Question

Mr Yip Hon Weng: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) what other potentially high-risk industries have been allowed to pivot during the COVID-19 situation; and (b) what is being done to mitigate the risks.

Written Answer by Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Gan Kim Yong

1. The nightlife industry is the only industry that has not been allowed to operate at all throughout the pandemic. As such, nightlife firms had the option to apply for a grant from Enterprise Singapore to pivot to permitted activities, e.g., F&B, fitness gyms, co-working spaces. In comparison, there are no restrictions for firms in other industries to pivot to another industry. However, as other industries generally remained open during the pandemic, the decision to pivot is purely commercial, and they will not be eligible for a pivot grant.

2. Companies that pivot to new sectors are required to adhere to the SMMs and regulatory requirements of that sector. Enforcement action is taken by the responsible agencies, and penalties are meted out to companies that breach these SMMs or regulations.