Digital & technology — Topics

3 Oct 2017

Enhancing Fail-safe Redundancy in Internet Networks Given Digital Push with Smart Nation

The Minister confirmed that Singapore has 19 international submarine cable systems connecting to over 33 countries, providing multiple routes to key hubs and proven resilience during past typhoon-related cable damage.
Domestic broadband Internet is offered by multiple operators across the Nationwide Broadband Network, mobile networks, and fixed-line networks, with regulatory measures like the Telecom Service Resiliency Code to ensure network robustness.
Following historical incidents like the 2006 Taiwan earthquake, operators have redesigned cable networks to avoid single disaster-prone areas and use ring-topology to reroute traffic during cuts.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority conducts regular audits and works with operators to address systemic risks across the entire Internet infrastructure, especially with the planned entry of a fourth operator.
The government is actively encouraging new submarine cable landings in Singapore to enhance redundancy, protect cables in busy shipping lanes, and avoid disaster-prone areas as part of the Smart Nation digital push.

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3 Oct 2017

Development of New Digital Identity System

The Government is upgrading Singapore's digital identity system from SingPass to a mobile token-based authentication and expanding MyInfo services in the first half of 2018 to improve security and reduce repetitive data entry.
The National Digital Identity initiative aims to enhance business efficiency and enable innovative services, with plans for public-private collaboration and trials for features like digital signatures and document vaults in 2019.
Biometric technologies, including facial recognition, are being explored to make the system more accessible for all age groups and abilities, ensuring inclusivity in a Smart Nation.
Transitions to new systems will be gradual and phased, allowing parallel use of old and new authentication methods to ensure robustness and user-friendliness.
Interoperability is a key focus, with systems like PayNow designed to extend private-sector involvement, provided they comply with regulations, to foster broader innovation.

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3 Oct 2017

Government Websites that Meet Standards for Access by Persons with Disabilities

Leon Perera inquired about the compliance of Singapore government websites with WCAG 2.0 accessibility standards for persons with disabilities and future steps to enhance accessibility.
The Senior Minister of State confirmed that government websites are required to meet WCAG 2.0, with 90% compliance over the past three years and ongoing audits to address non-compliant sites.
Plans were announced to enhance digital standards beyond WCAG 2.0 in FY2017, including adopting new guidelines to improve usability for older adults and persons with disabilities.
Citizen Connect Centres were highlighted as providing assistance for online transactions and accessibility features, such as adjustable kiosks, for those needing help.
The government acknowledged that while compliance is high, it cannot guarantee 100% due to continuous updates, but committed to addressing any non-compliant sites reported.

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2 Oct 2017

E-registration with Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Singaporeans Travelling Abroad in View of Threats to Global Safety

Seah Kian Peng inquired about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' plans to encourage more Singaporeans to e-register their overseas travels amid increasing global safety threats.
Vivian Balakrishnan responded that the Ministry promotes e-registration through its website and app, simplifying the process by reducing required fields and integrating with partners like SATS Ltd and the SGSecure app.
The Ministry is also developing an MFA Chatbot with Govtech to enable e-registration via social media platforms, while emphasizing that e-registration remains voluntary and urging personal responsibility from travelers.
Balakrishnan highlighted that the Ministry prioritizes assisting those in genuine need during crises and encourages Singaporeans to stay vigilant, observe local laws, purchase insurance, and maintain communication while abroad.

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2 Oct 2017

Subsides for NSmen to Buy Personal Tablets and Laptops for E-learning Use

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked if subsidies would be provided for NSmen to purchase personal tablets and laptops for e-learning use following the relaxation of electronic device usage in camps.
The Ministry of Defence stated that the SAF provides necessary electronic devices through its LEARNet platform for e-learning, such as tablets for recruits in Basic Military Training, making personal device subsidies unnecessary.
NSmen from low-income households can seek financial assistance for electronic devices through the Infocomm Media Development Authority's Home Access Programme, which offers subsidised Internet access and basic computing equipment.

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2 Oct 2017

Government's Policy Stance on Telemedicine and Teleconsultation

The Ministry of Health (MOH) issued National Telemedicine Guidelines in 2015 and is complemented by the Singapore Medical Council's ethical guidelines from 2016 to govern teleconsultation and telemedicine.
Doctors providing telemedicine must ensure standards of care are comparable to face-to-face consultations, with a responsibility to conduct physical assessments or refer patients when in doubt.
Telemedicine is currently offered mainly as an extension of care for stable patients after an initial in-person consultation, with MOH monitoring developments to review policies for patient safety and benefit.

