Digital & technology — Topics

4 Sep 2020

Statistics on Reported Cyberbullying Cases in Primary and Secondary Schools in Last Three Years and Measures to Protect Children against Cyberbullying

Minister Lawrence Wong stated that reported cyberbullying cases in primary and secondary schools have remained low and stable over the past three years, with schools taking prompt investigative and disciplinary action while providing counseling and referrals for victims and perpetrators.
The Ministry of Education and schools have established guidelines for corrective actions, emphasizing learning from mistakes, restoring relationships, and using disciplinary measures alongside support services like REACH and community agencies.
To protect children, schools implement cybersecurity infrastructure such as network filtering and endpoint protection, share best practices for online safety, and provide parental resources on device monitoring and control.

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4 Sep 2020

Response to US Clean Network Initiative while Maintaining Access to Technologies from Different Providers

Gerald Giam asked how Singapore intends to respond to the US Clean Network Initiative while keeping access to technologies from various providers and mitigating any repercussions from non-compliance.
S Iswaran stated that Singapore aims to leverage digital opportunities while ensuring secure and resilient communications infrastructure, working with partners in bilateral and multilateral settings.
The government closely monitors initiatives like the US Clean Network programme and will collaborate with trusted partners and multilateral platforms to enhance network security, diversity, and resilience.

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4 Sep 2020

Plans to Increase Awareness Among Merchants who Adopt Cashless Payments on Payment Verification and Possible Scams

The Minister confirmed that the government has been promoting cashless payments through initiatives like the unified SGQR code and the Hawkers Go Digital programme to support merchants in adopting digital payments.
Merchants are encouraged to stay vigilant, keep devices updated, and maintain password secrecy to protect against payment scams, while payment systems have built-in verification and safeguards.
To address concerns about scams, the SG Digital Office deployed Digital Ambassadors to guide stallholders, and NETS provides tools like the NETSBiz App with real-time transaction notifications and support to help merchants verify payments.

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4 Sep 2020

Enhancing and Securing Internet Connectivity Given Prevalence of Work-from-Home Arrangements

Singapore's digital infrastructure, supported by telecom operators with at least 30% capacity buffer, has handled increased internet traffic from COVID-19 without major disruptions.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority mandates telecom operators to conduct regular audits and adhere to resilience standards, while the Cyber Security Agency enforces cybersecurity requirements under the Cybersecurity Act for critical infrastructure.
The government is partnering with telecom operators to deploy secure and resilient nationwide 5G networks as part of enhancing infrastructure for digital economy growth.
The Cyber Security Agency will launch the Safer Cyberspace Masterplan later this year to protect core digital infrastructure and provide advisories for safe telecommuting practices.
Efforts focus on both infrastructure enhancement and cybersecurity measures to ensure reliable and secure internet connectivity amid the rise in work-from-home arrangements.

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4 Sep 2020

Broadband Service Subsidies for Seniors in Low-income Households

Saktiandi Supaat asked if seniors in low-income households can get subsidies for home broadband access and installation under the Digital Access Programme.
The government confirmed that eligible low-income households, including those with seniors, receive two years of subsidized broadband and one subsidized device, with installation fees waived under the Home Access programme.
75% of current beneficiaries are households with seniors aged 60 and above, with nearly 4,000 seniors benefiting this year.
Additional schemes like Mobile Access for Seniors provide subsidized smartphones and mobile plans, with 800 seniors benefiting since July.
Over 16,000 seniors have participated in digital skilling initiatives, supported by community partners and volunteers to ensure digital inclusion.

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4 Sep 2020

Adoption of Blockchain-based Multi-currency Payments Network

Saktiandi Supaat inquired about the next steps and timeline for a live pilot of a blockchain-based multi-currency payments network following the conclusion of Project Ubin.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, representing the Prime Minister, explained that Project Ubin, led by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, explored blockchain for efficient payment clearing and settlement, with findings and codes published openly to spur commercial applications.
He noted that over 40 institutions participated, and projects like JPM-Coin emerged from the initiative, with industry interest in developing live multi-currency payment solutions.
The government indicated that announcements on commercial roll-out plans will be made once industry endeavors materialise.
No specific timeline for a pilot launch in Singapore was provided, with the response focusing on ongoing commercial developments.

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4 Sep 2020

Recruitment for Cyber NSF and Cyber Military Expert Schemes

The Cyber NSF Scheme, introduced in 2018, has enrolled about 170 NSFs with a 23% success rate, providing them with sponsored undergraduate work-learn programmes and on-the-job training for cyber defence roles.
Over the past year, more than 150 personnel have been recruited for SAF C4X and Defence Cyber Expert roles, complementing cyber NSF regulars.
Upstream initiatives like Cyberthon competitions and Cyber Defenders Discovery Camp, which attracted a record 3,200 youth this year, aim to cultivate interest in cyber defence.
Mindef will continue to enhance and develop new programmes to build a stronger cyber workforce for digital defence.
The government is committed to attracting more cyber talents through these measures to support national security.

