Digital & technology — Topics

7 Jul 2014

Clarification by Minister for Communications and Information

Minister Yaacob clarified that the third-quarter 2015 timeline refers to the replacement of the current SingPass system, based on a tender called in April 2014.
He stated that two-factor authentication is being rolled out for agencies with online transactions and sensitive data, with implementation timelines left to individual agencies.
Agencies are expected to reveal their specific timelines for two-factor authentication later in the year.

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7 Jul 2014

Impact of Personal Data Protection Act on Financial Institutions' Contractual Relationship with Clients

The Minister affirmed that the Personal Data Protection Commission does not condone unreasonable contract terminations by financial institutions and will investigate complaints, noting that while non-consent for marketing may justify ceasing a service, demanding consent for secondary purposes like marketing is often unreasonable.
Ang Wei Neng raised concerns about banks using lengthy or unclear terms and conditions to justify data usage, and suggested mandating that banks provide customers with an option to limit marketing to the bank alone, not from affiliated partners, and avoid contractual threats for disagreement with data policies.
The Minister agreed to forward these suggestions to the Commission and the Association of Banks of Singapore during ongoing banking sector consultations, emphasizing the need to protect customer interests and data.

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7 Jul 2014

Breach of SingPass User Accounts

Zaqy Mohamad, Mary Liew, and Yee Jenn Jong raised concerns about the SingPass breach, asking about investigation outcomes, security improvements, and measures for less internet-savvy citizens.
Minister Yaacob Ibrahim explained that the breach involved 1,560 accounts linked to suspicious mobile numbers, with no system vulnerabilities found, but weak passwords or malware were likely causes.
The government plans to implement two-factor authentication for sensitive services by Q3 2015, enhance password requirements, and improve analytics to detect anomalies.
IDA will work with agencies and the National Crime Prevention Council on cybersecurity awareness campaigns, including a CrimeWatch episode to educate the public.
The Minister emphasized that while costs for additional security measures would not fall on users, there might be temporary inconvenience from more frequent password changes.

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16 May 2014

Prime Minister's Office (National Security Coordination Secretariat)

The National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS) collaborates across government agencies to address multi-agency and cross-domain security challenges, such as maritime, food, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure security, while conducting long-term studies to anticipate threats and develop new capabilities.
Through the Risk Assessment and Horizon Scanning (RAHS) Programme, NSCS works with academic and international partners to refine methodologies for identifying and analyzing emerging risks like cyber threats, extreme weather, and food security, and conducts interdependency studies on national infrastructure networks.
The National Cyber Security R&D Programme, a $130 million initiative supported by multiple agencies, provides a collaborative platform for cybersecurity research and capability development, with grant calls for project proposals opened in 2014.
NSCS engages Singaporeans through education and outreach to build vigilance and resilience, and coordinates research to inform policies that strengthen social resilience against national security shocks.

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16 May 2014

Ministry of Home Affairs

The Deputy Prime Minister outlined that Singapore faces new security threats including terrorism, cyber-attacks, cross-boundary crime, and rising drug abuse, requiring the Home Team to adapt its strategies, invest in new capabilities, and foster stronger community partnerships.
The Home Team will implement new measures such as the Community Policing System (COPS), enhanced rehabilitation and aftercare programs, an Organised Crime Act, and expanded use of technology like police cameras, biometric passports, and advanced command systems to improve safety and response.
Investments will be made in infrastructure and equipment, including new police stations, fire stations, patrol boats, and unmanned firefighting machines, while boosting officer training, specialization, and community engagement to maintain a proactive and comprehensive approach to security.

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16 May 2014

Ministry of Communications and Information

The Ministry aims to develop a vibrant infocomm, media, and design sector to improve quality of life, including a new Infocomm Media Masterplan to make Singapore a Smart Nation and promoting computational thinking in youth.
It will nurture startups by improving the ecosystem, level the playing field for accredited firms in government tenders, and build new infrastructure like a nationwide sensor network.
The Ministry will enhance regulatory frameworks, such as classifying internet services as essential utilities and amending the Broadcasting Act, while expanding co-regulation and content classification to protect consumers and public interest.
Initiatives include digitizing national collections, improving public service broadcasts, and setting up a Digital Inclusion Fund to ensure accessibility for all Singaporeans, including the disabled.
The Ministry will strengthen public engagement through REACH and enhance government communications, including translation services, to foster a connected and informed nation.

