Digital & technology — Topics

6 Mar 2018

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

Minister Yaacob Ibrahim outlined the "ABC" strategy to build Singapore's digital economy: Accelerate digitalisation of existing sectors through initiatives like SMEs Go Digital and Kampong Glam's digital transformation, Build up infocomm media companies through schemes like Accreditation@SG Digital and the Open Innovation Platform, and Create future digital sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, and immersive media.
The Ministry is scaling up the TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) with $145 million to create 20,000 new training places by 2020, focusing on frontier technologies and expanding support for mid-career professionals and new sectors like manufacturing and professional services.
To ensure digital readiness and inclusion, the Ministry is launching a Digital Readiness Blueprint with initiatives like digital clinics for seniors, basic digital skills training in four languages, and partnerships with community groups to help all Singaporeans benefit from the digital age.
Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat highlighted efforts to grow the media sector through content, capabilities, channels, and collaboration, including support for local media companies, partnerships with international players, and initiatives to develop digital storytelling and media talent.
Minister Yaacob Ibrahim showcased the transformation of Singapore's libraries, which have seen increased visitorship and digital reach, and are partnering with agencies to promote lifelong learning, digital readiness, and preservation of national heritage through digitisation and community involvement.

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5 Mar 2018

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

Members of Parliament emphasized the urgent need for Singapore to embrace digital transformation across all sectors, highlighting the growth of the infocomm media sector and the creation of over 13,000 PMET jobs, while urging the Ministry to update on the performance of digital initiatives for SMEs and other industries.
Key concerns were raised about ensuring a robust cybersecurity ecosystem, revisiting privacy laws to enable data use for enterprise and government applications, and developing regulatory frameworks for AI to address ethical issues like data protection and societal readiness.
Discussions focused on supporting vulnerable groups, such as seniors and low-income families, through digital literacy programs, and ensuring equitable access to digital services, including the transition from analogue to digital TV and cybersecurity education for the public and SMEs.
The debate underscored the importance of quality journalism, partnerships in the media industry, and the role of libraries and cultural institutions in promoting lifelong learning and preserving Singapore's heritage in the digital age.

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2 Mar 2018

Committee of Supply – Head J (Ministry of Defence)

Minister Ng Eng Hen emphasized the existential need for steady, sustainable defence spending, highlighting that past generations invested heavily in building a strong SAF despite competing needs, and that current spending will keep pace with inflation without major spikes in the next decade.
The SAF is adapting to evolving threats by enhancing counterterrorism capabilities, establishing a Cyber Defence Organisation, and launching initiatives like the Bug Bounty Programme and a Cyber NSF Scheme to address cybersecurity risks.
There is a focus on optimizing resources and manpower amid demographic challenges, leveraging technology such as smart bases, autonomous systems, and data analytics to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on human resources.
The SAF continues to contribute to international security and humanitarian efforts, with recent deployments to Iraq for training and support, and active participation in ASEAN and ADMM-Plus initiatives to strengthen regional cooperation.
Total Defence, encompassing military, civil, social, and psychological dimensions, is being reinforced to address new threats like disinformation and terrorism, with community engagement and education programs to build resilience and social cohesion.

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27 Feb 2018

Authenticity and Accuracy of Description of Jobs Advertised on Internet-based Job Portals

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked the Ministry for Manpower about measures to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of jobs advertised on internet-based job portals.
The government has established the national Jobs Bank with safeguards such as requiring Singapore-registered employers to use Unique Entity Numbers and jobseekers to log in via SingPass to enhance accountability and reduce fraudulent postings.
Users can report misleading advertisements to Workforce Singapore, which investigates and may take action against companies responsible for false job listings.
Jobseekers are advised to use reputable portals, and while such sites are not licensed, criminal intent behind fake job ads may be penalized under the Penal Code.

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27 Feb 2018

Root Cause of Human Error that Led to NETS Service Outage and Preventive Measures for Future Recurrence

The NETS EFTPOS outage on 2 February 2018 was caused by a system administrator inadvertently terminating a communications module during planned maintenance, a human error that NETS investigated and recovered from within about 1.5 hours without breaching MAS regulatory standards on downtime.
MAS emphasises the critical reliability of designated payment systems like NETS EFTPOS, requiring them to resume operations within four hours of disruption and limiting total annual downtime, with NETS complying and maintaining its designation since 2010 without prior outages.
To prevent recurrence, MAS has directed NETS to hire an independent consultant to enhance controls against human errors, implement off-peak system access and tightened ID controls, and will monitor remediation closely, while encouraging alternative payment methods to mitigate impacts.

