Digital & technology — Topics

6 Aug 2018

Impact of Digitalisation on Bank Tellers and Their Jobs

The Prime Minister acknowledged that digitalisation reduces demand for bank tellers but creates new roles in areas such as service ambassadors, software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
A Professional Conversion Programme involving multiple agencies and banks has been established to retrain 3,500 bank tellers and customer service staff over three years, with over 450 already redeployed into new roles.
The government, unions, and banks are collaborating to pre-emptively reskill workers and support consumers in adopting digital banking, with the aim of minimising retrenchments and helping Singaporeans adapt to technological changes.

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6 Aug 2018

Cyberattack on SingHealth's IT System

The Singapore government confirmed a sophisticated cyberattack on SingHealth's IT system, resulting in the theft of personal and medication data for 1.5 million patients, including targeted records of the Prime Minister, with a Committee of Inquiry convened to investigate.
In response, authorities implemented measures like internet surfing separation for public healthcare systems, though this caused operational disruptions, while emphasizing that no financial data was accessed and safeguards like two-factor authentication remain in place.
The government affirmed its commitment to advancing Smart Nation initiatives despite the attack, highlighting ongoing investments in cybersecurity expertise and the need for a balance between digital efficiency and security resilience.

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6 Aug 2018

Safeguarding Health Data from Cyberattacks

Multiple MPs raised concerns about the SingHealth cyberattack, questioning the integrity of health data, potential infiltration of subversive programs, and whether the breach compromised other government networks.
The debate highlighted demands for immediate rectification measures, improved security protocols, and clarity on how to detect data tampering or alterations in medical records.
MPs also pressed for explanations on the delay in public disclosure of the breach and questioned whether new security measures were affecting public hospital and polyclinic operations.

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6 Aug 2018

Restoring Public Confidence in Smart Nation and Digital Government Initiatives

Multiple MPs raised concerns about the SingHealth cyberattack, questioning how the government will prevent future breaches, protect data, and guide affected individuals, as well as the status of investigations and accountability.
The government was asked about the impact of the attack on Smart Nation and Digital Government initiatives, including project timelines, the 2023 digital government goal, and whether certain plans need review or enhancement.
Key inquiries focused on the composition and terms of reference of the Committee of Inquiry, the role of the Cyber Security Agency, and the implications of the Cybersecurity Act for data breaches.
Members sought assurances for businesses using e-Government platforms and clarification on how government staff would be redeployed if projects were paused pending the inquiry.
Questions were also raised about whether the government would bear responsibility for identity crimes resulting from the breach and how many other agencies had faced similar attacks in the past year.

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11 Jul 2018

Self-driving Vehicles Being Tested on Public Roads

14 autonomous vehicles are currently authorized for trials in designated areas such as one-north and NUS, with stringent safety requirements including safety assessments, a safety driver, fault alert systems, and data recorders.
Trials are conducted in phases, starting with lightly used roads, and will expand only when AVs demonstrate higher competence, with LTA requiring proof of safety before allowing driverless operation.
Following a fatal incident in Arizona, questions were raised about safety protocols, with the Minister affirming a phased, tiered approach to build confidence and emphasizing that the goal is to make roads safer than with human drivers.
The government will hold back deployment if a technology does not meet safety standards or fails to learn from incidents, with regular reviews and enhancements to safety measures.

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10 Jul 2018

Regulation to Ensure Deletion of Personal Data Collected by oBike

Miss Cheng Li Hui questioned how authorities can ensure the deletion of oBike’s collected personal data under the Personal Data Protection Act, given its one million members.
S Iswaran stated that oBike must comply with PDPA, including stopping data retention when no legal or business purpose exists, and that liquidators must uphold PDPA obligations during winding up.
He clarified that customer data cannot be sold as assets without consent; if transferred during a sale, customers must be notified and can request deletion from the acquirer.
The Personal Data Protection Commission has reminded oBike of its duties, is monitoring the situation, and will take action if needed to protect consumer interests.

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10 Jul 2018

Ban of Smartphones in Schools

Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for Education whether smartphones should be banned in schools, citing studies on their negative effects on learning, interaction, physical activity, and overall disruptions.
Ong Ye Kung explained that MOE provides guidance for schools to regulate smartphone use based on student needs, but there is no blanket ban, noting conflicting views globally on the practicality of such a ban.
He highlighted that smartphones can be used as positive learning tools when used purposefully, and that schools focus on teaching responsible use through Cyber Wellness lessons and parental partnership.
The Ministry will continue monitoring developments and collaborating with schools to ensure a conducive learning environment.

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10 Jul 2018

Success Rate for Job Matching on MyCareersFuture.sg

The Minister stated that MyCareersFuture.sg replaced the Jobs Bank but does not yet have complete data on job match success rates because employers often do not update outcomes, though efforts are underway to better assess effectiveness using administrative data.
The government will not create vernacular versions of the platform, preferring to ensure ease-of-use for all, while continuing to support older or less digitally fluent jobseekers through physical career centers like those run by Workforce Singapore and NTUC.
The platform already sees strong participation from small and medium enterprises, which made up over 60% of job postings on the previous Jobs Bank, and the focus is on maintaining a vibrant marketplace with many job listings and jobseekers rather than solely on immediate matching success rates.

