Digital & technology — Topics

30 Nov 2022

Use of Technology to Enhance Care and Safety for Seniors Living Alone

MOH has funded studies under the National Innovation Challenge on Active and Confident Ageing, including a project by NTU that integrated smart home sensors to improve care efficiency and outcomes for seniors at home.
Another ongoing study by Tan Tock Seng Hospital is developing an automated sensor-enabled fall detection and rescue system to enhance safety for seniors living alone.
The government plans to scale up and deploy promising research projects to further support seniors' care and safety through technology.

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30 Nov 2022

Impact of FTX's Bankruptcy on Singapore's Financial Markets, Regulation of Asset Classes and Strategies of Investment Entities

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that while MAS will introduce basic investor protection measures for licensed digital payment token service providers, no regulation can eliminate the risks of cryptocurrency trading, as cryptocurrencies have no intrinsic value and are highly speculative.
Temasek's US$275 million investment in FTX resulted in a financial and reputational loss, but the loss is contained within its early-stage portfolio and will not impact the Net Investment Returns Contribution, as the entities' governance structures are robust and focused on long-term performance.
The government monitors but does not prescribe investment strategies for sovereign wealth funds like Temasek and GIC, relying on their boards for commercial decisions while ensuring overall risk parameters and diversification are maintained.
MAS is piloting specific blockchain use cases in payments and capital markets but is not seeking to hub cryptocurrency trading activities in Singapore, instead focusing on responsible innovation in the digital asset ecosystem.

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30 Nov 2022

Government Assistance for Residents who are Not Digitally Literate

The government has established initiatives like the SG Digital Office and ServiceSG Centres to provide one-on-one training and physical assistance for residents who are not digitally literate, ensuring they can access digital services.
Agencies continue to use offline communication channels such as letters, broadcasts, and house visits to reach residents without email or digital access, with specific programs like the Seniors Go Digital Programme targeting older citizens.
Ministers acknowledged challenges residents face with digital-only processes like filing complaints with the Community Dispute Resolution Tribunal and encouraged using ServiceSG Centres or community hubs for help, while committing to maintaining non-digital service options.

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29 Nov 2022

Assessment of Risk and Impact of Quantum Computing Technology and Efforts to Ensure Encrypted Digital Records and Communications Networks Remain Secure

Dr. Tan Wu Meng questioned the Minister on studies of quantum computing's impact, the risk and timeline of it compromising current encryption, and plans to secure digital records and communications.
Minister Josephine Teo highlighted Singapore’s investments in quantum R&D, including the Centre for Quantum Technologies and the new National Quantum Office, to leverage quantum benefits in sectors like healthcare.
Noting international efforts like the US-led post-quantum cryptography standards, Singapore launched the National Quantum-Safe Network to test quantum-safe technologies such as Quantum Key Distribution.
Agencies including MCI, CSA, and IMDA are collaborating to develop quantum-safe approaches to ensure future digital security despite potential quantum computing breakthroughs.

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29 Nov 2022

Update on Performance of ServiceSG Centres

ServiceSG Centres were established to provide one-stop physical support for digital government transactions, with five centres currently operating and over 180,000 transactions completed from January to November 2022.
The top service requests include assistance with Singpass, enquiries on government schemes, Community Club-related services, CPF matters, and tax assistance.
Citizen satisfaction across the centres averages over 90%, with positive feedback on integrated services.
Two additional centres are planned at Keat Hong CC and Bukit Canberra, with expansion considered if the pilot proves successful, prioritising areas with higher concentrations of citizens needing digital support.
The centres offer varying service levels, with those at Our Tampines Hub and One Punggol providing over 400 services, while community club-based centres provide over 200.

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29 Nov 2022

Update on Lamppost-as-a-Platform Project

Leon Perera requested an update on the Lamppost-as-a-Platform (LaaP) project, including key performance indicators, insights from concluded trials, and preliminary findings from the Punggol Northshore trial.
The government confirmed technical feasibility of deploying sensors on retrofitted lampposts and developed a shareable infrastructure design to avoid duplication of resources.
The second trial in a residential greenfield site, relevant to Punggol, has been delayed by COVID-19 and remains ongoing, with results expected in 2023.
It is too early to assess the performance of the ongoing trial, and further studies on demand, costs, and deployment impact are still in progress.

