Digital & technology — Topics

2 Mar 2021

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

Members emphasized the urgent need to develop tech talent and support SMEs, MSMEs, and hawkers in digital transformation, citing a growing talent gap and uneven adoption across sectors.
The government outlined initiatives like the Digital Leaders Programme, CTO-as-a-Service, and Seniors Go Digital, while also focusing on cybersecurity, data privacy, and inclusive access for vulnerable groups.
Debates highlighted the importance of bridging the digital divide through community partnerships, infrastructure upgrades like 5G, and ensuring government communications are accessible in multiple languages.

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2 Mar 2021

Committee of Supply – Head R (Ministry of Law)

The Ministry of Law outlined reforms to strengthen community dispute resolution, including enhancing mediation services and the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal, while noting the high success rate of mediation (80% of cases reach settlement).
Enhancements to legal aid access were detailed, such as the iLAB chatbot and online application portals, with a focus on supporting vulnerable groups and exploring conditional fee agreements for certain proceedings.
Efforts to bolster Singapore’s legal and dispute resolution hub included digital transformation of court processes, international cooperation (e.g., the Apostille Convention), and support for the intellectual property ecosystem and legal technology adoption.

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1 Mar 2021

Committee of Supply – Head R (Ministry of Law)

Members commended the Ministry of Law’s rapid COVID-19 legislative response to support businesses but asked for further updates on efficacy and a framework for future crises.
Several MPs highlighted challenges in access to justice, urging more support for vulnerable groups, a review of criminal legal aid, and simplification of probate and estate processes.
Concerns were raised about neighbour disputes and the effectiveness of the Community Dispute Resolution Tribunal, with suggestions to strengthen mediation and harassment laws.
The debate emphasized the need to accelerate technology adoption, support small law firms, and enhance Singapore’s position as a global dispute resolution hub amid travel restrictions.
Proposals included modernizing legal processes like digital wills, digitizing land services, and acceding to international conventions to improve efficiency and international cooperation.

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26 Feb 2021

One-stop Platform for Family Members or Legal Representatives of Deceased Persons to Obtain Legal Documents

Miss Rachel Ong proposed a one-stop platform for family members or legal representatives to obtain a deceased person's insurance policies and financial accounts using the death certificate and legal documents.
The government introduced the My Legacy portal in January 2020 as a beta-testing one-stop platform for end-of-life, palliative care, and post-death matters under the LifeSG initiative.
The My Legacy Vault feature allows users to securely store and share financial information like CPF nomination status, bank accounts, and insurance policies, with designated trusted persons able to access these documents.
The platform aims to integrate government and private sector services to make post-death financial administration easier and more convenient for citizens.

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26 Feb 2021

Reasons for Government's Requests to Facebook for Information on Accounts in 2020

The government’s requests to Facebook for account information rose from 315 in the same period of 2019 to 759 in 2020, driven by a significant increase in cybercrime such as online scams and cyber-extortion.
The increase was largely due to a near quadrupling of social media impersonation scams on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, from 786 cases in 2019 to 3,010 in 2020.
Requests were also related to online harassment like doxxing, but none were for serious offences defined under the Seventh Schedule of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020.

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26 Feb 2021

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

The debate centered on the Smart Nation initiative’s role in Singapore’s response to COVID-19, highlighting the effectiveness of digital tools like TraceTogether and SingPass, and discussed the future of digital infrastructure including 5G rollout and cross-border digital identity solutions.
Concerns were raised about data security, the handling of classified information by public servants, and the need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable groups from scams and financial fraud in an increasingly digital society.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on Singapore’s low fertility rate, with calls for enhanced support for marriage and parenthood, including financial incentives, better childcare support, and policies to encourage shared parental responsibilities.
The corruption case involving Keppel Offshore and Marine was noted as complex and transnational, with ongoing investigations; members called for updates and suggested strengthening anti-corruption laws.
The Public Service’s efforts in upskilling, employment support, and adopting flexible work arrangements were discussed, with emphasis on ensuring lifelong employability and leading by example in progressive workplace practices.

