Digital & technology — Topics

12 Jan 2022

Take-up Rate of iLAB Since Its Launch and Plans to Promote Its Service

In 2021, iLAB received 47,579 queries across 3,408 sessions, averaging about 240 users per month, with positive feedback averaging four out of five stars.
The Ministry is collaborating with organizations like the Community Justice Centre, Law Society Pro Bono Services, and social agencies to promote iLAB's usage.
To enhance iLAB's usefulness, additional topics such as Deed of Separation and Deputyship were added in December 2021, with Monetary Claims set to be included by Q1 2022.

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12 Jan 2022

Average Time Taken to Roll Out New Government Technology Projects in Past Five Years

The average time to roll out larger government technology projects over the past five years was between one and two years, while simpler systems like SafeEntry were developed in weeks by reusing existing components.
For longer-term contracts, the government incorporates flexibility into tender specifications to address technological changes and requires vendors to flag obsolete products and propose alternatives.
The government consults industry experts and users regularly through forums like the STACK-X developer conference and uses Agile Development Methodology, building Minimum Viable Products and iteratively improving them based on feedback.

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12 Jan 2022

Utilisation Rate of Jobseeking Apps amongst Workers Aged 55 and Above

Yip Hon Weng asked about the number of seniors aged 55 and above using jobseeking apps like MyCareersFuture and the Silver Jobs Portal, offline resources for less digital-savvy seniors, and plans to raise awareness and uptake rates.
Tan See Leng reported that active local users of MyCareersFuture grew from 109,000 in 2018 to 288,000 in 2021, with seniors aged 55 and above increasing from 8,000 to 24,000 over the same period.
He highlighted that Workforce Singapore uses advertising and other channels to raise awareness, and that offline assistance is available through Careers Connect, NTUC’s e2i, and 24 SGUnited Jobs and Skills Centres across HDB towns.

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12 Jan 2022

Raising Public's Awareness about Scams Related to Hotel Bookings for Staycations

Wan Rizal asked if awareness campaigns specifically target staycation planners and whether efforts are made to involve local influencers against hotel booking scams.
K Shanmugam outlined ongoing police actions, including arrests, collaborations with Carousell for in-app advisories, and social media alerts during school holidays.
The SPF and NCPC have engaged content creators for scam awareness campaigns, though not exclusively for hotel booking scams, and run regular outreach like the "Spot the Signs. Stop the Crimes." initiative.
The Minister emphasized the importance of public vigilance and skepticism in online transactions, urging verification of sellers and deals.

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12 Jan 2022

Proposal to Ban "OnlyFans" Website due to Its Distribution of Obscene Material

Dr Shahira Abdullah asked whether the government would consider banning OnlyFans due to its potential for distributing obscene material.
The Minister for Communications and Information explained that OnlyFans is an overseas content subscription service with age restrictions and content rules, and Singaporean law already prohibits transmitting obscene material electronically, with enforcement examples such as a recent arrest.
The government emphasized a holistic approach to online safety, including internet filtering services, cyber wellness education, public campaigns, and multi-sector alliances, rather than focusing solely on banning specific platforms.

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11 Jan 2022

Plans to Regulate New Frontiers of Technologies Such as Metaverse and Non-fungible Tokens

The Minister stated that technologies like the Metaverse and NFTs are still in early stages with limited real-world applications in Singapore, and the government is studying their risks and benefits for online safety, consumer protection, and intellectual property.
The government aims to balance promoting economic vitality with preserving social stability and public security in regulating these technologies, acknowledging their borderless nature and the need for international coordination.
The response emphasized that industry players and users must also act responsibly and exercise caution when engaging with the Metaverse and NFTs, even as the government develops regulatory approaches.

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11 Jan 2022

Take-up Rate and Reports Submitted through ScamShield To-date

From November 2020 to December 2021, approximately 229,000 users downloaded the ScamShield app, with 3.4 million calls and SMSes reported as potential scams during that period.
Eighty-seven percent of scam reports were automatically detected by the app, while the remaining were submitted by users through ScamShield.
The Android version of ScamShield, initially planned for end-2021, has been delayed due to resource reprioritization for COVID-19 response but is expected to launch in the first half of the year.