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29 Nov 2022

Plans to Maintain Dynamism in Tech Industry amidst Layoffs

The Minister acknowledged recent layoffs in tech firms but highlighted that Singapore's Information & Communications sector continues to grow, with job vacancies tripling since 2020 and retrenched workers finding new employment quickly.
The government has activated measures like the Taskforce for Responsible Retrenchment and Employment Facilitation to provide career coaching and resources to support affected tech workers.
To maintain a dynamic tech industry, Singapore will focus on attracting companies and talent, investing in local firms, strengthening partnerships between multinationals and SMEs, and upskilling the workforce.
The government is also establishing digital trade rules through Digital Economy Agreements to integrate Singapore's tech ecosystem globally and ensure long-term competitiveness.

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29 Nov 2022

Phasing Out Paper Receipts to Reduce Paper Waste

Melvin Yong asked if the Ministry has studied phasing out paper receipts to reduce waste and if not, whether such a study can be conducted.
Grace Fu replied that no study has been done and there are no plans to phase out paper receipts, but the government is promoting electronic invoicing and billing to reduce paper waste.
The government has mandated e-invoicing for suppliers via the Vendors@Gov portal and encourages companies to adopt platforms like InvoiceNow and offer digital receipt options.
Examples of digital receipt adoption include supermarkets with self-checkout options and transport companies sending receipts via email or apps.
The public is also encouraged to switch to electronic bills and financial statements to replace hardcopies.

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29 Nov 2022

Retention of Manual Payment Methods for Seniors

The Government ensures manual payment methods remain available for seniors through in-person support at agencies, ServiceSG centres, and non-digital options like physical CDC vouchers and cash or NETS payments at hospitals.
To address scam risks, the Government focuses on enhancing security measures, such as backend prevention and detection, rather than avoiding digitalization, and highlights that scams affect all age groups through various means.
Public education is a key anti-scam strategy, with targeted programs for seniors by agencies like the Singapore Police Force and Cyber Security Agency of Singapore to raise awareness and promote cyber hygiene.

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29 Nov 2022

Streamlining Process for Online Application of HDB Flats with Real-time Information and Level of Subsidy for Each Applicant

HDB provides e-services on its website to help applicants check eligibility and estimate housing budgets before applying.
For each BTO sales launch, HDB shares indicative prices, project details, and resale comparables on the HDB Flat Portal to aid decision-making.
During the application period, HDB regularly updates flat application rates for each project and suggests applicants target projects with lower rates to improve their chances.
HDB has introduced features like a virtual waiting room to manage high traffic and provide real-time wait estimates, enhancing the user experience.
HDB continuously reviews and improves its systems, welcoming public feedback to ensure better service delivery.

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29 Nov 2022

IT System Outages in Local Public Healthcare Institutions and Measures to Ensure Resiliency under Healthier SG

Dr Lim Wee Kiak inquired about the frequency of IT system outages in public healthcare institutions over the past three years, measures to ensure capacity for Healthier SG enhancements, and support helplines for affected patients and doctors during outages.
The Senior Minister of State for Health responded that the government is reviewing system design, investing in resilience, and optimizing downtime processes to minimize disruptions.
Public healthcare institutions have business continuity plans with fallback solutions to maintain patient care during outages, though some functionalities like entering new clinical information may be limited.
Patients are advised to contact their healthcare providers directly for medical assistance if affected by IT system issues.

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29 Nov 2022

Availability and Resiliency of Government's Digital Services

The government highlighted that digital services experience minimal unscheduled downtime, with commercial cloud hosting and backup measures ensuring high availability and quick recovery.
Critical systems have additional resilience measures, such as backup hardware, network links, and proactive monitoring tools to detect and address issues early.
During outages, agencies follow incident management plans and offer offline, in-person, or phone alternatives for citizens to access essential services.

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28 Nov 2022

Leveraging Smart Home Technology and Devices to Support Senior Care at Home

Miss Rachel Ong asked if the Ministry of Health plans to use smart home technology to support senior care at home due to Singapore's ageing population.
Ong Ye Kung confirmed that MOH and partner agencies already use smart home technologies, such as a wireless Alert Alarm System in selected HDB blocks for seniors to call for help, and trials by service providers for remote monitoring and reminders.
The government supports innovation through the Care-At-Home Innovation Grant, funding projects like a web-based health management system that integrates smart sensors and home care services to improve care outcomes and staff productivity.
The government will continue to explore scaling and deploying promising research projects to enhance senior care at home.

