Digital & technology — Topics

4 Jul 2023

Strengthening ActiveSG's Booking Software System

Miss Cheryl Chan raised concerns about the use of bots to book sports facilities via ActiveSG and asked about measures to strengthen the system and deterrents beyond account suspension or termination.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary responded that Sport Singapore has enhanced its booking system with a web application firewall and upgraded reCAPTCHA software, increased monitoring of booking records and social platforms, and taken enforcement actions such as checking that hirers are present.
Sport Singapore has suspended over 270 scripters and 180 on-seller accounts in the past two years, and from 1 July introduced harsher penalties including longer suspensions for first-time offenders and permanent termination for repeat offenders, leading to a significant reduction in feedback.
The government continues to enhance its systems to counter evolving bot technologies and urges the public not to purchase bookings from on-sellers.

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4 Jul 2023

Safeguards to Prevent Loss of CPF Savings Through Malware-related Scams

Since January 2023, over 700 malware scam reports have been received, with nine cases involving CPF withdrawals and a net loss of $124,000, leading to added safeguards like Singpass Face Verification for CPF e-services.
The scams typically involve victims downloading malware-infected apps from unauthorised sites and enabling accessibility services, which allows scammers to control their phones and steal credentials for unauthorised withdrawals.
The government is working with banks and other agencies on parallel initiatives, including a Shared Responsibility Framework and a public consultation paper in Q3 2024, to further protect against such frauds and explore insurance options.
Victims of these scams are primarily aged 55 to 80, and while the new face verification measure may add some inconvenience, it is deemed necessary to prevent losses, with ongoing public education on vigilance and safe app downloads.

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4 Jul 2023

Ensuring Seniors' Access to Polyclinic Care

Senior Minister of State Dr Janil Puthucheary outlined short-term measures to ease polyclinic appointment access, including setting aside slots for walk-in patients and seniors with mobility issues, while acknowledging that new polyclinic constructions were delayed due to the pandemic, leading to capacity constraints.
Multiple MPs, including Dr Tan Wu Meng and Mr Liang Eng Hwa, raised concerns about seniors’ difficulties with online booking systems and suggested alternatives such as hotlines, increased walk-in slots, and subsidies for CHAS GP clinics to improve accessibility.
The Ministry of Health is exploring options like telemedicine, leveraging Active Ageing Centres, and reviewing subsidy levels, but noted that increasing walk-in slots alone does not resolve overall capacity issues and a balance between online and walk-in appointments is needed.
Healthcare workers in polyclinics were acknowledged for their efforts amid rising demand, with the ministry committing to support them through expanded GP roles, training, and resources to manage the growing healthcare needs of an aging population.
The Ministry of Manpower clarified that medical certificates from any licensed practitioner in Singapore are recognized, addressing concerns about employer acceptance of non-polyclinic MCs.

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3 Jul 2023

Measures to Protect Elderly CPF Members against Scams Using Stolen Singpass Credentials via Remote Access

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked about measures to protect elderly CPF members from scams involving stolen Singpass credentials and remote access, including two-factor authentication or notifications before withdrawals.
Tan See Leng responded that the Ministry of Manpower will address malware-related scams in Parliament on 4 July, directing to an official report for details.
The debate highlighted concerns over CPF account security for the elderly and potential safeguards like additional authentication steps.
The response indicated that specific measures will be discussed in an upcoming parliamentary session.
The exchange underscores the need for enhanced protections against credential theft and unauthorized access to CPF funds.

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3 Jul 2023

Alternative Payment Methods for Singaporeans without Digital Access to Active Wallet

Sitoh Yih Pin asked if the Ministry will allow Singaporeans without digital access to the Active Wallet on the ActiveSG app to use alternative payment methods at ActiveSG facility entrances.
Edwin Tong Chun Fai confirmed that Singaporeans without the app can access all ActiveSG Sport Centres by visiting a guest office with their ID to create accounts, book facilities, and top up via NETS or credit card.
After account setup, individuals can enter facilities by scanning any card with their identity barcode, providing a non-digital alternative for those without app access.

