Digital & technology — Topics

3 Aug 2021

Progress of Planned Rollout of 5G Network to Half of Country by 2022

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about the percentage completion of the 5G network rollout to half the country by 2022 and whether there are targets for 5G subscribers and user penetration rates.
Mrs Josephine Teo stated that Singapore is on track to meet its target of deploying 5G standalone outdoor coverage across half of Singapore by end-2022 and nationwide by end-2025.
She highlighted that 5G is critical for the digital economy and will enable innovative applications like IoT, AR, and VR, with trials already underway with partners like PSA Singapore and Razer.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority does not set specific targets for 5G subscribers or penetration rates but facilitates market competition to drive adoption, similar to previous mobile technologies.
Adoption and penetration rates are expected to be driven by market forces and will naturally increase over time as 5G becomes more established.

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3 Aug 2021

Continued Scrutiny by Auditor-General's Office on Accountant-General's Department's IT Security Controls over Most Privileged Operating System User Account

The Minister confirmed that the Auditor-General’s Office (AGO) independently selects audit areas and will continue to review the Accountant-General’s Department’s (AGD) IT security as part of its annual audits, including the recent focus on privileged operating system user accounts.
AGD has proactively implemented measures to strengthen IT security, such as hardening systems, moving to a GovTech-managed site, and deploying privileged access management and automated audit logs, with ongoing external IT audits to ensure continuous improvement.
While AGO’s recent reports highlighted related technical configuration gaps in AGD’s systems, AGD had already commissioned an independent IT audit to address these issues, and all misconfigurations have since been fully rectified and verified.

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3 Aug 2021

Number of Reports filed by Public through i-Witness that Aided Ongoing Police Investigations

Since its launch in April 2016, more than 150,000 reports have been filed by the public through i-Witness.
The Police do not track how many of these reports have aided ongoing investigations or led to action against unreported crimes, as the platform is designed for quick submission of information.
Victims are encouraged to lodge formal Police reports for detailed information, and case outcomes are only communicated to persons directly involved in the investigation, not to all i-Witness submitters.

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3 Aug 2021

Proactive Policing of Internet and Blocking of Violent Content Accessible to Children and Youths in Singapore

The government uses the Internet Code of Practice and IMDA powers to prohibit and block violent content deemed harmful to public order and security.
Internet Service Providers are required to offer parental control services, and schools conduct cyber wellness lessons to educate youths on safe internet navigation.
Public education campaigns by the Media Literacy Council aim to promote responsible online behavior, though awareness and effectiveness are ongoing areas for improvement.

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2 Aug 2021

Age Gates for Arts Groups to Produce Digital Non-"G"-rated Work and Enjoy Funding from Digital Presentation Grant for the Arts

Leon Perera asked if the government would work with ticketing companies to introduce age gates so arts groups can produce non-"G" rated digital works and still access the Digital Presentation Grant for the Arts (DPG).
Edwin Tong explained that the DPG was part of a 2020 support package to help arts groups go digital, but it required content to be suitable for all audiences due to the difficulty of enforcing age restrictions online.
The DPG supported nearly 700 digital projects and created over 9,000 work opportunities, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility for all ages.
After the DPG closed, arts practitioners can now use enhanced grants like the Presentation and Participation Grant for digital or hybrid works, including those with higher-than-General ratings.
The government has maintained regular grant schemes that have been updated to support digital works, including those that are not "G"-rated.

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2 Aug 2021

Working with Hawker and F&B Associations to Establish Centralised Hawker Food Platform and Help for Less Technologically-inclined

The Government is working with hawker and F&B associations through the Alliance for Action (AfA) to support hawkers, including the less technologically inclined, by raising awareness of online platforms and lowering adoption costs.
The AfA complements existing schemes like NEA’s Food Delivery Support Scheme and IMDA’s Hawkers Go Digital programme, with Digital Ambassadors assisting hawkers in digitalisation.
The Alliance aims to enhance ease of adoption and consumer demand for hawker online services, with recommendations expected in the last quarter of 2021.
No one-size-fits-all solution is proposed, as the approach is tailored to diverse hawker profiles and needs.
Community initiatives and government programmes are integrated to provide comprehensive support for hawkers’ digital transition.

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27 Jul 2021

Data Security for Singapore Companies Listed on Overseas Stock Exchanges

The Prime Minister stated that listing overseas is a commercial decision for each company, and no prior government approval is required for such listings.
Singapore companies transferring personal data overseas must comply with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), ensuring comparable protection standards through mechanisms like binding corporate rules or contractual clauses.
The government will take firm action against entities that breach data protection laws, and the PDPA complements other sector-specific regulations on confidentiality.

