Digital & technology — Topics

6 Feb 2023

Uptake in Applications for Lasting Power of Attorney and Proportion of Online Applications Made

Since the launch of OPG Online on 14 November 2022, the Office of the Public Guardian received over 10,600 Lasting Power of Attorney applications up to 31 January 2023.
This represents a 45% increase compared to the same period one year ago.
Eight out of every ten applications were submitted online, with the remaining hard copy applications expected to decline.

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6 Feb 2023

Update on Community Guardian App Given Launch of National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline

The Community Guardian app, piloted in June 2020 for reporting domestic violence, was discontinued in December 2022 due to low usage.
MSF has launched an online text-based channel via its website and go.gov.sg/navh as an additional reporting mode for the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline.
The new text channel aims to make it easier for persons to report violence and seek help early.
The Community Guardian app will not be integrated with the helpline or other resources, as it has been discontinued.

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6 Feb 2023

Ensuring Integrity of Online Examinations and Assignments Given Availability of Artificial Intelligence Technologies

Chan Chun Sing acknowledged the dual opportunities and challenges posed by generative AI tools like ChatGPT, emphasizing that schools and Institutes of Higher Learning have measures to prevent misuse, including supervised online exams and secure networks.
He outlined existing safeguards such as clear rules on academic dishonesty, remote supervision for online examinations, and teaching students about integrity and the consequences of plagiarism to deter cheating.
The Minister noted that educators use multiple assessment modes and monitor student performance to detect uncharacteristic, AI-generated responses, while committing to evolving approaches as new AI tools emerge.

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6 Feb 2023

Data on Digital Files Reviewed for Complex and High Dollar Value White-collar Crime Cases

Mr Murali Pillai asked for the average number of digital files reviewed and technology investments by the Commercial Affairs Department for complex white-collar crime cases over the past five years.
The Minister for Home Affairs, K Shanmugam, responded that the Police do not track the number of digital files reviewed for investigations.
The Police use technological tools like the Digital Forensic Kiosk, implemented in 2020, to help officers retrieve and analyze information from digital devices more efficiently.

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6 Feb 2023

Review of Sentencing Framework for Scams-related Crimes

The Ministry of Home Affairs regularly reviews penalties for scam-related crimes but deems current penalties adequate, citing a 2022 case where a scammer received five years' imprisonment for extensive e-commerce fraud.
The primary challenge in prosecuting scammers is their overseas location and use of technology to evade detection, so the focus is on upstream prevention measures rather than heavier penalties.
Upstream initiatives include blocking overseas spoofed numbers and mandating SMS Sender ID registration to combat scams at the source.
Public education is emphasized through the "I can ACT against scams" campaign, promoting actions like adding security features, checking for scam signs, and reporting incidents to authorities.
Authorities stress that the best defense is a discerning public, with efforts shifting from awareness to active community participation in scam prevention.

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6 Feb 2023

Opportunities and Challenges in Maintaining Position as Tech Hub with Recent Lay-offs in Tech Sector

The Minister emphasized that the dot-com bubble crash teaches the need for resilience and a long-term view, with Singapore remaining an open, trusted hub for tech companies to innovate and hire.
Despite recent layoffs, the Information and Communications sector is still fast-growing and optimistic, with resident workforce expanding over 40% in five years, supported by attracting global talent, investments, and local company growth.
Government initiatives include building the tech ecosystem, strengthening partnerships between multinational and local firms through PACT, upskilling workers via TeSA to fill tech jobs, and establishing digital trade rules through agreements to connect Singapore globally.

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6 Feb 2023

Students Using Artificial Intelligence Technologies for Exams and Assignments

Several MPs asked about how AI tools like ChatGPT affect student assessments, opportunities, and challenges in education, and how to inculcate skills to remain relevant.
The Minister responded that AI presents both opportunities and challenges, and MOE is guiding educators to use it to enhance learning while teaching students to avoid over-reliance and plagiarism.
Schools and higher education institutions use multiple assessment modes and technological tools to detect AI-generated content and plagiarism, while promoting integrity and critical thinking.
The Ministry plans to offer courses to help students and educators use AI responsibly, emphasizing skills like discovering, distilling, and discerning information to create new solutions.
Cheating is not tolerated, and policies are communicated to students; the focus is on values education and the learning process, not just obtaining correct answers.