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11 Jan 2022

Protecting Individuals from Internet-related Scams

The Minister for Home Affairs outlined a multi-pronged approach to combat internet scams, which include strengthening enforcement by collaborating with foreign law enforcement agencies and setting up dedicated units like the Anti-Scam Division.
The government is working with financial institutions, e-commerce platforms, and telecom companies through initiatives like Project FRONTIER and ScamShield to disrupt scam operations and enhance public safety.
A strong emphasis is placed on public education, including the “Spot the Signs. Stop the Crimes.” campaign and partnerships with banks to educate customers on avoiding scams.
The public is urged to be vigilant, not share personal details like Singpass or passwords, and practice healthy skepticism before responding to requests for information.
The government continues to bolster efforts to protect individuals from scams through a combination of enforcement, cooperation with private sector partners, and public awareness initiatives.

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11 Jan 2022

Ensuring Formidable and Mission-ready Singapore Armed Forces Using Technological Advancement

Minister Ng Eng Hen agreed that low fertility rates pose a challenge to maintaining a strong Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and emphasized that the SAF has long incorporated technology to improve productivity and reduce manpower needs, such as with automated radars and unmanned vessels.
The SAF continues to embrace advancements like robotics, AI, and data analytics to further optimize processes, including trialing automated vehicles and AI-enabled drones to enhance operational efficiency.
Job redesign initiatives, such as deploying unmanned watchtowers, allow individuals with medical exemptions to contribute, ensuring the SAF remains lean and effective despite smaller cohorts from low fertility rates.

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11 Jan 2022

Enforcement Action against Website and Companies that Enable Online Procurement of Sexual and Pornographic Services

Dr Shahira Abdullah inquired about data on Singapore students subscribing to Sugarbook, the website’s prevalence among youths, and police enforcement actions against platforms enabling sexual services procurement.
The Minister responded that the government opposes such websites as they commodify relationships and target vulnerable youths, but does not track user numbers and currently lacks evidence to enforce laws against the websites directly.
Enforcement is possible only if there is proof of the sites facilitating paid sexual services or transmitting obscene material, and so far, no such evidence exists to warrant action.
The government emphasizes education and awareness through school curricula and family guidance, alongside whole-of-society efforts like the Sunlight Alliance for Action, to promote respect and online safety.

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11 Jan 2022

Measures to Protect Youths from Falling Prey to Cryptocurrency Game Scams

The government has stepped up public education efforts, including advisories and campaigns like MoneySense, to teach youths and the public about cryptocurrency risks and how to “Ask, Check, and Confirm” before transacting.
A Police cryptocurrency taskforce was established in 2018 to improve investigations, build overseas cooperation, and work with regulators like MAS to address scams.
Since many scammers are based overseas, recovery of funds is difficult, so prevention through public awareness and dealing only with MAS-regulated entities is emphasized.

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11 Jan 2022

Plans for Continuing with TraceTogether as COVID-19 Contact Tracing Tool

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned the extent of TraceTogether’s continued use as a contact tracing tool amid COVID-19 being endemic, plans to shift to user-oriented technologies like Novid, specific dates for deleting server-side identification data, and discontinuation plans for SafeEntry.
Ong Ye Kung referred to a written reply dated 10 January 2022, indicating the matter had already been addressed, without providing new details or commitments.
The debate highlighted ongoing concerns about data privacy and technological evolution in Singapore’s pandemic response tools.

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11 Jan 2022

Measures to Protect Bank Customers from Losses and Penalties due to Outages of Banks' Online Systems

MAS requires financial institutions to maintain robust systems and to restore services quickly while activating contingency measures during disruptions.
Financial institutions are expected to fairly handle customer appeals for losses or penalties caused by outages, considering factors like disruption severity and whether alternative channels were used.
MAS expects banks to waive penalties such as late credit card repayments when caused by outages and to consider compensation for directly resulting losses.
MAS advises consumers who need time-critical payments to maintain accounts at multiple financial institutions as a precaution against system disruptions.

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11 Jan 2022

Steps to Reduce Carbon Footprint of Data Centres in Singapore

The debate noted that as of 2021, Singapore has over 70 operational data centres with a total IT capacity of approximately 1,000 megawatts.
The government completed a 2019 review of the data centre industry to balance digital economy needs with sustainability and climate commitments.
Future data centre growth will be more selective, prioritizing investments that are best in class in resource efficiency and align with Singapore's economic and strategic goals.
Measures will be introduced to enhance the efficiency of existing data centres over time.

