Digital & technology — Topics

13 May 2013

Cost of National Electronic Health Records (NEHR) System

Gerald Giam asked about the total amount spent to date on the NEHR system, the additional funding needed to complete it, and the annual maintenance costs.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that $172 million has been spent on NEHR Phase 1 so far and that the total investment depends on the healthcare sector's needs as the 10-year program continues.
The Minister noted that MOH is currently gathering stakeholder feedback for the next phase and that the system's annual maintenance costs are about $20 million.

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13 May 2013

Single Agency for Application of Business Licences

Teo Siong Seng proposed that business licence applications be channelled through a single agency to improve efficiency and reduce costs, instead of requiring submissions to multiple government agencies.
Lim Hng Kiang highlighted Singapore's top ranking in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Survey and pointed to existing initiatives like the Online Business Licensing Service (OBLS), which integrates over 80 licences from 17 agencies into a one-stop portal.
The government emphasised its commitment to streamlining e-services through platforms like GeBiz and Web Interface Standards to ensure consistency and user-friendliness across agencies.
It was noted that the Public Service will continue to enhance accessibility and integration of e-services under the eGov Masterplan, moving towards a more cohesive approach for businesses.

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8 Apr 2013

Adoption of International Telecommunication Union's Framework and Methodology for Telecommunication Services

Lee Li Lian questioned why IDA's QoS standards for 2G and 3G cellular services focus on signal strength but not signal quality, and asked if IDA would adopt the ITU's framework for quality telecommunication services.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim clarified that IDA's framework does include signal quality indicators like coverage, call success rates, and dropped call rates, which collectively reflect quality.
He noted that IDA incorporates relevant ITU recommendations but excludes those not directly consumer-focused, such as global interconnection standards, to ensure standards are meaningful and aligned with regulatory objectives.
The minister highlighted that Singapore is among few countries with enforceable QoS standards and that IDA regularly reviews and enhances these, such as increasing building coverage requirements.

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8 Apr 2013

Monthly Network Availability for Public Cellular Mobile Telephone Services

Lee Li Lian raised questions about the monthly network availability of mobile operators, why it is a compliance requirement for broadband but not for mobile services, and requested cost estimates and future measures following M1's January 2013 outage.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim responded that mobile network availability is monitored but not a compliance indicator, as operators have consistently exceeded the 99.9% benchmark, with M1's outage in January 2013 being an exception.
The minister explained that penalties under the Resiliency Code for disruptions are higher than if network availability were a compliance indicator, and that M1 is under investigation with potential penalties up to $1 million or 10% of annual turnover.
The disruption's impact on consumers and businesses varied widely, making it difficult to estimate the total cost, and the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) is studying preventive measures to avoid future outages.
IDA will share learning points from the M1 incident with all three operators to enhance network resilience.

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8 Apr 2013

Independent Verification of Drop Call Rates on Mobile Operators' Network Traffic Logs

Ms Lee Li Lian inquired whether IDA independently verifies drop call rates for 2012 using third-party experts or its own methods.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim responded that IDA audits mobile operators' network traffic logs to validate their drop call rates.
IDA also conducts independent checks on drop call rates island-wide, including on roads and in MRT tunnels.

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8 Apr 2013

Update on Plans to Develop Singapore into a Global Interactive Digital Media Hub

The Singapore government allocated S$500 million in 2006 to develop the Interactive Digital Media (IDM) sector, with S$328 million committed across three initiatives: international research partnerships, startup support, and innovation platforms, while the overall media industry reached S$7.4 billion in value-add by 2011 against a S$10 billion target.
The IDM Programme funded over 400 R&D projects, supported more than 3,000 researchers, launched 450 products and services, and saw the IDM sector’s value-add grow from S$763 million in 2008 to S$1.41 billion in 2011, with 1,500 research papers published and 63 patents filed.
More than 200 startups and 700 entrepreneurs received support, raising over S$20 million in follow-on funding, while test-bed initiatives attracted over S$100 million in third-party investments, with companies like KAI Square achieving rapid growth and international expansion.

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8 Apr 2013

Access to Pay and Tax Records for Processing of MediFund

Minister Gan Kim Yong confirmed that public hospitals can already access patients' CPF and IRAS records with consent to process MediFund and other assistance applications, though CPF data has a $5,000 monthly income cap.
The government is working to integrate full income data from IRAS, targeting implementation by early next year to improve accuracy and reduce patient documentation burden.
While current systems already streamline applications for subsidies and financial counselling, ongoing improvements aim to further minimize administrative hassle for patients and families.

