Digital & technology — Topics

10 Mar 2022

Clarification by Parliamentary Secretary to Minister for Social and Family Development

The Parliamentary Secretary clarified that the Ministry will gradually evolve its technology and online services, correcting a prior misstatement to refer specifically to the website instead of an app.
The Ministry confirmed it has piloted the co-location of social service offices and family service centres at Kreta Ayer and Bukit Merah, while a later correction specified Taman Jurong and mentioned SSA-run family services.
The debate involved factual corrections to previous parliamentary replies regarding the Ministry's plans for digital service enhancements and the locations of co-location pilots.

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9 Mar 2022

Update on Rollout of Video-recording of Statements from Suspects

Mr. Louis Ng asked the Minister for Home Affairs for an update on the rollout of video-recording of statements from suspects and when it will be fully implemented.
The Minister explained that Video Recording of Interviews (VRI) started in 2018 for rape cases and has been expanded to include offenses like sexual assault, child abuse, maid abuse, and non-capital drug offenses.
VRI is more resource-intensive due to the need for transcript preparation and accuracy checks, and technology like AI transcription is not yet reliable enough to reduce costs significantly.
The Ministry is working to streamline the transcription process and hopes to expand VRI usage to more cases over time.

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8 Mar 2022

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

Parliament debated the Ministry of Transport's budget, focusing on how Singapore can strengthen its transport hub status and adapt to post-pandemic changes, including a shift from "just-in-time" to "just-in-case" inventory strategies that require innovative land-scarce storage solutions.
Speakers highlighted the severe impact of COVID-19 on the aviation sector, with questions on the recovery outlook, support for affected workers, and plans for Terminal 5, while noting the maritime sector's resilience and record container throughput.
Discussions emphasized digitalization and smart mobility, with calls for updates on the Smart Mobility 2030 plan, a centralized commuter information platform, and progress on autonomous vehicle trials and new technologies like air taxis.
Members addressed public transport workforce challenges, including attrition and the need for a reserve bus captain pool, and suggested ways to flatten peak-hour travel demand through work-from-home incentives and off-peak fare discounts.
The expansion of the cycling network and the need for dedicated paths were raised, alongside concerns about the sustainability of transport infrastructure projects like the Cross Island Line and Jurong Regional Line given changed travel patterns.

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8 Mar 2022

Proposal to Add Text Messaging Service in National Anti-Violence Helpline to Facilitate Quick Reporting

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim proposed adding a text messaging service to the National Anti-Violence Helpline (NAVH) for quick, non-verbal reporting of family violence.
The Minister of State for Social and Family Development announced that NAVH will be enhanced with web and mobile app reporting by end-2022, and text messaging will be studied for future enhancements, with data security as a priority.
Zhulkarnain raised concerns about data interception and impersonation, suggesting code words and collaboration with other agencies, which the Minister acknowledged and said would be considered alongside existing safety measures.

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4 Mar 2022

Committee of Supply – Head Q (Ministry of Communications and Information)

Parliament debated balancing Singapore's digital transformation with social inclusion, cybersecurity, and protecting vulnerable groups from online harms, with multiple MPs raising concerns about elderly access, scams, and regulatory pace for emerging technologies like cryptocurrencies and the metaverse.
The Minister outlined new Codes of Practice to enhance child safety, user reporting, and platform accountability, while also announcing plans to review and update the Cybersecurity Act to cover virtual assets and critical digital infrastructure by 2023.
Initiatives were highlighted to support SMEs and workers in digital adoption, including industry digital plans, skills training, and infrastructure upgrades like nationwide 5G and faster broadband, alongside efforts to boost local tech talent and women in tech.

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4 Mar 2022

Improving Information Sharing and Integration of Processes between Healthcare Clusters to Enhance Patient Experience

The Ministry is enhancing patient experience through the National Electronic Health Record system, a common pharmacy system, and a national charging and billing system to improve information sharing and process integration across healthcare clusters.
Common digital services like appointment scheduling and bill payments are available on the national HealthHub app and portal, with cluster-specific apps also offering these services to reduce duplication and allow for customized features.
The Ministry is studying the integration of healthcare functionalities into platforms like LifeSG but notes that engagement with healthcare providers may require specific user experiences alongside common backend services.

