Digital & technology — Topics

8 May 2023

Frequency of Bus Service 801 and Inaccurate Arrival Timings on Display Board

Residents reported longer wait times on Yishun bus display boards compared to the MyTransport.SG app for Service 801.
The Transport Minister confirmed that peak-period intervals for Service 801 were reduced from 12 to 8 minutes in October 2022 to address higher ridership.
Discrepancies in arrival timings are due to a time lag when bus operators adjust schedules, affecting the display boards and app simultaneously.
The Land Transport Authority is working with Tower Transit to connect bus dispatch systems with the ETA system by end-May 2023 to improve information accuracy.

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8 May 2023

Use of Technologies in Drug Trafficking Activity and Agencies' Ability to Combat Its Proliferation in Digital Sphere

The CNB has identified drug traffickers using social media, internet communications, and cryptocurrency payments, and actively cooperates with tech companies to detect and prevent the advertising of controlled drugs on these platforms.
In April 2023, CNB conducted operations targeting drug transactions via specific applications, arresting eight suspected traffickers and 26 abusers while seizing drugs like cannabis.
The Ministry of Home Affairs will introduce the Online Criminal Harms Bill to address online criminal activities, including requiring online services to disable access to illegal drug-related content for Singapore persons.

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8 May 2023

Framework for Equitable Sharing of Losses between Scam Victims and Financial Institutions

The Government is developing a framework to equitably share losses between scam victims and financial institutions, focusing on phishing scams where customers are deceived into revealing credentials.
The framework aims to clarify the duties of financial institutions, telecommunications companies, and customers to mitigate risks while preserving confidence in digital payments.
Discussions are ongoing with telcos and other entities in the digital payments ecosystem to define their roles and responsibilities within the framework.
The development involves defining covered scam types, specifying duties for all parties, and establishing loss-sharing mechanisms when duties are breached.
A public consultation paper is planned for the third quarter of this year to engage industry stakeholders further.

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8 May 2023

Differentiating CareersFinder to Fulfil Workers' Needs and Improve Jobseekers' Experience

The Minister explained that career health involves awareness of labour market opportunities, proactive career planning, and resilience, with ITMs, JTMs, and CareersFinder as key tools to support workers' advancement and employability.
CareersFinder will be introduced as an add-on to MyCareersFuture in Q3 2023 and later on MySkillsFuture, using data to recommend jobs and training, complementing existing portals for a more seamless user experience.
Partnerships with private entities are planned to enhance CareersFinder, allowing them to use its algorithm for job matching and develop additional services to better serve jobseekers.

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8 May 2023

Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) (Amendment) Bill

The bill aims to combat rising scams in Singapore by introducing new offences for rash and negligent money laundering and for assisting in retaining criminal benefits, lowering the bar for prosecuting money mules who previously evaded charges by claiming ignorance.
Amendments to the Computer Misuse Act criminalize the disclosure of Singpass credentials for criminal purposes and the trafficking of such credentials, addressing the abuse of digital identities by scammers.
Speakers emphasized the need for public education, clearer guidance on "reasonable steps" to verify transactions, and enhanced protections for vulnerable groups to ensure the laws are effective and fair.

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8 May 2023

Online Criminal Harms Bill

The Online Criminal Harms Bill aims to counter online criminal activity and protect against online harms, with connected purposes.
It was presented by the Second Minister for Home Affairs, Mrs Josephine Teo, and read for the first time in Parliament.
The bill is scheduled for a second reading on the next available sitting on or after 3 July 2023 and will be printed.

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8 May 2023

Reports of Unauthorised Bank Transaction taking Place despite Absence of Alerts on Customer's Telephone Records

Dr Tan Wu Meng raised concerns about unauthorised bank transactions where the bank claimed an SMS OTP was used, but the customer's telco records showed no transmission or receipt of such SMS, and asked about redress avenues.
The Minister of State responded that such cases are rare, with only two disputed OTP cases known to FIDReC since July 2022, and outlined steps for customers to contact banks, report to police, and seek mediation through FIDReC or legal action if unsatisfied.
Dr Tan further questioned the dispute process when bank and telco records conflict and asked about preparing for emerging scam technologies like deepfakes, to which the Minister stated MAS is working with banks on multi-factor authentication and public awareness, and that future loss-sharing frameworks will consider such risks.
MP Gerald Giam asked when banks would move beyond SMS OTP to more secure methods like app-based OTPs, and the Minister indicated MAS is collaborating with banks on evolving authentication technologies.

