Digital & technology

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat raised questions regarding the accuracy standards, performance, and monitoring of the bus Expected Time of Arrival (ETA) system. Jeffrey Siow responded that the ETA system aims to predict bus arrival times within a three-minute range at least 95% of the time, and performance has met this target over the past three years. The January failure was attributed to a software defect caused by a server issue, which has since been resolved. An upgrade of the ETA system has begun in 2024 to enhance predictions and real-time information, with the Land Transport Authority actively monitoring its reliability to prevent future issues.

He Ting Ru raised concerns about the fault in the bus arrival timing system, asking how many bus services and commuters were affected and about the vendor's post-deployment checks. Jeffrey Siow reported that around 4,000 buses faced issues with intermittent data transmission and missing predictions, but overall bus operations were unaffected. The preliminary investigation identified defective software and a server failure as the root cause, leading to a memory cache build-up in on-board transmitters, but no cybersecurity concerns were noted. The software has been fixed, and an upgrade of the Bus Fleet Management System is ongoing to enhance prediction accuracy.

Christopher de Souza raised concerns about the need for strengthened safety and handover protocols for self-driving shuttle buses, as well as about tightening liability and insurance regimes. Jeffrey Siow explained that Autonomous Vehicle (AV) operators must submit detailed safety and operational plans, which are evaluated by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and NTU's CETRAN before deployment. AV trials are conducted under a regulatory framework, including the Road Traffic Act and specific rules for autonomous vehicles, with operators required to maintain liability insurance. The Government is collaborating with stakeholders to review and potentially reform liability and insurance systems for AVs.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Law about various metrics concerning the Community Justice and Tribunals System, including unique SingPass logins, successful claim submissions, application abandonment rates, and median submission times. Edwin Tong Chun Fai reported that approximately 394 claims were filed via SingPass or CJTSPass between 2023 and 2024. He added that the Community Justice and Tribunals System does not track the other requested metrics.

Yip Hon Weng asked if registered community optometrists would be granted role-based access to the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) for viewing patient information and contributing eye-care findings to enhance clinical safety and care coordination. Ong Ye Kung responded that optometrists in Healthcare Services Act licensed institutions can access NEHR to support patient care, while those in non-HCSA licensed institutions are not currently required to submit their health information to NEHR.

Joan Pereira asked about the potential for increased penalties for fake security threats, accountability of social media platforms under the Broadcasting Act, and government outreach on proper reporting channels. K Shanmugam stated that making false security threats can lead to a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment and a $50,000 fine, which he deems adequate. The Online Criminal Harms Act allows the government to prevent online activities related to such offences. The Ministry of Home Affairs is actively engaging the public through the SGSecure Movement to educate them on reporting suspicious activities and adapts communication strategies regularly.

Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked about the number of appeals received by the Traffic Police regarding fines for illegal U-turns influenced by GPS navigation apps and whether the Police collaborates with these companies to address the issues. K Shanmugam responded that the Traffic Police does not track such appeals and emphasizes that motorists must follow road signs, not just GPS prompts. He acknowledged the suggestion to notify navigation companies about erroneous GPS prompts and expressed a willingness to explore this further.

Joan Pereira asked the Prime Minister about requiring banks and card issuers to take full liability for unauthorized credit card transactions where 3-D Secure was not used, and about standardizing reporting and dispute resolution procedures across financial institutions. Gan Kim Yong responded that established card scheme rules already protect customers from liability for unauthorized transactions with non-compliant merchants if promptly reported. The Monetary Authority of Singapore mandates that financial institutions provide reporting channels and fair dispute resolution processes for unauthorized transactions. Customers can dispute charges without immediate financial impact during investigations and may seek further resolution through the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre. Public reminders were issued to safeguard card information and monitor transactions closely.

Rachel Ong asked if the Government will collaborate with digital-only banks to provide alternative verification options for SingPass to assist users with medical conditions obstructing facial recognition. Gan Kim Yong responded that the Monetary Authority of Singapore mandates that banks implement multifactor authentication for online security and expects them to provide alternative methods for those unable to use facial recognition due to medical reasons. Users facing issues with face verification can seek help from their bank's customer service.

Mark Lee raised concerns about the potential increase in information silos in Singapore and their susceptibility to misinformation, as highlighted by the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer. Josephine Teo acknowledged that while there are global risks of echo chambers and misinformation exacerbated by technology, Singapore's information landscape remains relatively healthy with high public trust in media and government. The government invests in public service media to provide accurate news and diverse perspectives while also promoting information literacy through programs like SURE. Building a strong community and social fabric is essential, as it helps citizens critically assess narratives that could threaten social cohesion. The government will continue to monitor the information environment to ensure Singapore remains well-informed and resilient.