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3 Mar 2022

Cybersecurity as Part of Core Curriculum in Primary Schools

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked if there are plans to introduce cybersecurity awareness as a core curriculum subject in primary schools.
The Minister of State for Education confirmed that cybersecurity is already taught as part of Cyber Wellness lessons within the Character and Citizenship Education curriculum, supplemented by online resources and programmes like the Code for Fun.
Ms Mariam Jaafar argued that integrating cybersecurity and coding into the core curriculum is essential to inspire early career interest and prevent digital inequality.
The Minister acknowledged the importance of early digital education but noted the need to consider age-appropriateness and avoid overloading the curriculum.
The Minister stated that making cybersecurity a compulsory core subject is something MOE will study further.

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3 Mar 2022

Seniors Reached via SG Cyber Safe Seniors Programme

The SG Cyber Safe Seniors Programme reached over 14,000 seniors in the latter half of 2021 and aims to engage 50,000 by 2023 through various channels like community hubs, webinars, and walk-in sessions.
The programme’s curriculum is regularly updated to address evolving cyber threats, including recent additions to combat online scams, and is complemented by other government initiatives that also promote digital and cyber hygiene.
The Ministry for Communications and Information plans to expand outreach by involving caregivers, family members, and Silver Generation Ambassadors to enhance scam education and peer learning for seniors.

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3 Mar 2022

Reviews on Necessity of TraceTogether and SafeEntry Scans

Leon Perera raised questions about the frequency of reviews, metrics, and the impact on businesses regarding the continued use of TraceTogether and SafeEntry.
The Ministry of Health responded that these systems remain important for enforcing vaccination-differentiated measures and are regularly reviewed to be simplified as needed.
When asked about criteria for phasing out, the Ministry emphasized that the decision depends on when COVID-19 becomes endemic and no longer requires such measures, citing the systems' proven effectiveness in saving lives and reducing cases.

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2 Mar 2022

Committee of Supply – Head J (Ministry of Defence)

Members expressed concerns over the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) training, capability development, and operational readiness, with the Minister confirming that projects and exercises are resuming to pre-pandemic levels in the coming financial year.
The debate highlighted evolving global security threats, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, US-China tensions, and cyber warfare, prompting calls for the SAF to enhance its deterrence and adapt its strategies, particularly through technology and unmanned systems.
The Minister announced the establishment of a fourth service—the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS)—to address growing digital threats and integrate capabilities in the digital domain, with plans to set it up by the last quarter of the year.

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2 Mar 2022

Committee of Supply – Head U (Prime Minister's Office)

Members raised concerns about digital inclusion for seniors and low-income families, with questions on alternative non-digital services, childcare leave, and support for those struggling with online government platforms.
The government highlighted progress in Smart Nation initiatives, including the Singpass app and various digital services, while acknowledging ongoing challenges in cybersecurity, user experience, and integration across platforms.
Discussions covered population strategies, including family-friendly policies, immigration, and workforce complementarity, with the government emphasizing support for families and balanced approaches to foreign talent.

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1 Mar 2022

Proposal for Data Sets from Government-funded Surveys to be Published as Default Policy Stance

Leon Perera proposed that all government-funded survey datasets be published by default, with personal information removed and exceptions only for national security or commercial sensitivity.
The government representative explained that while many survey results are published, some datasets are withheld due to confidentiality risks, even after anonymization, especially for small-sample or longitudinal studies.
The government balances transparency with data protection, sharing sensitive data only with vetted researchers under safeguards, as seen in the HELIOS health study which will provide public summaries and restricted access to datasets.

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18 Feb 2022

Clarification by Minister for Home Affairs

Minister K Shanmugam clarified that Ms Sylvia Lim's phone has not been hacked by Singapore state agencies during the period between her question and his response, after checking with the Security and Intelligence Division.
He stated that if members of Parliament suspect hacking, they should contact MHA for a thorough investigation, and highlighted that raising such issues in Parliament may be for publicity rather than resolution.
The Minister emphasized that MPs are high-value targets for foreign agencies and that security agencies must monitor potential threats, noting the normal practice is not to confirm or deny such matters.
He expressed interest in seeing the specific Apple notification to Ms Lim, as MHA would investigate if it indicates targeting by a state-sponsored agency.

