Digital & technology — Topics

13 Sep 2016

Considerations behind Decision to Convert Coupon Parking to Electronic Parking Systems in Housing Estates

The Minister explained that the electronic parking system (EPS) was first rolled out at commercial car parks to manage high demand and has been effective, prompting its expansion to residential areas.
EPS offers a fairer per-minute charging model compared to half-hour coupon blocks, provides real-time availability updates, and is more convenient for drivers.
Despite higher upfront setup costs, EPS reduces daily operating expenses by about 25% compared to coupon parking, making it a cost-saving solution for HDB in the long term.
HDB plans to implement EPS in all feasible residential car parks due to these benefits in efficiency, fairness, and cost savings.
The decision follows deliberations on balancing initial investment against long-term operational savings and improved user experience for motorists.

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13 Sep 2016

Take-up Rate for Home Access Plan to Aid Low-income Families with Internet Connectivity

Mr Murali Pillai queried the Ministry on the take-up rate and future plans for the Home Access plan, which provides affordable internet to low-income households, asking for figures on prequalified beneficiaries, sign-ups, total beneficiaries since 2014, and digital inclusion improvements.
The Ministry highlighted that over 2,000 households on long-term assistance were pre-qualified for Home Access, but only 100 have signed up so far, while the broader Digital Inclusion initiative has supported over 32,000 low-income households across multiple schemes.
The NEU PC Plus programme, aimed at households with school children, has benefitted over 27,000 households, with recent enhancements raising income caps to include more families and simplifying subsidies for Special Education students.
The Ministry emphasised ongoing enhancements to digital inclusion schemes, including the expansion of NEU PC Plus eligibility, which is expected to benefit an additional 5,000 households over the next five years.

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16 Aug 2016

Enhancing Competency of Home Team to Tackle Online Crime

Desmond Choo questioned the Ministry for Home Affairs on how it is training Home Team officers to tackle online crimes and whether it is collaborating with the private sector to enhance detection and forensics capabilities.
K Shanmugam stated that the Singapore Police Force provides specialised training, including hands-on instruction for new officers and additional forensic training for Investigation Officers, along with the establishment of a Cybercrime Command and Cybercrime Response Teams.
The Police are engaging financial institutions and online platforms to detect and prevent scams, while also partnering with international and local organizations to strengthen cyber-forensic capabilities.

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16 Aug 2016

Government Technology Agency Bill

The Government Technology Agency (GovTech) is being established to lead the digital transformation of the public sector, enhance cybersecurity and reliability of ICT systems, and support Singapore's Smart Nation vision by developing next-generation, citizen-centric digital services.
Members of Parliament raised suggestions and concerns, including the need for GovTech to collaborate with agencies like the Cyber Security Agency and Smart Nation Programme Office, prioritize inclusive technology for all citizens, and consider extending support to SMEs and private sector partners.
The Minister confirmed that GovTech will focus on public sector transformation while coordinating with other agencies, benchmark against international best practices, and work to bridge digital divides and ensure robust privacy and security standards.

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16 Aug 2016

Info-communications Media Development Authority Bill

The debate highlighted the need for IMDA to balance light-touch regulation with promotion of innovation in the converged infocomm and media sector, with members urging representation of industry practitioners on its board and support for local content creators.
Concerns were raised about potential conflicts between regulatory and developmental roles, with calls for transparent procedures in content classification and appeals to protect creative expression while upholding community values.
Speakers emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships for non-commercial content of national interest, such as live broadcasts of the Olympics, and suggested IMDA could facilitate such initiatives.
The discussion included recommendations to improve talent development, including harmonizing career tracks for non-degree holders and establishing a guild to support freelance media professionals.
The Minister affirmed IMDA’s dual focus on regulation and industry growth, outlined initiatives like the TechSkills Accelerator, and committed to addressing issues such as content transparency and consumer protection.

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16 Aug 2016

Info-communications Media Development Authority Bill

The Minister for Communications and Information introduced the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) Bill to merge the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) and Media Development Authority (MDA) into a single converged regulator, citing the rapid convergence of infocomm and media sectors as the main driver for this restructuring.
The Bill aims to establish IMDA with the same functions and powers as IDA and MDA, focusing on industry development, consumer protection, content regulation, and personal data protection, while streamlining regulations for businesses in a digitally converged landscape.
Supporters, such as Zaqy Mohamad, endorsed the restructuring as timely to address blurred regulatory lines in sectors like telecommunications and media, but raised concerns about simplifying content regulations and ensuring affordable access to content like sports broadcasts.
Key priorities for IMDA include building a skilled Singaporean talent pool for the infocomm media sector, enhancing innovation facilities, and leveraging synergies across infocomm and media to drive economic growth and create new opportunities for businesses and consumers.
The Bill includes transitional arrangements to repeal existing acts, transfer personnel and undertakings, and incorporate the Personal Data Protection Commission under IMDA, ensuring regulatory continuity while promoting a more integrated and competitive infocomm media ecosystem.