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19 Feb 2018

Reinvesting Cost Savings by Public Transport Operators from Going Cashless Towards Improving Customer Experience

Leon Perera questioned how the Ministry would ensure public transport operators reinvest cost savings from going cashless into improving customer experience.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that e-payments increase convenience and allow eventual removal of cash facilities, freeing up space, manpower, and resources.
He noted that savings from streamlined ticketing infrastructure can be directed towards building new transport infrastructure.
The Minister added that staff freed from cash handling can better focus on managing rail operations.

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19 Feb 2018

Tests on Autonomous Public Buses and Inclusion in Public Transport Mix

The Land Transport Authority is working with Nanyang Technological University and ST Kinetics to develop autonomous buses, with trials scheduled to begin in 2019 at controlled test centres before expanding to designated light-traffic areas.
Trials will initially take place at the CETRAN Autonomous Vehicle Test Centre and later extend to locations like NTU, CleanTech Park, and Jurong Island to gather operational insights for future public road deployment.
The LTA has issued a request for information to gauge industry readiness and gather input on operational concepts for pilot deployments in Punggol, Tengah, and the Jurong Innovation District.
The pilot initiatives aim to assess commuter acceptance and infrastructure requirements to determine how autonomous buses can be scaled across Singapore’s public transport network.

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6 Feb 2018

Apps and other Technology in Parent-Teacher Communications

Most schools use smartphone apps or online platforms to communicate with parents to increase efficiency and convenience, given high technology access in Singapore.
Schools recognize that some parents may lack smartphones or computer access or prefer alternative methods, so they use complementary channels like letters, handbooks, phone calls, and in-person meetings.
The approach aims to ensure inclusiveness while leveraging technology to strengthen school-home partnerships.

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6 Feb 2018

Manpower Gaps in Quantum Computing, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence

The Prime Minister acknowledged growing demand for data analytics, AI, and nascent quantum computing skills in Singapore's financial sector, with over 20 financial institutions establishing innovation labs, but noted a talent shortage as the key bottleneck.
To address this, the Monetary Authority of Singapore is prioritizing local upskilling through a $27 million grant, new learning modules via the Institute of Banking and Finance, and expanded courses with Institutes of Higher Learning, though building local talent takes time.
While developing local capabilities, Singapore plans to complement them by attracting international experts through the Capability Transfer Programme, working with the Ministry of Manpower and Workforce Singapore to ensure a favorable environment for foreign talent.

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6 Feb 2018

Positioning Singapore to be Global Centre for Data Storage and Services

The government is strengthening Singapore's position as a digital connectivity hub by attracting investments in data centres and submarine cables, with agencies like IMDA and EDB working together to ensure sufficient land and power for data centre clusters.
Singapore is enhancing its domestic data governance framework, including a Data Protection Trustmark and a review of the Personal Data Protection Act, to build consumer trust and enable innovative data use.
Internationally, Singapore is participating in forums like APEC and ASEAN to shape data protection standards and facilitate seamless cross-border data flows.
The government is building ahead of demand in data centre capacity and submarine cable infrastructure to ensure Singapore remains a first mover in the global data economy.

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6 Feb 2018

Complaints against Illegal Moneylenders who Make Unsolicited Calls or Messages

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Communications and Information about the number of complaints received against illegal moneylenders making unsolicited communications and the procedure to lodge such complaints.
The Minister explained that the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) regulates unsolicited communications, with the Do Not Call (DNC) Registry established in January 2014, and since then, around 14,000 DNC-related complaints have been received, leading to over 4,600 enforcement actions.
The Minister also noted that about 10,000 complaints related to suspected unlicensed moneylending are received annually and referred to the Police, with the public urged to report such activities via the Police or the "X Ah Long" Hotline.

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6 Feb 2018

Update on PolCam 2.0 Project

As of 2017, 5,000 PolCam 2.0 cameras have been installed, with plans to reach 11,000 at 2,500 locations island-wide; the system detects anomalies like public disorder and aids in identifying suspects.
The Parliamentary Secretary emphasized that the system has data protection safeguards, with footage securely stored and access tightly controlled, and any unauthorized use would be severely punished.
In response to privacy concerns, the government stated that regular audits are conducted, though specific details on audit frequency and data retention periods are not disclosed for operational reasons.

