Mr Lim Hng Kiang at the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner, 2 Sep 2011

SPEECH BY MR LIM HNG KIANG, MINISTER FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, AT THE CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE (CASE) 40TH ANNIVERSARY GALA DINNER ON FRIDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER 2011, 7.50PM AT ORCHARD HOTEL

Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, President of CASE;

Members of CASE Central Committee;

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening.

I am pleased to join you in celebrating CASE’s 40th Anniversary. This event presents us with the opportunity to acknowledge CASE’s efforts as the champion of consumer protection in Singapore.

CPFTA

CASE played an instrumental role in the enactment of the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, or CPFTA, in 2004.This Act serves as one of our key consumer protection legislation. Before the Act came into force, CASE co-led a joint taskforce, comprising the public and private sectors, which identified prevalent consumer issues and set down the principles of the CPFTA. After the CPFTA was enacted, CASE continued to help consumers resolve their disputes, while looking to augment the scope of the Act.

Through CASE’s efforts in identifying potential issues, further amendments to the CPFTA took effect from 15 April 2009; with enhancements in the Cancellations of Contract and Opt-out Practices legislations that could further benefit consumers. Now, consumers enjoy better protection with these revisions to the Act. Today, CASE continues to work closely with the Government on our consumer protection laws.

Consumer Product Safety

CASE plays an active role as an advocate for consumer product safety by conducting surveys and product tests as well. Last year, CASE initiated the first island-wide survey on toys. The survey showed that 46% of the toys tested had higher than permitted levels of plasticizers or heavy metals. This year, CASE conducted a second follow-up test; and SPRING Singapore, being the Safety Authority, followed up with a third test in June and July this year.

These latest tests revealed a significant improvement: the percentage of toys failing the tests declined by more than half. Consumers were given further protection when earlier this year, the Government passed the Consumer Goods (Safety Requirements) Regulations which covers the safety of some 15,000 general consumer products.

Consumer Education

To increase awareness of consumer rights and responsibilities, CASE launched the “Knowledge is Protection” Education Campaign in November 2010 with partial funding from MTI. This campaign is focused on equipping consumers, particularly the elderly, homemakers and the youth, with adequate knowledge to better protect themselves against errant retailers. CASE visited the housing estates of Hougang-Aljunied, Bedok, Toa Payoh, Tampines East, Yu Hua, Bukit Panjang and Serangoon. The response, so far, has been promising and CASE intends to continue with this campaign.

CASE has, over the years, cultivated an increased presence as a consumer organisation. This is evident from the rise in the number of media reports that featured CASE, from 385 in 2006 to 814 in 2010.Last year, CASE handled more than 22,000 cases and helped consumers recover $3.8 million in cash and in kind. This is one of the highest amounts recovered for consumers over the past 5 years.

Effective from 1 July 2011, based on an agreement signed between CASE and the Singapore Tourism Board, CASE would administer disputes received from tourists pertaining to the CPFTA. With the sharing of information between both agencies, tourist disputes may now be handled more expediently.

Ultimately, a fair trading environment benefits all stakeholders, both consumers and businesses. To this end, CASE should continue its educational efforts to raise awareness of consumer rights, while consumers must also do their part to learn more about their rights and obligations and be discerning when making purchases.

Case Trust

Businesses accredited under the Case Trust scheme have also taken the first step towards creating a fair trading environment. I encourage businesses that are not yet accredited under Case Trust to consider accreditation, in order to boost consumer confidence in their business practices. I also urge Case Trust-accredited businesses not to stop at the minimum service standards needed for accreditation, but to continually strive to better these standards.

Case Trust Gold is the premier tier of the Case Trust Accreditation Scheme. Recipients of this award are businesses that distinguish themselves as industry leaders and business icons of Singapore. Case Trust Gold recognizes business excellence and superior customer service. For businesses which are accredited, this award demonstrates dynamism, innovation and the desire to keep pace with changing consumer demands and needs. I hope we will see more companies qualifying for this scheme, which will inspire consumer confidence in businesses.

Support for CASE

As a non-profit organization, CASE faces the constant challenge of raising funds to fulfill its mission. The Government will continue to support CASE in its work. MTI has committed to contribute dollar-for-dollar, up to $5 million, towards CASE’s $10 million endowment fund.

Finally, I commend this evening’s recipients of the Friend of CASE award, for their contributions to the consumer movement. This award honors institutions that have contributed to building a consumer-friendly environment and recognizes companies that have adopted consumer-centric policies or participated in CASE’s activities.

On this note, I extend my heartiest congratulations to CASE, its past and present Central Committee members, and all volunteers and staff, for your contributions towards the consumer movement in Singapore. I wish everyone an enjoyable evening ahead. Thank you.