Digital & technology — Topics

12 Sep 2022

Reinstating Parents' Dialect Group in Child's Birth Certificate

Mr. Don Wee asked if the Ministry could consider reinstating a parent's dialect group in a child's birth certificate to help future generations verify such information.
The Minister for Home Affairs, K Shanmugam, responded that the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has included parents' dialect in the digital birth certificate since 1 September 2022.
For digital birth certificates issued between 29 May and 31 August 2022, parents can re-download them with the dialect information at no additional cost.
Dialect information is also accessible through SingPass, with individuals able to view their own details under the Personal tab and parents able to see their children's under the Family tab.
SingPass serves as the authoritative source for checking the latest registered dialect information of any individual.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Sep 2022

Eligibility for and Issues with NS55 Recognition Package

About 1% of National Servicemen were ineligible for the NS55 Recognition Package, primarily due to serious offences or disciplinary issues.
From July to August 2022, about 8,000 calls and emails were received regarding redemption issues, with digital ambassadors assisting 16,000 walk-ins, while around 4,000 servicemen requested hardcopy vouchers due to digital inaccessibility or discomfort.
Over 50% of recipients used some or all credits by end-August, with 47% of credits spent—higher than the NS50 package in 2017—and the LifeSG redemption service received a 4.8/5 average rating.
MINDEF and MHA will continue reviewing feedback to improve interactions with National Servicemen.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Sep 2022

Public's Retail Exposure to Licensed Digital Payment Token Service Providers

Derrick Goh asked the Prime Minister for the current percentage of the public's retail exposure to MAS-licensed digital payment token service providers.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, responding for the Prime Minister, stated that data on total cryptocurrency holdings of the Singapore public are not available due to transactions with both local and overseas providers.
It is therefore not possible to determine the proportion of cryptocurrency holdings obtained through MAS-licensed providers.
MAS has repeatedly warned retail investors not to trade in cryptocurrencies because of extreme price volatility and the risk of losing all invested funds.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Sep 2022

Reasons for Listing GCE "O" Level Grades in Singpass App

Mr Don Wee asked why GCE "O" Level grades are listed in the SingPass app despite the current focus on skills and updated certifications.
Chan Chun Sing explained that over 12,000 individuals yearly request GCE O-level results statements for job applications or education admissions.
The digital service in SingPass allows individuals to retrieve and share these certificates via their Skills Passports in MySkillsFuture accounts.
This initiative aims to provide greater customer convenience and improve administrative efficiency at agencies.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Sep 2022

Review of LumiHealth Programme

The LumiHealth programme will be extended beyond its initial two-year term as part of the Healthier SG programme, with the Health Promotion Board continuing to partner with technology companies for population-wide initiatives.
The programme has been successful, with over 300,000 downloads since October 2020 and participants completing 32.9 million workouts, averaging more than 20 workouts per participant per month—double the pre-joining rate.
Key outcomes include significant increases in exercise for inactive participants and those with higher BMI, and 74% of participants completing mental wellbeing challenges to adopt better mental health strategies.
The Ministry plans to continue leveraging technology and partnerships for broader health initiatives, similar to LumiHealth, to reach larger segments of the population.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Sep 2022

Excessive Risk-taking by Gig and Platform Workers to Fulfil Orders

Leon Perera asked the government to regulate platform companies to prevent excessive risk-taking by gig workers, such as taking too many jobs or riding in dangerous weather, and to study their AI and algorithms.
Tan See Leng responded that while platforms may incentivize more jobs, safety and health must be prioritized, with the Workplace Safety and Health Council reviewing work processes and the Advisory Committee on Platform Workers strengthening protections, including injury compensation.
A Tripartite Workgroup has been formed to propose a framework for platform worker representation and balance interests, targeting completion in 2023, and the government will assess the impact of these efforts before considering further regulation of company incentives and algorithms.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Sep 2022

Measures to Protect Our Young In View of Rise of Metaverse and Number of Gaming Platforms

The government has implemented measures such as internet filtering services, public education, and school curricula to protect youths from online risks like cyberbullying and harmful content on gaming platforms and the internet.
While the proposed Code of Practice for Online Safety will target social media services, gaming platforms are not currently included, though studies and monitoring of emerging technologies like the metaverse are underway.
Community initiatives, including the Digital for Life movement and Media Literacy Council resources, aim to enhance digital well-being, but the government acknowledges that risks cannot be fully eliminated and emphasizes continued vigilance by all parties.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Sep 2022