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11 Jan 2022

Measures to Enhance Cybersecurity to Counter State-backed Entities

The Minister emphasized that cyberspace is borderless, so cyber resilience measures are essential regardless of the attacker's identity, and highlighted the 2021 surge in cyber threats like the Log4Shell vulnerability.
In response, the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) took immediate action for Log4Shell by convening emergency meetings with Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) sectors, issuing advisories, and promoting a "zero-trust" posture to verify all network activities and maintain constant vigilance.
To strengthen cybersecurity, CSA is developing the CII Supply Chain Programme for international best practices and providing toolkits through the SG Cyber Safe Programme to help businesses improve their defenses.
The Minister stressed that the best defense is a vigilant population and responsible organizations, urging regular software updates, incident response planning, and good cyber hygiene like avoiding phishing links to safely participate in the digital domain.

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10 Jan 2022

Update on Redemption of Community Development Council Vouchers

Edwin Tong reported that over three-quarters of the 1.3 million eligible households claimed their $100 CDC vouchers within the first month, with over $28 million redeemed, and that the scheme supports hawkers and heartland merchants affected by the pandemic.
Assistance for households that are not technologically savvy is available at Community Centres/Clubs, Residents’ Committee Centres, and through Digital Ambassadors and Silver Generation Ambassadors, with printed vouchers also provided upon request.
The government has promoted the scheme through digital display panels, newspaper ads, and social media, and launched an online search function to help residents find participating merchants.
Feedback from residents and merchants on the CDC Vouchers Scheme has been positive, citing ease of use and business support.

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10 Jan 2022

Measures to Ensure Companies Engage Licensed IT vendors to Minimise Risk of Data Breaches and Leaks

The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) mandates all companies to protect personal data, with trustmark certifications like the Data Protection Trustmark (DPTM) and the upcoming SG Cyber Safe Trustmark helping identify IT vendors with strong data and cybersecurity practices.
While companies are not required to engage certified vendors, the government strongly encourages it and provides guidelines from the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) to help evaluate potential IT vendors' data protection policies.
Additional measures include regular cybersecurity advisories via SingCERT to help businesses mitigate risks, and the government supports these efforts without imposing mandatory licensing for IT vendors.

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10 Jan 2022

Update on TraceTogether Usage for Contact Tracing and Entry into Public Spaces

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin inquired about the current extent of contact tracing using TraceTogether and whether its use for entry into public spaces beyond proving vaccination status is still required.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung directed that the question be answered via a prior written reply to Question No. 105 from January 10, 2022.
The debate centered on TraceTogether's evolving role post-pandemic, specifically its continued necessity for contact tracing and venue entry.
The exchange highlights a shift in policy, with the government referring to earlier official responses rather than providing new updates.
This indicates that TraceTogether's functions may have been scaled back or formally defined in prior communications.

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10 Jan 2022

Family and Education Section of Personal Profile in Singpass

Joan Pereira questioned why Singpass’s Family section includes only children and not spouses or parents, and why the Education section only shows GCE O/A Level results and not higher formal education achievements.
Teo Chee Hean explained that adding family details like spouses or parents requires careful consideration of privacy, consent, and potential sensitivities, such as estranged relationships or changes in personal information.
On education records, the government is working to include more digitalised records, such as those from local Polytechnics and Universities, as they become available, starting with GCE O, N, and A Level results.

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10 Jan 2022

Proposal for Opt-in Default Cooling-off Period for Cross-border Fund Transfers of Large Amounts to Prevent Fraud

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim proposed a default opt-in cooling-off period for large cross-border fund transfers to help recover fraudulent transactions quickly.
The Government, through the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and other agencies, is actively tackling rising online scams and exploring measures like cooling-off periods to mitigate risks without compromising payment speed.
Progress has been made in freezing domestic accounts linked to scams, but international cooperation remains challenging; efforts with overseas law enforcement have led to busting transnational syndicates.
MAS is considering additional upstream measures such as lowering transaction limits and enhancing fraud surveillance, with a public consultation planned to clarify responsibilities and liability for fraudulent transactions.
The Government urges public vigilance, emphasizing caution with online deals, avoiding unverified links, protecting banking credentials, and monitoring transactions to aid scam recovery.

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