Digital & technology — Topics

11 Sep 2017

Convert ATMs to Serve Customers of Any Bank and Maintaining Bank Accounts with Low Amounts of Cash Deposits

MAS is exploring ATM interoperability between major bank networks to improve convenience while balancing potential efficiency gains with possible queuing times, as Singapore already has high ATM coverage with over 90% of HDB households near a bank-specific ATM.
Major banks offer low-cost Basic Banking Accounts with minimal initial deposits and waived fees for certain groups, and MAS will work with community leaders to increase awareness and help unbanked residents open accounts.
The government is promoting electronic payments for broader convenience, running outreach and digital literacy programs for seniors, but will maintain cash services for those who need them, ensuring an inclusive transition to a cashless future.

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11 Sep 2017

Tightening IT Security Management in Light of Lapses Highlighted in Auditor-General's Report

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked whether the Cyber Security Agency would lead a whole-of-government review to tighten IT security after the Auditor-General’s findings on lapses.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong noted that CSA oversees national cybersecurity strategy while GovTech manages the government sector, and that the four agencies with IT control weaknesses did not suffer data breaches.
The government regularly updates IT policies and conducts internal audits across the Public Service, and will increase audit frequency for critical and sensitive systems.

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11 Sep 2017

Strengthen Current E-learning Portal for Schools

Seah Kian Peng and Dennis Tan Lip Fong questioned the Ministry of Education on steps to improve the robustness of the Marshall Cavendish Online e-learning portal and prevent outages that could disrupt student learning.
MOE requires e-learning portal vendors to meet service level and performance requirements, with load tests conducted to ensure compliance.
A recent MC Online incident involved intermittent slowdowns and login issues due to network equipment limitations capping bandwidth during high traffic.
MOE has upgraded existing network equipment and will continue working with vendors to ensure scalable bandwidth and conduct bandwidth testing before major activities.
The measures aim to better support future home-based learning by enhancing the reliability of online learning portals.

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11 Sep 2017

Cost of Onboarding Social Service Offices and Ministry-supported VWOs to Social Service Net

The Social Service Net (SSNet) cost approximately $29 million for its development, rollout, and initial support, including devices for voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs).
The system was fully rolled out to Social Service Offices and Family Service Centres by February 2016, with ongoing expansion to other MSF-funded services in phases.
Early indications show SSNet improves efficiency by enabling faster information sharing between agencies and reducing redundant data collection for clients.
Some VWOs faced challenges adapting to standardised processes, but there is broad agreement on the system's benefits, with MSF providing ongoing support and review.

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11 Sep 2017

Monitoring SkillsFuture Courses Undertaken by People of Different Age Segments

The Ministry monitors course categories by age, with ICT courses being the most popular across all groups, and older Singaporeans focusing on fundamental skills like basic computer use while younger ones take advanced courses such as data analytics.
SkillsFuture Singapore conducts routine checks to ensure courses are marketed in line with guidelines, promoting accurate and appropriate promotion of training options.
The Government provides information on minimum course requirements in the SkillsFuture directory but does not mandate universal criteria from providers to avoid limiting access, though some providers may set their own eligibility rules based on language, education, or work experience.

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11 Sep 2017

Increasing Test Laboratories' and GPs' Data Submission in National Electronic Health Record

Joan Pereira asked if the Ministry of Health will require all laboratories to upload test results to the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) and provide trained personnel to assist general practitioners in participating.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that data contribution to NEHR is currently voluntary for private healthcare providers, but the Ministry plans to mandate it under the new Healthcare Services Bill for all licensed providers, including laboratories.
MOH is conducting public consultations and has set up dedicated teams to engage healthcare providers, understand their concerns, and offer support, while also working with IT providers to facilitate NEHR connections.

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11 Sep 2017

Implementation of Smart Nation and Cashless Payment for Public Services

The government emphasized a people-centric Smart Nation approach, focusing on practical convenience for individuals, business efficiency, and societal opportunities, while ensuring inclusive digital access and readiness for all, including the elderly.
Initiatives like SGQR, PayNow, and training programs (e.g., SkillsFuture, Silver Infocomm Initiative) aim to unify e-payment systems, lower costs, and build digital literacy, with a balanced regulatory and developmental stance to foster innovation and interoperability.
Security and trust are prioritized, with measures to mitigate risks like scams and fraud, alongside efforts to maintain face-to-face interaction options and user-friendly design to ensure no one is left behind in the digital transition.