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4 Sep 2020

Usage and Effectiveness of TraceTogether App

The government reported that 2.4 million individuals have downloaded the TraceTogether app, with an estimated 1.4 million active users in August.
Since its launch, the TraceTogether and SafeEntry systems have identified 118,000 close contacts of COVID-19 patients, reducing the identification time to under two days.
Out of the 118,000 contacts identified, 4,500 subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 while in quarantine.

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24 Aug 2020

Prime Minister's Office (Smart Nation and Digital Government Group)

The Smart Nation and Digital Government Group (SNDGG) aims to drive digital transformation to build a Smart Nation, enhance government services, and create a competitive digital economy, with all government services to be digital end-to-end by 2023.
The COVID-19 crisis accelerated digitalisation efforts, with tools like TraceTogether and SafeEntry enabling contact tracing and essential services to shift online, while investments in digital infrastructure and AI support economic resilience and job creation.
The government prioritises inclusivity by making digital services accessible to all, including seniors and less digitally literate persons, and strengthens cybersecurity while engaging citizens through co-creation initiatives like SmartNation Together.

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24 Aug 2020

Ministry of Law

The Ministry of Law will advance access to justice and strengthen the Rule of Law, implementing measures to help businesses and individuals affected by COVID-19, including simplified insolvency proceedings and enhanced legal aid.
Efforts will focus on streamlining legal processes, expanding digital transformation, and supporting vulnerable groups through partnerships with social service agencies to address both legal and social needs.
Singapore will bolster its position as an international dispute resolution hub, enhance capabilities in high-growth legal areas, and support businesses in intellectual property and geospatial innovation.
Legal reforms will include stronger protections for victims of crimes and harassment, a new specialist Protection from Harassment Court, and measures to simplify family and civil court processes.
The ministry will collaborate with stakeholders to drive innovation and technology adoption in the legal sector, ensuring a trusted and progressive legal system for a post-COVID-19 world.

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24 Aug 2020

Ministry of Home Affairs

The Ministry of Home Affairs faces significant threats including terrorism, foreign interference, cross-border crimes like online scams, and the need to maintain domestic racial and religious harmony, while also coordinating the national COVID-19 response through agencies like the Homefront Crisis Executive Group and Safe Travel Office.
MHA is enhancing regulatory frameworks by amending gambling laws, creating a new Gambling Regulatory Authority, reviewing drug laws to address new psychoactive substances, strengthening fire safety enforcement, and considering legislation against foreign interference and hostile information campaigns.
The ministry is leveraging technology to bolster the Home Team, including developing digital forensics, expanding sensor networks and analytics, deploying robots and drones for operations, and using automation for prison safety, while also building an integrated 24/7 operations centre.
MHA aims to improve service delivery through one-stop centres like the Integrated Services Centre for immigration services and scaling emergency medical services, while investing in officer training, career development, and community resilience via movements like SGSecure.
Efforts include establishing an Inter-Ministry Committee on Scams, partnering with community and industry stakeholders to combat scams, enhancing drug prevention and ex-offender rehabilitation programmes, and deepening international cooperation with organizations like INTERPOL and ASEAN.

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24 Aug 2020

Ministry of Defence

The Minister for Defence outlined the increasingly complex geopolitical environment, including US-China contestation and territorial disputes, while affirming the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) commitment to maintaining operational readiness and contributing to national COVID-19 efforts.
He detailed the transformation to a Next-Gen SAF, which will leverage digitalisation, unmanned systems, and AI for a leaner, more effective force, while enhancing National Service and local defence ecosystems amid a shrinking enlistee pool.
The Ministry will continue prudent defence spending, strengthen multilateral and bilateral defence partnerships, and step up Total Defence engagement with Singaporeans to uphold the nation's security and sovereignty.

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24 Aug 2020

Ministry of Communications and Information

The Ministry aims to maximize Singapore's digital dividend by creating tech jobs, accelerating digital innovation, and establishing a baseline of digital access and skills for all citizens, especially vulnerable groups.
It will support SMEs with financial schemes, develop international Digital Economy Agreements, and foster a vibrant ecosystem for digital transformation through research, infrastructure, and partnerships with global and local tech firms.
The Ministry will enhance cybersecurity, refine content guidelines to protect social harmony, and strengthen public communications to build trust and social cohesion in a digital age.

