Digital & technology — Topics

11 May 2021

Efforts to Monitor Extremist Ideology on Social Media Platforms and Internet Forums

Security agencies monitor extremist content online and have blocked some sites, though full blocking is impossible due to the vast and evolving nature of the internet.
A multi-pronged approach includes community education through initiatives like SGSecure, outreach by groups such as the Religious Rehabilitation Group, and international intelligence sharing.
The public is urged to avoid sharing extremist content, while technology companies are recognized for their efforts in removing such material.
Continued reliance on upstream efforts and industry collaboration is essential to counter online radicalization.
The government acknowledges that determined individuals may circumvent blocking, reinforcing the need for a comprehensive strategy.

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11 May 2021

Real-time Advisories on Conditions along Flood-prone Roads

Dennis Tan asked the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment to consider providing real-time flooding advisories on flood-prone roads to help divert drivers and public transport.
The Public Utilities Board (PUB) has an SMS alert system using over 300 water level sensors, along with CCTV monitoring at flood-prone areas, with information available on its website and social media.
During heavy storms, PUB collaborates with LTA and Traffic Police to notify motorists via electronic road signs, online platforms, and radio broadcasts.
Real-time flood information is consolidated on the "MyENV" mobile app, which the public is encouraged to download for updates, especially given climate change-driven rainfall increases.
The government has made various real-time advisory systems available since 2011 and continues to enhance them for public safety.

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11 May 2021

Streamlining Process of Making Simple Wills

The Ministry of Law is enhancing digital resources, including the "My Legacy" portal, to provide clear, step-by-step guidance for making and storing wills to reduce costs and administrative barriers.
Low-income residents can seek assistance from the Legal Aid Bureau or community organisations for subsidised will-writing services to make the process more accessible.
The government encourages will-making to ensure better estate planning and will continue improving digital tools to simplify the process for all residents.

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11 May 2021

Submission of Reports on Smoking or Noise Disturbances by Neighbours through OneService App

Gerald Giam asked if the OneService app will allow residents to report smoking or noise disturbances by neighbours and which agency would handle such reports.
Desmond Lee confirmed residents can already submit feedback on these issues via the “Others” category in the OneService app.
The Ministry of National Development’s backend system routes the feedback to NEA, HDB, or Town Councils based on the issue and location.
The response emphasised that residents do not need to know the specific agency, as the system automatically directs reports appropriately.
The debate highlighted the existing functionality of the OneService app in addressing neighbour-related complaints efficiently.

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11 May 2021

Measures to Prevent Young or Compulsive Buyers from Taking on Too Much Debt via Purchases on Digital Platforms

Miss Cheryl Chan asked for measures to prevent young or compulsive buyers from accumulating debt through Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platforms, including income verification and a centralized system to track credit use.
The Prime Minister’s representative noted that BNPL schemes are currently outside financial regulations but that authorities are studying if oversight is needed, considering existing safeguards like caps on small purchases and late fees.
The government is examining risk management practices and may implement proportionate regulation to address excessive borrowing while preserving the convenience of BNPL services.

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11 May 2021

Trends of Scam Calls Reported to Police

In the first quarter of 2021, police received an average of about two reports daily from scam calls, which was a 40% decrease from the same period in 2020.
The actual volume of scam calls received by the public is much higher, as most people ignore such calls and do not report them.
Reports of suspected scam calls are collected through the ScamShield app, which has allowed users to report over 56,000 numbers since its launch in November 2020, and an Android version is in development.

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11 May 2021

Wider Use of Online Mental Wellness Resources Given Constraints on Visits to Clinics

Seah Kian Peng asked the Ministry of Health about plans to educate the public, especially those less familiar with computers, on using online mental wellness resources amid constraints on clinic visits.
Gan Kim Yong responded that various online mental health resources, such as Mindline.sg, are promoted through campaigns like "Brave the New" to help people cope with COVID-19 stressors.
Efforts to assist less tech-savvy individuals include deploying volunteers to guide seniors, promoting digital adoption schemes, and providing training through the Senior Go Digital programme, which has trained over 90,000 seniors.
The government plans to continue promoting access to online mental wellness resources to improve population mental health.