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28 Nov 2022

Unmanned Aircraft Activity Permits Issued Annually and Review of Height Limit for Drones

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore issued 2,174 unmanned aircraft activity permits in 2020, 2,837 in 2021, and 2,902 from January to October 2022, which is the highest annual number since the regime began in 2015.
CAAS maintains a 200-foot height limit for drones to protect aviation safety and is reviewing this limit in light of new technologies like remote identification.
The review timeline will depend on the deployment schedule of these technological solutions to enhance monitoring and safety.

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28 Nov 2022

Impact from US and India's Upgraded Ties with ASEAN

Singapore welcomed the US and India’s upgraded ties with ASEAN, expecting economic benefits from initiatives like the ASEAN-India trade agreement review and new US-ASEAN partnerships in electric vehicles, infrastructure, smart cities, and public health.
Deeper collaboration with India is anticipated in regional connectivity, cybersecurity, and the digital economy to support businesses and people.
Cooperation with the US aims to advance ASEAN’s clean energy transition, enhance energy security and grid resilience, and develop low-carbon and green energy infrastructure.

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28 Nov 2022

Treatment of Singapore Banks' Crypto Asset Exposure and Capital Adequacy

MAS requires Singapore banks to apply a 1,250% risk weight to risky crypto assets like Bitcoin and Ether, meaning $125 in capital must be held for every $100 of exposure.
Current crypto asset exposures are insignificant, making up less than 0.05% of banks' total risk-weighted assets.
MAS is actively contributing to the Basel Committee's work on a final prudential framework for crypto assets, expected to be completed around the end of 2022.
For less risky tokenised assets, such as qualifying tokenised corporate bonds, the prudential treatment aligns with that of traditional non-tokenised assets.

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28 Nov 2022

Impact of FTX's Bankruptcy on Singapore Investors and Businesses and on Implementation of Digital Singapore Dollar

Members of Parliament asked for lessons from the FTX bankruptcy on the digital Singapore dollar rollout and the impact on Singapore investors, including estimated numbers, investment sizes, and retail investor exposure.
They sought details on protective measures for investors and short- to medium-term plans to develop the crypto industry in Singapore at a measured pace.
The Deputy Prime Minister, as Deputy Chairman of MAS, will address these questions at the Parliament sitting on 30 November 2022.

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28 Nov 2022

Digital Singapore Dollar as Genuine Electronic Currency

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned whether restrictions on fungibility and bearer value in the proposed digital Singapore dollar (DSGD) trial would hinder its function as genuine electronic currency and how it would differ from e-voucher systems like RedeemSG.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam clarified that the DSGD is programmable money with conditions that are removed after use, ensuring no restrictions on fungibility or bearer value, and highlighted its advantages over e-voucher systems such as no separate claims, automated verification, and support for multiple issuers.
MAS is collaborating on trials to test the DSGD's applications, with future phases focusing on improving user experience, security, and privacy.

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28 Nov 2022

Strategy on Cryptocurrency Investments and Protection of Retail Investors

The Government's strategy for cryptocurrency investments involves managing risks and protecting retail investors, with a focus on educating the public about the risks associated with such investments.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is considering further tightening regulations on cryptocurrency trading for retail investors, including potential limits on asset parking and additional safeguards for cryptocurrency firms.
The eligibility factors for cryptocurrency trading platforms like Binance and FTX to operate in Singapore are under review, with a focus on ensuring consumer protection and assessing the impact of platform collapses on local investors.

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28 Nov 2022

Necessity of Electronic Health Declaration via SG Arrival Card

Liang Eng Hwa questioned the continued necessity of the electronic Health Declaration via the SG Arrival Card given current COVID-19 measures.
Ong Ye Kung affirmed that the declaration remains necessary for border public health surveillance against diseases like Yellow Fever, MERS, and Ebola.
He noted the system was simplified and digitized from a prior paper-based process, even before the COVID-19 pandemic.

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