Digital & technology — Topics

8 May 2017

Internet Disruptions Due to Cable Cuts

IMDA reported 26 Internet disruptions lasting over three hours since 2013, 14 of which were due to cable cuts, with the latest incident in Jurong on 11 April 2017 affecting about 3,800 subscribers and taking 28 hours to restore.
Investigations show most cable cuts are caused by contractors failing to follow standard operating procedures; IMDA is conducting dialogues and distributing safety guidelines to prevent recurrence.
The Minister stated that companies responsible for cable cuts may be prosecuted, but compensation to affected users would be at the discretion of the company as a gesture of goodwill.
While no global metric comparing Singapore’s Internet disruption frequency is available, the Minister acknowledged the need to assess connectivity availability and consider tracking such data in the future.

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8 May 2017

Large-scale Adoption of Digital Ordering and Cashless Payment Systems

Assoc Prof Randolph Tan questioned the barriers to digital ordering and cashless payment adoption for small food stalls and how the Food Services Industry Transformation Map would promote such technologies.
The Senior Minister of State highlighted that key obstacles include consumer habits, adoption costs, and lack of interoperability among payment systems, with current adoption at 20% as of March 2017.
Government agencies are addressing these by improving convenience through unified payment devices, providing grants and infrastructure support, and promoting productivity-focused coffee shops to encourage adoption.
The Food Services Industry Transformation Map aims to reduce manpower reliance and targets a 50% adoption rate of digital services across all food and beverage outlets by 2020.

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8 May 2017

Promotion of Financial Technology

The Ministry of Education (Higher Education and Skills) responded on behalf of the Prime Minister, stating that financial technology is transforming the industry and financial institutions are investing in fintech capabilities while the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) supports development through a regulatory sandbox and updated policies like cloud computing guidelines.
MAS encourages collaboration between established financial institutions and fintech players, as evidenced by events like the Fintech Festival and the establishment of innovation labs by global financial institutions, aiming to foster a Smart Financial Centre where innovation is pervasive.
To ensure workforce readiness, MAS is working with Institutes of Higher Learning to align curricula with industry needs, and initiatives like the Financial Information Technology Academy and IBF offer training in areas such as data analytics and cybersecurity, supported by funding schemes for skills upgrading.

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3 Apr 2017

New Features and Utilisation Rate of HealthHub Portal

HealthHub is a one-stop portal and mobile app developed by the Health Promotion Board, offering health-related content, e-services, and incentives, with over 84,000 app downloads and 530,000 monthly page views as of January 2017.
A new Caregiver Access module introduced in 2016 allows authorised caregivers to access medical appointments and records of those they care for, with users controlling the level of access.
In April 2017, a new Personal Health Management module called HealthHub Track will provide digital tools and action plans for health monitoring, along with personalised content for pregnant women.
A Diabetes Risk Assessment tool for adults aged 18 to 39 will be introduced in September 2017 to help assess the risk of undiagnosed diabetes.

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3 Apr 2017

Participation of Private Healthcare Institutions in National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) System

Miss Cheng Li Hui sought an update on the participation of private healthcare institutions in the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) system.
Minister Gan Kim Yong reported that over 21,000 healthcare professionals from more than 1,000 providers now access NEHR, with high adoption rates among GP clinics and long-term care facilities.
The Minister highlighted recent growth in private sector participation, including specialist clinics, dental clinics, and x-ray labs, and affirmed continued efforts to encourage broader NEHR adoption.

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3 Apr 2017

Auto-deduction of Toll Charges for Vehicles at Causeway and Tuas Checkpoints

Yee Chia Hsing asked if auto-deduction of toll charges could replace the current manual cash card system at the Causeway and Tuas checkpoints.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that implementing auto-deduction would require substantial physical infrastructure similar to ERP systems.
The current ERP system is becoming obsolete and will be replaced by a satellite-based system by 2020, which would allow auto-deduction with less infrastructure investment.

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3 Apr 2017

Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill

The Bill amends the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act to criminalize the obtaining, retention, or trade of personal information and hacking tools known to be derived from computer crimes, with exemptions for legitimate cybersecurity work.
It expands the law’s extraterritorial reach to prosecute offenses committed overseas that cause or risk serious harm in Singapore, such as disrupting essential services or government functions.
The amendment allows multiple related computer offenses over a 12-month period to be amalgamated into a single charge, enabling more appropriate sentencing for cumulative damage.