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3 Jul 2023

Centralised Platform on HDB Portal Showing Comprehensive List of Grants and Schemes Individuals Received

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin proposed that the HDB portal be enhanced to include a centralised section listing all grants and schemes received by an individual.
Minister Desmond Lee noted that HDB has already enhanced the HDB Flat Portal to introduce the HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter.
The HFE letter provides flat buyers with information on their eligibility for flat purchases, including CPF housing grants and HDB housing loans.
Eligibility assessments incorporate the grants and schemes that an individual or household has benefited from.

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3 Jul 2023

Incorporating Artificial Intelligence into School Curriculum

Desmond Choo asked how the Ministry of Education is incorporating AI into the curriculum to enhance learning and prepare students for the new economy.
The Ministry is developing AI-enabled tools in the Student Learning Space to customise learning and provide feedback, with pilots in certain subjects and levels.
Students will gain foundational AI knowledge through coding programmes, the Science curriculum, and facilitated use of AI in assignments.
Institutes of Higher Learning build on this foundation, equipping all polytechnic and ITE students with baseline AI competencies and offering specialised AI diplomas and modules.
Autonomous universities are incorporating generative AI tools into courses to familiarise students with workplace technologies.

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3 Jul 2023

Oaths, Declarations and Notarisations (Remote Methods) Bill

The bill seeks to amend existing legislation to allow statutory declarations, certain oaths, affirmations, and notarial functions to be conducted remotely via video link, television link, or other electronic means.
The amendments aim to modernize legal processes by enabling remote participation, enhancing accessibility and convenience for the public.
The bill was presented by the Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Law and read for the first time, with a second reading scheduled for the next available sitting after August 1, 2023.

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10 May 2023

Government Agencies that Receive the Most Cases from Municipal Services Office

The Housing and Development Board (HDB), Land Transport Authority (LTA), National Environment Agency (NEA), National Parks Board (NParks) and Public Utilities Board (PUB) collectively accounted for 53% of municipal feedback through the OneService app from 2020 to 2022, with Town Councils handling another 44%.
These five agencies took an average of two to seven working days to close cases, with the Municipal Services Office (MSO) tracking resolution quality and recurrence for complex issues.
The OneService app uses AI through the OneService Kaki ChatBot to prompt users for better details and allows agencies to provide interim updates, with plans to study incorporating community resources like grassroots advisors.
The app has over half a million user accounts and will be promoted further through non-digital means like banners, with additional features such as a "Help Neighbour" function and collaborations to share information about missing persons with dementia.

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9 May 2023

Protecting Consumers and Businesses from Losses due to Disruption of Digital Services by Service Providers

Hazel Poa asked whether organisations are liable for consumer and business losses from digital service disruptions and if the government would impose minimum standards or protections.
Josephine Teo stated that liability is determined by the service terms or contracts between parties, not automatic government responsibility.
Existing regulations already require minimum service standards for critical sectors like telecom and banking, enforced by agencies such as the Infocomm Media Development Authority and Monetary Authority of Singapore.

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9 May 2023

Leveraging New Artificial Intelligence Technologies in e-Government Services

The Government currently uses AI in services like chatbots on websites, the OneService Chatbot for municipal issues, and the SG Translate Together portal.
New AI technologies such as ChatGPT could enhance e-services through more customized responses, but they require rigorous testing for accuracy and reliability before public deployment.
The Public Service has introduced guidelines for officers on using these technologies to ensure accountability and data security.

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9 May 2023

Communications on Official Matters on Personal Mobile Devices

Gerald Giam questioned whether civil servants and political officeholders can use personal mobile devices for official communications and how data security is managed.
Josephine Teo, speaking for the Prime Minister, confirmed that personal mobile devices are allowed for work-related communication to ensure efficiency.
However, classified information must not be shared via personal devices, and government services like emails cannot be accessed from them.

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9 May 2023

Financial Services and Markets (Amendment) Bill

The Bill establishes a secure digital platform, COSMIC, enabling financial institutions to share information on customers exhibiting multiple red flags of potential financial crimes, such as misuse of shell companies, trade-based money laundering, and proliferation financing.
Robust legal and operational safeguards are included to protect customer confidentiality, with information sharing only permitted when objective thresholds are met and subject to strict access controls, cybersecurity measures, and oversight by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
The platform will initially involve six major banks on a voluntary basis, with plans to expand coverage and eventually make sharing mandatory in higher-risk circumstances, while addressing member concerns on implementation, inclusivity, and enforcement.