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11 May 2021

Balancing Benefits of Digital Device Usage in Schools with Possible Side Effects

The Ministry of Education balances the educational benefits of Personal Learning Devices with potential health effects by rolling them out only at the secondary level, with plans to study impacts on younger students.
MOE provides schools with guidance to ensure PLD use is balanced with other learning activities, and parents can set screen-time limits to prevent excessive use.
Resources such as a Student Kit for Cyber Wellness and parent handbooks are offered to empower students and parents in managing digital device usage safely and responsibly.

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11 May 2021

Move Towards Complete Paperless Processes and Transactions with Businesses and Public Sector Agencies

The government has amended the Electronic Transactions Act to support digitalisation and aims for nearly all government transactions to be completed digitally, while maintaining non-digital options for accessibility.
Initiatives like SMEs Go Digital, InvoiceNow, and IMDA’s Grow Digital and TradeTrust are helping businesses adopt digital solutions and access global markets, with efforts to equip citizens, including seniors and hawkers, with digital skills.
The move to paperless processes is aligned with the Singapore Green Plan, as it reduces paper use and physical travel, supporting sustainable development.

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10 May 2021

Complaints of Cheating, Fraud and Other Crimes in Connection with Investments in Cryptocurrencies Lodged with Police in Past Three Years and Amounts Involved

Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Home Affairs for the number of complaints and total losses related to cryptocurrency investment crimes lodged with police in the past three years.
K Shanmugam responded that between 2018 and 2020, police received 533 reports of cheating, fraud, or other crimes connected to cryptocurrency investments.
During the same period, victims lost approximately $29 million to such cases.

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10 May 2021

Number of Users Requesting to Deregister from TraceTogether Programme

As of 30 April 2021, 1,155 users had requested deregistration from the TraceTogether programme, representing about 0.021% of the population above age six.
Users who request deregistration receive an SMS confirmation or on-the-spot verification when returning their token, and their registration data is deleted from the server within three to five working days.
Data from users who were close contacts and uploaded information for contact tracing is retained for public health reasons, but the law requires all personally identifiable contact tracing data to be deleted after the pandemic ends.

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10 May 2021

Stepping Up Punishment for E-commerce and Online Scams

Lim Biow Chuan questioned whether penalties for e-commerce and online scams should be increased due to the high volume and financial losses from such crimes.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that existing cheating offences under the Penal Code already carry imprisonment terms of up to 10 years and are considered adequate.
The main challenge is that most scammers operate overseas, requiring collaboration with foreign law enforcement and industry partners to prevent scams.
Efforts focus on enhancing partnerships with telcos, online marketplaces, banks, and remittance companies to detect and stop scams early.
Public education and awareness campaigns are emphasized as the most effective protection against scams.

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10 May 2021

Progress of Project Ubin Which Uses Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology for Clearing and Settlement of Payments

Project Ubin demonstrated the feasibility of using blockchain for real-time, multi-currency cross-border payments, with industry partners now building on its success through initiatives like Partior and Project Dunbar.
MAS has issued a wholesale CBDC for interbank use but remains undecided on a retail CBDC due to potential impacts on banks' deposits and lending, with ongoing studies to evaluate costs and benefits.
MAS is monitoring the rapid growth of decentralized finance (DeFi) but notes that its viability and risks are not yet proven, and the authority is assessing its potential for broader application.

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5 Apr 2021

Reducing Hard Copy Submission of Documents for Design and Construction Contracts in Government Tenders

Miss Cheryl Chan asked whether the Government would reduce or eliminate hard copy submissions for design and construction tenders and encourage departments to share soft copies instead of requesting multiple hard copies.
Heng Swee Keat responded that most government tenders, including construction, are already submitted online via GeBIZ and CORENET, with hard copies only requested when necessary for evaluating large technical drawings.
He noted that the Government is advancing digitalisation, with initiatives like a one-stop digital shopfront for regulatory approvals to streamline submissions for construction projects.