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10 Jul 2018

Profile of Victims of Internet Love Scams

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary stated that most victims of Internet love scams are women aged 30 to 60, with scammers using social media and dating platforms to build trust before stealing money, and outlined efforts like public education campaigns, an anti-scam helpline, and the Transnational Commercial Crime Task Force which has seized over $1 million and closed 300 accounts, leading to a decline in cases.
Mr. Melvin Yong expressed concern about the persistence of these scams and asked for a review of public education effectiveness, along with two supplementary questions on the amount of money recovered and returned to victims, and the availability of counselling or financial assistance for affected individuals.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary responded that while the Task Force works to recover funds through the courts, full retrieval is difficult due to the transnational nature of the scams, and noted that victims can seek support from social service organizations, grassroots groups, and Family Service Centres, while emphasizing prevention through public advisories.

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9 Jul 2018

National Library Board (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for Communications and Information introduced amendments to the National Library Board Act to update its legal mandate to collect, preserve, and provide access to Singapore's published heritage in both print and electronic forms, addressing the rise of digital content like e-books and websites.
The proposed amendments expand the definition of "library materials" to include electronic and online content, empower NLB to conduct automated web-harvesting of publicly accessible Singapore websites without prior consent, and require publishers to deposit electronic copies of their works within four weeks of publication.
During the debate, MPs supported the Bill but raised clarifications on protecting publishers' interests, ensuring copyright safeguards, determining the scope and frequency of web-archiving, and balancing public access with copyright protection; the Minister addressed these by outlining access controls, security measures, and international practices.

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7 May 2018

Prime Minister's Office (National Research Foundation)

The Minister outlined Singapore's commitment to Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) as a driver for the future economy, highlighting the National Research Foundation's role in growing innovative companies, creating jobs, and improving lives, with the RIE 2020 Plan allocating $19 billion to key areas like Advanced Manufacturing, Health, Urban Solutions, and the Digital Economy.
Singapore is recognised globally for its innovation ecosystem, with strong rankings and a vibrant startup scene, and the NRF aims to strengthen links between research and industry to translate R&D into economic and societal value, supporting sectors like Maritime, Aviation, and the Next-Generation Energy Grid.
Investments will focus on digital and automation technologies, including robotics and AI, to aid economic transformation, while initiatives like SGInnovate and partnerships with agencies will support startups, deep-tech companies, and Smart Nation efforts in emerging fields such as Fintech and Digital Health.
The NRF plans to grow a strong pool of researchers through scholarships, fellowships, and international collaborations, while working with SkillsFuture and educational institutions to develop talent for frontier skills, ensuring Singapore remains a global hub for technology and innovation.

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7 May 2018

Prime Minister's Office (Monetary Authority of Singapore)

MAS’s monetary policy will support Singapore’s economic transition to higher value activities and moderate growth by keeping inflation low and fostering a stable environment for innovation and investment.
MAS aims to grow the financial sector through the Financial Services Industry Transformation Map, targeting 4.3% annual growth and 4,000 net new jobs annually, leveraging regional opportunities, innovation, and talent development.
MAS is enhancing regional connectivity and infrastructure, including with China, India, and ASEAN, to support trade, finance, and real-time payment linkages, while promoting Singapore as a global hub for asset management and FinTech.
MAS is strengthening cyber resilience, surveillance, and supervision using advanced data analytics, and proposing guidelines to improve conduct and ethical standards across the financial industry.

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7 May 2018

Ministry of Communications and Information

The Ministry of Communications and Information outlined its mission to grow Singapore’s digital economy, strengthen digital readiness, and secure cyberspace, while enhancing government communications and developing future-ready libraries.
MCI will boost the Infocomm, Media and Design sectors through the Industry Transformation Map, expand digital support for SMEs, launch an Open Innovation Platform, and equip Singaporeans with skills via programmes like TeSA and Digital Leadership initiatives.
To ensure inclusive participation, a Digital Readiness Blueprint will be introduced to assist vulnerable groups with basic digital access and literacy, while cybersecurity efforts will be reinforced through national strategies and international partnerships.
The Ministry will also address online falsehoods through technology and info-literacy, transform government communications, celebrate the Singapore Bicentennial to reflect on national history, and modernise libraries and archives to foster lifelong learning.

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7 May 2018

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

The Smart Nation and Digital Government Group will use digital technology to create future jobs, improve quality of life, and deliver government services more efficiently through partnerships with citizens and businesses.
Key initiatives include paperless government transactions, integrated services like the Moments-of-Life app for families, and building technical expertise in areas such as AI and cybersecurity.
The government will invest in digital infrastructure like National Digital Identity and e-Payments, support skills training for all Singaporeans, and ensure digital inclusivity through user-friendly services and accessibility measures.
Data governance and cybersecurity will be strengthened with new legislation and regular reviews to protect citizens and government systems from digital threats.
Singapore aims to become a leading Smart Nation by embracing innovation, investing in capabilities, and working together across government, businesses, and communities.

