Digital & technology

Chua Kheng Wee Louis raised the question of whether parents could apply for Child Concession Cards online through the LifeSG app for delivery at home after verification. Chee Hong Tat clarified that all concession cards require in-person identity verification to ensure proper receipt. Currently, children under seven travel for free on public transport, and the cards are optional for those under 0.9 meters tall. Parents can obtain child concession cards for taller children under seven by applying and verifying in person at designated service counters. The Minister stated that moving to online applications wouldn't improve convenience as in-person checks remain necessary.

He Ting Ru asked about the current AI-specific computing power in Singapore's data centres and potential plans for a national cloud for AI research and education. Mrs. Josephine Teo reported that Singapore, with a data centre capacity exceeding 1.4 gigawatts, is a regional hub with plans to add at least 300 megawatts of capacity. The availability of AI-specific compute resources varies based on sector demands and existing infrastructure, rather than through contributions from private data centres. The National Supercomputing Centre is crucial for AI research, with new supercomputers set to be launched in October 2024 to enhance computing capabilities and support national AI strategies. The government's focus is on collaborating with industry partners to access necessary compute resources for maintaining global competitiveness.

Hazel Poa questioned the government's practice of correcting inaccuracies through mainstream media rather than using the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) for corrections. Josephine Teo explained that POFMA allows the government to address online falsehoods quickly by ensuring accurate information is presented alongside false claims, fostering honest public discourse. She stated that accredited media outlets have established processes for issuing corrections, which facilitate timely clarifications, while non-accredited outlets do not have such mechanisms in place.

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned the Minister for Education about the usage of school-issued devices in secondary schools, specifically regarding gaming and social media usage versus educational purposes, instances of devices being reset to bypass restrictions, and the number of students using other methods to circumvent these restrictions. Chan Chun Sing referenced a prior response given in a different parliamentary session regarding these issues and directed the member to that for detailed information.

Hazel Poa asked the Minister for Home Affairs about the number of extremist websites banned in Singapore. K Shanmugam responded that over 50 Internet domains with extremist content have been blocked, but he noted the challenge of preventing all extremist content as new sites continually emerge. He emphasized the importance of public education and outreach in countering extremist narratives. The Internal Security Department is collaborating with various partners to strengthen community resilience against extremist ideologies and encourages public reporting of radicalization risks.

Gan Thiam Poh raised concerns about the speed of the ComCare financial assistance application process, suggesting it could be expedited further. The Minister for Social and Family Development, Masagos Zulkifli, stated that most applications are processed within four to six weeks, and interim assistance is available for urgent cases. The Ministry has implemented digitalization to simplify applications, reducing the need for physical document submissions and allowing for better data sharing among agencies. Pritam Singh highlighted the challenges faced by seniors who may struggle with online applications, prompting the Minister to confirm that Silver Generation Ambassadors are already visiting seniors to assess their needs and refer them for assistance, ensuring that support is provided without needing digital access.

Ang Wei Neng raised questions about the progress and future plans for developing IT and AI professionals under the Career Conversion Programme, citing a goal to convert 5,000 mid-career professionals to AI roles in the next three to five years. The Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, Tan Kiat How, responded that over the past three years, the Career Conversion Programme and TechSkills Accelerator have helped a significant number of workers transition into tech roles, with plans to triple the number of AI practitioners from 5,000 to 15,000. He clarified that the figure of 190 individuals transitioning to AI roles was specific to a particular training program under the Job Transformation Maps initiative. The government aims to enhance education pathways and collaborate with industry partners to further support upskilling in AI and related fields.

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned the Minister for Education about the impact of providing digital devices on students’ learning and whether the Ministry has conducted assessments and identified key performance indicators (KPIs) for evaluating their effectiveness. The Minister, Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, referenced a previous response and acknowledged the importance of finding a balance in device usage, highlighting a commissioned two-year study by the National Institute of Education that is still ongoing. Interim findings indicate benefits in student learning from personal learning devices, and the Minister promised to share the complete study results once finalized.

Ang Wei Neng inquired about the eligibility and outreach methods for the $200 LifeSG credits for past National Servicemen over 60 years old under the 2024 Budget. Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad confirmed that over a million NSmen would receive these credits, with 26% being over 60, and outlined support options including assistance at digital community hubs and the availability of hard copy vouchers for those not comfortable with digital methods. Ang expressed concern about ensuring the initiative does not widen the gap between digitally savvy and non-savvy individuals and emphasized the importance of support from community centers. Zaqy addressed this concern by assuring that both digital and hard copy options aim to include all NSmen and mentioned a high level of support for digital disbursements among NSmen.

Patrick Tay Teck Guan raised concerns about the use of Automated Employment Decision Tools (AEDT) and suggested guidelines to prevent biases in hiring and promotions, including bias audits and disclosure requirements. Minister for Manpower Dr. Tan See Leng stated that employers must adhere to existing fair employment guidelines and emphasized the importance of addressing grievances through the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP), which has not received reports of discrimination due to AI tools. Dr. Tan also acknowledged the rapid evolution of AI technology, indicating that while regulations are necessary, they should not stifle innovation, and emphasized the importance of workers' consent and data privacy in AI-driven decisions. Pritam Singh highlighted the information asymmetry between employees and employers regarding AI algorithms and urged the Ministry to consider new approaches to encourage reporting of concerns. Dr. Tan responded that balanced tripartism and transparent handling of complaints are crucial for maintaining a fair and equitable workplace.

