2024: Said that Science Centre does not have plans to organise event on gender and sex

Science Centre Singapore does not plan to organise a replacement event on the topic of gender and sex. It has already lined up the next few sessions of Science Café to discuss other topics in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/parliamentary-replies/20240702-plans-for-replacement-event-for-cancelled-talk-on-gender-and-sex-at-science-centre

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2023: Tells universities to exercise sensitivity toward socially divisive issues

In response to question about LGBTQ-themed performances in universities, against the backdrop of controversy during NTU's Queer-Tai performance, Minister of Education Chan said:

As Institutes of Higher Learning, our autonomous universities (AUs) are common spaces and should provide neutral ground for learning, open discussions, and civil discourse. In carrying out their activities, they must be respectful of Singapore's wider social norms, and exercise appropriate judgement and sensitivity when dealing with issues that may potentially be socially divisive. Within the bounds of these principles, as well as national guidelines and laws, the AUs have the autonomy to manage campus activities, including public performances.

https://mothership.sg/2023/11/singapore-university-activity-autonomy/

https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/parliamentary-replies/20231106-public-performances-in-autonomous-universities

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2016: Speaking against social divisions

“I’m not going to discriminate … (You’re free to do) whatever you do behind your bedroom doors ... It’s not my problem. I’m not a sex policeman ... But if you tell everyone to champion pro-LGBT or anti-LGBT (causes), it (might) cause social divisions, so (I have to step in) to be the policeman in the middle.”

https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/chan-chun-sing-urges-youth-go-beyond-relying-good-grades-jobs

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2014: Speaking against foreign companies advocating for divisive issues

In May 2014, Goldman Sachs organised an exclusive networking dinner for LGBTQ students in Singapore. In a Facebook post, Chan called for foreign companies to “respect local culture and context”, and “not venture into public advocacy for causes that sow discord amongst Singaporeans”.

A number of Singaporeans read a recent newspaper article on the recruitment practice of a multinational company here, and asked for my views...

SG is a largely conservative society. While different groups may express their different points of view, everyone should respect the sensitivities of others and not create division.

Singapore and Singaporeans will decide on the norms for our society. Foreign companies here should respect local culture and context. They are entitled to decide and articulate their human resource policies, but they should not venture into public advocacy for causes that sow discord amongst Singaporeans.

Employment in SG is based on one's merit and ability. Discrimination - be it positive or negative - whether based on race, language, religion, or sexual orientation is not aligned with our social ethos, and has no place in our society.

https://www.facebook.com/ChanChunSing.SG/posts/a-number-of-singaporeans-read-a-recent-newspaper-article-on-the-recruitment-prac/737155446336441/

https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/foreign-firms-spore-must-respect-cultural-norms-chan-chun-sing

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2013: Against websites promoting infidelity

Chan Chun Sing against Ashley Madison, a dating website targeting married spouses, which had plans to launch in Singapore in 2014. 

Saw media reports on Ashley Madison, a dating website targeting married spouses, which has plans to launch in Singapore next year.  

I do not welcome such a website into Singapore.  I’m against any company or website that harms marriage. Promoting infidelity undermines trust and commitment between a husband and wife, which are core to marriage.  Our marriage vows make it clear that marriage is a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. This includes staying faithful to one another.

I’m heartened by the responses of many Singaporeans who also spoke up against such website.  This reflects the significance we all place in commitment and fidelity in marriage.‍

https://www.facebook.com/ChanChunSing.SG/posts/pfbid0sSyv3DGUWaSSZpd8F121pi6Ubm11RTFwe9AVdmyEM1YiqTVU3gtoMPbSx4jFhJFal

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