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8 Apr 2013

Consumer Education on Premium Rate Services Provided by Telecommunications Companies

Mr Lim Biow Chuan questioned whether IDA would act against telecom companies that allow third-party providers to mislead consumers into expensive quizzes and contests without clear cost notifications.
The Minister confirmed that IDA enforces a Code of Practice for Premium Rate Services, requiring upfront price disclosure and explicit consumer confirmation before charging, with penalties up to $1 million or 10% of annual turnover.
IDA has taken 26 enforcement actions since 2007, including warnings and financial penalties, with the highest fine being $100,000.
Since 2012, mobile operators must offer consumers the option to bar PRS services to prevent accidental subscriptions and charges.
The Minister advised consumers, especially vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, to stay vigilant and use barring services or education to avoid unintended charges.

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8 Mar 2013

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

The debate focused on the transition to digital TV, with concerns about bridging the digital divide, ensuring affordable access for low-income households, and the need for a clear timeline and benefits for Singaporeans.
Members called for more support for local content creation across media platforms, including music, TV, and news, with suggestions to increase accessibility and royalties for local talents.
Discussions highlighted the need to use ICT for social good, such as aiding the elderly, disabled, and low-income families, and improving productivity for SMEs through technology adoption and smart work centres.

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6 Feb 2013

Broadband Speed

A member questioned if there are plans to improve Singapore's broadband speed, which reportedly lags behind South Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong, but the minister responded that Singapore's speeds have significantly improved due to fiber services and are now among the leading group of countries, with ongoing efforts to enhance international speeds and market competition.
The minister explained that IDA measures speeds through comprehensive tests using volunteer-installed probes and is reviewing regulations like quality of service standards, but any new measures must be justified and not stifle market incentives, while also addressing local concerns about actual speeds experienced by users.
Another member raised concerns about mobile broadband speed and coverage, suggesting building codes include base stations, and the minister confirmed that new regulations require developers to allocate space for base stations and that efforts are underway to improve coverage by working with building owners and telcos.

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14 Jan 2013

Progress on Singapore Memory Project

The Singapore Memory Project has collected over 500,000 memories, with 67% in text, 32% in photos, and 1% in video, and about 90% in English with a mix of other languages.
The target of 5 million memories by 2015 is a quantitative indicator, but the project's main focus is on building narratives of shared values and experiences, and it will continue as a permanent NLB effort.
NLB uses a hybrid outreach approach, including physical roadshows, student-led interviews in heartlands, and digital channels like a web portal, mobile app, and social media, to engage Singaporeans of all ages and races.

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14 Jan 2013

Quick Build-up of Telecommunications Base Stations in New Estates

The Minister explained that time lags in setting up base stations in new estates arise from mobile operators needing to negotiate commercial terms with building or land owners, a process that can take three to 12 months.
To ensure telcos keep pace with new housing construction, the IDA has revised quality of service standards to include indoor coverage and is streamlining processes for HDB buildings, while a revised Code of Practice will require building developers to facilitate mobile coverage.
The Ministry emphasises that network design is a business decision for telcos, but they must meet regulatory coverage requirements, and IDA will continue monitoring developments to minimise inconvenience to residents.

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14 Jan 2013

Payment Systems (Oversight) (Amendment) Bill

The Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth introduced the Payment Systems (Oversight) (Amendment) Bill to strengthen the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS) oversight of designated payment systems and align regulations with international standards, following industry consultation.
The amendments exempt MAS from certain parts of the Act for its own operated system (MEPS+), introduce confidentiality provisions for MAS reports, and allow MAS to exercise immediate emergency powers during crises affecting payment systems.
During the debate, Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef supported the Bill but raised clarifications on MAS's self-regulation, the $30 million stored-value facility threshold, supervisory resource needs, cross-border transaction impacts, and security challenges for online payments.
The Minister addressed these points by explaining MAS's internal governance framework, the rationale for the threshold, no change in supervisory scope, no impact on foreign transactions, and MAS's ongoing efforts to enhance IT security for payment services.
The Bill was read a second time, considered in committee, and passed without amendment.