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27 Jul 2021

Requirement for Digital Full Banks to Provide Basic Banking Accounts and Other Financial Services

Murali Pillai asked if the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) will require digital full banks to provide basic banking accounts and other financial services to unbanked and underbanked Singaporean adults to enhance financial inclusion.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, speaking for the Prime Minister, noted that major retail banks already offer low-cost basic accounts under a consumer banking code, and digital full banks are expected to make similar commitments, with nearly all adult Singaporeans having bank accounts and recent surveys showing high banking access.
The response highlighted that innovations like MyInfo have reduced barriers to account opening, and digital banks are expected to leverage technology to offer lower-cost products and reach underserved segments, while MAS will continue exploring ways to ensure financial inclusion.

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26 Jul 2021

Number of HDB Flats Installed with Elderly Monitoring System, Its Average Yearly Activation Rate and Plans to Upgrade or Expand System

HDB does not track the total number of flats with the Elderly Monitoring System, as residents can purchase and install the system directly from commercial vendors.
The average yearly activation rate is not available, as HDB does not collect this data from the commercial service providers.
HDB has incorporated lessons from the earlier "My Smart HDB Home @ Yuhua" trial into the HDB Smart Enabled Home Initiative, which provides digital infrastructure to support smart home solutions like the EMS in new developments.
Residents, especially those in 2-room Flexi flats, are provided with information on commercial EMS providers through appointment letters and HDB's InfoWeb.
HDB is expanding its smart home readiness by equipping new flats, such as Northshore Residences, with smart distribution boards to facilitate the adoption of solutions like the EMS.

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26 Jul 2021

Measures to Encourage Singaporeans to Patronise Hawkers and Creation of Platforms to Support Hawkers in Need

Christopher de Souza asked how to continue encouraging Singaporeans to patronise hawkers amid the pandemic and competition from food delivery apps, and whether more platforms can be created to support hawkers in need, especially among young people.
Grace Fu highlighted government support including rental waivers and subsidies for cleaning services, as well as efforts to maintain hygiene standards in hawker centres through increased cleaning and safe management measures by patrons.
NEA has formed an Alliance for Action with stakeholders like IMDA and delivery companies to help hawkers adopt food delivery services and boost their online presence through both digital and offline initiatives.

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26 Jul 2021

Plans on Incorporating Vaccination Status Information into Singpass Record

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned if vaccination status could be integrated into the Singpass record for broader recognition, rather than being limited to TraceTogether or HealthHub apps.
The Prime Minister's representative clarified that a digital vaccination certificate is already accessible via the Singpass app's Inbox and can be requested through the Notarise website.
The certificate, issued by the Ministry of Health, is designed to facilitate international travel and recognition, with Singapore actively discussing mutual recognition agreements with other countries.

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26 Jul 2021

Dealing with Social Media and Digital Communication Platforms Based Overseas that Target Singaporeans with Political Messages

The government uses legislation like the Broadcasting Act and the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act to take down or correct harmful online content that threatens national interest, public order, or social stability.
Efforts include building capabilities to detect and deter hostile information activities from foreign actors, alongside public education initiatives to foster a discerning citizenry.
The Ministry promotes media literacy through school programs, the National Library Board’s S.U.R.E. initiative, and campaigns by the Media Literacy Council to help Singaporeans critically evaluate online information.

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26 Jul 2021

Incidents of Foreign State-sponsored Disinformation Campaigns about COVID-19 Vaccines and Associated Health Issues on Private Messaging Networks

Gerald Giam asked the Minister for Communications and Information about incidents, nature, impact, and handling of foreign state-sponsored disinformation on COVID-19 vaccines and health issues, and plans for improving responses.
Josephine Teo responded that while disinformation from overseas sources has been observed, there is no evidence of a deliberate foreign state-sponsored campaign against Singapore on vaccines, emphasizing that the vaccination program is guided by scientific and medical authorities.
The Minister highlighted that national cohesion and COVID-19 response have not been significantly impacted, and current measures involve monitoring and countering disinformation through official channels.

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26 Jul 2021

Applications for Digital Token Service Provider Licence

Louis Chua Kheng Wee asked for statistics on digital payment token service provider licence applications, including breakdowns by status, exemptions, and average exemption duration.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, speaking for the Prime Minister, stated that around 90 entities operate under exemption, with over 480 total applications received and 170 for digital payment token services, of which 30 were withdrawn and two rejected.
MAS has not yet issued any licences for digital payment token services but is closely scrutinizing applications for compliance with anti-money laundering and technology risk standards.