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3 Apr 2017

Actions against Publication of Fake News

The Minister for Law highlighted that fake news is a serious global threat, with examples like false stories influencing elections, causing violence, and generating profits for publishers, and noted Singapore has faced similar issues with sites like "The Real Singapore" and "States Times Review."
He emphasized that current laws are insufficient to tackle the rapid spread of falsehoods online, and the government is considering new measures, such as stricter penalties, agency oversight, or requiring platforms to remove fake content, similar to approaches in Germany and the UK.
The Minister outlined the real-world harms of fake news, including public alarm, misuse of emergency resources, damage to reputations, and potential foreign manipulation to destabilize society and influence elections.
The government is actively reviewing how to strengthen laws and implement timely corrections for false information, acknowledging the need for a robust response to protect public interest and social cohesion.

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3 Apr 2017

Investigations into Cyberattack on MINDEF's Systems

The Minister explained that MINDEF/SAF systems face daily cyber intrusion attempts, and the February 2017 breach of the I-net system was detected weeks after it occurred, with no classified data compromised; steps are being taken to strengthen IT systems with better tools and data analytics.
Investigations into the cyberattack are ongoing, but findings will remain confidential for security reasons; perpetrators may not always be identified or prosecuted, especially if they are overseas, and emphasis is placed on technological and human-factor defenses.
The stolen personal data from the breach included basic information like NRIC numbers and dates of birth, but no passwords, and MINDEF has contacted affected personnel to mitigate risks, with ongoing efforts to review data storage on internet systems.

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9 Mar 2017

Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill

The bill aims to amend the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act to enhance legal provisions for digital crimes and cybersecurity.
It was presented by the Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, Mr Desmond Lee, and underwent its first reading in Parliament.
The bill is scheduled for a second reading on the next available sitting and will be printed for legislative review.

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9 Mar 2017

Guidelines for Pre- and Post-precision Medicine Counselling Confidentiality

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef inquired about the Ministry of Health's plans to issue guidelines on confidentiality and counselling for personalised (precision) medicine.
The Minister of State confirmed that existing laws (PHMCA and HBRA) already protect medical record confidentiality and informed consent, but MOH is drafting new standards for genetic testing services to address counselling, personnel competency, and data security.
MOH plans to release these standards as a code of practice in the second half of 2017, enforce them by the end of 2018, and monitor compliance through audits, including oversight of testing costs and practitioner qualifications.

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8 Mar 2017

Use of Video-conferencing Facilities for Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Applications

From 2014 to 2016, between 23 and 26 applications for enforcement of maintenance orders were filed annually using video-conferencing facilities at designated centres.
These video-conferencing applications represented about 1% of the total annual enforcement applications, which ranged from 2,600 to 3,000 cases.
The Ministry continues to collaborate with the Family Justice Courts and service centres to enhance accessibility and awareness of the video-conferencing and support services for maintenance enforcement.

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8 Mar 2017

Setting up of Drone Port

Leon Perera asked the Minister for Transport about setting up a drone port to accommodate rising goods transport via drones.
The Minister responded that while drones have potential, their use for goods transport is not yet mature for safe deployment in Singapore, with ongoing trials like the Skyways Project at NUS.
The Ministry is monitoring international drone port projects, coordinating multi-agency efforts, and has a regulatory framework that is being updated as technology evolves.

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7 Mar 2017

Committee of Supply − Head M (Ministry of Finance)

Several MPs urged the government to accelerate the digitalisation of public services to enhance efficiency and user convenience, with the Second Minister for Finance outlining ongoing efforts such as the MyInfo portal and the Business Grants Portal to streamline interactions for citizens and businesses.
A significant portion of the debate focused on government procurement, with calls to better support SMEs through measures like tender-splitting and the Gov-PACT scheme, while the minister emphasized the principles of fairness, transparency, and value-for-money, noting that SMEs already win a substantial share of contracts.
Proposals were made to refine social assistance schemes, including re-examining means-testing criteria to be more inclusive of private housing residents and multi-generational households, with the Senior Minister of State explaining the government's approach to balancing fairness, sustainability, and work incentives.

