Edwin Tong Highlights Extensive Investment in High Performance System and Athlete Support
SINGAPORE: The Singapore government continues its substantial investment in the development of local athletes, with over S$70 million allocated each year to the High Performance System (HPS). Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong outlined this ongoing support in Parliament on January 12, underscoring the holistic approach to both financial and non-financial assistance for Singapore’s elite sportspeople.
Tong’s address followed the historic achievement of national shuttler Loh Kean Yew, who became a world badminton champion despite not receiving prize money for his victory. Tong responded to parliamentary questions regarding the types of support available to athletes, as well as efforts to attract world-class coaches.
The government has been investing heavily in sports infrastructure, contributing almost S$90 million annually to improve stadiums and sports venues for public use. Additionally, the HPS, managed by the Singapore Sport Institute (SSI) and the National Youth Sport Institute (NYSI), is a key component of the government’s strategy. The system offers personalised training and a comprehensive support environment, including coaching, sport science, and medical assistance, tailored to each athlete’s needs.
Over the past five years, the government’s investment has helped enhance sports facilities, including the development of advanced technologies for sports science. Notably, the SSI’s biomechanics team supported national badminton players by studying the new synthetic feathered shuttlecocks introduced by the Badminton World Federation, helping athletes adapt to the change. The same team has also assisted Olympic gold medalist para-swimmer Yip Pin Xiu in refining her stroke techniques and optimising her performance.
A significant portion of government funding goes directly to athletes, with the spexScholarship offering financial assistance to the most promising individuals. This initiative has supported over 168 athletes since 2013, including top competitors like Loh and Yip, with monthly stipends and additional funding for coaching, equipment, and medical support.
Tong also highlighted the Sports Excellence framework, which aids athletes beyond financial means. Through partnerships with educational institutions, the framework enables student-athletes to balance their academic and athletic commitments, while a Business Network connects athletes with flexible job opportunities across 60 companies. Para-swimmer Sophie Soon, for instance, was able to adjust her internship schedule with Toyota while preparing for the Tokyo Olympics.
Additionally, the government has introduced grants to compensate athletes for lost income due to training and competition commitments, benefiting thousands over the past five years. Non-monetary support, including mental health initiatives, has been another focus. Since 2020, Sport Singapore has actively engaged athletes in addressing psychological challenges and stress management.
Tong also acknowledged the public’s role in supporting athletes, citing the One Team Singapore Fund, which has raised over S$15 million through donations matched by the government. This fund helps enhance training environments and create more opportunities for athletes.
With these comprehensive initiatives, Tong reiterated the government’s dedication to supporting athletes at every level, from grassroots to elite performance, ensuring they have the resources to excel and achieve their best outcomes.