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11 Sep 2017

Implementation Plans for Cashless Public Transport System

The government is implementing a cashless public transport system by 2020, including an Account-based Ticketing (ABT) system that allows contactless card payments, while ensuring no commuter is left behind through gradual transition and support for the elderly and other vulnerable groups.
LTA and TransitLink have conducted consultations with senior citizens and other demographic groups, with about 30% of participants being seniors, and will continue engaging stakeholders to address concerns and provide assistance, such as deploying service agents to help commuters adapt.
Cost savings from reduced cash handling—estimated at nearly $20 million annually—will be redirected to improve services, like hiring staff to educate the elderly, though any potential fare reductions will depend on the profit and loss of public transport operators.
The Ministry will work with the Monetary Authority of Singapore and banks to improve access to basic banking services, address transaction fees for card top-ups, and explore mobile payment options, while maintaining cash alternatives for those who cannot switch.
Efforts will include outreach to foreign workers and other groups without bank accounts, in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower, to ensure inclusive access to the new cashless system.

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1 Aug 2017

Government's Assistance for Developers of Mobile Apps for Foreign Workers

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked whether the content provided to private partners for foreign worker apps is public, what benefits partners receive, and if transactional e-services like reporting incidents would be funded by the Ministry.
Minister Lim Swee Say explained that MOM partners with private app developers on a no-payment, win-win basis to expand outreach, providing tailored multilingual information and leveraging partners' existing apps rather than creating new government apps.
The partnership includes a feedback module for comments and issue reporting but does not require transactional e-services; partners may link to existing MOM e-services, and MOM assists in promoting the apps.
MOM has signed MOUs with two app developers and received over 30 enquiries, with eight proposals under evaluation, indicating active private sector interest.

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1 Aug 2017

Government Investigation of Encrypted Instant Messaging Apps

Seah Kian Peng inquired whether the Ministry of Home Affairs is investigating encrypted apps like Telegram due to their use by terrorists.
K Shanmugam confirmed that terrorist groups use such apps for recruitment and operational planning, a challenge faced globally.
He stated that the Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and emphasized the critical role of families and communities in alerting authorities to signs of radicalization.

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1 Aug 2017

Foreign Interference in Singapore Elections

The Government outlined existing measures to combat foreign interference, including laws prohibiting foreign participation and funding, cybersecurity protections for IT systems, and regulations on foreign ownership of media.
Ministers emphasized that Singaporeans themselves are the best defense, requiring a vigilant and discerning electorate to recognize and resist foreign influence campaigns, especially through social media.
For the upcoming Presidential Election, existing measures remain in place, with continued public education on fake news and cooperation with social media companies to address malicious content.

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1 Aug 2017

Wi-Fi in the Chamber

The Speaker announced the introduction of Wi-Fi in the Chamber to extend the existing facility from other parts of the House since 2008, responding to Member feedback for faster access to parliamentary materials.
The new Wi-Fi aims to enable Members to work digitally and seamlessly with electronic devices during proceedings, with technical guidance to be provided for access.
The Speaker emphasized the need for Members to use electronic devices discreetly and respectfully to maintain decorum during parliamentary sessions.

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4 Jul 2017

Website Accessibility by Persons with Disabilities

Leon Perera asked the Prime Minister about the number of official websites meeting international accessibility standards for persons with disabilities and the steps to ensure full accessibility.
The Speaker called for a reply on behalf of the Prime Minister, noting that Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary was unavailable.
The Minister from the Prime Minister's Office apologized and stated that Mr Puthucheary would provide the answer later.
The Speaker decided to move on to Question No. 18 by Mr Louis Ng.

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4 Jul 2017

Data on Online Retail Transactions

The Ministry tracks online transactions via locally-issued cards, showing about $18.3 billion with local entities and $6.4 billion with foreign entities over the past three years, with e-commerce making up 3% of total retail receipts.
The government aims to grow e-commerce to 10% of retail receipts by 2020 under the Retail Industry Transformation Map, supporting local businesses through digital capability programs, SME initiatives, and workforce upskilling.
MPs raised concerns about the availability and public access of e-commerce data for analysis, to which the Ministry responded that data is tracked but may not cover all transaction types, and they will continue to monitor and benchmark against international trends.