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5 Jun 2020

Extent of Information Used for Contact Tracing from SafeEntry System for Recent COVID-19 Incidents

Leon Perera asked the Minister for Health about the extent to which SafeEntry data was used for contact tracing and alerts during the Jurong Point COVID-19 incidents on 20-21 May 2020.
Gan Kim Yong confirmed that SafeEntry information was used to strengthen movement history data from confirmed cases for contact tracing and epidemiological investigations, including those who visited Jurong Point.
The Ministry of Health used SafeEntry check-ins to confirm case visits to Jurong Point and specific outlets, helping compile a list of public places visited, which was shared with the public for health monitoring.
MOH stated it will continue using technology to support COVID-19 prevention and control efforts.

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5 Jun 2020

Data Usage Pattern since Start of COVID-19 and Adequacy of Digital Infrastructure

National data usage has increased significantly due to telecommuting and home-based learning during COVID-19, but Singapore's digital infrastructure remains adequate with a healthy buffer of at least 30% in network capacity.
The government is working with telecom operators to enhance infrastructure resilience, including increasing network buffers, investing in 5G networks, and investigating recent outages to enforce service standards.
Plans are in place to improve network back-ups and quick restoration capabilities to minimize disruptions, while ensuring sustainable development of digital infrastructure to manage carbon emissions in line with climate commitments.

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5 Jun 2020

Industries that Businesses and Workforce should Pivot to Post-COVID-19

The post-COVID-19 environment will reshape global supply chains, accelerate digitalisation, and shift travel and consumption patterns, requiring businesses and workers to adapt.
Key growth areas include healthcare, online retail, and financial services, driven by changed consumer preferences and Asia's rising middle class.
Manufacturing and logistics should pivot to new global supply chains, leveraging Singapore's strengths in trust, quality, and connectivity, especially in biomedical and precision engineering.
The digital economy will become more salient, with technology adoption transforming traditional industries and creating opportunities for expanded markets and tele-services.
Singapore must reinvent itself by staying open to global trade and talent, strengthening its hub status, and supporting businesses and workers through transformation and skills training.

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5 Jun 2020

Profile of People who Downloaded TraceTogether App

The TraceTogether app has been voluntarily downloaded by 1.5 million users, but the government does not currently have data on the gender or age breakdown of these users.
The app is not mandatory due to technical limitations on iOS devices, and the government is developing a portable wearable device to ensure inclusivity for all, including those without smartphones.
The app enhances contact tracing by storing encrypted data locally and only sharing it with health authorities if a user tests positive for COVID-19, with strict privacy safeguards in place.
The government is encouraging more downloads, including upgrades to link NRIC/FIN numbers for faster contact tracing, and is open to considering further incentives to increase adoption.

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4 Jun 2020

Help for Residents who Cannot Afford Mobile Phones to Access Online Programmes

The government provides programmes like IMDA's Home Access and NEU PC Plus to subsidise digital devices and internet for low-income households, benefiting over 16,000 households since 2014.
Additional support includes the CareLine programme, which offers mobile phones to vulnerable seniors for emergency response and tele-befriending, with partnerships from Changi General Hospital, Temasek Foundation, and others.
Digital upskilling initiatives such as Digital Clinics, Tech Connect, and Silver Infocomm Junctions help seniors learn to use devices, with recent online platforms like Virtual Digital Clinics offering remote assistance.
A nationwide "Seniors Go Digital" movement will launch to inspire digital adoption among seniors, including financial support for needy seniors to obtain phones, with more details to be announced.
Collective efforts from families, businesses, and community partners are encouraged to support seniors in their digital journey.

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4 Jun 2020

Enhancements to NEU PC Plus Programme

Anthea Ong questioned why the NEU PC Plus Programme limits households to one device regardless of children, whether COVID-19 enhancements will be made permanent, and suggested providing devices to all low-income students including pre-school and university levels, as well as automatic eligibility for MOE Financial Assistance Scheme recipients.
S Iswaran explained the Government's balanced approach to digital inclusion, emphasizing prudent use of public funds by providing one device per household to be shared, while noting MOE's separate provisions for school computing access.
He detailed COVID-19 enhancements, including a second device for large families, streamlined applications for MOE Financial Assistance Scheme students, and expanded iNSPIRE fund criteria, which led to over 20,000 devices loaned and 3,000 households supported.
The Minister stated that MCI and IMDA are considering making some COVID-19 enhancements permanent while reviewing digital access gaps as schools reopen, with readiness to address any unmet needs.
The debate highlights the programme's focus on targeted support, the impact of pandemic adaptations, and ongoing government efforts to balance flexibility with fiscal prudence in digital inclusion.

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4 Jun 2020

Safeguarding of Personal Data Collected by Contact-tracing Apps

Murali Pillai questioned the Prime Minister on how personal data from contact-tracing apps like TraceTogether will be safeguarded and restricted to COVID-19 containment purposes.
The government confirmed that close contact data is stored only on the user’s phone and accessed by MOH solely if the user tests positive, with encryption and automatic deletion after 25 days.
Only a small group of authorized MOH personnel can view personal data during contact tracing, and all public sector data protection rules apply to any transferred data.

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