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14 Apr 2014

Drop Call Rate as a Measure of Availability of Radio Channels

Ms Lee Li Lian questioned how the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) uses drop call rate to measure the availability of radio channels, noting that IDA does not test or monitor this availability under its Quality of Service standards.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim explained that even if a radio channel is unavailable, network equipment can register attempted calls, which are included in IDA's call success rate calculation under 3G QoS standards.
Dr Yaacob added that radio channel availability is primarily relevant to mobile operators for diagnosing network congestion and improving their networks, rather than being a direct measure for IDA's regulatory metrics.

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14 Apr 2014

Actual Experience of Mobile Subscribers

Lee Li Lian questioned whether IDA's published drop call rates accurately reflect what mobile subscribers experience and what measures ensure alignment with actual experience.
IDA determines drop call rates by auditing mobile operators' network traffic logs, citing examples from August 2013 where rates were 0.27% for M1 and StarHub and 0.41% for SingTel.
The minister stated that since these figures are derived from the total set of network transactions, they measure the actual experience of subscribers on the ground for that month.

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14 Apr 2014

Methods to Audit Mobile Network Traffic Logs

Lee Li Lian asked whether the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) uses advanced methods beyond drive and walk tests to audit mobile network traffic logs.
The Minister clarified that IMDA does not use network traffic logs to measure coverage, as logs can only assess performance within covered areas, not actual coverage extent.
Instead, IMDA employs drive-walk-cycle tests to measure network coverage, while call success and drop rates are derived from operators’ network traffic logs.

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14 Apr 2014

Social Media Etiquette Course for Secondary School Students

Tan Su Shan proposed a compulsory social media etiquette course for secondary school students, citing the need for structured education on online protocol.
Heng Swee Keat responded that social media etiquette is already integrated into the existing Cyber Wellness syllabus under the Character and Citizenship Education curriculum, which started in 2014.
The syllabus emphasizes respect, safety, and responsible use of technology, covering topics like online identity, relationships, and discerning choices through case discussions and reflection.
Teachers guide students to apply these lessons in real scenarios, aiming to shape attitudes and behaviors for responsible online interactions.
The government maintains that current provisions address the issue, making a separate compulsory course unnecessary.

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14 Apr 2014

Introduction of ERP2 System

Png Eng Huat sought details on the ERP2 roadmap, estimated cost, and privacy safeguards, to which Lui Tuck Yew responded that a tender would be called soon, the cost was not yet known, and privacy concerns would be addressed once proposals were reviewed.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that ERP2 would serve as a congestion management tool and could support additional services like traffic information and electronic roadside parking.
The Minister emphasized that it was premature to provide a cost estimate or specific privacy safeguards before receiving tender submissions and technical solutions.
The government planned to proceed with ERP2 rollout while ensuring appropriate measures are taken to address privacy and other concerns as they arise.

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14 Apr 2014

Complaints on Do Not Call Registry

About 595,000 telephone numbers were registered with the Do Not Call Registry by the end of March 2014, with over 3,000 valid complaints received since the rules took effect.
The Personal Data Protection Commission has issued over 200 warnings, accepted composition offers from two organizations for serious breaches, and is investigating one case for possible prosecution, while illegal activity cases are referred to the Police.
The Ministry considers the registration response good and will continue public awareness efforts, with enforcement actions depending on the seriousness of offenses, though a detailed breakdown of composite fines is unavailable due to ongoing investigations.

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14 Apr 2014

Public Transport Updates on Multiple Broadcast Platforms

Mr Baey Yam Keng asked about plans for an integrated network for live bus and MRT updates across multiple platforms like the internet, TV, radio, and digital signboards.
The Minister for Transport replied that current live service information is provided via PTO websites, apps, and integrated platforms like MyTransport.SG, with additional dissemination through third-party apps, radio, and Twitter.
Chia Shi-Lu inquired about the criteria for installing digital signboards at bus stops, and the Minister responded that they are placed at major, heavily used bus stops with many buses.
Mr Baey Yam Keng highlighted that digital signboards currently only show bus information and suggested including MRT updates for better integrated travel planning, which the Minister acknowledged by noting ongoing studies to enhance real-time integrated service information.