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21 Apr 2023

Clarification by Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information

The Senior Minister of State clarified that AI Verify, a self-testing framework for responsible AI deployment, has attracted interest from over 50 companies, not over 500 as previously stated.
The correction was made through a written statement circulated in Parliament to amend a prior response.
The original statement was part of the government's discussion on the regulatory framework for AI governance in Singapore.
The correction highlights the government's focus on ensuring accurate information is provided during parliamentary debates.

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21 Apr 2023

Biometric Identification for Automated Clearance of Babies and Children Passing through Immigration Checkpoints

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired about technical challenges in using biometrics for automated clearance of young children at immigration checkpoints.
The Ministry of Home Affairs explained that children under six have developing biometrics, making them unreliable for automated lanes and requiring manual verification.
Special Assistance Lanes have been set up at Changi Airport since November 2022 to allow family groups with young children to use automated clearance with officer assistance.
These lanes will be expanded to land and sea checkpoints progressively from the end of this year.
The measures aim to balance efficiency and security while accommodating families with infants and children.

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21 Apr 2023

Banking Disruptions That Have Lasted More Than An Hour in Last Five Years

Since 2018, seven major banks reported 17 digital banking disruptions lasting over an hour, mostly resolved within two to four hours, with causes including system upgrade lapses, software bugs, and misconfigurations.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) mandates banks to ensure IT system robustness, eliminate single points of failure, and promptly restore services, while conducting inspections and sharing lessons through advisories and forums.
Following two major DBS disruptions in November 2021 and March 2023, MAS directed independent reviews and required DBS to enhance system resilience, strengthen expertise, and report progress, with further supervisory actions pending completion of the latest investigation.

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21 Apr 2023

Regulatory Framework for Artificial Intelligence Governance in Singapore

Singapore maintains a flexible, principles-based approach to AI governance, focusing on responsible development and deployment through frameworks like the Model AI Governance Framework and tools such as AI Verify, with ongoing reviews of regulatory effectiveness.
The government is prioritizing sector-specific guidelines and advisory measures, such as issuing Advisory Guidelines on the Use of Personal Data in AI Systems under the Personal Data Protection Act within the year, while engaging industry and international partners.
Regulation will be tailored to the distinct impacts of different AI technologies, with safeguards against harms like AI-powered scams integrated into broader scam and cybersecurity efforts rather than through standalone AI-specific laws.

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21 Apr 2023

Assessment of Whether Leaked Classified US Military and Intelligence Documents Relate to Singapore

No classified Singapore information was leaked; only two publicly available pieces of information about the Singapore Armed Forces were found in the leaked documents, and these are not sensitive.
The Government employs a multi-layered security approach, including air-gapped systems for highly classified data, strict vetting and re-vetting of personnel, continuous cyber monitoring, and formal agreements with external partners to protect shared information.
In the event of a security breach, established processes are followed to investigate, assess damage, and implement mitigating measures to prevent recurrence, with ongoing efforts to balance security and operational efficiency.

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21 Apr 2023

Causes Behind Major Disruption to System at ICA Checkpoints on 31 March 2023

The disruption on 31 March 2023 was caused by a system overload during a scheduled upgrade trial of the Multi-Modal Biometrics System, which affected automated clearance lanes at Changi Airport and some land checkpoints, leading to delays of up to an hour and impacting about 85,000 travellers.
ICA activated its Business Continuity Plan, recalling off-duty staff and using manual counters, but the recovery took about four and a half hours, with 21 passengers missing flights and being offered rebooking at no extra cost, while no data breach or security concerns occurred.
The Minister of State explained that the upgrade trial was conducted during off-peak hours as planned, but the overload was more severe than anticipated, and the system’s limited failover capability was due to different models being procured over time.
ICA is implementing a multi-year New Clearance Concept with next-generation automated gates to enhance resiliency, and temporary enhancements to existing lanes are planned for the second half of 2023, though disruptions may still occur given the cutting-edge nature of the technology.
The Ministry apologised for the inconvenience, thanked affected travellers and frontline staff, and highlighted that only 21 out of 30,000 passengers at Changi Airport missed flights, with contingency measures helping to minimise broader impact.

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21 Apr 2023

Primary School Children with Limited or No Access to Digital Devices and Network Connection for Learning

The debate focused on the percentage of primary school children with limited or no access to digital devices and WiFi for learning and the schemes to ensure access.
MOE provides all primary schools with sufficient Internet-enabled devices for in-school learning and periodically reviews provisions.
Schools can loan computers and Internet-enabling devices to students who need them at home for school work.
Students also have the option to use computing facilities in school to support their learning.
The Minister of State for Education addressed the question during the parliamentary session.

