预算辩论 · 2020-03-03 · 第 13 届国会
数字化与AI治理议题质询
Committee of Supply – Head Q (Ministry of Communications and Information)
议员质询数字化转型中的数据共享、隐私保护、设计思维创新及AI伦理框架等问题，关注新加坡在数据量不足和中小企业数字化能力上的挑战。政府回应涉及数字贸易协定、数据隐私原则及推动创新的措施，强调制定AI伦理框架。核心争议点在于如何平衡数据共享与隐私保护，以及提升本地企业数字化能力。
关键要点
- • 数字化推动经济转型
- • 数据共享与隐私权衡
- • AI伦理框架建设
推动数字贸易协定，制定数据隐私及AI伦理原则
加强数字贸易与AI伦理监管
"Traditional factors like land, labour, capital, or ageing population are no longer hard constraints in the digital economy."
参与人员（22）
- Cedric Foo Chee Keng
- Cedric Foo Chee Keng (Pioneer)]
- Darryl David
- Douglas Foo
- Janil Puthucheary
- Lim Sun Sun
- Minister for Communications and Information
- Mohamed Irshad
- Ong Teng Koon
- Patrick Tay Teck Guan
- Pritam Singh
- Rahayu Mahzam
- S Iswaran
- Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information
- Sim Ann
- Sylvia Lim
- Teo Ho Pin
- Teo Ser Luck
- Tin Pei Ling
- Vikram Nair
- Yee Chia Hsing
- [Mr Ong Teng Koon
完整译文（中文）
Hansard 英文原文译文 · 翻译日期：2026-05-02
数字化合作伙伴关系
傅志坚先生（先锋组）：主席先生，我请求提出动议，“将估算表Q项下的总拨款减少100元”。
数字化正在改变人们的生活、工作、娱乐和互动方式。企业必须拥抱数字化，才能保持相关性。我们的未来正以难以想象的方式和前所未有的速度被数字化塑造。
由于数字经济，许多全球顶尖公司现在都处于科技领域。按市值计算，全球十大公司中有七家是科技公司。这七家公司合计价值约6万亿美元。
显然，我们的政府、企业和员工必须依靠数字化来转型经济，创造机会并提升价值链。这样，我们才能保持相关性，创造良好且持久的就业机会。如果做得好，我们可以将脆弱性转化为机遇。传统的生产要素如土地、劳动力、资本，甚至我们的人口老龄化，在数字经济中已不再是硬性限制，如果我们策略得当，就能取得成功。
然而，数字化确实带来了许多挑战，尤其对于人口和消费基础都较小的城市国家来说。
数据分析、机器学习和人工智能需要大量数据。对于我们的政府和本地企业来说，获取足够大量的数据相比其他大国是一个挑战。我们如何克服这一限制，将对数字化的成功产生重大影响。也许，像我们刚与新西兰和智利签署的数字贸易协定会有所帮助。如果有更多此类协定，建立共享汇总匿名数据、相互认可或互操作性的框架，将有利于新加坡及所有参与经济体。部长能否对此作详细说明？
即使数据与本地企业共享，我们也需要考虑个人数据隐私等问题，因此政府是否同意私营企业的数据请求应基于哪些原则。这是一个需要明确的问题，部长能否告知这些原则是什么？
仅有数字人才不足以推动创新。通常，设计思维和对特定行业的深刻洞察也对成功创新和商业化至关重要。信息通信媒体部（MCI）设有设计思维单位。该部将如何提升该单位在新加坡创新和商业化中的影响力？
正如我们在生物伦理领域设定界限一样，我们也需要建立一个伦理框架，让人工智能在新加坡内合法运作。部长能否介绍这方面的工作进展？