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14 Jan 2013

Computer Misuse (Amendment) Bill

The Computer Misuse (Amendment) Bill expands government powers to proactively counter cyber threats to Critical Information Infrastructure, allowing the Minister to issue certificates directing entities to take preventive measures or provide technical information, with non-compliance punishable by fines or imprisonment.
The bill includes safeguards such as limiting information use to threat-related purposes, granting immunity for actions taken in good faith, and establishing a three-stage consultation process for affected stakeholders.
While MPs broadly supported the bill, concerns were raised about the broad scope of ministerial discretion, potential privacy intrusions, and the need for external accountability mechanisms like periodic reviews.
The amendment also expands the definition of "essential services" to include land transport, aviation, shipping, and health services, and aligns Singapore’s approach with international cybersecurity practices.

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14 Jan 2013

Investigation into Hacking of People's Association's Websites

The Minister assured that the hacking of the People's Association's websites is under police investigation, with no evidence of personal information leakage, and the affected sites were restored with enhanced security measures.
The Government has existing cybersecurity protocols, including regular monitoring, audits, and a Cyber Watch Centre, and is working to fix vulnerabilities and prevent similar attacks across all agencies.
Following the incident, the Government is reviewing and potentially enhancing cybersecurity guidelines and parameters for periodic reviews to prevent future attacks.
The security of SingPass transactions was reaffirmed as robust, with ongoing monitoring and no indication of compromise from this incident.
A lapse in software maintenance was identified as the cause, and agencies have been instructed to improve their maintenance regimes to ensure timely checks and audits.

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14 Nov 2012

Security Assessment of Foreign Telecoms Companies

Zaqy Mohamad inquired about the US Intelligence Committee's report on Chinese telecom firms, the risk to Singapore's infrastructure, and any feedback from multinational corporations on security concerns.
Teo Chee Hean acknowledged the US report and affirmed Singapore's serious approach to cybersecurity, emphasizing robust measures without discriminating by brand or country of origin.
The government evaluates and monitors infocomm infrastructure for security compliance, implements safeguards, and works with IDA to strengthen internet security through mandatory codes and audits.
MHA and IDA are collaborating on additional risk mitigation measures to protect infrastructure from foreign threats, with penalties for non-compliance by service providers.
Singapore will continue to enhance its security regime, adapting to new technologies and risks to ensure national security and economic interests.

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12 Nov 2012

Payment Systems (Oversight) (Amendment) Bill

The Payment Systems (Oversight) (Amendment) Bill was presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam to amend the Payment Systems (Oversight) Act.
The bill was read for the first time and scheduled for a second reading at the next parliamentary sitting.
The debate focused on updating the legal framework to enhance the oversight of payment systems in Singapore.
The amendment aims to strengthen the regulatory authority and adapt to evolving financial technologies and risks.
The bill reflects the government's commitment to maintaining a secure and efficient payment ecosystem.

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12 Nov 2012

Computer Misuse (Amendment) Bill

The Computer Misuse (Amendment) Bill was introduced to update the existing Computer Misuse Act and apply related changes to other laws.
Second Minister for Home Affairs Mr S Iswaran presented the bill, had it read for the first time, and scheduled it for a second reading at the next parliamentary sitting.

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16 Oct 2012

Technology to Level Playing Field for Disadvantaged Students

Denise Phua asked how MOE uses technology to help disadvantaged students and if it will produce or distribute online learning materials like Khan Academy to support mainstream and special schools.
MOE responded by highlighting its teacher training, online resources like edumall2.0, and Learning Management Systems, while emphasizing that teachers are crucial in adapting resources and that technology does not replace teachers.
MOE also noted its ongoing work with Special Education schools to customize ICT and its measured approach to selecting high-quality materials, while acknowledging interest in exploring further online learning potential.
Phua agreed with the response and urged MOE to study how ICT can provide more accessible online lectures and resources to reduce reliance on costly tuition, thereby creating a level playing field.
MOE agreed to watch developments like Khan Academy and Open Lectures, prioritize quality in online resources, and expand access to curated materials for students and parents through initiatives like a parent portal.

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15 Oct 2012

High-rise Littering Hot Spots

NEA has installed surveillance cameras at 70 locations in 17 HDB estates to monitor high-rise littering, resulting in two offenders being identified and action taken.
The cameras are focused only on external facades, residents are notified in advance, and strict protocols limit access to recordings to authorized personnel to protect privacy.
NEA plans to continue using surveillance as a last resort while promoting education and community outreach to encourage responsible behavior and social graciousness.

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