Digital & technology

Valerie Lee asked about the impact of scam vigilance on government agencies' ability to contact residents, particularly seniors, and inquired about measures for verifying agency calls and implementing a nationalised caller ID system. Josephine Teo acknowledged that while heightened vigilance may deter residents from legitimate calls, it has not significantly hindered public service delivery. The government is exploring strategies to help the public recognize genuine calls and has issued advisories on what legitimate government officials will not ask for on calls. They are also piloting a National Simulated Scams Exercise to educate the public on scam tactics.

David Hoe asked about the number of households supported by the DigitalAccess@Home Scheme since its launch in April 2023, its progress towards the target of 60,000 households, and budget allocation. Josephine Teo responded that over 30,000 assistance packages have been provided to low-income households, indicating the figures reflect resources allocated to meet qualifying demand rather than fixed targets. The Infocomm Media Development Authority is collaborating with various government agencies and social partners to increase awareness and streamline applications for the scheme. Efforts will continue to promote inclusive digital access for all.

Gabriel Lam asked the Prime Minister if the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has assessed risks to consumers regarding fraudulent transactions when victims are overseas or unable to receive timely SMS alerts. Gan Kim Yong clarified that MAS requires banks to provide real-time transaction alerts via multiple channels, including SMS, in-app, and email notifications. Customers are encouraged to use multiple notification methods to stay informed, especially while overseas. Banks must evaluate scam cases fairly, considering the timing of notifications, and dissatisfied customers can seek mediation from the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre.

Gabriel Lam questioned the Prime Minister regarding the need for clearer regulatory guidance on consumer protection in cases of fraudulent transactions involving third-party payment platforms. Gan Kim Yong responded that existing guidelines, including the E-Payments User Protection Guidelines, define responsibilities for financial institutions regarding unauthorized transactions, emphasizing protective measures like cooling-off periods and real-time alerts. Customers must report fraudulent transactions to the involved financial institutions, which are expected to investigate and determine liability based on specific circumstances, rather than solely attributing blame to another institution. If dissatisfied with the investigation outcomes, customers can seek mediation or adjudication through the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC).

Lee Hong Chuang raised concerns to the Minister for Digital Development about the adequacy of current cooperation with neighboring countries to protect Singapore's submarine cable network and the potential for investing in alternatives like satellite-based systems. Mrs. Josephine Teo responded that the Infocomm Media Development Authority leads the ASEAN Working Group on Submarine Cables, which aims to strengthen regional cable resilience through guidelines and cooperation. The Enhanced ASEAN Guidelines for strengthening submarine cable protection and repair were endorsed recently. Singapore plans to pursue improvements in digital connectivity, including exploring satellite options.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked if the Ministry of Home Affairs considered issuing directives to require social media platforms to detect and remove illegal moneylending ads targeting migrant domestic workers, and whether the approach for impersonation scams could apply to these advertisements. K Shanmugam responded that the Police collaborate with online platforms like Meta and TikTok to prevent unlicensed moneylending through proactive measures, having flagged over 10,900 related accounts and advertisements for termination. He stated that Implementation Directives are issued only when urgent measures are needed, and current collaborations are deemed sufficient for addressing unlicensed moneylending issues.

Poh Li San questioned the Acting Minister for Transport regarding the management of issues related to the implementation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) shuttle in Punggol after a recent accident. Jeffrey Siow emphasized the importance of the familiarization phase for both autonomous vehicles and safety officers to adapt to local conditions. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and ComfortDelGro are reviewing operating procedures for transitioning between autonomous and manual driving. LTA will continue to collaborate with fleet operators to ensure the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles.

Low Wu Yang Andre questioned the Minister for Manpower about the acquisition of AI start-up Manus, specifically concerning the percentage of Singapore citizens in its workforce, local headcount retention guarantees, and the Ministry's role in ensuring foreign start-ups aid local skill transfer. The Senior Minister of State for Manpower, Dr. Koh Poh Koon, explained that the Ministry does not intervene in acquisitions and keeps individual company workforce demographics confidential. He emphasized that the Economic Development Board (EDB) supports skills transfer and development for Singaporeans while ensuring that all companies comply with local manpower laws. Low expressed concerns about redomiciled companies potentially exploiting Singapore's business environment and inquired about specific hiring targets for such companies, to which Koh reaffirmed that all companies must adhere to the same hiring practices without differentiation.

The Acting Minister for Transport, Mr. Jeffrey Siow, stated that tampering with or modifying On-Board Units (OBUs) without authorization will be considered an offence as part of the ERP 2.0 system, with penalties up to $20,000 and/or imprisonment for serious violations. A correction was later made to the penalties, indicating a maximum imprisonment of one year instead of two years. The details regarding these offences and penalties will be included in subsidiary legislation. The statements were made during the Second Reading of the Land Transport and Related Matters Bill on 3 February 2026.