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6 Feb 2023

Reviewing Need for SG Arrival Card for Returning Singaporeans and Residents

Liang Eng Hwa questioned whether the SG Arrival Card remains necessary, the value of its health data for public health surveillance, and if that data could be sourced from existing government systems.
Minister Ong Ye Kung explained the card was introduced for disease control, requiring all travelers to digitally declare health status to guard against diseases like Yellow Fever, MERS, and Ebola, with streamlined questions not captured elsewhere.
Liang asked if the card is intended to be permanent and whether the system can be quickly reactivated if stood down.
Ong confirmed the card is a permanent feature to prevent endemic diseases from becoming established in Singapore, with ongoing reviews.

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10 Jan 2023

Increasing Low-income Families' Take-up of Internet Access Scheme

The Home Access 3.0 programme provides eligible low-income households with subsidised two-year fibre broadband, with most beneficiaries on the 500 Mbps plan that does not require a security deposit.
MyRepublic’s 1 Gbps plan requires a refundable $250 security deposit from about 2% of beneficiaries, assessed on individual customer profiles, while M1’s 500 Mbps plan has no such deposit.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority works with telcos to review the scheme and ensure needy households can obtain digital access, with the deposit refundable if no arrears or premature contract termination occur.

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10 Jan 2023

Take-up of E-Government Services by Persons in Different Age Groups

The Government tracks e-service adoption by age group, showing high overall digital transaction rates but lower usage among seniors, with 58% of the 3% not using Singpass aged 65 and above.
To address digital exclusion, the Government improves accessibility through features like larger fonts and clearer contrasts while offering digital literacy training via programmes like Seniors Go Digital, which has engaged over 210,000 seniors.
Non-digital options remain available, including physical ServiceSG centres and agency-specific appointments, to ensure all citizens can access services regardless of digital ability.

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9 Jan 2023

Clarification by Minister for Health

Minister Ong Ye Kung clarified that the SG Arrival Card, originally physical for foreigners, was digitized due to COVID-19 for all foreigners and returning residents arriving by air and sea.
The Ministry of Health and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority reduced the questions to a minimum during the digital transition, prompting a Member’s concern about its usefulness.
The Minister indicated a potential review to possibly add more questions to the SG Arrival Card based on the feedback received.

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9 Jan 2023

Hard Copy Lasting Power of Attorney Applications Received and Approved since Launch of Online Platform

Since the launch of the Office of the Public Guardian Online on 14 November 2022, about 330 hard copy Lasting Power of Attorney applications were received and around 70 were approved, with the rest under review.
Hard copy LPA applications are accepted only in exceptional circumstances, such as when the donor or donee has physical disabilities, personal circumstances preventing online use, or is ineligible for a Singpass account due to not being a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Long-Term Resident.
For hard copy applications that are not approved, the Office of the Public Guardian offers assistance to applicants to apply via the online platform.

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9 Jan 2023

Platform to Digitalise Preschool Administrative Forms

Mr Don Wee suggested that ECDA digitalise preschool administrative forms through its Centre Management System to promote green practices and reduce data errors.
ECDA has already introduced the Centre Management System in 2019 and provided grants for preschools to adopt digital solutions, with 400 centres using e-forms for accurate data transfer.
ECDA is reviewing ways to fully digitalise the enrollment process for parents, aligning with the goal of improving efficiency and convenience.
The ministry acknowledged the suggestion and emphasized the benefits of digitalisation for both parents and preschool staff.

