Digital & technology

The discussion focused on a proposed act aimed at providing timely redress for individuals affected by online harmful activities through the Commissioner of Online Safety and the courts. The act seeks to enhance online safety, deter harmful activities, and promote accountability in the online environment. It includes provisions for aligning and amending other Acts to support these objectives. The Minister for Digital Development and Information, Mrs. Josephine Teo, presented the proposal, which will be read a second time in a future parliamentary sitting.

• The Smart Facilities Management (SFM) system is designed to assist facilities management officers (FMO) rather than replace them, aiming to enhance operational efficiency in schools.
• SFM allows for real-time monitoring of infrastructure and utility consumption, facilitating data-driven decision-making and reducing manual tasks.
• The implementation includes a change management plan that involves training to upskill and reskill FMOs for the new system.
• The initiative aims to improve building performance and the overall experience for students and teachers in educational environments.

• Teachers in Singapore have reported an average of 53 working hours per week over the past five years, with approximately 14 hours dedicated to classroom instruction.
• The remaining hours are spent on essential activities such as lesson preparation, co-curricular activities, and professional development.
• The Ministry of Education has implemented initiatives to reduce administrative workload, including the use of technology and dedicated administrative staff in schools.
• Administrative work for teachers has decreased from five hours per week in 2021 to four hours per week currently.
• The Ministry plans to continue streamlining processes and utilizing technology, including artificial intelligence, to further assist teachers in managing their workload.

• A survey revealed that only 37% of parents feel confident in guiding their children's digital habits, prompting discussions on stronger legislation for online safety.
• The Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) is implementing age assurance measures for app stores by March 2026 to prevent underage access to inappropriate content.
• The Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Bill will establish the Online Safety Commission by mid-2026, aimed at supporting victims of online harms like cyberbullying.
• The Commission will have the authority to issue directives to halt online harm and assist victims in seeking relief.
• MDDI is collaborating with various ministries and community organizations to provide parents with resources and support for fostering healthy digital habits in children.

• Ms. He Ting Ru raised concerns about the need for the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) to monitor and publish data on commission fees and contractual clauses of dominant e-commerce and food delivery platforms.
• The Deputy Prime Minister, Gan Kim Yong, stated that CCCS does not typically collect or publish sensitive commercial data but actively monitors market developments and intervenes in cases of anti-competitive practices.
• CCCS has conducted investigations into the online food delivery sector and has collaborated with industry players to enhance guidelines for fair treatment of merchants and consumer protection.
• The government emphasizes the importance of competitive markets to ensure fair pricing and is open to feedback from businesses and consumers to address market failures effectively.

• Ms. He Ting Ru inquired about the number of entities that have participated in the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS) regulatory sandboxes since 2016, including details on processing times and outcomes.
• The Prime Minister's representative, Gan Kim Yong, provided a breakdown of applicants across three sandbox categories, noting that some were not accepted due to existing regulatory frameworks.
• The median processing time for applications to the sandbox is approximately three months, factoring in applicant responses to MAS clarifications.
• Out of 19 firms accepted into the sandbox, 15 graduated and obtained relevant licenses, while one firm that graduated has since ceased operations.

• Alex Yeo raised concerns about potential exemptions from the PayNow surcharge rules, specifically regarding entities like Singapore Pools, and called for a review of the policy framework to ensure consumer protection consistency.
• Gan Kim Yong, representing the Prime Minister, confirmed that over 300,000 businesses use PayNow, with transaction fees waived for merchants, but acknowledged that Singapore Pools imposes a surcharge on PayNow transactions.
• The Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) prohibits merchants from charging surcharges for PayNow payments and is currently in discussions with Singapore Pools to address their surcharge practice.

• Mr. Dennis Tan Lip Fong inquired about the progress of a study on the effectiveness of age limits for social media access.
• Mrs. Josephine Teo highlighted that while various age assurance solutions exist, they are not foolproof and children can bypass them.
• The Ministry of Digital Development and Information plans to require app stores to implement age assurance measures by March 2026 to limit young users' access to inappropriate content.
• Engagement with social media services regarding similar age assurance requirements will begin later this year, complementing existing protective measures.
• The Ministry will collaborate with other government agencies and community partners to provide resources and support for parents in protecting children online.

• David Hoe inquired about the Ministry of Health's plans to integrate multiple public health apps into a single platform with a common design and interoperability features.
• Ong Ye Kung confirmed that the Ministry plans to consolidate existing health apps into one by 2027, aiming for inclusivity and ease of navigation.
• The new app will support Singapore's four official languages and assistive technologies for users with visual impairments.
• Ongoing reviews of functionalities and user interface improvements will be part of the development process.

• Mr. Low Wu Yang Andre inquired about Meta's compliance with the Implementation Directive of the Online Criminal Harms Act and the measures taken to address impersonation scams.
• The Coordinating Minister for National Security, K Shanmugam, confirmed that Meta is required to enhance its measures against impersonation scams, including removing fraudulent accounts and prioritizing user reports from Singapore.
• Meta's compliance will be evaluated by the OCHA Competent Authority after they submit documentation by 31 October 2025.
• The government is open to imposing similar requirements on other online platforms based on the prevalence of scams.

