Digital & technology — Topics

4 Jan 2021

Livestream of Parliamentary Proceedings

The debate centered on the commencement of livestreaming parliamentary proceedings to the public and how the public could access it.
Leon Perera asked the Minister for Communications and Information when the livestream would start and the method of public access.
The Minister responded that livestreaming would begin on 4 January 2021 and be accessible via the Ministry's YouTube channel.

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4 Jan 2021

Expansion of Usage of EZ-Link Card to All Private and Public Car Parks

Saktiandi Supaat asked whether EZ-Link cards can be integrated with older in-vehicle units, expanded to all car parks, and have their maximum stored value raised.
Ong Ye Kung explained that CEPAS technology is open, most vehicles have compatible in-vehicle units, and publicly owned EPS carparks accept both EZ-Link and NETS CEPAS cards, but private carparks decide payment modes.
He noted that about 460 out of 3,300 EPS carparks accept only NETS CEPAS cards due to cost and system upgrade considerations.
On stored value, EZ-Link’s $500 limit is a business decision balancing risk, with average top-ups around $20 and automatic top-up options available for frequent users.

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4 Jan 2021

Proposal for Green Link Determining (GLIDE) Traffic System for All Roads

Lim Biow Chuan asked about plans to implement the Green Link Determining (GLIDE) traffic system for all roads and align standalone pedestrian crossings to it.
Ong Ye Kung confirmed that all traffic lights at junctions and standalone pedestrian crossings are already connected to the GLIDE system.
He noted that GLIDE dynamically adjusts signal timings to balance traffic demands but is an outdated system with limitations in measuring traffic volume via road detectors.
The government intends to upgrade the GLIDE technology, with more details to be announced when ready.

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4 Jan 2021

Cybersecurity for Citizens as More Apps are Launched

The Government applies secure coding standards, cybersecurity processes, and penetration testing to its apps, with high-traffic apps included in a bug bounty programme to identify and fix vulnerabilities.
Private sector apps in critical infrastructure sectors must follow cybersecurity guidelines, and all organisations are required to comply with data protection laws like the PDPA and PSGA, which include penalties for mishandling personal data.
The Personal Data Protection Commission provides resources and training to help organisations build data protection into apps, while individuals are advised to download apps only from official stores and review permissions.
The Government is studying options to protect the right to receive non-app communications and ensure fairness for non-app users, with plans to update regulations in partnership with the private and people sectors.

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4 Jan 2021

Resources and Training for Teachers to Ensure Minimal Disruption to Education Outcomes with Blended Online and Classroom Learning

The Ministry of Education has rolled out a professional development programme with online modules and workshops to train teachers in designing effective blended learning experiences and monitoring student progress.
Teachers can access a growing set of curriculum resources on the Singapore Student Learning Space and collaborate through Networked Learning Communities to share best practices.
Schools have been given a resource guide to implement blended learning flexibly, with options to consult MOE for additional guidance as needed.
These measures aim to enhance the overall capacity of the education system while minimizing disruption to learning outcomes.
The approach supports independent, self-directed learning through home-based learning integrated as a regular part of schooling.

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4 Jan 2021

QR Code Scams in Last Three Years

The Ministry of Home Affairs reported that in the past three years, there have been approximately 210 cases in Singapore where QR codes were used as a medium for scams, such as in internet love scams and impersonation scams, but no reported cases of deceptive QR codes leading to malicious websites or malware downloads.
Authorities are collaborating with banks to enhance safeguards for QR code e-payments, such as requiring users to activate their payment apps and verify payee details before transactions, while also exploring additional measures to combat such scams.
The Ministry, through the National Crime Prevention Council and police, is running public education campaigns like "Spot the Signs. Stop the Crimes." and engaging grassroots efforts to raise awareness, particularly among seniors, via WhatsApp broadcasts, community events, and social media.

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4 Jan 2021

Awareness amongst Elderly on Risks and Scams on Internet

The Ministry, through the SG Digital Office (SDO) and agencies like the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and Singapore Police Force (SPF), educates seniors on cyber risks and safe practices, such as safeguarding one-time passwords and using strong passwords, and collaborates with partners to update advisory topics as the digital landscape evolves.
Public education campaigns, including the NCPC's "Spot the Signs. Stop the Crimes." initiative and joint webinars, use real-life examples and community outreach via Residents’ Committees and grassroots volunteers to alert seniors to scams on platforms like WhatsApp.
To support seniors who struggle with digital skills, the government provides physical support through 55 SG Digital community hubs, Tech Connect initiatives at community centres, and Integrated Public Service Centres, alongside multilingual government communications and digital display panels in HDB estates to ensure inclusivity.