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18 Apr 2023

Computer Misuse (Amendment) Bill

The Computer Misuse (Amendment) Bill was introduced to amend the Computer Misuse Act 1993.
The Second Minister for Home Affairs, Mrs Josephine Teo, presented the bill for its first reading.
The bill is scheduled for a second reading at the next available Parliament sitting and will be printed.

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10 Apr 2023

Prime Minister's Office (Smart Nation and Digital Government Group)

The Smart Nation and Digital Government Group will harness technology to support businesses, citizens, and government services through partnerships and enhanced digital platforms like GoBusiness and Singpass, focusing on innovation, convenience, and resilience.
SNDGG will refresh the Digital Government Blueprint to make services more discoverable, personalized, and seamless, while promoting data sharing and common digital platforms across government agencies.
To build trust and safety, SNDGG will roll out tools like CheckWho to verify official calls, secure government transactions against scams, and collaborate with community groups to foster digital vigilance.
The group emphasizes inclusivity by ensuring non-digital options remain available for less digitally adept citizens, such as seniors and persons with disabilities, and promoting digital literacy through initiatives like the Digital for Life movement.
SNDGG aims to position Singapore as a leading digital hub that balances economic opportunities with societal inclusion, ensuring everyone can participate in the Smart Nation vision.

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10 Apr 2023

Prime Minister's Office (Public Service Division) (Science and Technology Policy and Plans Office)

The Public Service Division is restructuring service delivery around citizens through integrated physical, call centre and digital platforms, and is streamlining regulatory processes and business services via GoBusiness.
It is shifting to a competency-based HR system, emphasizing skills development, continuous learning, and career mobility through job rotations, private sector attachments, and cross-agency projects.
The Science and Technology Policy and Plans Office coordinates S&T capabilities across government in areas like robotics and sustainability, with Centres of Excellence supporting technology adoption.
Leadership development is being transformed with diversified selection processes, leadership competencies, 360-degree feedback, job rotations, and mentoring extended to more public officers.
The Public Service remains committed to its core values, reinforcing purpose and maintaining public trust while adapting to future challenges.

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10 Apr 2023

Ministry of Law

The Ministry of Law is enhancing Singapore's Rule of Law and legal institutions by strengthening the legal system, improving access to justice, and supporting economic development, including joining international conventions and organizations to uphold a rules-based order.
Recent reforms include empowering courts with remote hearings through the Courts (Civil and Criminal Justice) Reform Act 2021, establishing the Public Defender's Office to expand criminal defense aid, and simplifying family justice proceedings to reduce acrimony and safeguard children's welfare.
Efforts are underway to improve access to justice through mandatory mediation for neighbor disputes, a one-stop legal information portal, and industry programs for legal workforce development, including secondments and education reforms to prepare lawyers for the future economy.
Singapore is bolstering its legal and dispute resolution hub by deepening international relations, promoting the Singapore Convention Week, and updating IP and intangible assets legislation to support innovation and create economic value.
The ministry is leveraging technology, such as enhancing the Legal Technology Platform and developing a Digital Conveyancing Portal, while maximizing state property value through partnerships and rejuvenation projects to meet social and economic objectives.

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10 Apr 2023

Ministry of Home Affairs

The Ministry of Home Affairs outlined its strategy to address emerging threats including terrorism, sophisticated online scams and cybercrimes, psychoactive substances, and threats to racial and religious harmony, and is updating laws and forming new regulatory bodies to address these challenges.
The Home Team will leverage technology such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and automated clearance processes to enhance operational effectiveness, reduce risks, and improve efficiency across agencies like the Police, Prisons, and SCDF.
New legislation will be introduced to better protect against online criminal activity and to maintain racial harmony, while community engagement through SGSecure, anti-scam campaigns, and volunteer networks will be strengthened to bolster public vigilance and support rehabilitation of ex-offenders.

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10 Apr 2023

Prime Minister's Office (Monetary Authority of Singapore)

MAS aims to maintain non-inflationary growth, a resilient financial sector, and Singapore's status as a leading Asian financial hub amid global economic pressures and tighter monetary policy.
The authority focuses on safeguarding financial stability through regular risk assessments, stress tests, and liquidity support, while also advancing industry transformation via digitalisation, sustainability, and new financial solutions.
MAS is enhancing cross-border payment connectivity, developing a responsible digital asset ecosystem, and upskilling the workforce to support future finance needs.

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