relatively nascent. There are also the other measures that we are looking at whether it is geothermal, or also other types of advanced nuclear energy technology, including fusion energy. So, for us, energy security, reliability and our resilience are of utmost importance.

And when we did the projection with the increase in terms of our consumption, the second LNG terminal would not run a significant risk of asset stranding, even if we were to completely transition into all renewable energy, which is unlikely to be the case. I hope that answers the Member's query and his apprehensions as well.

Mr Chairman : Ms Foo Mee Har.

Ms Foo Mee Har : Thank you, Chairman. I have two clarifications. The first one is for Minister Gan. In the area of promoting collaboration between larger companies and SMEs, I had asked whether the Government would consider integrating the involvement of Singapore-based SMEs as a positive criterion for MNEs and also the large corporations when they access Government grants. This is really to make sure that, especially in the area of high-value investments, such as R&D and innovation-related grants, the Government-backed programmes can extend to a broader ecosystem. So, if Minister can say whether we can insert that little requirement.

My second clarification is to Minister of State Low Yen Ling. I join Member Liang Eng Hwa in congratulating her for her enthusiasm in promoting innovation in the heartlands. But I want to ask a more pointed question, specifically. I would like to ask the Minister of State, in light of the CDC Vouchers that the Government has been giving in successive tranches, I want to know, specifically, how much has the support gone to supporting heartland enterprises.

Mr Gan Kim Yong : Let me thank Ms Foo for the clarification, which is very important. I heard the Member's speech. I explained in my COS speech, that actually for the specific schemes like PACT, the collaboration is with the local SMEs. So, that is already naturally part and parcel of the scheme design that we encourage large companies, MNCs, may be LLEs, to work with their suppliers. And some of these MNCs, large enterprises, are actually now beginning to go overseas, and they are quite keen to bring along their suppliers to go overseas too.

And they also need to level up their capability in order to partner them in overseas markets. So, this programme is very useful in nurturing collaboration between large companies and local SMEs. But there are also other schemes that are focused on bringing in technology, bringing in strategic investments, which we may or may not have the capability among the local industries.

Therefore, we will need to assess each project's features and background to see whether it is appropriate to incorporate local enterprise collaboration. Sometimes, it may be counterproductive. Instead of being able to attract these technology, experts, network and opportunities here, you may lose them because we do not have the local capability to support them.

But where possible, we will always encourage MNCs investing here to work with our local enterprises. All our schemes have that in mind. Where possible, where appropriate, we will have the conversation with the grant applicants, to see whether local SMEs can play a part, and it is something that we always push for and encourage.

In fact, many of the investors who come to Singapore are also looking at the capability of the SMEs, the local enterprises here. This is the whole ecosystem that we are developing. That is actually one of our key selling points, and very often, when I talk to investors, they choose Singapore, not just because of our grants, but because of the ecosystem that we have developed. They can tap on the SMEs capability to augment their business and that is why they are here.

But at the same time, as I said, through PACT, we are hoping to level up the capability of SMEs, so that they, too, can continue to grow, as the MNCs are growing. We take the Member's point. Where possible and applicable, we definitely will take into account collaboration with the local enterprises.

Ms Low Yen Ling : Chairman, I want to thank the Member, Ms Foo Mee Har, for her question. I think she notes that this is a MTI COS debate and I outlined the new schemes that Enterprise Singapore colleagues have launched, which is the Heartlands Placemaking Grant (HEPG). And in her cut, I recall that she, and many other Members, spoke very passionately about the unique role of heartland enterprises in Singapore, and I completely agree with them.

That is why we are always leaning forward, going the extra mile for our heartland enterprises, especially during the COVID-19 period. And I think, we can all agree that the heartland shops are literally close to our homes and also close to our hearts.

First, they provide the convenience and also a wide assortment of products and services and, most of the time, daily necessities and essential products and services. Second, they also provide jobs to a lot of our residents who do not want to travel too far for their day job, or maybe part-time job, but just want a job nearby.