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4 Jan 2021

Fraudulent Payments to Hawkers via Cashless Payment Modes

Alex Yam inquired about the number of hawkers affected by fraudulent cashless payments, how victims can seek recourse without knowing the scammer's identity, and whether hawker training on scams will be reviewed.
The minister responded that no formal reports of fraudulent e-payments have been received by police, though news reports mention scams like fake screenshots or cancelled transactions, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
The government is strengthening e-payment security, educating hawkers via the NETS BizApp and Digital Ambassadors, and emphasizing that both hawkers and customers must remain vigilant and report scams promptly.

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4 Jan 2021

Payment Services (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for Transport addressed concerns about regulating digital payment tokens (DPTs), explaining that issuers using DPTs to raise capital must comply with securities regulations, while MAS balances consumer protection with encouraging entrepreneurship.
MAS will enhance public education on DPT risks through initiatives like MoneySense and collaborate with agencies to reach seniors, while continuing to warn the public about scams and money laundering risks.
Digital payment uptake in Singapore is growing rapidly, supported by infrastructure like PayNow and SGQR, though efforts continue to convert harder-to-reach groups like hawkers through improved software and user experience.
The bill empowers MAS to impose user protection safeguards on DPT service providers, but requirements will be risk-based and phased, with existing providers given a grace period to adapt to the new regulatory framework.
MAS emphasized that DPTs lack intrinsic value and are highly volatile, so businesses accepting them as collateral must bear depreciation risks, and the regulatory approach avoids applying bank-style measures like deposit insurance to DPT providers.

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4 Jan 2021

Payment Services (Amendment) Bill

The Bill amends the Payment Services Act to expand regulation of digital payment tokens (DPTs) to mitigate money laundering and terrorism financing risks, requiring more service providers to be licensed and subject to MAS oversight.
It empowers MAS to impose user protection measures on DPT service providers and broaden consumer safeguards, while also enhancing protections for domestic money transfers and enabling MAS to require safeguarding of customer money by more classes of licensees.
Members raised concerns about over-regulation stifling innovation, the need for clearer licensing criteria and timelines, protection for vulnerable groups like seniors, and the balance between fostering fintech growth and ensuring security, with the Minister affirming a risk-based approach aligned with international standards.

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4 Jan 2021

Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for Communications and Information introduced the Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill to update the Electronic Transactions Act and make related amendments to the Bills of Lading Act and the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act.
The bill aims to modernize Singapore’s legal framework for electronic transactions, ensuring consistency and clarity across relevant statutes.
The bill was presented for its first reading and is scheduled for a second reading at the next parliamentary sitting.

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4 Jan 2021

Safeguards for Elderly and Vulnerable Users as More Government Services Move to Singpass Digital Platform

Ministers assured that safeguards like facial verification, multi-user SMS two-factor authentication, and physical counters at public service centres will remain accessible to ensure inclusive access for elderly and vulnerable users without smartphones.
The government provides digital literacy training and subsidized devices through initiatives like the SG Digital Office and Mobile Access for Seniors to help seniors adapt to Singpass.
While banks prefer Singpass for secure identity verification, physical counters and alternative services will continue to be available for those unable to use digital platforms.

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4 Jan 2021

Legal Provisions and Safeguards in Using TraceTogether Data

Christopher de Souza questioned the Minister for Home Affairs on the use of TraceTogether data for criminal investigations, seeking clarification on the legal provisions and safeguards, to which the Minister of State responded that the Singapore Police Force is empowered under the Criminal Procedure Code to access such data, with strict measures like authorized access and penalties for misuse.
The discussion clarified that TraceTogether data from witnesses in investigations may be extracted, while data from suspects or those under investigation is not, to maintain security; however, the Minister emphasized that data is generally used only for contact tracing and COVID-19 purposes, with exceptions for public safety under the Criminal Procedure Code.
Gerald Giam raised concerns about potential misuse of TraceTogether data for police investigations conflicting with the privacy statement that data is solely for contact tracing, which could lower adoption rates, and the Minister reiterated that while the primary use is for contact tracing, data may be accessed for safety and security reasons as permitted by law.

