Digital & technology

Choo Pei Ling questioned the Minister for Digital Development and Information about measures for securing Singapore's satellite-based critical information infrastructure, the establishment of cybersecurity standards for satellite operators, and contingency plans for potential disruptions. Tan Kiat How responded that over 99% of Singapore's Internet traffic relies on submarine and terrestrial networks, with limited reliance on satellites for primary communications. He emphasized Singapore's robust digital infrastructure and participation in international bodies for setting cybersecurity and resilience standards in the space industry. Tan acknowledged the evolving threats to satellite systems and the government's commitment to enhancing security in collaboration with the industry.

Cai Yinzhou raised questions about the accessibility features of public buses, specifically regarding the proportion without integrated next-stop displays and audio announcements. Jeffrey Siow reported that currently, about 20% of public buses have the Passenger Information Display System (PIDS), with plans for 70% of the fleet to be equipped by 2030. Retrofitting older buses with these systems is not practical due to design limitations, but bus captains are trained to assist visually impaired and deaf commuters. Commuters can also use a "Please alert me when I am approaching my stop" card to seek assistance.

Elysa Chen asked about the total number and load capacity of data centres in Singapore. Josephine Teo responded that Singapore's total data centre capacity exceeds 1.4 gigawatts and that there are more than 70 data centres, including cloud, enterprise, and co-location facilities.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked about the AI Singapore's AI Apprenticeship Programme's graduate placement rates, specifically regarding hires by AI Singapore, the presence of alumni in permanent staff, and measures to ensure the statistics are not inflated by internal re-hiring. Josephine Teo explained that the AIAP develops skilled AI talent through practical training with companies, and referred to a previous written reply for more detailed progress on the programme.

Alex Yeo questioned the Coordinating Minister for National Security about the status of Carousell's commitment to implement measures under the E-Commerce Code of the Online Criminal Harms Act 2023 by January 2026, particularly concerning the rise in e-commerce scams involving SingPass-verified accounts. K Shanmugam responded that the Ministry of Home Affairs is currently evaluating the effectiveness of Carousell's measures and will provide updates accordingly. The Ministry is also closely monitoring the scam situation on Carousell and will consider additional measures as needed.

He Ting Ru questioned the Deputy Prime Minister about the Ministry's efforts to assist Singaporean firms in dealing with US technological restrictions and China's rare earth export controls. Gan Kim Yong responded that the Ministry of Trade and Industry provides advisories and outreach programs to educate businesses on export controls, including specific advisories on advanced semiconductors and AI technologies. The Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce was established to support businesses during global economic uncertainties, launching the Business Adaptation Grant to help firms adapt operations and improve supply chain resilience. The government is committed to monitoring global developments and reviewing support measures as necessary.

Cai Yinzhou raised concerns regarding students' AI usage and its potential correlation with cognitive skill decline, querying about data, baseline assessments, teacher training, and interventions to prevent over-reliance on AI. Desmond Lee responded that the Ministry of Education (MOE) focuses on ensuring AI enhances teaching while preventing cognitive atrophy, though specific local data is lacking. The MOE is studying AI's impact, drawing on international research indicating that improper AI use can hinder basic skills development. Teachers delay AI use until students have strong foundational skills, with a progressive introduction starting in Primary 4 and personal learning devices in secondary school. The MOE provides AI tools for teachers, emphasizes teaching AI literacy, and employs assessments to ensure mastery of foundational concepts without reliance on AI.

Cai Yinzhou asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information about the potential for IMDA to mandate content filters and digital watermarking for high-risk AI tools and the auditing of AI models in Singapore for compliance with governance frameworks. Josephine Teo acknowledged that while testing standards for AI-related risks are developing, there is a strong emphasis on responsible AI development. She highlighted existing safeguards, such as the Codes of Practice for Online Safety and the upcoming Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act, and mentioned that policies will be updated as technical standards evolve.

Kenneth Goh asked about plans to develop and maintain a strong pipeline of cybersecurity talent to tackle increasing cyber threats across various sectors. Josephine Teo emphasized that critical infrastructure owners are responsible for their own cybersecurity while the Government supports them through nationwide exercises like Exercise Cyber Star. The Cyber Security Agency collaborates with educational institutions to offer leadership programs and training for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, including the Cybersecurity Development Programme for graduates and initiatives like SG Cyber Youth for students. The Government will continue to monitor and enhance these educational efforts to adapt to the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong questioned the Government's collaboration with technology vendors to address zero-day vulnerabilities in light of the UNC3886 cyberattacks. Josephine Teo acknowledged that zero-day vulnerabilities cannot be fully eliminated but stated that measures are in place to detect and prevent significant damage to key systems. The Cyber Security Agency and GovTech work with vendors to confirm incidents and expedite remediation when credible information is received. Critical system owners are required to perform regular security testing and threat hunting to enhance detection and remediation efforts. A layered defense approach is emphasized, involving perimeter controls and internal threat detection to mitigate risks effectively.

Diana Pang Li Yen asked about the prevalence of fax communications between law firms and agencies like HDB, CPF Board, SLA, and banks, as well as plans to transition to secure digital communications and ensure data security. Mrs. Josephine Teo responded that the Ministry does not track fax usage, but noted that law firms primarily use email and online channels for communication. There are currently no plans to phase out fax communications as a policy, allowing organizations to decide on their own communication methods.

