In recent years, Singapore’s sporting culture has gone from strength to strength. At the recently concluded SEA Games, a record 900 athletes came home with 202 medals, including 52 gold, proving that there is no shortage of sporting talent in our little red dot.
Against this backdrop, Parliament has passed the Singapore Sports Council (SSC) Amendment Bill to strengthen and build a more inclusive sporting ecosystem.
We want to “empower all Singaporeans to live better through sport”, said Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo.
For a start, the government will consolidate its efforts to nurture athletes to their full potential, putting them in good stead for future Major Games.
As part of the Kallang Alive Masterplan, Singapore athletes will have a new home to “train, study and compete under one roof”, said Mr Neo.
The Singapore Sports School (SSC) and the High-Performance Sport Institute (HPSI) will merge as a single institution, which will “enhance end-to-end support for athletes”, added Mr Neo.
Besides holistic support for athletes, the Bill also aims to make sports safer and more accessible for Singaporeans of all abilities.
“We are working to uplift standards so that Singaporeans can take part in sports safely,” said Mr Neo. This includes establishing codes of practice in areas such as coaching, equipment and facility management.
In view of the surge in interest in e-sports and mind sports such as chess, both categories of games will now be recognised as sport.
By moving beyond the traditional disciplines of sports, we can support the “diverse sporting aspirations” of Singaporeans, said Mr Neo.
Lastly, the government will push forward with its vision to strengthen disability sports.
“The Bill will recognise the Singapore National Paralympic Council (SNPC) as SportSG’s key partner, the same way Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) is recognised today.
“This is in line with the refreshed Disability Sports Master Plan (DSMP), where we have expanded access and opportunities for persons of all abilities to participate in sport,” said Mr Neo.
MPs speak up in support of the Bill
Members of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Culture, Community and Youth also spoke up in support of the Bill.
Chairperson Alex Yam (Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC) shared that the formal recognition of SNPC is not merely symbolic but a signal of intent.
“It affirms that disability sport deserves the same strategic attention as able-bodied sport,” said Mr Yam.
MP Valerie Lee (Pasir Ris-Changi GRC) also felt this to be an important feature of the Bill, especially since our para-athletes have been representing Singapore with distinction on the world stage.
“Access to opportunity, support, and excellence in sport should be open to all who have the commitment to pursue it,” said Ms Lee.
Given the Bill’s focus on expanding holistic support for athletes, MP Gho Sze Kee (Mountbatten SMC) shared that our focus “cannot be limited to… the number of medals won”.
“Instead, it should be measured by how well we stand by them…regardless of their sporting success, to succeed in life beyond sport,” said Ms Gho.
MPs also welcomed the inclusion of e-sports and mind sports in our definition of “sports”.
Since these sports do not require high fitness levels or mobility, MP Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar GRC) urged the government to tap into these activities to promote active ageing in our seniors.
However, there are also concerns.
MPs David Hoe (Jurong East–Bukit Batok GRC) and Dr Charlene Chen (Tampines GRC) raised questions on whether e-sports training could normalise unhealthy screen habits.
“Many parents struggle to distinguish training from play…for a minority, gaming can become especially problematic given its addictive potential,” shared Mr Hoe.
It would therefore be helpful to have clear expectations around training hours and physical conditioning, said Dr Chen.
There is also MP Elysa Chen (Bishan–Toa Payoh GRC), who cautioned that “definitions alone do not open doors”. What matters is whether athletes have “access to funding, facilities, and national representation pathways”.
As Singapore’s sporting culture continues to mature, the amendments to the SSC Bill will help develop a dynamic and inclusive sport ecosystem for the future.
“It states in one voice our support for Team Singapore athletes…(and) reaffirms that sport is for everyone, regardless of age or ability,” concluded Minister Neo.