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15 Aug 2016

Ministry's Purchase of Document Generator System and Efforts to Integrate System with Existing Platforms

The Ministry of Manpower initiated a multi-year project to redevelop IT systems for processing all work pass types, with phase 1 including a common Document Generator System (DGS) to be used across all passes.
The DGS was separately awarded to NCS for scalability, but integration delays with the FDW system led to a custom-built solution by Thoughtworks for FDWS alone, avoiding additional cost and allowing timely launch.
The common DGS procured in phase 1 will be used in subsequent phases starting in 2017 for higher volume correspondences for Employment Passes, S Passes, and other work permits.

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11 Jul 2016

Cybersecurity Measures in Place at Key Installations and Critical Infrastructures

The Cyber Security Agency (CSA) protects critical infrastructure by working with regulators across 11 sectors, ensuring entities have adequate plans to deal with cyber threats.
CSA conducts cybersecurity exercises, such as Cyber Star, to validate the incident response capabilities of critical sectors like Banking & Finance, Energy, Government, and Infocomm.
A new National Cybersecurity Strategy is being developed, and a Cybersecurity Act will be introduced in 2017 to enhance protection, information sharing, and incident response for critical infrastructure.

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11 Jul 2016

Plans for Wider Use of Automated Vehicle Systems in Transport System

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked about plans for wider use of automated vehicle systems, their energy and cost efficiency, and support for displaced drivers.
Khaw Boon Wan outlined four initiatives including self-driving buses, pods for first-and-last-mile travel, truck-platooning at ports, and utility vehicles for road cleaning.
The Ministry expects long-term cost improvements but says it is too early to quantify exact savings.
Automation may ease Singapore's current driver shortage in the near term but future reskilling programs will be needed for drivers.

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11 Jul 2016

Posting of Job Openings in Public Service on National Jobs Bank

Patrick Tay asked whether all Public Service job openings can be posted on the National Jobs Bank in addition to Careers@Gov.
Currently, agencies must separately post on both portals, but on average 268 public sector jobs (21% of total) are posted monthly on Jobs Bank.
PSD is working with WDA to create an interface between Careers@Gov and Jobs Bank to simplify posting, expected to be ready by year-end.

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11 Jul 2016

Government's Engagement of Ride-sharing App Companies and Private Car Hire Drivers

Ang Hin Kee questioned if the Ministry adequately engaged ride-sharing companies on the "light touch" regulations and whether taxi operators could be exempted from certain compliance requirements.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed that LTA held consultations with Uber, Grab, taxi associations, car rental firms, and commuters, aiming for regulations that protect safety without stifling innovation.
He explained that taxi operators retain Quality of Service and Taxi Availability standards to ensure minimum service quality for street hail and phone bookings, with noted improvements in taxi availability during peak hours.
The Ministry plans to continue reviewing these requirements as the industry evolves to ensure they remain relevant.

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11 Jul 2016

Government Technology Agency Bill

The Government Technology Agency Bill aims to establish the Government Technology Agency and make consequential amendments to other Acts.
The bill was presented by Minister for Communications and Information Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim and read for the first time.
It is scheduled for a second reading at the next available Parliament sitting and will be printed.

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11 Jul 2016

Info-communications Media Development Authority Bill

The bill proposes the establishment of the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) to replace and consolidate the existing Info-communications Development Authority and Media Development Authority.
It aims to introduce a unified regulatory framework for competition and consumer protection in the media and info-communications sectors.
The bill includes the repeal of two existing acts and makes consequential amendments to other relevant legislation.

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11 Jul 2016

Cybersecurity Measures to Ensure Banking System Integrity

The Minister stated that MAS and financial institutions in Singapore have robust cybersecurity measures in place, including regular security reviews, threat detection, and recovery capabilities, to protect the banking system's integrity.
MAS supervises financial institutions through onsite and offsite assessments, issues advisories on cyber threats, and collaborates with industry groups like the Association of Banks in Singapore to enhance sector-wide cyber resilience.
Plans are underway to develop a local cybersecurity talent pool, coordinated by the Ministry of Communications and Information and the Cyber Security Agency, to address growing threats across all sectors.
MAS conducts regular audits and penetration tests on specific systems like FAST to ensure they are resilient against cyberattacks, similar to the SWIFT network targeted in the Bangladesh Bank incident.