数字化成功的关键因素之一是规模和能力。不幸的是，许多中小企业（SMEs）在这方面面临挑战。MCI将如何引导和激励这些中小企业拥抱数字化，为自身创造更光明的未来？
随着国家数字化程度加深，我们也迫切需要加强网络安全。我将在稍后另一个议题中讨论此问题。
外国数字人才
主席先生，我的下一项削减是关于外国数字人才，作为临时措施，以补充新加坡人在数字化进程中的需求。业界普遍反映，数据科学、网络安全、计算机科学等领域的数字人才严重短缺。随着经济转型，这类人才需求极高。
GovTech积极招聘科技行业人才，将我们的智慧国愿景变为现实。另一方面，由于人才稀缺，GovTech与私营部门争夺同类人才。
我们如何在此取得平衡，创造私营与公共部门的共生关系，而非形成“零和”输赢局面？
部长能否告知本地高等院校（IHLs）计算机科学和数据科学毕业生人数？未来五至十年此类毕业生的预测人数是多少？如果毕业生数量不足以满足行业需求，政府是否会允许临时发放就业准证和S准证？这样，我们现在可以吸引更多投资，最终惠及未来相关领域的新加坡毕业生。否则，风险是投资流向他处。
[（程序文本）提案问题。 （程序文本）]
企业数字化机遇
拉哈尤·马哈赞女士（裕廊）：新加坡几乎所有公司都会同意，数字化转型已非选择，而是生存必经之路。多年来，政府一直敦促包括中小企业在内的公司转型并采用适当技术，以保持相关性和竞争力。这个信息似乎已深入人心，大家对数字化的必要性有了高度认识。
然而，认识不一定转化为行动，尤其是许多小型企业转型较慢。信息通信媒体部长易华仁去年在MCI工作计划研讨会上表示，中小企业的问题不再是缺乏意识或意愿，而是资源有限、缺乏能力完成转型。
新加坡企业联合会（SBF）首席执行官何明杰去年也有类似观察。他指出，业务转型受制于新加坡科技行业人才短缺以及采用数字解决方案的成本或感知成本。在评论中，何先生提出多项建议，例如利用信息通信媒体发展局（IMDA）的“中小企业数字化计划”。
今年早些时候，SBF发布了2019/2020年度国家商业调查，发现中小企业知道必须采用数字解决方案来应对人力成本和寻找新收入方式的挑战，但成本仍是最大障碍。SBF呼吁政府以有力措施推动、支持和加强企业的数字化及研发工作。
回顾多年来的发展，我们如何评估数字化举措的成效？我们是否更好地理解中小企业面临的具体挑战并加以解决？我们打算如何继续帮助企业抓住数字经济机遇并实现规模化？
主席：翁廷坤先生，请同时处理两项削减。
翁廷坤先生（马西岭-裕廊西）：两项都处理，谢谢。主席先生，“中小企业数字化计划”已帮助超过4000家公司实施数字解决方案。这令人鼓舞，我们应继续优先加快数字转型，创造本地及区域新机遇。我想请问部长，未来对该计划有何规划？我们如何继续推动中小企业数字化采纳？
中小企业数字化，人才至关重要。然而，自动化和机器学习等领域的人才竞争激烈。中小企业在招聘方面可能无法与跨国公司竞争。我想请问部长，我们如何确保中小企业能吸引所需人才？又如何帮助中小企业通过提升现有员工技能来培养人才？
中小企业数字化面临的关键挑战之一是让所有员工准备好并具备应对变革的能力。链条的强度取决于最弱环节。我想请问部长，是否考虑为中小企业所有员工提供额外技能培训补贴，以配合其数字化转型？
帮助新加坡人获得优质工作
我的下一项削减。信息通信媒体（ICM）行业是关键增长领域，尤其是网络安全、物联网、沉浸式媒体、数据分析和人工智能等技术领域。我想请问部长，该行业将为新加坡人创造多少就业机会？我们如何帮助被相邻行业淘汰的成熟专业人士（PMETs）转入ICM行业？部长是否考虑为接受再培训的成熟PMETs提供津贴，以便他们在培训期间仍能照顾家庭？
关于网络安全职位，依据人力发展局（WSG）网站上的专业转换计划广告，居民反馈称很难进入此类计划。问题在于这些计划采用“先就业后培训”模式，即必须先找到工作才能接受培训。居民陷入两难：需要先获得工作才能培训，但又需要培训才能获得工作。我想请问部长，是否考虑超越副总理在预算声明中宣布的六个月20%薪资支持，进一步激励企业迈出第一步？
新加坡ICM行业的就业创造取决于新加坡作为本地及全球企业吸引中心的吸引力。我想请问部长，有何计划进一步发展本地生态系统？我们如何继续定位新加坡为亚洲数字科技枢纽？如何确保研究、创新和创业继续成为增长引擎？
