Ensuring Equitable Access to Discounts for Seniors and Low-Income Residents Excluded from App-only and Digital Promotions

Miss Rachel Ong asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether the Ministry has studied the extent to which seniors and low-income residents without smartphones are disadvantaged by app-only discounts, digital coupons and QR code promotions for essential goods and services; and (b) whether guidance will be issued to retailers to ensure equivalent non-digital access to such discounts.

The Government recognises that digital proficiency is not uniform and some citizens need more support to access digital services. The Member may refer to the Singapore Digital Society report published by the Infocomm Media Development Authority. It outlines the extensive range of support available and improvements in digital inclusion, especially for seniors and lower-income households.

For providers of essential goods and services that serve a broad cross-section of residents, we advocate the approach of "digital first, but not digital only". The Government itself ensures that citizens who need in-person support can access Government services at agencies' physical service touchpoints and at ServiceSG Centres.

With regard to retailers, the Government does not intervene in their marketing and promotions decisions. However, we observe that many retailers already provide non-digital ways for discounts, especially if they assess these to be welcomed by key customer segments. For example, leading retailers, like FairPrice, Sheng Siong and Giant, offer discounts to customers presenting physical cards, such as the Pioneer and Merdeka Generation Cards, PAssion Silver Concession Card, Community Health Assist Scheme Card, or National Registration Identity Card.

Similarly for Mediacorp's television programme schedule, publishers have the flexibility to decide based on their assessment of their audiences' preferences. We understand Lianhe Zaobao and Berita Harian continue to publish them but the Straits Times has stopped the practice. Viewers who require help may contact Mediacorp's hotline to enquire about television programme schedules or to get help accessing the on-screen programme guide on the mewatch application.

The Government will continue to support seniors and low-income residents in building digital skills and access, and encourage businesses to adopt inclusive practices, so that more Singaporeans can benefit from digitalisation while those who need additional support are not left behind.