But very importantly, they inject vibrancy into all our neighbourhoods, the kampung spirit, the community spirit. And that is why in MTI and Enterprise Singapore, we are always going the extra mile to support our heartland shops in going digital, in embracing transformation and also reaching out to new customers, not just customers who cannot visit their shop physically, but also customers overseas, by going online or even adopting digital platforms.

In the same vein, we are always looking out for like-minded partners within the whole-of-Government. So, frankly, if Members remember how CDC Vouchers came about, it came about because of the circuit breaker. Coming out of the circuit breaker, we felt it was very important to support lower-income households. At the same time, our heartland shops had been closed for two months, and two months of closure can really make or break these heartland shops. Back then, it was Deputy Prime Minister Heng who launched the $20 million paper voucher, because our sense back then was that the paper voucher will be more effective. It was warmly welcomed, very well-received.

And then six months later, in January 2021, another tranche of $20 million. And then, we went digital. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong launched the first nationwide digital CDC Vouchers. We say digital, but we also gave assurance to residents who do not have smartphones, we assured them that they can print their CDC Vouchers in any of the Community Centres, to provide them the convenience.

And the Member's question was how much was channelled towards the heartland shops. So, on 13 December 2021, Prime Minister Lee launched the first tranche. If Members remember, that was $100 for each of the 1.22 million households. Then five months later, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong launched a second tranche. Similarly, I recall it was $100 for the 1.22 million households. Then, last year, 3 January 2023, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong launched the third tranche, which is $300 for the 1.238 million households. Just less than two months ago, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong launched again a fourth tranche, which is $500 for the 1.267 million.

A few days ago, I just did a check on the numbers. The first three tranches basically catalysed spending in our 23,000 heartland shops and hawkers amounting to $407 million. And if we include the fourth tranche, which is ongoing, the amount that has been spent at our heartland shops and hawkers amount to $133 million. So, it means that the three tranches we have completed and the ongoing fourth tranche have catalysed spending of $540 million in our 23,000 heartland shops and hawkers.

The key point is that it is not just MTI, it is not just Enterprise Singapore that is going the extra mile to support our heartland shops for them to innovate, for them to transform, for them to future-proof themselves in this digital era. We welcome agencies within the Government. We are also working with the Federation of Merchants' Associations, Singapore (FMAS), Heartland Enterprise Centre Singapore (HECS), and we welcome each and every one of you, wearing your different hats, to share with us how you would like to also synergise the efforts to support our heartland shops, because they are close to our homes and close to our hearts.

Mr Chairman : We do not have much time left. So, for those who want to seek clarifications, and likewise, for the responses, please keep them short. Mr Louis Chua.

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis : Noted, Mr Chairman. So, just two clarifications. The first is for Minister of State Low. I mentioned lemons in my speech. So, in terms of the so-called loophole for the lemon law whereby used cars that are sold on consignment are actually not covered, does the Government intend to plug this loophole, given that it is likely the largest value item for a given household?

The second is more for Minister Dr Tan. I think the Minister mentioned the power plants that will be coming up will be hydrogen-ready. So, I just wanted to understand, in terms of the feedstock that they will be using when they are operational, is there a target percentage for them to be using hydrogen? And similar as to how we deal with LNG, does the Government intend to do a kind of centralised procurement of, say, ammonia or hydrogen feedstock for economies of scale?

Ms Low Yen Ling : Chairman, I promise to keep it short so that you can enjoy your peach oolong tea. I thank the Member Mr Louis Chua. I will just make two quick points. When the Member talked about lemon law, is he talking about owner selling to owner or business selling to owner? Can I clarify?

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis : Basically, the used car dealers, when they actually sell on behalf of the owner to somebody buying a second-hand car.