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns about the Ministry of Home Affairs' criteria for blocking websites associated with misinformation campaigns, questioning the effectiveness of these blocks given the availability of VPNs and the process for appealing blocks on mistakenly affected sites. Sun Xueling clarified that no specific threshold is set for preventive action against hostile information campaigns, citing the blocking of 10 inauthentic websites despite their low exposure, due to their potential misuse by foreign actors. She emphasized the importance of public vigilance against misinformation, noting that the Government conducts campaigns to enhance critical thinking and raise awareness of foreign interference risks. Sun also acknowledged the challenge of users circumventing website blocks and highlighted the role of media in educating the public on these threats.

Jean See inquired about the Ministry of Digital Development and Information's plans for training local creative practitioners to ensure high-traffic Government websites meet international accessibility standards by 2030, and how the Ministry promotes similar standards in the private sector. Josephine Teo confirmed the Government's goal to make these websites accessible by 2030, including engaging local design practitioners for feedback and training. The Government supports non-Government entities' accessibility improvements through tools like the Oobee web accessibility testing tool and initiatives like the Co-Creation Lab, which gathers diverse stakeholders to understand accessibility challenges. The Ministry aims to continue raising awareness and collaborating with private sector and community partners to enhance digital accessibility for all.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked about programs to help parents recognize and respond to cyberbullying signs in younger children. Chan Chun Sing referred to a previous response regarding this topic published on November 11, 2024. He mentioned that details can be found in the official report concerning interventions for physical bullying and guidelines for parents.

Don Wee asked if the ICA could securely transmit the NRIC numbers of deceased Singaporeans and Permanent Residents to licensed insurers weekly. K Shanmugam responded that the ICA does not share personal data with non-Government entities unless authorized. Insurers can verify the deceased status of policyholders by applying for a death extract online through ICA's e-Service.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked about measures to raise public awareness on preventing scams and seeking redress under the Shared Responsibility Framework (SRF). Gan Kim Yong addressed questions regarding refinements to the SRF and the importance of balancing customer protection with the convenience of legitimate transactions. A 12-hour cooling-off period for digital security token activation was established to help customers respond to fraudulent activities. Victims of phishing scams must report incidents to their financial institutions and the police, with specific processes in place for investigation and potential compensation. The government has consolidated anti-scam resources into the ScamShield Suite and collaborates with agencies to enhance outreach, especially to vulnerable populations.

Saktiandi Supaat raised concerns regarding service outages affecting mobile, broadband, and television services in 2024, asking if penalties for service operators would be considered and if regulatory supervision would be tightened. Josephine Teo confirmed that the IMDA is investigating the disruptions, which preliminary findings indicate were due to technical issues rather than sabotage. She emphasized that telecommunications and broadcast operators must adhere to high service standards and conduct regular audits to ensure resilience. Teo assured that if lapses are found, penalties and corrective measures will be enforced, while also highlighting the need for businesses to enhance their resilience against potential disruptions.

Saktiandi Supaat questioned the Minister for Digital Development and Information about the status and timeline of a study by an internal task force following the July 2024 cybersecurity disruption involving Delta Air Lines and CrowdStrike. Josephine Teo responded that the task force has completed its study, focusing on software supply chain risks and incident response enhancements for Critical Information Infrastructure and Foundational Digital Infrastructure. She noted that the CrowdStrike incident did not significantly impact Singapore's infrastructure, and affected entities have the discretion to pursue legal action. The importance of preparedness and resilience in handling unexpected disruptions was emphasized, along with available resources for businesses to strengthen digital resilience.

He Ting Ru raised questions regarding security measures for banks offering digital banking services to minors under 16, including differences from adult accounts and remediation processes for unauthorized transactions. Gan Kim Yong clarified that accounts for children can only be opened by parents, with lower transaction limits and parental controls in place to monitor activities. Banks have security measures such as real-time alerts and a kill switch to block transactions, and they are required to promptly investigate reports of fraudulent activity. Investigations must be completed within 21 to 45 business days, depending on case complexity, and banks are responsible for mitigating fraud risks under the Shared Responsibility Framework.

Christopher de Souza raised concerns about the booking difficulties senior citizens face for polyclinic appointments and any additional measures taken since July 2023 to assist those who are not technologically savvy. Dr. Janil Puthucheary reported an increase in seniors visiting polyclinics, from over 260,000 in July 2023 to over 300,000 in July 2024. Seniors can receive assistance for appointment bookings at polyclinics, Active Ageing Centres, and Community Health Posts, as well as through call centres or in-person visits. Polyclinics will also triage walk-in patients with urgent needs, including frail seniors, if appointment slots are full.

Desmond Choo raised concerns about the Shared Responsibility Framework, asking if the cooling-off period for digital security tokens could be adjusted for high-risk activities and if real-time fraud detection thresholds could be enhanced for more vulnerable customers. Yip Hon Weng highlighted the need for better support for seniors and less tech-savvy individuals in navigating the framework and for clearer communication regarding payout decisions for scam victims. The Minister of State, Alvin Tan, acknowledged the importance of balancing consumer protection with convenience, stating that financial institutions are expected to consider individual customer vulnerabilities in fraud surveillance. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to raise public awareness and outreach initiatives aimed at assisting vulnerable groups, including multilingual communication about the framework.