Joan Pereira, Deputy Chairperson of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Culture, Community and Youth, said that the committee will push for meaningful and sustainable strategies to strengthen Singapore’s arts and sports sectors.
In an interview with Petir, the Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC said that the GPC will focus on building an inclusive and resilient “we first” society during this term.
This means strengthening our Singaporean identity and pushing for even more meaningful and sustainable strategies for the arts and sports.
Improving access to arts and sports facilities remains a key priority.
“We need to develop more community studios and public sports venues to make it easier for everyone to participate in arts and sports activities,” Ms Pereira said.
The committee will work to ensure these sectors offer viable long-term career pathways.
“We must recognise that Singapore has world-class talents in the arts and sports, and other emerging fields. There are good careers to pursue,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of providing young Singaporeans with the necessary space and support to fulfill their dreams and realise their full potential.
Having established itself as a global and regional hub for sports, arts, and entertainment events, she believes that Singapore must now focus on expanding its international presence.
“We must increase international opportunities for Singaporean artists and athletes through touring, festivals, and competitions to help them reach global markets,” she added.
Building a strong and resilient Singaporean identity is an ongoing process: Joan Pereira
Ms Pereira also expressed concern about how international developments could affect Singapore’s social cohesion and harmony.
“Building a strong and resilient Singaporean identity is an ongoing process,” she explained. “We must foster more intercultural and interfaith dialogue to promote mutual respect and trust among our communities.”
Ms Pereira noted that the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth has been fostering meaningful volunteerism, which could help build sustained communities of care.
Highlighting the challenges that caregivers face, she stressed that respite care should be accessible to all caregivers, regardless of their financial situation. This is an area she is keen to push for.
“Caregivers must be able to access respite care to attend to their other priorities in life or simply take a break,” she said. “This is where volunteers can step in to complement existing paid services.”
When asked about the challenges relating to culture, community, and youth, Ms Pereira acknowledged that policies and government schemes must balance competing needs with limited resources. She also believes that backbenchers have an important role to play in serving Singapore responsibly.
“The key for us is to help the government better understand the issues on the ground and advocate for which issues and solutions deserve priority.”