Ms Low Yen Ling : Okay, I want to thank the Member for the clarification. The used cars that are sold by car dealers on behalf of the owners, they are also known as consignment cars. The Member might be aware of that. They are really considered consumer-to-consumer (C2C) transactions between the owner and the buyer.

The lemon law only covers business-to-consumer (B2C) transactions and does not cover the C2C transactions. However, I want to assure the Member that car dealers who misrepresent a C2C transaction as a B2C transaction can be taken to task under our current Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, or CPFTA, as an unfair trading practice. So, if the Member knows of any, please let us know and we will follow up. We also want to use this platform to really advise the consumers to take extra precaution when making such purchases.

Mr Chairman : Mr Neil Parekh. Sorry, Minister Tan.

Dr Tan See Leng : I thank Mr Chua for his question. The three combined cycle gas turbines (CCGTs) – one from Keppel, one from Sembcorp, and the third one that I just mentioned, YTL PowerSeraya – are all capable of taking up to 30% hydrogen. So, today, this is the new breed of CCGTs that, if there is any planting and so on, we envisage that they should make that transition pathway.

3.45 pm

To the Member's point in terms of hydrogen, today, in countries particularly where they have a favourable geographical advantage, where they have solar power or wind or tidal, they can produce green hydrogen. The logistics and transportation of the hydrogen is very, very costly today because the boiling point of liquid hydrogen is very, very low. A significant amount of energy is needed to keep it at that kind of low temperatures. So, it does not make it economically viable.

Having said that, we are not resting on our laurels. Hence, we have the ammonia pathfinder project, where we started to see how, on a very small scale, we can conduct a pilot. We are also working through our initiatives to see, in terms of the supply chains, what kind of technological advancements and developments we can go further in, to make the transportation of hydrogen a lot more cost effective.

In terms of central procurement, obviously, at a point in time, when we have arrived at that technological maturity, we can certainly consider that. But at this particular point in time, even if you have nuclear power, to use it to do the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen, it is still not green hydrogen. So, that is a technical specification that is needed. I hope that it clarifies your query.

The Chairman : Mr Neil Parekh.

Mr Neil Parekh Nimil Rajnikant : I want to thank Minister of State Alvin Tan for answering so many questions on tourism and internationalisation, and for the $300 million boost to the Tourism Development Fund. My question for you is, which schemes have worked well for Tourism Development Fund. On a different point, what strategies were involved in bringing Taylor Swift to Singapore, which in my view has been very successful in terms of a branding on an international stature?

Mr Alvin Tan : Sir, I thank Mr Neil Parekh for his question. My answer will be very swift. And actually, next week, there are a couple of Parliamentary Questions and that will be very tailored towards this particular question in detail.

The Tourism Development Fund has a variety of different schemes. It has secured over 600 events that strengthen Singapore's attractiveness as a leisure and business destination hub. All of these different aspects that we have put in, I wanted to remind Members that our tourism sector was really, really hard hit during COVID-19. So, in 2022, we pumped in $500 million for the Tourism Development Fund. That helped significantly to prepare our very, very hard-hit tourism sector to recover. Now, they have recovered, as I mentioned in my main reply, and this $300 million top-up will also continue to boost them so that we can attract both very high-quality lifestyle entertainment acts as well as top world-class MICE events to Singapore, and just to lift Singapore to be in a very attractive lifestyle and as well as a business destination.

The Chairman : Our current guillotine time is 4.15 pm, but it included a 20-minute break. I still see many hands. So, if Members do not mind, we will have a very, very short break. I will allow more clarifications, if Members do not mind, but it will eat into our break time. Ms He Ting Ru.

Ms He Ting Ru : Thank you, Mr Chairman. I have a couple of clarifications for Minister Gan. I think I heard Minister Gan mention earlier about precision medicine. So, I just wanted to ask for a bit more details about the Ministry's assessment of what sort of potential that precision medicine can have as a growth area in relation to the Singapore economy.