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7 May 2018

Ministry of Transport

The Ministry of Transport will strengthen Singapore’s global connectivity by expanding Changi Airport and Tuas Port, and building new regional links like the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail and Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link to support economic growth and job creation.
Enhancements to domestic transport include expanding the rail network by 130 km by 2030, improving rail reliability, and developing cycling networks and bike parking in all HDB towns, alongside licensing frameworks for shared mobility services.
The ministry is advancing sustainability and innovation through electric car sharing, hybrid and electric buses, digitalisation of services, and the use of data analytics and AI to improve transport efficiency, safety, and user experience.
Efforts to support diverse mobility needs include making public buses wheelchair-accessible by 2020, creating more Silver Zones, and developing assistive technologies for commuters with special needs in collaboration with industry and community partners.

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7 May 2018

Ministry of Home Affairs

The Ministry of Home Affairs is enhancing operational readiness and community engagement to address complex security challenges, including high-level terrorism threats, cross-border criminal syndicates, and foreign interference, while upholding Singapore’s sovereignty and racial harmony.
The Home Team will leverage technology such as robotics, biometrics, and integrated surveillance systems to strengthen border security, investigations, and emergency response, while digitalizing processes to improve efficiency and free officers for higher-value tasks.
New legislation and a review of the Penal Code will bolster security capabilities and protect vulnerable persons, alongside initiatives like SGSecure to build community preparedness and resilience against threats.
The Ministry is investing in personnel training and cross-training, expanding emergency medical services, and enhancing public service delivery through e-platforms like MyICA and the Police Hub.
Community partnerships are emphasized for offender rehabilitation, first responder programs, and international cooperation to combat transnational crimes, drugs, and terrorism, ensuring Singapore remains a safe and secure home.

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7 May 2018

Ministry of Defence

The Minister highlighted Singapore's increasingly complex security landscape, with rising regional military spending, modernisation, and threats from terrorism, cyberattacks, and great-power competition, while noting that defence must adapt to a shrinking manpower pool and slower economic growth.
SAF will respond by developing new concepts and leveraging technology, such as advanced surveillance and communication systems, to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while bolstering cyber defence through new organisations and partnerships with educational institutions.
MINDEF and SAF are intensifying efforts against terrorism through joint exercises, training, and international cooperation, including ASEAN-led initiatives to improve counter-terrorism and regional response capabilities.
Singapore will strengthen bilateral and multilateral defence ties, such as with the US, India, Australia, and China, while also building trust with Malaysia and Indonesia through training and exercises.
The Minister emphasized that Singapore's ultimate defence lies in national unity and Total Defence, urging every Singaporean to contribute to safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and way of life.

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20 Mar 2018

Removal of Gantry Barriers in URA and HDB Car Parks with Implementation of Parking.sg

The Ministry has no immediate plans to remove gantry barriers in all URA and HDB car parks, as the Parking.sg app is designed to complement the existing Electronic Parking System (EPS) rather than replace it, particularly for kerbside parking where EPS is not feasible.
The app has logged over two million parking sessions by about 250,000 vehicles since its launch, but it currently does not display real-time parking lot availability due to the continued use of physical coupons by some motorists.
The Ministry plans to enhance the app by encouraging more users to switch from coupons, which will eventually allow for features like real-time lot availability, and has already added parking history and expiry notifications to improve user experience.

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20 Mar 2018

Digitising Examination Scripts before Sending Them to Cambridge for Marking

Mr Murali Pillai proposed scanning examination scripts before sending them to Cambridge to reduce risks of misplacement or theft, and asked about fairness in handling the stolen GCE "A" level Chemistry papers.
The Ministry of Education is studying electronic scanning and marking to mitigate transport risks, but implementation must consider the large volume of scripts and subjects involved.
Cambridge Assessment is reviewing its processes and courier security after the theft incident, having assured MOE and SEAB of their commitment to safeguarding exam integrity.
MOE used statistical models to assign aggregate scores for affected candidates, while offering re-sits to ensure fairness without disadvantaging other candidates whose scripts were properly marked.

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19 Mar 2018

Investigations into Interruptions and Service Lapses in Singpass and Corppass Services

The disruptions to Singpass and Corppass on 8 and 9 February 2018 were caused by a previously undetected software bug in a vendor's authentication server, which interacted with a system enhancement to slow down services during peak hours.
The government identified that early detection capabilities and system resiliency for software issues need improvement, and will work more closely with commercial providers to enhance diagnostics and probes.
Contracts with vendors are being reviewed for adequate remedies like liquidated damages, and stress testing procedures will be updated, though the specific incident involved unforeseen software interactions and high load.
Ongoing analysis will address user feedback on two-factor authentication delays, with long-term plans to shift to a mobile-based authentication system to reduce reliance on SMS.
Lessons from the incident will be applied to improve the design and maintenance of other critical government systems.

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