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25 Feb 2021

Influence of Deliberate Online Falsehoods on People of Different Age Groups

Wan Rizal asked whether the influence of online falsehoods varies by age group and if there are targeted plans to improve seniors' digital and media literacy.
The Minister responded that a 2020 study found no age group is immune to misinformation, with even the young and highly educated being susceptible.
The Government has initiatives like the National Library Board's S.U.R.E. programme and the Media Literacy Council's Better Internet Campaign to strengthen digital literacy.
To specifically support seniors, the Singapore Digital Office was established in 2020, with Digital Ambassadors providing in-person training at community hubs.
The Government is committed to expanding these efforts to help seniors navigate digital life safely and combat online falsehoods.

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24 Feb 2021

Update on Requirement for Electronic Payment of Salary to Migrant Workers Living in Dormitories

As of January 2021, over 97% of employers with migrant workers in dormitories pay salaries electronically, up from 76% before the requirement began in April 2020.
A small minority of employers have not yet switched due to administrative issues or workers' cash preferences, and the Ministry of Manpower is taking steps to ensure full compliance.
Electronic payment has proven beneficial during the pandemic by ensuring salary access amid restrictions and reducing disputes through digital records.
The Ministry is consulting tripartite partners to potentially extend the electronic salary payment requirement to more workers, including local workers and work permit holders not in dormitories.

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24 Feb 2021

Data Tracked by Security Software Built Into Students' Learning Devices

Patrick Tay Teck Guan questioned the Minister for Education about the types of student data collected by security software on learning devices and the rationale for doing so.
Lawrence Wong explained that the software collects only basic student information like name, school, and email for device updates, supports classroom management, and filters harmful online content, while not tracking sensitive data such as identification numbers or location.
He added that data is stored securely with strict access controls in line with privacy laws, and MOE will allow flexibility for parents and students to customize or disable the software after school hours.

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24 Feb 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates and Record in National Immunisation Registry

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked about the provision of vaccination certificates, the accessibility of vaccination records on the National Immunisation Registry via SingPass, data sharing with the WHO and other countries, and how the Government verifies the authenticity of visitor vaccination records.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that physical vaccination cards are provided to all vaccinated individuals, with digital records stored in the National Immunisation Registry and accessible via SingPass on the HealthHub app, potentially extendable to other government applications.
The Government is extending its digital certificate system for travel to include vaccination certificates, enabling safe and secure sharing with international authorities, and is engaging globally on certificate recognition.

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16 Feb 2021

Access to Computers or Smart Devices for Jobseekers without such Devices to Update and Edit Personal Curriculum Vitae and Resumes

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16 Feb 2021

Plans to Extend Scamalert.sg Service to WhatsApp and Telegram for Better Outreach to Seniors

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16 Feb 2021

Reports of Unauthorised Online Banking Transactions and Proportion that Involves Suspected Mobile Device Hacking

In 2020, there were 1,848 reports of unauthorised online banking and card transactions, with figures rising from 114 in 2018 and 329 in 2019, reflecting an upward trend as electronic transactions grow.
While multi-factor authentication is required, many scams occur when victims are tricked into revealing login details or OTPs; some cases involve transactions without SMS OTPs, prompting ongoing investigations and bank precautions like transaction limits.
If a consumer suspects fraud, they should immediately file a police report and contact their bank; if the bank is at fault, the customer will not bear financial loss if they practiced proper cyber hygiene and were not negligent.
Consumers are urged to practice good cyber hygiene, keep passwords and OTPs confidential, update security software, and heed advisories from banks, MAS, and the Singapore Police Force.
Banks have implemented additional controls, such as rejecting payments to certain merchants or setting transaction limits, as part of ongoing security measures.