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6 Mar 2017

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

Members urged the Ministry to enhance support for SMEs in digital transformation, including sector-specific digital plans, innovation centres, and better access to grants, while also helping workers reskill amid technological disruption.
The debate highlighted concerns about cybersecurity, the impact of internet separation on public service, and the need to strengthen data protection and PDPA compliance, especially for SMEs.
Questions were raised on improving public communications, live-streaming parliamentary sessions, and ensuring inclusive access to digital government services, particularly for seniors and less tech-savvy citizens.

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3 Mar 2017

Committee of Supply − Head J (Ministry of Defence)

Parliament debated the evolving security landscape, highlighting threats from terrorism, cyberattacks, hybrid warfare, and geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea and Korean peninsula, emphasizing the need for MINDEF to adapt its strategies.
MINDEF announced the establishment of a new Defence Cyber Organisation with 2,600 personnel, plans for a $900 million SAFTI City urban training facility, and increased investment in defence technology, including new AI and robotics labs, to address emerging challenges.
Discussions focused on enhancing National Service, including vocational matching for enlistees, cyber defence training, improved safety measures, and recognition programs for NSmen, while affirming NS's continued importance in nation-building and defence.

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2 Mar 2017

Committee of Supply − Head U (Prime Minister's Office)

Members urged the Public Service to enhance integration, innovation, and whole-of-government coordination to address cross-cutting issues like ageing demographics, climate change, and digital transformation, with a focus on long-term planning and strategic capabilities such as engineering and data analytics.
The government announced a package to support marriage and parenthood, including faster access to public housing, increased infant care capacity, a public sector pilot for six months of parental leave per couple, and community initiatives to create a family-friendly environment.
Concerns were raised about cybersecurity, the need for a more integrated digital government including a unified digital identity and payment systems, and the importance of digital inclusion for the elderly and persons with disabilities, with the government outlining plans to build a Smart Nation.

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28 Feb 2017

Plans to Deepen Singaporeans' ICT Capabilities

The Ministry has launched programmes like TechSkills Accelerator to train and upskill professionals for ICT roles, with strong placement outcomes such as 100% job success for participants in the Company-Led Training programme.
To prepare younger Singaporeans, initiatives like Code@SG and Hour of Code are extended to all primary and secondary students to develop coding skills, alongside the Industry Preparation for Pre-Graduates programme for career readiness.
Efforts are made to ensure accessibility for less privileged groups through digital inclusion programmes like NEU PC Plus and Home Access, which provide computers and broadband to low-income households, the elderly, and persons with special needs.

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28 Feb 2017

Features for Merged SkillsFuture and Jobs Bank Portals

The merged SkillsFuture and Jobs Bank portal, known as the Individual Learning Portfolio (ILP), will feature a review function for training providers and publish training outcome information to ensure outcome-based training.
Internship opportunities are currently not included as they are managed by Institutes of Higher Learning, but may be considered for future phases of the ILP.
The ILP will include tools for career interest and skills gap assessments, allowing users to explore suitable jobs and training programs based on their profiles.
Jobs listed in the integrated Jobs Bank are regularly updated, with postings valid for a maximum of 30 days and automatically removed when expired to maintain relevance.
The ILP will be rolled out in stages starting from 2017, with more details to be shared later.

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20 Feb 2017

Automation and Robotics in Hospitals

Miss Cheng Li Hui inquired about the progress, prevalence, and productivity gains of automation and robotics in Singapore’s hospitals over the last three years.
Minister Gan Kim Yong highlighted that automation and robotics serve as a workforce multiplier to address labour constraints and rising healthcare demand, with over 200 projects funded since 2012, including pneumatic tube systems, automated guided vehicles, and pharmacy automation that has reduced waiting times by up to 50% and increased capacity by nearly 30% in some hospitals.
The government is expanding tele-health platforms and remote monitoring tools to deliver care beyond hospitals, while also focusing on workflow redesign, job role adjustments, and staff upskilling to sustain productivity improvements.

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