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10 Mar 2014

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

The debate centered on developing Singapore's infocomm and media sectors through a new integrated masterplan, which includes ideas like a nationwide heterogeneous network (HetNet), home-based healthcare for seniors, and a national coding movement (CODE@SG) to promote computational thinking.
Members raised concerns about digital inclusivity for the elderly and low-income households, leading to announcements of an assistance package for digital TV and enhanced library services, including mini mobile libraries and reading programmes for seniors and children.
The government outlined plans to support local media and creative industries, including bolstering public service broadcasting, promoting local music and film, and establishing a National Translation Committee to improve multilingual communications.

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21 Feb 2014

Regulating Use of Virtual Currencies

Mary Liew asked whether the government will regulate virtual currencies like Bitcoin in Singapore and if there are plans to educate citizens on the risks of trading or investing in them.
Tharman, speaking for the Prime Minister, stated that Bitcoin is not regulated by MAS, is not legal tender, and is not considered a security, but noted its high risks including price volatility and lack of legal protection for users.
MAS has issued consumer alerts warning of these risks and advises caution, but there is currently no international regulatory consensus on virtual currencies.
MAS will continue monitoring the use and risks of virtual currencies in Singapore, along with global developments, and may introduce regulations if deemed necessary.

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17 Feb 2014

Verification of Network Traffic Logs of Local Mobile Network Operators by IDA

IDA conducts independent island-wide tests to measure signal strengths, call success rates, and drop call rates, and performs on-site audits of operators' network traffic logs to validate these metrics against QoS standards.
There are no inconsistencies between mobile network coverage and drop call rates because they measure different aspects: coverage reflects signal presence and strength, while drop call rates indicate the availability of radio channels to maintain calls.
Drop call rates are assessed using operators' network traffic logs, which are audited by IDA to reflect actual user data, and the results are compared against established QoS standards.

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17 Feb 2014

Nationwide Outdoor Signal Service Coverage Survey by IDA

Ms Lee Li Lian asked for the number of sample readings taken in the 2013 IDA coverage survey and the time interval between each reading, comparing it to the 524,875 readings per network in the 2012 survey.
The Minister responded that IDA’s 3G Quality of Service framework requires a minimum of 100,000 signal strength readings per month per cellular network, with about three readings taken every two seconds during testing.
The 2012 survey had over 524,000 readings per network as it was the first audit after a standards revision, and IDA has since increased the frequency to monthly surveys from Q2 2013, collecting over 800,000 readings per network in the second and third quarters.
The results for the fourth quarter of 2013 are still being compiled, indicating ongoing efforts to monitor outdoor signal coverage nationwide.

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17 Feb 2014

Cyber Threats to Government and Public-access Online Sites

Mrs Lina Chiam questioned whether the government website downtime on 2-3 November 2013 was due to maintenance or hacking, which specific sites were affected, and if sensitive data like SingPass was compromised.
Minister Yaacob Ibrahim clarified that the downtime was due to technical difficulties during scheduled preventive maintenance, not hacking, and all websites were restored by 5:20 pm with no sensitive data compromised.
The government emphasized heightened vigilance and ongoing efforts to strengthen cyber security in response to declared threats, ensuring rapid service restoration and data integrity if breaches occur.

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17 Feb 2014

Reliability and Consistency of Mobile Telecommunications Services

Zaqy Mohamad questioned the progress of initiatives to ensure greater resiliency from mobile providers after an M1 outage, how providers have performed under IDA’s service standards, and how business continuity can be improved.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim outlined that M1 is reviewing its network after the February 2014 outage, IDA is investigating, and an audit framework for network resiliency will be implemented in the second half of 2014, covering design, redundancy, and business continuity.
IDA has imposed fines for outages and non-compliance, such as a $1.5 million penalty on M1 in 2013 and a $25,000 penalty for failing to meet outdoor coverage standards, while all operators met some QoS benchmarks in 2013.
Businesses are urged to adopt tailored continuity plans, such as using multiple operators or technologies, and IDA will continue updating regulatory frameworks to enhance service resilience and quality.

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21 Jan 2014

Global Positioning Systems in Taxis

Mrs Lina Chiam asked whether the Ministry would install GPS in taxis to support regulations for minimum mileage or operational hours, and how to ensure maximum usage.
The Minister for Transport replied that over 98% of Singapore’s 28,000 taxis already have GPS systems, mainly due to Taxi Service Operator Licence requirements, with Prime upgrading its fleet by Q3 2014.
The Minister explained that GPS is used to enforce taxi availability standards, including a requirement for taxis to clock 250 km daily and to meet hourly road presence targets, especially during peak hours.

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