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9 Jan 2023

Audits for Government E-transactions

The Auditor-General's Office (AGO) has enhanced its data analytics capabilities to review large volumes of financial data and audit IT system controls for accurate processing of electronic transactions.
AGO uses a risk-based approach to select agencies and areas for audit each year, including electronic transactions such as e-invoices, payments to suppliers, and public fees.
Key findings from AGO's audits are highlighted in its annual report to provide accountability and assurance to the public.
The Minister confirmed that AGO’s audit focus includes government e-transactions with residents and businesses, ensuring their accuracy and proper recording.

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9 Jan 2023

Reports of Queue-jumping Bot Services to Secure Driving Simulator Booking Slots at Driving Schools

Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked whether the Singapore Police Force received reports of queue-jumping bots for driving simulator slots and how the Ministry intends to address the issue.
K Shanmugam confirmed awareness of such bots and stated that driving schools prohibit their use, with account suspension or termination as consequences.
The Traffic Police is collaborating with schools to prevent bots through anti-bot solutions on booking platforms and limits on multiple logins from a single IP address.

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30 Nov 2022

Clarification by Minister for Communications and Information

Minister Josephine Teo clarified the availability of government services for non-digitally literate residents through ServiceSG Centres and community centres.
She corrected her initial statement to specify that the ServiceSG Centres at Our Tampines Hub and One Punggol offer over 400 frequently transacted government services.
The other three ServiceSG Centres located in community centres offer more than 200 services, down from the previously mentioned 38 Community Centres.

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30 Nov 2022

Streamlined Process for Patients to Enrol in Healthier SG

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health to better monitor demand and take-up rates under Healthier SG and whether a centralised system would be created for patients to schedule appointments via phone or the HealthHub app.
Mr Yip Hon Weng further inquired whether eligible patients not registering with a GP under Healthier SG would be systematically targeted and incentivised to sign up, and if automatic enrolment with the nearest available GP would be considered.
Minister Ong Ye Kung responded that a centralised system will allow residents to sign up for Healthier SG, with clinics recently visited or near their home prioritised in options, and emphasised that enrolment is preferred as a conscious decision rather than automatic.
The Ministry is working with the Agency for Integrated Care and grassroots organisations to reach out to eligible residents and encourage them to enrol in Healthier SG.

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30 Nov 2022

Progress of Development of Probate E-service System

The Ministry for Law provided an update on the Probate e-service system announced in March 2022, which aims to simplify the probate process for straightforward cases.
The Family Justice Courts (FJC) is developing the system to include automatic data population via MyInfo, guided questions, and potential reduction of steps, while exploring digital signing for future enhancements.
FJC is engaging stakeholders like the family Bar for feedback and plans to launch the system in the first half of 2023, starting with straightforward cases before expanding capacity.

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30 Nov 2022

Collection of NRIC and Personally Identifiable Information by Security Officers at Commercial and Private Residential Facilities

Leon Perera asked about recourse for visitors whose NRIC or personal data is collected by security officers in ways that may contravene PDPC and Security Association Singapore guidelines.
Mrs Josephine Teo clarified that security officers are permitted to check photo IDs like NRIC for identity verification and may collect names and contact numbers for communication purposes.
For buildings collecting NRIC, PDPC’s Advisory Guidelines require them to implement stronger data protection measures.
Visitors who believe guidelines are not being followed should first seek resolution with the facility’s Data Protection Officer.
If unresolved, visitors can lodge a complaint with the Personal Data Protection Commission.

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30 Nov 2022

Personal Alarms linked to Larger Healthcare Network for HDB's Enhancement for Active Seniors Programme

Yip Hon Weng asked whether personal alarm systems linked to senior care and the healthcare network can be included in HDB's Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme to help seniors live independently and safely.
Desmond Lee confirmed that HDB, with MOH and GovTech, has already implemented personal alarm systems linked to Active Ageing Centres and a 24/7 helpline in 53 rental blocks with high senior concentrations.
The ministry is reviewing feedback from users and service providers on these systems before considering further expansion to more rental flats and sold flats under EASE.
The suggestion will be taken into account during the review process.

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