Charlene Chen inquired about the Ministry of Trade and Industry's collaboration with digital platforms to identify and remove misleading AI-generated content related to products and services. Gan Kim Yong confirmed that the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act protects consumers from misleading claims, urging them to report such issues to the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE). Thus far, there have been no complaints about AI-generated misleading advertisements received by CASE or the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS). CCS is actively working with e-commerce platforms to promote responsible practices, including guidance on AI use and revisions to industry codes. The Council for Estate Agencies requires property agents to accurately represent listings and disclose any AI usage in marketing materials, with ongoing reviews to improve regulations.

• The Budget debate focused on urgent issues concerning Singaporean workers, particularly regarding the impact of AI on job security, cost of living, and the need for better support systems for various groups, including young graduates, mid-career workers, and seniors.
• The Labour Movement highlighted the need for initiatives that empower workers to become AI-ready, emphasizing the importance of structured training, early engagement during transitions, and building confidence among workers, especially in the face of economic uncertainties.
• Concerns were raised regarding wealth inequality and the necessity of implementing more progressive tax measures, alongside calls for long-term structural changes in the education system to better align with future workforce needs influenced by AI.
• Various members expressed the importance of enhancing family support systems, proposing adjustments to existing financial aid structures and increasing accessibility for older children and vulnerable families, especially those impacted by cost-of-living pressures.
• The need for a cohesive national strategy that combines government, businesses, and unions to ensure equitable outcomes for all workers and evolve practices to accommodate the demands of an AI-driven future was stressed throughout the debate.

He Ting Ru questioned the Minister for Digital Development and Information about the allocation of over $1 billion for public AI research from 2025 to 2030, specifically regarding the distribution among fundamental AI research, applied AI research, and talent development, as well as the guiding principles for these decisions. Josephine Teo emphasized that the funding aims to sustain long-term investments and maintain global competitiveness in research capabilities and talent. She noted that specific allocations are not disclosed to adapt to emerging opportunities, and funds will be managed under existing governance systems for research and development.

He Ting Ru asked about the progress and objectives of the National Multimodal Large Language Model Programme launched in 2023, including the indicators for its assessment. Mrs. Josephine Teo responded that the development of two large language model families, SEALION and MERaLiON, has enabled local scientists and engineers to create and fine-tune models suited to Southeast Asia's cultural contexts. Organizations like the Monetary Authority of Singapore and Indonesia's GoTo Group have utilized these models to create applications that better serve the region. The collaboration with companies like Google Research and Microsoft Singapore is in alignment with the objectives of Singapore's National AI Strategy 2.0.

He Ting Ru questioned the Minister for Digital Development and Information about the effectiveness of AI manpower and capability development initiatives announced at SWITCH 2022, particularly regarding a US$50 million investment. Josephine Teo responded that the investment supported the AI Apprenticeship Programme and the National Research Foundation Fellowship for AI. The AIAP has successfully trained over 400 practitioners with more than 85% securing AI-related roles post-apprenticeship. Four NRF Fellowships have been awarded to early-career AI researchers, with ongoing tracking of their progress by the NRF.

Diana Pang Li Yen asked about the number of directions issued under the Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act and the Online Criminal Harms Act over the last three years to remove content promoting radical or extremist acts, and if these measures are being reviewed due to trends in youth self-radicalization. K Shanmugam responded that no directions have been issued under these acts to remove such content, as online platforms often remove it themselves based on their community guidelines. He mentioned that while legal measures are currently unnecessary, they are ready to act if required.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about the introduction of risks associated with loot boxes and gacha mechanics within the Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) curriculum, as well as the potential for making the discussion of gambling-inducement risks in video games mandatory in the Cyber Wellness curriculum. Desmond Lee responded that Cyber Wellness lessons, part of the CCE curriculum, are provided from primary to pre-university levels and already include education on online gaming risks. Upper primary students learn about self-control in relation to in-game purchases, while secondary students identify and guard against online gaming risks. Currently, lessons on loot boxes are given in Secondary 5, with plans to introduce them earlier at the lower secondary level. Parents are encouraged to guide their children's online activities and purchases, while schools will collaborate with parents to help protect children from online harms.

• The debate focused on Singapore's Budget 2026, emphasizing resilience through fiscal prudence amid ongoing global uncertainties, including the rise of AI and its impact on the economy and workforce.
• Speakers discussed the need for equitable access to education and technology, advocating for initiatives that prepare all Singaporeans for an AI-driven economy, including extending personal learning devices to primary students.
• Attention was given to the "sandwich generation," with calls for more support for families juggling caregiving responsibilities and the need for flexible work arrangements to facilitate career progression while managing family duties.
• The importance of supporting seniors and lower-income workers affected by technological changes was highlighted, with suggestions for job redesign and dedicated re-skilling programs.
• Overall, the Budget was viewed as a strategic opportunity to invest in people, enhance social cohesion, and ensure that economic growth translates into tangible benefits for all Singaporeans.

Dr. Koh Poh Koon addressed enhancements to the electronic health declaration card as part of the SG Arrival Card during a parliamentary session. The card now prompts arriving individuals to disclose their previous travel destinations only if they report symptoms. If no symptoms are reported, there will be no prompt for monitored travel destinations, streamlining the compliance process. A factual correction was issued clarifying that only already monitored destinations would be prompted if no symptoms are indicated, ensuring ease of submission while avoiding over-declaration.