The second point relates to whether MTI is currently working with agencies like the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) in relation to addressing some of the concerns around precision medicine, because at the moment, it is quite prohibitively expensive. I am just concerned about accessibility to those who might not have a high income. So, whether they can share details about the work that is being done with MOH or HPB in relation to addressing some of these concerns.

Mr Gan Kim Yong : Thank you. I have given a broad perspective of the potential for the precision medicine market in my speech. I think you can refer to that in terms of the numbers. But in terms of the specific areas of potential, this is a very early stage of an emerging technology. As some Members have said, if we do not move in time, we will never have time to move.

So, I think it is something for which we have to grab the opportunity to work with companies who are in this field to develop new technologies. The potential is to find new solutions and new therapies by working on genomics and see how the genes interact with one another; and also coupled with the advent of AI that has made precision medicine even more promising. So, this is an area that we are well positioned to collaborate with leaders in the world to develop this particular sector.

On the second question, yes, indeed, we are in discussion with MOH. Because at some point in time, when companies want to conduct clinical trials, they will also have to work with MOH to ensure that they have access to patients for some of these clinical trials. When the therapies are available, I think we will then have to discuss with MOH how to ensure that their funding is adequate and the appropriate therapies are available to Singaporeans. There will always be clinical guidelines or some indications for this therapy, and I think this is something that is a work in progress. We will continue to work with MOH with regard to clinical therapy as well as funding requirements.

The Chairman : Ms Jean See.

Ms See Jinli Jean : Thank you, Chairman. The question is to Minister of State Alvin Tan. I think we are very cheered by the positive news on tourism. I just wanted to make a point that we do have a number of people coming up from our universities and our schools who are very talented in terms of being creative professionals. I think many of them would desire the opportunity to be on the stage together with many of these different acts coming into Singapore.

So, my pitch to MTI is whether we can then work very closely with the different, other agencies that are supporting the creatives, supporting the young people to give them the opportunities to come on board some of these programmes, some of these acts that come into Singapore to have the opportunity to build up their portfolio.

Mr Alvin Tan : Sir, I thank Ms Jean See for her clarification. The short answer is yes. In the tourism sector, we have a variety of programmes that, through the Tourism Development Fund that I mentioned earlier on, it is not just infrastructure and bringing in these acts and MICE events, but it is also helping to build our tourism sector. I have launched very countless scholarships that we work together with the institute of higher learning (IHLs), polytechnics, the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and others, to help to boost up that pool of talent.

Just wearing my MCCY hat, I will explain a little bit more. The SG Arts Plan has a very, very strong focus on all of these different talents; not just in place-making, which Minister Edwin Tong mentioned earlier on, but also to enhance our artists' capability in many of these, so that we equip them as we bring all of these acts and all of these events into Singapore, they have a good chance to be able to participate in them.

The Chairman : Mr Mark Lee.

Mr Mark Lee : Chairman, I thank Minister Gan for his insightful response to hon Member Ms Foo Mee Har. I just want to press on and maybe have further clarification to her question about nurturing our local SMEs.

I think many businesses, including ours, when we expand our international operations and doing coveted project bids where the local Government has provided tax incentives and other incentives to the client, they actually have a clear policy and practice for us to require local partnerships, even with partners that have very limited or no existing capabilities. I guess such policies are aimed to foster local participation and skills transfer. I am wondering if MTI can consider doing some research on this and see what the trade-offs are if we enforce such collaboration.

I think my second clarification is to Minister of State Low in regard to the EEG. I was wondering if MTI can allow or consider whether some of the EEG-approved equipment to be used across all industries. For example, the electric forklift is almost double the price of a diesel forklift and these are all applicable to almost all industries.

Finally, for my cut, I asked whether assistance will be allowed for adopting electric vehicles for commercial and industrial use.