He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information about police reports related to AI-generated non-consensual intimate images on X's Grok platform. Josephine Teo responded that as of January 2026, no police reports have been filed in Singapore concerning this issue. The Infocomm Media Development Authority is engaging with X regarding harmful content and noted that X has implemented measures to address the distribution of non-consensual imagery. The Ministry plans to continue monitoring the situation and collaborate with X to improve online safety for users in Singapore.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about the dollar value of advanced computing and high-end AI chips produced in Singapore over the past five years, constraints in high-end chipmaking, and efforts to address them. Gan Kim Yong noted that Singapore's semiconductor output has increased from $100 billion in 2020 to $133 billion in 2024, but companies do not disclose specific production data. The high-end chipmaking sector is complex and competitive, with intense global competition and significant land and energy requirements impacting project selection. Efforts to enhance high-end chipmaking include expanding the manufacturing presence of global companies, promoting R&D activities, and establishing national platforms to support translational research in semiconductor innovation.

Low Wu Yang Andre asked about the review of Meta's acquisition of AI start-up Manus, the impact of such acquisitions on Singapore's AI ecosystem, and the adequacy of the current merger notification framework. Gan Kim Yong explained that Singapore has a voluntary merger notification regime that allows companies to self-assess potential competition concerns while minimizing compliance costs. The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) is not currently reviewing the acquisition as it has not been notified, and there are no indications of potential anti-competitive issues. CCS will continue to monitor the AI market to ensure competitiveness and support innovation.

Lee Hong Chuang raised concerns about supporting vulnerable residents who may lack the technological resources to obtain the Certificate of Medical Need required for using mobility scooters on public paths starting mid-2026. Jeffrey Siow referenced the Second Reading of the Land Transport and Related Matters Bill for further information regarding the implementation and certification process for users.

Lee Hong Chuang asked the Minister for Education about the possibility of integrating digital break workshops into the standard CCA curriculum to address concerns about social media and gaming addiction, and how the effectiveness of existing cyber wellness programs is measured. Desmond Lee responded that Cyber Wellness lessons are already part of the curriculum, focusing on balanced online and offline activities and responsible technology use. Starting in 2026, primary and secondary schools will prohibit the use of smartphones and smartwatches during school hours. While students benefit from these programs, there is a need for a collective societal effort, involving parents and the community, to effectively teach children about managing technology use.

Darryl David questioned the Minister for Digital Development and Information about the government's research into the possibility of sentient AI developing within networks and the safeguards against potential risks. Mrs. Josephine Teo responded that there is currently no evidence of sentient AI among existing systems, and no specific studies have been conducted on this issue. She emphasized that if AI capabilities were to advance significantly in the future, it would be a global challenge. For now, the government prioritizes practical safeguards such as strong cybersecurity, access restrictions, monitoring, and human oversight to protect critical systems.

Ng Shi Xuan inquired about the use of electronic polling, including via SingPass, to enhance voting convenience and reduce absenteeism for the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) voting process. Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked if there would be a review to extend HIP to HDB blocks built after 1997, as many are nearing 30 years old and may need improvements. Chee Hong Tat confirmed that HIP targets flats around the 30-year mark and mentioned plans to include post-1997 blocks after completing selections of older flats. HDB recognizes the advantages of online voting but emphasized the need for further study to ensure security and reliability. Implementation timelines include about a year and a half from announcement to commencement, factoring in resident engagement and project complexities.

Gabriel Lam raised questions regarding the Monetary Authority of Singapore's review of the Shared Responsibility Framework, particularly related to banks' accountability for unauthorized digital transactions and the adequacy of rules for reversing fraudulent transactions. Gan Kim Yong responded that most scams involve authorized transfers initiated by victims due to deception rather than unauthorized transactions. Banks are enhancing fraud detection systems and have protocols for blocking potentially fraudulent transactions, but distinguishing between legitimate transactions and fraud is challenging. The Shared Responsibility Framework requires banks to hold suspicious transactions for 24 hours, balancing user protection with convenience. Banks encourage customers to report fraud promptly, use account safeguards like kill-switches, and adopt protective measures to reduce risks.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked if the vehicle-specific data collected by the Land Transport Authority for payment and enforcement would also be used for speeding and other traffic violations. Jeffrey Siow responded that the ERP 2.0 system is mainly designed for payment and charges but can be enhanced for use in enforcing traffic offences, including speeding. He added that the use of this data will be regulated by existing laws, referencing the Land Transport and Related Matters Bill for further information.

Patrick Tay Teck Guan questioned the Acting Minister for Transport about the number of complaints regarding inaccurate bus arrival information over the past five years, approaches considered for fixing the inaccuracies, and the likelihood of future system resets. Saktiandi Supaat inquired about the status of investigations into recent technical issues with the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) system, including root causes and measures for improvement. Jeffrey Siow reported that LTA received fewer than 100 complaints per month about bus arrival timings and identified that recent disruptions were due to a memory cache build-up in on-board equipment affecting communication. To resolve the issues, manual firmware updates were required on affected buses, and LTA plans to explore methods to enhance system reliability in the future.

Low Wu Yang Andre asked about the government's monitoring of foreign technology companies re-domiciling in Singapore to mitigate geopolitical risks and the potential reputational impact on Singapore’s status as a neutral tech hub. Gan Kim Yong responded that all companies in Singapore must comply with local laws and regulations, including foreign companies that must meet minimum requirements for substantive business activity. The government welcomes legitimate tech companies, emphasizing that this supports Singapore's open economy, job creation, and the growth of its technology ecosystem.