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26 Jul 2021

Attempts to Attack Singapore's Supply Chain Software

Mohd Fahmi Aliman asked whether there have been any attempts to attack Singapore’s supply chain software in the past three years, citing a recent global cyber attack that forced Swedish Coop supermarkets to close.
Mrs Josephine Teo responded that there have been no observed adverse effects on Singapore’s Critical Information Infrastructure or Government systems, but the government is taking a cautious stance by monitoring threats, issuing advisories, and launching initiatives like the CII Supply Chain Programme and SG Cyber Safe Programme to strengthen national cybersecurity.
Leon Perera raised a supplementary question on ransomware support, asking if the government can assist companies in recovering cryptocurrency paid as ransom, similar to the US government’s help in the Colonial Pipeline case.
Mrs Josephine Teo advised against paying ransoms, highlighting that it is not guaranteed to restore systems and may encourage further attacks, and recommended referring to SingCERT’s advisory for guidance on responding to ransomware incidents.

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26 Jul 2021

Help for Individuals Affected by Bank-related Cyber Scams or Unauthorised Bank Transactions

The Minister confirmed that consumers are generally protected from financial losses due to unauthorised transactions if they act responsibly, with liability caps for card transactions and non-card e-payments, and banks are offering interim support like waived fees during investigations.
In cases where neither the consumer nor the bank is at fault—such as when victims claim they did not divulge OTPs—authorities are investigating specific incidents, and MAS is reviewing the framework to clarify responsibilities, with an aim to complete this by year-end.
MAS has directed financial institutions to enhance vigilance and consumer awareness, implement additional safeguards, and consider partial waivers for disputed amounts based on individual circumstances, while legislative changes are being considered as part of the holistic review.

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26 Jul 2021

Curbing Scam Calls Made From +65 Prefix Phone Numbers

The Ministry of Communications and Information and the Infocomm Media Development Authority are working with telecommunication companies and the Inter-Ministry Committee on Scams to block scam calls and enhance detection, while also promoting public awareness through offline and online efforts.
The Senior Minister of State confirmed that the +65 prefix is used to flag overseas calls as potentially suspicious, and the government is exploring more concerted ways to block their sources, though legitimate overseas calls also use this prefix.
Education remains a key focus, with programmes like Seniors Go Digital and partnerships with grassroots organizations to teach cyber safety tips to vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly.
The Minister emphasized that public vigilance is critical in defending against scams and urged the community to look out for one another and join anti-scam efforts.

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6 Jul 2021

Deploy Recycling Bins with Capacity Sensors at HDB Estates and Develop App to Show Locations and Availability of Recycling Bins

Murali Pillai proposed deploying recycling bins with capacity sensors at HDB estates and creating an app to show bin locations and availability to address the issue of full bins.
Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that NEA will trial bins with sensors in the Ang Mo Kio-Toa Payoh sector starting October 2021 to monitor levels and reduce overflow, with possible expansion to other sectors after evaluating impact on collection fees.
She added that bin locations are already available via OneMap and the OneService app, and residents can report full bins through NEA’s website or mobile apps, while urging proper recycling to avoid contamination and overflow.

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6 Jul 2021

Number of Vehicle Owners Failing to Renew Road Tax on Time after Move to Digital Communication Methods in 2019

LTA replaced physical road tax renewal notices with electronic notifications starting July 2019, sending SMS reminders one month before and up to the expiry date.
The on-time renewal rate increased from 93.1% in 2019 to 94.6% in 2020 after the switch to digital communication.
LTA confirmed that vehicle owners can still opt to receive physical renewal notices via the OneMotoring website or by requesting through the LTA hotline.

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6 Jul 2021

Plans for Global or Regional Immunity Passport to Ensure Authenticity of COVID-19 Vaccinations for Air Travel and Border Control

Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asked the Minister for Transport about updates on plans for a global or regional immunity passport to ensure the authenticity of COVID-19 vaccinations for air travel and border control.
Minister S Iswaran stated that multilateral forums like the International Civil Aviation Organisation and regional groups such as ASEAN and APEC are exploring mechanisms for recognizing vaccination certificates, with Singapore actively participating and contributing expertise.
These multilateral and regional discussions are ongoing and will take time due to varying vaccination progress across countries, but they aim to facilitate reopening travel for vaccinated individuals when ready.
Singapore is concurrently engaged in bilateral discussions with countries like Australia, Malaysia, and the Republic of Korea to establish mutual recognition of vaccination certificates, including exchanging public keys and specimen copies for verification.

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