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9 May 2023

Computer Misuse (Amendment) Bill

The Second Minister for Home Affairs introduced the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Bill, noting its connection to the earlier Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) (Amendment) Bill and inviting additional questions from Members.
The Bill was read a second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House, which considered it and reported it without amendment.
The Bill was then read a third time and passed by the House.

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9 May 2023

Ensuring Development and Maintenance of Ethical Artificial Intelligence Standards

Singapore promotes responsible AI development through the Model AI Governance Framework and AI Verify toolkit, with plans to issue advisory guidelines on personal data use in AI systems.
The Public Service has implemented guidelines for using AI tools like ChatGPT, emphasizing accountability, fact-checking, and data security for public officers.
The government engages with industry and international bodies to update measures, including considering private-sector accountability and studying the concept of a "proof of human marker" for AI interactions.

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9 May 2023

Device Management Application and Antivirus Software in Government-issued Mobile Devices

The Senior Minister of State confirmed that government-issued mobile devices are secured with Mobile Device Management software, remote data removal capabilities, and VPNs for network access, while high-classified information is prohibited from being processed or stored on these devices.
Public officers receive regular cybersecurity training to address risks such as rogue apps and spoof websites, and email attachments are screened by security applications to block suspicious content.
In response to concerns about apps accessing official secrets, the government emphasized a combination of technical controls and user behavior policies, though specific anti-malware installation details were not explicitly confirmed.
The government has policies and technical measures to prevent the use of personal devices for official purposes, underscoring that the effectiveness of these safeguards depends heavily on officer compliance and awareness.

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9 May 2023

Measures to Mitigate Risks of Data Compromise via Public Charging Stations and Wifi Access Points

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked if there were any recorded attempts to breach public charging stations or Wi-Fi at transport nodes, what security measures are in place, and whether public education like billboards will be implemented.
The Minister for Transport confirmed no reported breaches at transport nodes, noting Wi-Fi uses encrypted Wireless@SGx standards and charging stations only transmit power with data pins removed, supported by inspections and CCTV.
The Minister added that signs at charging stations remind users to practice cyber hygiene and referred to a joint advisory on protecting devices from malicious connections.
In a supplementary question, Mr Yip asked how often charging stations are inspected for tampering, and the Minister replied that public transport operators conduct daily inspections as part of their regular facility checks.

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9 May 2023

Measures to Prevent Cases of Seniors Passing Away Undetected in Their Homes

The Ministry of National Development and HDB currently provide alert systems for seniors in studio apartments or rental blocks and conduct checks based on lease management or feedback, while community partners engage at-risk seniors through outreach and trust-building.
The government is reviewing the EASE programme and exploring technological solutions, including sensor-based monitoring systems, to support seniors living alone and prevent undetected incidents.
Parliament members called for increased resources for Active Ageing Centres, potential legal reviews to allow more regular engagement with non-compliant seniors, and partnerships with organizations like the Red Cross to expand home monitoring programs nationally.

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9 May 2023

Prevalence of Home Rental Scams Using Online Platforms as Conduit

The number of home rental scams via online platforms surged from 192 cases in 2021 to 979 in 2022, with scammers impersonating property agents or landlords to trick victims into paying deposits.
The Ministry stated that homeowners whose properties are fraudulently used in such scams are not penalized unless they are involved, and efforts are underway with online platforms to remove fraudulent listings and advisories.
To protect the public, the Ministry urges verification of property agents through the CEA Public Register and recommends using dedicated property rental platforms instead of general social media or marketplace sites.

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8 May 2023

Credibility and Adoption of AI-based Diagnostic Solutions

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired about the Ministry of Health's assessment of AI-based diagnostic solutions' credibility and the key regulatory considerations for their widespread adoption.
Ong Ye Kung outlined Singapore's current use of AI in healthcare, including programs for diabetes prevention and eye disease diagnosis, and emphasized the Ministry's openness to AI if it is proven safe, effective, and cost-efficient.
The Ministry of Health has established safeguards, including guidelines for AI in healthcare, regulatory oversight by the Health Sciences Authority, and an upcoming AI Governance Framework to ensure safe and ethical deployment.
A Bioethics Advisory Committee draft report on ethical AI use in biomedical research was released for public consultation, and MOH will continue to study international best practices to refine its governance approach.

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