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4 Jan 2021

Update on Plan for Live-streaming Parliamentary Sittings

The Minister for Communications and Information announced that live-streaming of Parliament proceedings has commenced, with real-time streams on MCI’s YouTube channel, including one with English interpretation and auto-captioning, and videos will remain accessible for six months.
Existing avenues for accessing proceedings, such as in-person attendance, online clips, and written records, will continue to ensure transparency and accountability while adding real-time public engagement through live-streaming.
Concerns about the potential impact on debate quality and tone will be mitigated by upholding parliamentary standards of conduct and decorum, with Members of Parliament responsible for maintaining integrity and dignity.
In response to a supplementary question, the Minister confirmed that sign language is not currently available for the live-streams, but auto-captioning is provided on the English stream to enhance accessibility for the hearing impaired.

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4 Nov 2020

Submission of Online Applications for COVID-19 Support Grant Limited to Working Hours

Gerald Giam asked why the COVID-19 Support Grant online application portal operates only during working hours and if it could be available 24/7 except for maintenance.
Masagos Zulkifli explained that the portal is open daily including weekends and holidays, with 96% of over 180,000 applications submitted online since May 2020.
The 9 am to 6 pm operating hours were chosen to allow daily system monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure reliable service.
The Ministry will continue to assess portal availability based on user feedback and service needs.

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4 Nov 2020

Amount of Incentives Disbursed for Hawkers Go Digital Programme

Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for Communications and Information about the total incentives disbursed under the Hawkers Go Digital programme to hawkers who adopted digital payments.
S Iswaran explained that the programme, launched on 8 June, offers a bonus of up to $1,500 for sustained e-payment use, with $300 per month for completing at least 20 transactions over five months, ending 31 May 2021.
As of 23 October 2020, 8,100 stallholders were using the unified SGQR e-payment solution, and $4.8 million had been disbursed to 5,400 stallholders.

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4 Nov 2020

Measures to Ensure Accessibility to Online Learning is Made Available to Children of Vulnerable Families

Gan Thiam Poh raised concerns about students’ requests for computers and the challenges of financial difficulties and network access for online learning, particularly for vulnerable families.
Lawrence Wong highlighted existing schemes like IMDA’s NEU PC Plus and MOE’s Opportunity Fund, which have supported tens of thousands of students with digital devices over the past five years.
Schools and higher education institutions provide additional support through device loans, mobile routers, bursaries, and second-hand laptops, with over 350 autonomous university students benefiting in recent years.
To accelerate digital access, all secondary students will have personal learning devices by end-2021 under the National Digital Literacy Programme, with full subsidies for lower-income households.

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4 Nov 2020

Number of Students who Still Do Not Have Access to Digital Devices for Home-based Learning

Sharael Taha asked about the number of primary and secondary students lacking digital devices for home-based learning and the schemes to assist less fortunate families.
Lawrence Wong stated that during the Circuit Breaker, nearly 90% of students had device access, with over 20,000 devices loaned and IMDA deploying nearly 10,000 devices via the NEU PC Plus programme.
After the Circuit Breaker, loaned devices were retained until year-end, and new loan requests declined significantly.
Under the National Digital Literacy Programme, all secondary students will have devices by end-2021, with low-income households receiving full financial support.
For primary students from low-income families, MOE and IMDA will continue providing devices via NEU PC Plus and full support through the iNSPIRE Fund.

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4 Nov 2020

TraceTogether Tokens for Seniors

The government has distributed over 570,000 TraceTogether tokens to seniors, starting with areas with higher elderly populations and expanding to all community centres, while the app remains a viable alternative for smartphone users.
In response to high demand and distribution challenges, such as shortages at pop-up booths, the government is ramping up token production, adjusting distribution plans to limit collection to local residents, and ensuring TraceTogether-only SafeEntry is not implemented until all who need tokens have access to them.
Clarifications were provided on replacement procedures for damaged or depleted tokens, the security of stolen tokens (with no access to personal data), and plans for future distribution, including potential school-based collection and ongoing public education to improve app usage and reduce queues.

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3 Nov 2020

Service Standards Required for Telecommunication Operators

Christopher de Souza asked about service standards for telecommunication operators and whether they accommodate elderly or less tech-savvy customers.
IMDA sets baseline requirements for telecom operators, including transparent disclosure of terms and avenues for contesting charges, and intervenes to prescribe standards when needed.
Telecom operators have implemented measures like express queues for seniors, callback services, and language-matched hotline assistance to support elderly customers.
Surveys show high consumer satisfaction with telecom services, and IMDA’s Seniors Go Digital programme has trained over 36,000 seniors, with 80% applying the skills learned.
IMDA will continue monitoring feedback and collaborating with operators to better accommodate less tech-savvy users, including the elderly.

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