Guidelines on Visual Materials Shown in Lectures at Tertiary Institutions

Mr Baey Yam Keng asked the Minister for Communications and Information (a) what are the current censorship regulations and guidelines on visual materials, particularly videos, shown as part of lectures in our tertiary institutions; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider providing more leeway so that lecturers can have a wider range of materials to draw upon for illustrative purposes, given that the screening of such materials will be in a controlled and facilitated environment.

The Minister of State for Communications and Information (Ms Sim Ann) (for the Minister for Communications and Information): Madam, the Film Act requires that all films and videos that are meant for commercial screening or retail sale should be submitted to the Media Development Authority (MDA) for classification. Age-restricted films are also subject to age checks by the cinema operators and retailers. This is necessary to prevent under-aged viewing of mature content, while providing adults with a wider choice of content.

In the case of our tertiary institutions, we recognise that lecturers and students of media or related courses may require access to a wider variety of films, including films that are classified R21. MDA, therefore, provides some leeway to these institutions to screen films for educational purposes, on condition that these films have either been previously classified by the MDA, or prior approval has been sought from the MDA before the films are acquired. These films should be screened either within their library premises, or during lectures and tutorials under the supervision of a lecturer. In addition, our tertiary institutions are required to put in place measures to control the access and movement of their age-restricted materials.

4.00 pm

Mdm Speaker: Order. End of Question Time.

[ Pursuant to Standing Order No 22(3), Written Answers to Question Nos 30, 32-33, 35, 38, 41-42, 44, 46-48, 50, 52-67, 69-74 and 76-82 on the Order Paper are reproduced in the Appendix (Pg xxx-xxx). Question Nos 29, 31, 34, 36-37, 39-40, 43, 45, 49, 51, 68 and 75 have been postponed to the next available sitting of Parliament. ]