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3 Jul 2017

Measures to Ensure Security of Medical Records of SAF Personnel

Pritam Singh asked about measures to secure SAF personnel's medical records amid the integration of the PACES system with the National Electronic Health Record system.
Ng Eng Hen outlined that security focuses on confidentiality and preventing unauthorised access, with access limited to medical and HR staff on a need-to basis and tiered according to role.
The system is protected by cybersecurity tools, accessible only from designated terminals, and uses encryption and dedicated connections for sharing records with other medical institutions.
Regular audits, vulnerability testing, and monitoring are conducted to ensure compliance with standards and guard against cyber intrusions.

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3 Jul 2017

Consumer Complaints against Premium Rate Telecommunications Service Providers

The Ministry monitors complaints against Premium Rate Services (PRS) providers and has taken enforcement actions in 28 cases since the PRS Code of Practice was introduced in 2007, including warnings, financial penalties up to $100,000, and potential licence suspension or cancellation for repeat offenders.
Mobile operators have offered a PRS barring service since 2012, allowing consumers to block PRS subscriptions and avoid unintended charges, contributing to a 74% drop in complaints from 483 in 2012 to 126 in 2016.
Most remaining complaints involve allegations of unsolicited charges, which investigations often attribute to consumers not reading terms and conditions carefully; the Ministry encourages vigilance and use of the barring service to protect themselves and family members.

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3 Jul 2017

Update on Telepharmacy Project

Seah Kian Peng inquired about the outcome of the telepharmacy project piloted in 1997 and whether video consultations could lower costs and improve convenience.
Gan Kim Yong stated that telepharmacy enhances productivity and convenience, is regulated by the Health Sciences Authority, and has expanded since 1997 to include prescription medicines and now serves 146 retail pharmacy outlets.
The Ministry of Health launched a Smart Health Video Consultation platform in 2017, enabling public healthcare institutions to provide telepharmacy services at hospitals like KK Women's and Children's Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
The Health Sciences Authority plans to review regulations to adapt to technological changes and invites collaboration with providers to develop new telepharmacy solutions.

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8 May 2017

Responsibility of Social Media Platforms and Internet Service Providers in Addressing Fake News

Pritam Singh asked how the Government defines fake news and what role it expects social media platforms and internet service providers to play in addressing it.
K Shanmugam stated that fake news causes serious harm, is deliberately circulated for profit or political interference, and social media platforms are key distribution networks that amplify falsehoods.
The Government views social media companies as important in combating fake news, is monitoring international developments, and will consider the role of internet service providers as part of a holistic review.

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8 May 2017

Effectiveness of Telemedicine Programme

Ms Sun Xueling asked about the percentage of follow-up consultations that can be moved to the telemedicine framework, the criteria for determining which ailments can be addressed via tele-consultations without lowering care standards, and the expected cost savings for hospitals and patients.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that the Smart Health Video Consultation initiative was introduced in public healthcare institutions last November, with patient safety as the top priority and clinicians assessing suitability on a case-by-case basis.
The initiative initially covers areas such as psychiatric counselling, paediatric eczema pharmacy follow-ups, lactation consultation, and post-stroke care, where it has shown success overseas.
Early indications suggest the programme improves productivity and convenience, but it is too soon to assess the extent of adoption and cost savings.
The government will continue to monitor the rollout and encourage greater adoption of telemedicine.

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8 May 2017

Cybersecurity Incidents Involving Government Websites

Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Communications and Information about potential compromises to critical Singapore sites following reports of malware-infected government portals and public preventive measures.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim responded that investigations by the Cyber Security Agency and Singapore Police Force found no critical Singapore servers or websites were compromised, with most reported infected servers being clean.
The government is strengthening cybersecurity through upcoming legislation, public awareness campaigns, and programmes to help small and medium enterprises improve their cyber defences.
The public and businesses are urged to take proactive steps, such as changing default passwords on devices and utilising resources like the GoSafeOnline website for guidance.
The overall message emphasises a shared responsibility between the government, organisations, and individuals to maintain a secure cyberspace in Singapore.

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