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2 Oct 2017

Prevalence of Cryptocurrency in Singapore

Cryptocurrency use in Singapore is not prevalent, with only about 20 retailers accepting Bitcoin and low trading volumes compared to other countries, primarily for speculative purposes.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) does not regulate cryptocurrencies as legal tender but oversees activities like anti-money laundering and terrorist financing risks through a new payment services framework.
For Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), MAS requires tokens structured as securities to comply with existing securities laws, including prospectus registration and licensing, while monitoring for potential need of targeted legislation.
MAS and the Commercial Affairs Department have issued advisories to warn consumers about the high risks and scams associated with virtual currency investments.

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2 Oct 2017

Regulating Transaction Fees and Platform Rental Fees Charged by Cashless E-payment Platform Providers

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked whether the government will cap transaction and platform rental fees charged by cashless e-payment providers to speed up adoption by SMEs and consumers.
Tharman, speaking for the Prime Minister, explained that the government is promoting e-payment through a multi-pronged approach, including infrastructure, convenience, standards like SGQR, and driving adoption, while keeping costs low through competition and open architecture.
He noted that MAS has helped develop low-cost solutions like PayNow and NETS Pay, and that the government is studying the experience of other jurisdictions before deciding on regulating e-payment fees.

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2 Oct 2017

Inward-facing Dashboard Cameras for Protection of Passengers and Drivers

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah inquired about regulating inward-facing dashboard cameras to balance passenger privacy and driver protection in taxis and private hire cars.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that the Land Transport Authority must approve such cameras, ensuring safeguards like restricted access to recordings for investigation only.
Taxi and private hire car companies must comply with LTA requirements to protect passenger privacy when installing inward-facing cameras.
Drivers facing rogue passengers can seek assistance from their companies or the police without compromising passenger privacy.
The debate focused on establishing regulatory frameworks to address both privacy concerns and safety measures for passengers and drivers.

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2 Oct 2017

Relevance of Annual Great Singapore Sale Given Popularity of Online Shopping

Melvin Yong questioned whether the Great Singapore Sale (GSS) remains relevant amid the rise of online shopping, prompting a response from Minister S Iswaran.
The GSS must evolve to adapt to changing consumer preferences and the growing prominence of e-commerce, as part of the broader Retail Industry Transformation Map.
The GSS is enhancing its online presence through initiatives like the GoSpree app, which offers exclusive deals and geo-tagged alerts to reach tech-savvy shoppers.
Future plans include leveraging technology to expand consumer outreach and reinventing the GSS as a lifestyle event that collaborates with dining and entertainment sectors.

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2 Oct 2017

Improving IT Skills of Mature Workers for Smart Nation

The Ministry for Communications and Information is upskilling mature workers through initiatives like the TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA), which has trained about 12,000 workers, with nearly half being mature workers aged 40 and above.
TeSA provides coordinated career support, including mentoring sessions, with over 350 participants, more than half of whom are mature workers.
The government is collaborating across sectors to develop 30 different skills frameworks and harmonize technical competencies to help workers upgrade their technological skills.
SkillsFuture Singapore will launch a national programme called SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace to build foundational digital literacy among workers.
These efforts are integral to Singapore's digital economy and Smart Nation roadmap, with more plans to be announced in the upcoming months.

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2 Oct 2017

Property Tax (Amendment) Bill

The Property Tax (Amendment) Bill introduces changes to streamline the Valuation Review Board appeals process, enhance information-gathering powers for tax compliance, and implement an opt-out system for digital tax notices to support Singapore's Smart Nation initiative.
Concerns were raised by MPs about the opt-out approach for digital notices, including risks for elderly or less IT-savvy taxpayers, potential issues with missed notices, and the need for inclusive alternatives such as multilingual options and non-digital opt-out methods.
The government clarified a phased rollout for digital notices, starting with tech-ready individuals and excluding vulnerable groups, while assuring that notices are accessible via a secure portal to prevent fraud and that hardcopy options remain available for those who opt out.

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2 Oct 2017

Monitoring Use of Telecommunication and Internet Services for Online and Phone Scams

Murali Pillai asked whether the Ministry would require telecom and internet service providers to proactively monitor for scams, deter such usage, and share information with enforcement agencies.
The Senior Minister of State responded that a multifaceted approach is needed, with providers currently monitoring based on complaints and assisting investigations, but emphasizing public education and vigilance as key.
Murali Pillai followed up with questions about potential regulations for proactive monitoring and ensuring compliance costs are not passed unfairly to consumers.
The Minister stated that while the issue is being studied, no regulations are currently planned due to challenges like overseas scammers and the need for international coordination.