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2 Feb 2021

Distributing Home Renovation Work Information Digitally and Protocols for Seeking Help Against Noisy Renovation Unit and Managing Recalcitrant Cases

HDB is exploring digital distribution of renovation notices, such as via the OneService app, to inform residents in advance, while currently requiring contractors to provide physical notices and serve advance notices to nearby flats.
The government emphasizes mutual understanding and tolerance for renovation noise in high-density living, with residents encouraged to show consideration, and contractors facing enforcement if rules are infringed.
Residents can seek help against noisy renovations by contacting HDB’s service line or management corporations, and may use mediation or tribunal services under the Community Dispute Management Framework for intractable cases.
HDB investigates feedback and takes action against contractors who break rules, but prefers cooperative solutions to preserve social fabric rather than excessive enforcement.

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2 Feb 2021

Average Monthly Number of Surveillance Cameras with Video Analytics Currently Deployed to Deter and Detect High-rise Littering and Bird Feeding

The National Environment Agency deploys an average of 220 surveillance cameras with video analytics monthly to deter and detect high-rise littering and bird feeding, with each deployment lasting between 5 to 14 days.
The agency increased its high-rise littering camera deployments by over 50% in 2020 compared to 2019, including for detecting high-rise bird feeding.
While using surveillance technology for enforcement, the government also emphasizes cultivating social graciousness and community partnerships to promote collective responsibility for cleanliness.

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2 Feb 2021

Ensuring Surveillance Cameras Used to Detect High-rise Littering Do Not Intrude into People's Privacy

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang questioned the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment on how surveillance cameras used to detect high-rise littering avoid intruding into residents' privacy.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) implements safeguards by focusing cameras on building exteriors, such as above or below units, rather than directly into homes.
NEA prioritizes ground-level camera placements, resorting to adjacent blocks only when necessary, reducing the likelihood of cameras looking into housing units.
The deployment strategy is designed to balance effective littering enforcement with privacy protection for residents.

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2 Feb 2021

Number of Website Portals Digitally Providing Government Services to the Public and Avenues for Singaporeans to Access Such Services

There are about 600 government website domains providing information and services, with digital services grouped for easier access through common portals such as LifeSG and GoBusiness.
All government websites are required to be accessible from both desktop and mobile devices, though some complex functionalities may be disabled on mobile and users are informed to use desktops for those services.
Singaporeans without computing devices can access digital services through subsidized connectivity and devices via IMDA’s schemes, or use public access points like Citizen Connect Centres and Our Tampines Hub, with offline options available at physical counters.

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2 Feb 2021

Utilisation Rates at ICA's Physical Counters

In 2020, approximately 660,000 over-the-counter transactions were recorded at ICA, primarily for collecting physical documents like passports and NRICs.
ICA is transitioning to digital services via the MyICA online platform, offering tutorials and step-by-step video guides in four languages to assist users.
For those unable to use the internet, ICA allows family and friends to assist with key transactions online and provides in-person support at the ICA Building for guidance or counter processing.

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2 Feb 2021

Database of Adult Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Special Needs

The Ministry of Social and Family Development maintains a database of adults with intellectual and other disabilities who have applied for government-funded services, but does not have a comprehensive register of all undiagnosed and diagnosed individuals.
Personal data is generally shared with non-government entities only with consent, though exceptions may be made for safety or well-being concerns, with assessments to balance purpose and privacy, and partners must comply with data protection laws.
Outreach to vulnerable adults, including those living alone or with elderly caregivers, is conducted through partnerships with grassroots groups, healthcare agencies, and social services, with ongoing efforts to identify and support those in need.

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2 Feb 2021

Take-up Rates for Digital Inclusion Programmes

The government’s Home Access and NEU PC Plus programmes subsidise digital connectivity for low-income households, with streamlined applications for those on MSF or MOE financial aid schemes.
Awareness is promoted through schools and social service offices, and over 77,000 households have been supported, contributing to a rise in household broadband penetration to 98% in 2019.
Plans are underway to auto-include Public Rental Scheme households for the Home Access Programme and regularly upgrade broadband speeds to keep pace with technology.

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