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5 Apr 2021

Ensuring Sufficient Mobile Network Coverage in Residential Estates or Public Areas

Miss Cheryl Chan asked how IMDA ensures mobile coverage in residential estates and public areas like underground MRT stations, and whether a standard contract template can be provided for MNOs and building owners.
S Iswaran stated that MNOs must comply with IMDA’s Quality of Service Framework for nationwide coverage, including indoor areas and MRT stations, with regular tests and published results.
He added that IMDA requires MNOs to investigate and improve coverage where complaints arise, and has a Code of Practice to guide deployments in buildings, which can serve as a baseline for contracts.

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5 Apr 2021

Size of Crypto Asset Market in Singapore

MAS reports that the cryptocurrency market in Singapore is small relative to traditional assets, with combined peak daily trading volumes of major cryptocurrencies representing only 2% of SGX securities trading in 2020.
Cryptocurrencies are deemed highly volatile and unsuitable for retail investors, with MAS issuing advisories and restricting such funds from retail sale, while securities tokens are regulated under existing securities laws.
Crypto exchanges are regulated under the Payment Services Act for money laundering and terrorism financing risks, with MAS empowered to impose additional measures as needed.
MAS has enhanced surveillance, licensing, and public education efforts to address risks associated with crypto assets and will continue to adapt regulations as the market evolves.

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5 Apr 2021

Regulations to Prevent Media Firms like Google, Facebook and Twitter from Shutting Down Services in Singapore

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Communications and Information about regulations to prevent media giants like Google, Facebook, and Twitter from shutting down services in Singapore.
The Minister, S Iswaran, responded that there are currently no such regulations in place.
He added that the Ministry is monitoring global regulatory developments and will review policies if needed.

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5 Apr 2021

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Singaporeans

The Ministry of Health will provide a system for Singaporeans unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons to prove their status, ensuring it is convenient and accessible even without smartphones.
Singapore currently only approves internationally recognized vaccines like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, and while digital vaccine passports are under discussion, mutual recognition with other countries is still early and depends on global vaccination progress.
The government is considering adjustments to border and local measures for vaccinated individuals, such as exempting them from pre-event testing, but more data is needed before changing quarantine or testing rules for travel.
Vaccine passport recognition does not influence which vaccines are approved for use in Singapore, as decisions are based solely on safety, quality, and efficacy standards.
Discussions with other countries on mutual vaccine certificate recognition are ongoing, but details on the number of countries involved or potential costs are premature to share at this stage.

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5 Mar 2021

Telemedicine and Mobile Medical Services for Mental Health

The Ministry of Health confirmed that public healthcare institutions provide video consultations for mental health management, including for seniors, with subsidies extended under CHAS and Medisave for chronic conditions like anxiety and depression.
Community intervention teams offer mobile and online allied-health services such as psychotherapy and counselling, while helplines like The Seniors Helpline and CareLine provide tele-befriending, tele-counselling, and 24/7 support for isolated seniors.
Usage has grown, with over 24,000 patients (including seniors) using video consultations by end-October 2020, and helpline calls rising from 5,600 in FY2018 to 8,700 in FY2019, indicating increased adoption of digital mental health services.

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3 Mar 2021

Ensuring Adequate Cybersecurity Measures are Taken by Companies that Take Possession of Customer Data

The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) mandates that organizations implement reasonable cybersecurity measures to protect customer data, with guidance provided by the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) on design, risk management, and breach response.
In the event of a data breach, organizations must notify the PDPC and affected individuals if the breach involves at least 500 individuals or poses significant harm, and can seek technical assistance from the Cyber Security Agency’s Computer Emergency Response Team.
The PDPC monitors breaches closely and can enforce actions, including financial penalties, while both the PDPC and CSA provide resources like handbooks and guides to help companies strengthen their cybersecurity posture.

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