Registration of Criminals (Amendment) Bill

The Bill aims to expand Singapore's DNA database by allowing police to collect DNA and identifying information from individuals involved in a broader range of "eligible crimes" (imprisonable, non-compoundable offenses), alongside existing "registrable crimes" (more serious offenses), to improve crime-solving capabilities.
Key amendments include expanding the prescribed uses of DNA information (e.g., for death investigations and identifying deceased persons), introducing safeguards like data protection and an appeal process for removal of information, and allowing voluntary DNA donation from the public.
During the debate, MPs expressed support for enhancing law enforcement tools but raised concerns about privacy, data security, protection of vulnerable groups (e.g., minors, special needs individuals), and the rationale for changing removal procedures from automatic to application-based for acquitted persons.
The Minister of State clarified safeguards, including restricted database access, training for DNA collection, consent requirements for minors, and procedures for removing data, while addressing questions on costs, foreign data sharing, and comparisons with other countries' practices.
The Bill was passed after a second reading, with MPs highlighting the balance between public safety and individual rights, and the government emphasizing the need for a larger DNA database to address current gaps in crime detection.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Sep 2022

Probe into Network Hardware Issues that Caused System Outage at Polyclinics on 27 August 2022

The Ministry of Health explained that a network hardware failure on 27 August 2022 affected 26 IT applications and 17 public healthcare institutions, causing delays but no compromise to urgent care, with similar issues recurring on 5 September 2022 due to firmware bugs in firewall devices.
Measures taken include working with the hardware manufacturer to patch bugs, increasing network capacity for resilience, and confirming no cyber attack was involved, while staff activated backup systems and business continuity plans to maintain operations.
IHiS, with 3,500 personnel, benchmarks system reliability against global best practices and collaborates with other agencies to scan for vulnerabilities, with no lack of manpower cited as a cause for the outages.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Aug 2022

Increasing Cybersecurity Posture and Preventive Initiatives of Enterprises in Singapore

Mrs Josephine Teo clarified that a recent headline claiming Singapore organisations are among the most targeted globally by ransomware attacks is inaccurate and unsupported by evidence.
She noted that the global rise in cyber threats, increased digitalisation, and a larger attack surface in Singapore necessitate a strong cybersecurity posture.
The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) focuses on awareness, enabling solution adoption, recognising good practices, and developing talent to improve enterprise cybersecurity.
For SMEs with limited resources, CSA and IMDA offer pre-approved cybersecurity solutions through the SMEs Go Digital Programme, benefiting over 6,000 SMEs.
CSA has introduced the Cyber Essentials Mark and Cyber Trust Mark to recognise SMEs and enterprises with robust cyber hygiene and comprehensive cybersecurity measures.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Aug 2022

Special Bank Accounts to Allow Low-income Grant Recipients to Receive Digital Disbursements

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked whether the transition to digital disbursements is hindered by low-income grantees lacking bank accounts and if special accounts could be created for them.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M confirmed that Social Service Offices currently use cash and vouchers but plan to move to digital disbursements via bank transfers.
He noted that banks already assist clients in opening accounts without fees and the government will continue encouraging account opening to ensure access to financial services.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Aug 2022

Enhancing Regulation of Cryptocurrency for Investor Protection

Saktiandi Supaat raised concerns about the systemic risk from insolvent cryptocurrency firms, the need for enhanced regulations beyond anti-money laundering, and how such measures align with Singapore’s cryptocurrency hub ambitions.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam responded that the Prime Minister had already addressed these points in a written answer published on 1 August 2022.
The referenced answer discussed licenses for digital payment token providers and Singapore’s strategy to promote itself as a cryptocurrency hub.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Aug 2022

Singapore Armed Forces and Other Matters Bill

The Ministry of Defence introduced the Singapore Armed Forces and Other Matters Bill to establish the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) as a fourth service alongside the Army, Navy, and Air Force, addressing growing cyber and digital threats.
The Bill includes updates to disciplinary processes, such as introducing composition fines for minor offences and adjusting penalties, while also allowing military manoeuvres in PUB catchment areas with approval.
Parliament broadly supported the Bill, with debates focusing on DIS’s role, talent recruitment, inter-agency coordination, and safeguards against misuse of powers, while some members raised concerns about manpower and environmental impacts.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Blocking Unsolicited Messages on Unlicensed Loans and Illegal Gambling Websites