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2 Oct 2017

Reviews on Vessel Traffic Information System to Enhance Navigational Safety

Dr Lam Pin Min confirmed that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore operates the Vessel Traffic Information System, which integrates multiple data sources to monitor over 10,000 vessels and provide timely safety advice.
The system was upgraded early this year, with regular enhancements made since its installation in 2011 to improve navigational safety in Singapore waters.
MPA also promotes a safety-first culture through the National Maritime Safety at Sea Council and initiatives like the Safety@Sea campaign, which includes conferences and workshops.

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11 Sep 2017

Enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System Fingerprint Detection Failure Rate

Joan Pereira inquired about the fingerprint detection failure rate in the enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS) and suggested measures like placing moisturiser to help travellers with dry fingers.
K Shanmugam responded that about 3% of eIACS users face fingerprint matching issues due to factors like faded, scarred, or excessively wet or dry prints, and they are redirected to manned counters.
ICA plans to introduce iris scan technology within two years to complement fingerprint matching, providing an alternative for travellers with fingerprint difficulties.
The new iris scan technology aims to enhance automated immigration clearance by offering an additional verification method for identity confirmation.

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11 Sep 2017

Steps to Improve Take-up Rate of SGSecure Mobile App

Dr. Lee Bee Wah asked how to boost the SGSecure app's take-up rate beyond making it compulsory for full-time National Servicemen, why e-learning modules use an app instead of websites, and if the Ministry will reconsider its policy on mandatory downloads.
The Minister for Defence clarified that e-learning for counterterrorism training is already delivered via websites for all Ministry of Defence and Singapore Armed Forces personnel, including National Servicemen, with modules rolled out progressively.
The Minister added that making the app compulsory is not an enlightened or effective approach for learning, and that the SGSecure app is encouraged but not a core or mandatory part of the training for National Servicemen.

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11 Sep 2017

Impact of Ride Hailing Apps on Taxis

Sitoh Yih Pin raised concerns that ride-hailing apps like Uber and Grab may reduce the availability of taxis for street hire or at taxi stands, limiting commuter choices, and asked if the Land Transport Authority (LTA) plans to regulate this.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that ride-hailing apps actually expand commuter options and, based on Public Transport Council surveys and taxi stand waiting times, there is no evidence of insufficient taxi availability for street hire.
He noted that both commuter satisfaction with taxi services and waiting times have improved over the past year, indicating that current taxi availability meets demand.

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11 Sep 2017

Effectiveness of OneInbox

The Prime Minister stated that OneInbox cost about $7 million to develop and maintain from December 2013 to June 2017, with 51,807 subscribers as of March 2017, representing less than 2% of SingPass users.
The low take-up rate was attributed to OneInbox offering limited value as a single-function service, existing well-developed digital agency channels, and low volume of government letters to individuals.
The government discontinued OneInbox and plans to continue reviewing and adjusting its digital strategies to improve citizen access to government services, acknowledging that innovation involves taking risks.

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11 Sep 2017

Number of Singaporeans without Active SingPass Account

The Prime Minister stated that out of 3.5 million eligible Singapore Residents, 3.2 million have signed up for SingPass, with 2 million accounts inactive (not used in the last three years).
Among the 3 million active SingPass accounts, 2.6 million have enabled 2-Factor Authentication (2FA), and 2.5 million have used 2FA in the past year.
Adoption of SingPass and 2FA is lower among younger and elderly groups, partly due to fewer transactions with the government.
Residents without a SingPass account can sign up at 46 counters island-wide at community centres and CPF service centres.

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11 Sep 2017

Number of Singaporeans without Bank Account

Ms Tin Pei Ling asked for the number of Singaporeans without bank accounts or cards, broken down by age group, but the government does not have exact figures, with a World Bank survey estimating 96% of residents over 15 have accounts and about 40,000 may lack accounts due to GST voucher cheques.
Approximately 80% of local bank customers hold an ATM, debit, or credit card, with over 90% of customers aged 16–59 having one compared to 70% for those 60 and above, while younger children generally do not hold cards.
Basic banking accounts with low costs and electronic payment options like e-wallets and wearable devices are available to ensure accessibility, with ongoing efforts by the Monetary Authority of Singapore to promote inclusive financial services.

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