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6 Feb 2018

Introduction of Regulations with Advent of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Machines

The government is adopting a domain-specific regulatory approach for AI, with examples including safety tests and insurance for autonomous vehicles and human oversight for AI in government trade algorithms.
The government is engaging sectoral regulators and industry bodies to discuss AI governance, with ongoing studies to update frameworks as new technologies emerge.
The government acknowledges the need to consider forward-looking scenarios for AI impacts, such as algorithmic collusion and criminal law implications, but emphasizes that current laws apply to human operators rather than AI itself.
Aspirational concepts like Asimov's Laws of Robotics are seen as inspirational but not immediately relevant, with a focus on building technical capabilities and expertise in AI.

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5 Feb 2018

Number of Elderly Aged 65 and Above Who Live Alone from 2013 to 2017

The Minister for Health reported that the number of elderly Singapore residents aged 65 and above living alone increased from 2013 to 2017, but no official data is tracked on how many of them were found dead in their homes.
To address the growing number of seniors living alone, the Ministry of Health launched the Community Network for Seniors in 2016, which includes befriending initiatives supported by over 850 volunteers serving 2,500 vulnerable seniors across 47 constituencies.
The government is leveraging technology, such as the piloted Care Line service by Changi General Hospital, to provide 24/7 tele-befriending and telecare support to help seniors age well in place.
The Ministry emphasized that building communities of care requires collective efforts from all Singaporeans, alongside ongoing collaboration with community partners and other agencies to support seniors.

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5 Feb 2018

Measures to Protect Users against Security Flaws of Wi-fi Devices and Services

Dr Chia Shi-Lu raised concerns about security flaws affecting wi-fi devices and asked about their impact on the Wireless@SG public wi-fi service and measures to protect users.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) collaborates with telecom providers to ensure Wireless@SG adheres to security standards, addresses vulnerabilities promptly, and encourages user vigilance.
Users are advised to use encrypted hotspots like Wireless@SG and secure channels such as VPNs and HTTPS when handling sensitive information, with further safety tips available on the Cyber Security Agency’s website.

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5 Feb 2018

Measures to Ensure Cashless Transactions Originating in Singapore are Encrypted and Secure

The Monetary Authority of Singapore requires payment service providers to implement strong authentication, encryption, fraud monitoring, and transaction notifications to secure cashless transactions.
Financial institutions must have contingency plans, such as backup power and alternate telecommunication providers, to maintain service during network or power failures.
MAS periodically reviews financial institutions to ensure their controls adequately manage technology and business continuity risks.

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5 Feb 2018

Government Decision on Cryptocurrency

The government currently sees no strong case to ban cryptocurrency trading in Singapore but will enforce anti-money laundering regulations on intermediaries and continue warning the public about high investment risks.
Measures are being taken to address money laundering and consumer protection, including requiring intermediaries to comply with anti-money laundering rules and highlighting the dangers of cryptocurrency speculation.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore is monitoring international developments and encouraging blockchain experiments while assessing systemic risks, though current cryptocurrency trading volumes and connections to the financial system remain low.

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5 Feb 2018

Safety and Privacy of Data on Third-party Booking Apps

Mr Ang Hin Kee asked about the regulatory powers of the Land Transport Authority over third-party booking apps regarding vehicle safety information, data protection for commuters and drivers, and preventive safety measures.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated that operators are not required to submit fleet safety data but must dispatch licensed and insured vehicles, with potential suspension for repeated violations.
Personal data of commuters and drivers is protected under the Personal Data Protection Act, which mandates security arrangements and imposes financial penalties for breaches.
The government relies on existing laws like the Road Traffic Act and PDPA to address safety and privacy concerns without imposing new specific requirements on third-party apps.

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5 Feb 2018

Cutting Inefficiency across Ministries

The Government has been using automation and digital technology since the 1980s to improve efficiency, such as with RFID in libraries, automated checkpoints, and hospital medication systems.
Agencies are deploying chatbots and Natural Language Processing to handle public queries more effectively and identify patterns for process improvements, as seen in HDB’s key collection changes.
Integrated services like the OneService App and the "Moments of Life" initiative are being developed to streamline cross-agency interactions and deliver citizen-centric digital services.

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5 Feb 2018

Measures to Regulate Computer or Mobile Games Promoting Gambling

Leon Perera asked the government about plans to regulate computer or mobile games that may promote gambling elements.
The Minister responded that a risk-based approach is used, prohibiting under the Remote Gambling Act games that allow winning money or prizes exchangeable for cash, with distribution bans and online access blocking.
The government emphasizes public education and support, with organizations providing programmes to combat gaming addiction and promote responsible digital use.
Outreach initiatives like the Better Internet Campaign and cyber wellness workshops are in place to raise awareness about online gaming risks.

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