Tan Wu Meng asked about additional safeguards to prevent unsolicited messages on unlicensed loans and illegal gambling, tracking their origins, and current actions against syndicates, to which the Minister responded that SPF and IMDA collaborate with telcos and ISPs to block such messages and websites, tighten SIM card registration, and take enforcement action when perpetrators are identified.
The government works with telecommunication providers to terminate phone numbers linked to unlicensed moneylending and illegal gambling, while also collaborating with Internet Service Providers to block related websites.
SPF and IMDA take enforcement actions based on public complaints, and where possible, track and prosecute individuals behind the unsolicited messages.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Information on Existing Pick-up and Drop-off Points in Public Areas and Government and Commercial Buildings

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked if LTA and related agencies collect data on pick-up and drop-off points near public transport nodes and if this data can be shared with platforms like OneMap.
The Minister for Transport confirmed that LTA collects this information for MRT/LRT stations and commercial sites such as malls and offices.
This data is already publicly available on LTA DataMall for use by public and private platforms.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Joint Efforts to Detect and Prevent Advertisement of Controlled Substances in Closed Social Networks

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Home Affairs about government efforts with telecom and social media companies to detect and prevent drug ads in closed social networks like group chats.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that the CNB collaborates with foreign counterparts and engages private sector entities such as social network services, e-commerce businesses, and technology companies to take down ads, ban accounts, and issue anti-drug advisories.
Through these partnerships and enforcement actions, CNB arrested 86 suspected drug traffickers using specific applications between 2019 and 2021.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Home Team Science and Technology Agency and Anti-Scam Centre's Success in Deterring Scammers and Recovering of Monies

The Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) has deployed an AI tool called the Online Cybersquat Hunter to detect and take down fake websites spoofing government agencies, with plans to expand to other government sites.
The Anti-Scam Centre works with financial institutions to quickly freeze accounts suspected of being involved in scams and enhance banks' fraud controls to block suspicious transactions.
Authorities collaborate with telecom operators to block numbers used in scams, including those spoofing government agencies, and have developed the ScamShield app to filter scam messages and calls.
The Minister emphasized that enforcement alone is insufficient due to the transnational nature of scams, and urged a whole-of-society effort where the public remains vigilant and checks with authoritative sources before responding to suspicious requests.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Countering Dangers of Indoctrination Via Social Media Targeted at Vulnerable Groups and Youths

The Ministry of Communications and Information has proposed two new Codes of Practice to enhance online safety, including measures to protect young users and mitigate exposure to harmful content on designated social media platforms.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is strengthening legal frameworks to address dangerous online materials, such as terrorist propaganda and content inciting violence, while also driving public awareness through initiatives like the SGSecure movement.
Government agencies and community partners, including the Internal Security Department and the Religious Rehabilitation Group, conduct ongoing outreach activities like workshops and digital campaigns to counter radicalization and educate youths and educators.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Measures to Prevent Access to Websites on How to Make Dangerous Weapons

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) uses the Internet Code of Practice and the Broadcasting Act to block or remove websites with prohibited content related to weapons, though complete blocking is not feasible.
The Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act (GEWCA) introduced in 2021 includes an offence for possessing digital blueprints of guns for 3D printing, with operationalisation expected by year-end.
Authorities have enhanced intelligence capabilities to detect threats, and the public is urged to report suspicious behavior via hotlines, SMS, or the SGSecure app.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Results of Review Arising from Phishing Scam on OCBC Customers

Desmond Choo asked about the interim arrangement for loss sharing pending a new framework and whether bank-targeted scams have decreased since safeguards like removing clickable links were implemented.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam responded that banks have implemented anti-scam measures and are coordinating with police to freeze accounts and recover funds, leading to a drop in phishing scams from 839 in December 2021 to 113 in May 2022.
He added that MAS will publish a consultation paper on an equitable loss-sharing framework but expects banks to investigate cases fairly and not burden customers who practised good cyber hygiene.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source