Mr Gan Kim Yong : Thank you. In the interest of the bubble tea, I will keep it short. The short answer is yes, we definitely will take into account the opportunity for local enterprises and also job creation for local workers. We need to balance the trade-offs and sometimes, you have to look at the potential investment. If the investment is strategic to us, it is very important for us to bring in markets, to bring in technology and to bring in opportunities. Eventually, this will spill over to local industries. Rather than to have a very hard-wired requirement that all of them must have a local partnership. You will find that you may, in the end, lose out more opportunities than gain the opportunities. So, I think it is a calibrated approach.

We are very mindful that we do want to make sure that there is a significant value capture locally, whether it is through their direct contribution to the value-add, or whether it is through collaboration with local enterprises. Even after they have come into Singapore and they have invested here, we continue to encourage them through different schemes, like PACT, as I mentioned; R&D schemes, to encourage them to have collaboration with local industries.

At the same time, we also provide schemes and support for the local industries to level them up, so that they are able to then work together with these large enterprises to add value to them.

At the end of the day, economics must make sense for both parties. Government grants and schemes are just to facilitate and to push them, to nudge them to come together. But in the end, when the two of them want to get married, the marriage must make sense. We are the matchmaker and we try to facilitate and give a little bit of encouragement here and there, but at the end, the economics must work out together for both of them.

Ms Low Yen Ling : Thank you, Chairman. I will keep it brief. I want to thank Mr Mark Lee for his request and question. I want to assure him that we certainly will help our SMEs to invest in energy-efficient equipment. As I mentioned, when we launched this two years ago, the sectors that we approved are food manufacturing, food services and retail. Because when you look at their operating expenditure, electricity was a key component. We want to continue to avail this to other sectors as well. That is why from 1 April, local food services, retail and manufacturing companies will be able to enjoy this enhanced support of 70%. I must say, it is capped at $30,000.

I want to assure him that we will continue to work with other champion agencies outside MTI to also understand what the other industries and sectors that will benefit from it. The EEG will be open to other industries such as maritime, construction and data centres by the end of this year. I welcome SBF and TACs to work with us, to be a voice for the sectors and bridge the conversation with MTI and our economic agency on this front.

The Chairman : Like many of you, I am also thirsty and a little bit hungry. So, Mr Liang, would you like to withdraw your amendment?

Mr Liang Eng Hwa : Sir, before I withdraw my amendment, allow me to congratulate MTI and EMA for successfully bringing the International Energy Agency to set up its regnional office in Singapore. It is a great achievement. And I am sure Minister Tan See Leng's personal charm must have made a difference there.

With that, I also want to thank Minister Gan, Minister Tan, Minister of State Low Yen Ling and Minister of State Alvin Tan for their comprehensive replies to our responses. I beg leave to withdraw my amendments.

[(proc text) Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. (proc text)]

[(proc text) The sum of $1,628,845,400 for Head V ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. (proc text)]

[(proc text) The sum of $7,179,458,100 for Head V ordered to stand part of Development Estimates. (proc text)]

The Chairman : Order. I propose to take a short break now.

[(proc text) Thereupon the Speaker left the Chair of the Committee and took the Chair of the House. (proc text)]

4.00 pm

Mr Speaker : Senior Minister of State Tan.

The Senior Minister of State for National Development (Mr Tan Kiat How) : Sir, I wish to apologise for not being in Chambers earlier during Question Time to answer Member Mr Louis Ng's Parliamentary Question. I got the Order Paper and timing mixed up, and hence, was at another work meeting when the Parliamentary Question came up. I had apologised to Mr Ng, invited him to file additional Parliamentary Questions if his question is not fully answered in the written reply.

Mr Speaker : Order. I suspend the Sitting and will take the Chair at 4.15 pm. Order, order.

Sitting accordingly suspended

at 4.02 pm until 4.15 pm.

Sitting resumed at 4.15 pm.

[Deputy Speaker (Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo) in the Chair]

Hansard 原始記錄