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18 Feb 2022

Update on Cyber Security Agency's Investigations into Computer Security Initiative Consultancy

The Cyber Security Agency investigated COSEINC after the US Department of Commerce added it to its Entity List, which requires US persons to obtain a licence to export regulated items to the company.
COSEINC provided cybersecurity training services to the Singapore Government on standard contractual terms, but the Government found no evidence that the company breached Singapore's cybersecurity laws.
The Government stated that companies contravening local laws and regulations will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

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18 Feb 2022

Use and Deployment of Israeli Company QuaDream's Spyware or Other Technologies in Singapore

Leon Perera asked whether the Government uses or deploys Israeli company QuaDream's spyware or similar technologies in Singapore.
The Minister of State for Home Affairs declined to confirm specifics, citing national security reasons and emphasizing that operational details cannot be discussed publicly.
Sylvia Lim raised concerns about potential state-sponsored hacking of her iPhone and asked for assurance that Singapore government agencies are not targeting her, but the Minister only suggested she file a police report if she has concerns.

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15 Feb 2022

Guidelines and Protocols on Protecting Personal Data of Individuals Collected, Used and Disclosed by Public Agencies and Safeguards in Place in Event of Data Breach

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked about the guidelines and protocols for protecting personal data collected by public agencies like the People's Association, safeguards for children's data, and recourse for data breaches affecting grassroots advisers and volunteers.
Edwin Tong Chun Fai stated that data management in the People's Association is governed by the Public Sector (Governance) Act 2018 and the Government Instruction Manual on ICT and Smart Systems Management, which sets data protection requirements.
He noted a framework exists to manage government data incidents, with standard operating procedures to guide compliance, and that the People's Association assesses remedial actions based on specific breach circumstances.

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15 Feb 2022

Harness Artificial Intelligence and Technology to Combat Cybercrimes in Light of Increasing Number of Phishing Scam

Mr Christopher de Souza asked how AI and technology can be used to fight cybercrimes amid rising phishing scams.
Mrs Josephine Teo said the issue will be addressed in three Ministerial Statements by Lawrence Wong, herself, and Desmond Tan.
The upcoming statements are set to cover Singapore’s approach to combating cybercrimes using AI and technology.

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15 Feb 2022

Cases of Data Lapses Since Public Service Employees Started Working from Home and Preventive Measures

From January 2020 to December 2021, there were no reported data lapses arising from work-from-home arrangements by Public Service employees, despite the widespread adoption of hybrid work since 2020.
The Government has enhanced cybersecurity measures for hybrid work, including restricting remote access to classified data only through secure Government-issued laptops with VPN connections and enabling remote software updates to address vulnerabilities.
High-risk activities such as creating new accounts and changing access rights continue to be conducted in-person to minimise the risk of unauthorised changes, and the Public Service maintains a strong security culture through annual phishing exercises and security quizzes.

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15 Feb 2022

Plans to Regulate Activities in Non-fungible Tokens

The Prime Minister stated that MAS does not currently regulate NFTs because their underlying assets, such as digital art, do not typically fall under its regulatory scope, aligning with international practice.
MAS adopts a tech-neutral approach, assessing each digital token based on its substance; an NFT would be regulated only if it exhibits characteristics of a capital markets product under the Securities and Futures Act.
MAS warned that NFTs are not suitable for retail investors due to speculative price inflation, potential for significant losses, and complex legal risks regarding ownership rights.

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15 Feb 2022

Efforts to Ensure Mindef and SAF's Vendors Maintain Best Practices and Stay abreast of Cyber Threats in Light of Data Breach Incidences

The Government requires vendors to follow industry-standard cybersecurity measures, such as updated anti-virus software, with quarterly reviews to ensure relevance to current threats.
Vendors handling sensitive systems are audited annually, with less critical ones audited every two to three years, and must submit remediation plans within two weeks of audit findings.
Repeat data breaches by vendors result in stricter penalties, including liquidated damages, contract termination, debarment from future government contracts, and possible criminal liability under the Personal Data Protection Act.

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