Cai Yinzhou asked about the inclusion of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners in the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR), regarding the timeline and support for TCM clinics. Ong Ye Kung responded that TCM is not a licensable healthcare service under current legislation, and TCM data is not eligible for inclusion in the NEHR as per the Health Information Bill.

Melvin Yong Yik Chye raised concerns regarding the adequacy of training for investigators distinguishing between system faults and human error after an autonomous vehicle collision. Jeffrey Siow stated that the Land Transport Authority collaborates with the Traffic Police and fleet operators for AV investigations. Current AV trials are conducted within a regulatory sandbox framework, facilitating a deeper understanding of the technology. The Government is reviewing accountability frameworks and plans to introduce AV-specific legislation to clarify responsibilities of key actors in the industry.

David Hoe raised questions about the availability of video consultations for non-emergency acute conditions at polyclinics, inquiring about expansion plans for those not currently offering these services. Dr. Koh Poh Koon explained that video consultations are primarily for follow-up care after in-person visits, with no immediate plans for widespread implementation across all polyclinics. He clarified that polyclinics are focusing resources on chronic disease management instead, and outlined the rationale behind the age limit for teleconsultations. The Ministry of Health is monitoring pilot projects and aims to ensure patient safety while allowing healthcare providers flexibility in their judgment.

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns regarding problematic gaming and its intersection with mental health, education, and youth development, inquiring about the Ministry of Education's (MOE) framework for cross-ministry coordination and preventive policies. Dr. Syed Harun Alhabsyi explained that MOE collaborates with multiple government agencies to promote mental well-being and healthy digital engagement, including Cyber Wellness lessons in schools that teach students responsible technology use and support for those with gaming concerns. MOE partners with the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Health Promotion Board to provide resources for parents to manage children's gaming habits and has developed a guide for positive technology use. Yip sought clarification on MOE's leadership role in managing these issues and whether the government engages with gaming platforms regarding their design features, to which Dr. Syed indicated a multi-agency approach is taken, and current engagement with gaming platforms is not direct but regulated through existing legislative measures.

Gerald Giam Yean Song questioned the Minister for Digital Development regarding projected spending on government strategies for AI and whether the government will fund ambitious projects through a government-owned AI corporation. The Senior Minister of State, Tan Kiat How, emphasized that Singapore's National AI Strategy 2.0 focuses on utilizing AI for public benefit, with investments in building AI capabilities and collaborating with both local and international entities. Giam raised concerns about potential data drain from foreign technology giants and suggested policies for knowledge transfer and fees for using public data sets. Tan assured that Singapore has a strong data protection framework in place for all companies, requiring compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act and sector-specific regulations.

Denise Phua Lay Peng asked about alternative Singpass verification options for users with medical conditions preventing facial verification and if the Ministry would review requirements to ensure inclusion. Jasmin Lau responded that there are alternative methods, such as one-time passwords and hardware tokens, for those unable to use facial recognition. All banks must provide at least one non-Singpass verification method, and the government will continue working on accessibility options. Phua emphasized the need for better communication regarding these alternatives to help affected users.

Valerie Lee asked about the measures in place to assist bus captains during route diversions and the possibility of enhanced navigation tools. Jeffrey Siow explained that bus captains can communicate with the Operations Control Centre for real-time support and receive briefings with maps for diverted routes. The Land Transport Authority is collaborating with bus operators to assess and implement technological solutions, including a mobile navigation app used by SBS Transit for bus captains on unfamiliar routes during rail disruptions.

Fadli Fawzi raised concerns about an accident involving an autonomous vehicle on January 17, 2026, asking if the Ministry could provide details on the vehicle's response to detecting a small object and whether the accident was due to human error during a manual takeover or the vehicle's response. Jeffrey Siow replied that the question was previously addressed in a response during the February 4, 2026 Parliament sitting.

Shawn Loh raised concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce, asking the government to study whether AI serves as a complement or substitute for workers, particularly between SMEs and MNCs. Tan See Leng responded that the government is examining AI's effects on the labor market and noted that the impact depends more on business activities and job roles rather than firm size. The government supports workforce transformation and reskilling for all firms, providing tailored assistance based on their specific needs. Commitment remains to help workers adapt to AI and assist those displaced through workforce transition programs.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about government studies on artificial intelligence (AI) software adoption and usage by companies, distinguishing between small and medium enterprises versus multinational corporations, as well as individuals in Singapore. Mrs. Josephine Teo responded that the government monitors AI adoption as part of digital economy efforts, and since 2023, the Infocomm Media Development Authority has published the annual Singapore Digital Economy Report with relevant data. She suggested that the member refer to the report for more information.