• Mr. Low Wu Yang Andre raised concerns about the potential systemic risks to Singtel's Singapore operations following a network failure at its Australian subsidiary, Optus, particularly regarding emergency service communications.
• Mrs. Josephine Teo assured that Singapore's emergency call systems are structured differently from Australia's, mitigating similar risks.
• The Ministry emphasizes the importance of telecommunications resilience, requiring service providers to meet coverage and quality standards, conduct regular audits, and take swift action to restore services after disruptions.
• Investigations will be conducted for any incidents, with enforcement actions taken if necessary to ensure compliance and prevent future occurrences.

• Mr. Patrick Tay Teck Guan inquired about the Ministry of Manpower's plans to study productivity gains from AI adoption and its impact on wage growth for non-senior managerial workers.
• Minister Tan See Leng confirmed that the Government is actively studying the effects of AI on jobs, the labor market, and productivity.
• He noted the challenges in isolating productivity gains and wage growth specifically linked to AI due to the rapid evolution of technology and job tasks.
• Minister Tan emphasized that the full benefits of AI adoption will take time to be realized.

• Mr. Low Wu Yang Andre inquired about the government's plans to regulate agentic AI, focusing on high-risk capabilities and legislative empowerment for governing AI actions and content.
• Mrs. Josephine Teo outlined Singapore's current AI governance, which includes broad legislation and sector-specific guidelines, emphasizing human accountability and risk management in AI deployment.
• The government recognizes that risks from agentic AI are extensions of existing challenges and plans to adapt current frameworks while enhancing data protection and cybersecurity measures.
• Singapore is actively developing new capabilities and conducting trials with agentic AI to responsibly implement these systems and understand their implications for public use.

Lee Hong Chuang asked about the Ministry of National Development's plans to encourage the use of advanced technologies in construction, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to enhance productivity. Chee Hong Tat responded that the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) supports SMEs in adopting technology and digital solutions through programs like the Built Environment Technology and Capability Grant and the Productivity Solutions Grant. These initiatives have led firms to implement Building Information Modelling (BIM) software, which helps in planning and coordinating work, optimizing material costs, and ensuring timely deliveries.

Low Wu Yang Andre questioned the Minister for Digital Development and Information about the allocation of support for AI adoption among SMEs, specifically regarding micro and small enterprises compared to medium enterprises. Mrs. Josephine Teo responded that the Infocomm Media Development Authority's CTO-as-a-Service platform facilitates access to AI resources for SMEs, with the Productivity Solutions Grant designed to be easily accessible to small and micro enterprises. In 2024, nearly 3,000 SMEs, including micro enterprises, adopted AI-enabled solutions. Additionally, the Heartland Enterprise Centre Singapore provides training for heartland merchants on digital skills, including basic AI tools.

Hamid Razak asked about the evolution and user demographics of Mindline.sg since 2022 and how its effectiveness in linking users to care is assessed. Ong Ye Kung reported an 82% increase in unique monthly visitors to Mindline.sg, with users spending more time on the site and exploring more pages. Since its launch, over 206,000 self-assessments and 795,000 mental health exercises have been completed. User anonymity limits demographic tracking, but periodic surveys gauge effectiveness, with over 80% of users finding the AI chatbot, Wysa, helpful, and high satisfaction reported by individuals with psychiatric conditions.

Poh Li San asked about the government's plans to form a national AI task force for industry solutions and global impact. Josephine Teo responded that the refreshed National AI Strategy 2.0 aims to encourage ownership and capability development among diverse stakeholders, without a focus on a centralized entity. The government is facilitating sector-specific initiatives, such as the AI Centre of Excellence in Manufacturing, to develop tailored AI solutions. The government will collaborate with partners to support industry adoption of both existing and new AI technologies.

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Education about the existence of guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in educational settings and due process in cases of academic misconduct in autonomous universities. Desmond Lee indicated that these questions were addressed in a written reply on 24 September 2025, directing members to refer to the official report for further details. The response includes guidelines encouraging responsible AI usage in schools.

Edward Chia Bing Hui and Nadia Ahmad Samdin raised questions about the need for the Ministry of Education to review curricula and internship programs in response to disruptions caused by generative AI, aiming to ensure students gain relevant experience and skills for employability. Desmond Lee acknowledged concerns about employment prospects amid rapid technological advancements but noted a resilience in the labor market, with 30,000 entry-level jobs available for fresh graduates. He stated that Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) regularly update courses in collaboration with industry to integrate AI competencies and promote digital literacy while enhancing skills like critical thinking and collaboration. The Ministry of Education remains committed to equipping graduates with the necessary skills to adapt to evolving industry demands.

Poh Li San highlighted that young Singaporeans have access to advanced technology and resources, yet they face significant challenges in securing employment due to economic uncertainties and a weak job market. She proposed creating an AI Traineeship Programme to train young people in AI tools to assist SMEs in automating processes and increasing efficiency, thereby generating employment. Patrick Tay emphasized the need for workforce development, advocating for support schemes to protect workers amid technological disruptions, and calling for policy measures to support jobseekers, especially among professionals. Sylvia Lim discussed the importance of trust in Parliament, urging MPs to prioritize accountability and represent their constituents' interests effectively. Kenneth Tiong proposed building inherent capacity through local companies and industries to reduce dependence on foreign investment, advocating for policies that foster regional economic cooperation and development.