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11 Jul 2016

Rationale for Delinking Civil Servants' Computers with Government Email Capabilities from Internet

The government decided to delink civil servants' computers with email capabilities from the internet due to a significant and escalating cybersecurity threat, including targeted attacks, to better protect sensitive data and citizen information.
Alternative solutions were considered over several years, but internet separation was chosen as the most effective measure, allowing civil servants to access the internet via separate devices without affecting public services or the Smart Nation vision.
The implementation will be phased over a year, with agencies assessing their specific needs, and the government will monitor productivity impacts while providing support and workshops to ensure a smooth transition.

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9 May 2016

Cost of Developing New Generation ERP System

Zainal Sapari questioned the $556 million cost of the new GNSS-based ERP system, the large price gap between the winning tender and the next highest quote of $1.2 billion, and how data privacy would be protected.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the tender covers design, backend systems, five-year operations, replacement of OBUs, additional equipment, and value-added services like traffic information and electronic payments.
He noted that both tender bids were technically sound, with price differences arising from varying cost estimates and pricing strategies by the tenderers.
The system is required to anonymise and aggregate ERP data to safeguard motorists' privacy while supporting traffic management and analysis.

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11 Apr 2016

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

Members of Parliament raised concerns about the growth of the infocomm and media sectors, emphasizing the need to develop a strong Singaporean core talent pool, enhance training for mid-career professionals, and balance foreign manpower dependency while supporting local startups and content creators.
The debate highlighted cybersecurity as a critical priority, with calls for stronger legislation, international cooperation, and resilience measures for critical infrastructure, alongside the need to raise awareness among businesses and individuals.
Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) was discussed extensively, focusing on the need for high-quality local content, support for independent producers, and adapting to digital competition from global platforms like Netflix, while ensuring accessibility and relevance for all demographics.

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11 Apr 2016

Committee of Supply – Head M (Ministry of Finance)

Members called for procurement reforms to better support SMEs, suggesting outcome-based tenders and a revitalized "buy innovation" framework, while the government highlighted existing initiatives like the Accreditation@IDA and the revamped GeBIZ portal to facilitate SME participation.
Concerns were raised about the inclusivity and fairness of digitalisation, with the government detailing plans for upgraded Citizen Connect Centres and the National Trade Platform to ensure all citizens, especially seniors and SMEs, benefit from digital services.
The adequacy of means-testing for social schemes was debated, with suggestions to incorporate more granular factors like property ownership and long-term income, and the government acknowledged the need for ongoing review while defending the current proxy measures.
A proposal for refundable tax credits to support specialised caregivers was discussed, with the government emphasising its focus on subsidising services directly rather than providing cash allowances, while also highlighting existing support measures.
The government confirmed that interim constitutional provisions allow for continued operations during the debate period and that it remains committed to reviewing compliance burdens for businesses and enhancing retirement adequacy for vulnerable groups.

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6 Apr 2016

Online Voting Using SingPass for Singaporeans based Overseas

The Government has studied online voting for overseas Singaporeans using SingPass but identifies challenges such as authentication, preventing impersonation, ensuring voting secrecy, system reliability, and security risks like hacking.
SingPass can partially address authentication issues but cannot fully overcome other challenges like voting secrecy, audit difficulties, and vulnerability to cyberattacks, as highlighted by the Minister.
The current method of postal voting is considered simpler and more transparent to maintain election integrity, with the Government cautioning against internet voting due to unresolved risks.

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4 Apr 2016

Take-up Rate for Digital TV Assistance Scheme

The Digital TV Assistance Scheme has reached nearly 39,000 households out of 84,000 eligible households notified, representing a 46% take-up rate, with the government on track to notify all eligible households by early 2017.
The Minister outlined multiple awareness efforts, including booklets, media advertising, roadshows, and partnerships with community organizations, noting a survey showed 62% of households knew how to receive DTV channels.
Reasons for non-take-up include households already subscribing to pay TV, owning newer DTV-ready sets, or potential unawareness despite notifications, with continued outreach planned to address the latter.
In a supplementary question, Ms Sun Xueling asked about support for the elderly and less Internet-savvy, and the Minister confirmed help is available via hotline numbers in booklets and a website.
The debate highlights the DTV transition as a potential indicator for challenges in the broader Smart Nation initiative, focusing on inclusive digital adoption.

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