主席：陈佩玲女士，请同时处理两项削减。
上午11时45分
新加坡及为新加坡培养科技人才
陈佩玲女士（麦波申）：人才对建设新兴成功产业至关重要。我们需要高素质技术工人和世界级人才的临界质量，以吸引顶尖企业和未来独角兽来新加坡创造优质就业，同时培养新加坡人胜任这些岗位。人才生人才，形成良性循环。
今年1月6日，部长告知议会，自2016年科技技能加速器（TeSA）计划启动以来，已有超过93,000个培训名额被占用或承诺。截至2019年10月，已有1,400名学员完成科技沉浸及安置计划（TIPP）。这些数字令人印象深刻。
请问部委，我们是否在满足信息通信技术（ICT）行业人力需求的轨道上？在93,000个TeSA名额中，有多少人完成课程、成功找到工作并留任？还有哪些措施帮助新加坡人转行并在数字经济中保持有意义的就业？技术不太熟悉但渴望转型的企业如何更好地接触和利用这批重新技能培训和提升技能的劳动力？
随着新加坡不断努力提升本地核心人才技能，企业预计会在此期间通过引进海外人才来弥补人才和技能缺口。
全球技术人才竞争激烈。2020年2月麦肯锡文章报道，全球87%的受访企业表示当前或未来几年将面临人力缺口。受访者认为市场和技术趋势将在这些变化中发挥重要作用。
更为严峻的是，世界经济论坛称全球正面临“再技能紧急状态”，到2030年全球需再培训10亿人。
企业和国家都急于缩小技能差距。新加坡需要更快——根据我接触的本地外ICT行业知名企业领导者，机会窗口仅有一至两年。未解决的美中紧张关系及全球保护主义上升导致人才流动受阻。在这些人才中，有一批不仅技能深厚，还因国际经历具备全球视野。如果我们能抢先吸引这批“赢家”人才，新加坡转型将被催化，更多顶尖企业和优质岗位将被吸引来新加坡。
因此，我想请问政府在吸引人才来新加坡、为新加坡服务方面扮演何种角色？最终，我们的新加坡核心人才必须从中受益，我们如何确保技能和知识的转移？
部分人才是快速崛起初创企业或快速成长公司的创始人，天生具备全球流动性。但他们可以投资新加坡，并在培养本地青年和人才方面发挥作用。政府是否在探索如何利用他们的价值，帮助培养人才，而无需他们必须长期居留？
数字未来的数据基础设施
新加坡正稳步实现智慧国愿景，并有望成为人工智能（AI）和区块链领域的领导者。数据是关键。大数据驱动AI，AI将推动数字未来的众多日常应用。因此，数据质量和完整性至关重要。数据能在系统间共享和互用也很重要。
随着东盟一体化和转型，以及新加坡推动建设和强化东盟智慧城市网络，我们如何确保产生的数据有意义、质量良好且区域间互操作？新加坡在影响和制定智慧东盟所需数据及数字基础设施标准方面能发挥何种作用？
这一发展将带来数据“爆炸”及高速处理需求。数据中心因此成为新加坡关键基础设施，是未来经济的支柱。我们预计将建造多少数据中心？建设速度如何，以实现智慧国和智慧东盟目标？
建设数据中心成本高昂，且耗能巨大。全球数据中心约消耗2%电力，碳足迹也很大，约占全球碳排放的0.3%，且有上升趋势。
政府如何推动提高效率、减少碳足迹，以应对更多数据中心建设？我们如何在实现2030年碳排放减半及2050年净零排放目标的同时，协调能源消耗和碳足迹的增长？
数据使用的伦理问题
翁廷坤先生：主席先生，数据既可用于造福，也可能造成严重伤害。随着技术发展，从面部识别到在线个性分析，个人数据越来越容易获取。
我们有《个人数据保护法》保护个人隐私，但也存在数据可携带性问题。我们需要解决数据的二次获取及合法获取数据被不良公司使用的问题。例如，外国在线公司可能从本地公司获取并转移个人数据，这些外国在线博彩公司随后针对弱势群体诱导赌博。部长如何确保数据可携带性与数据保护能协调共存？
我还想请问部长，如何通过立法限制公司收集数据？用户在网站或下载手机应用时，常遇到冗长的点击同意协议，内含大量信息披露条款。用户点击“接受”即同意这些条款，往往在不知情情况下允许数据共享。部长能否介绍可保护消费者及新加坡公众的伦理保障措施？
个人数据保护法——准专业人员就业
郑德源先生（西海岸）：根据2012年《个人数据保护法》，每个组织必须指定一名或多名数据保护官，负责确保组织遵守该法。
越来越多公司意识到，数据保护官的职责多为执行和管理性质，需制定和实施政策及流程。这应为寻求职业转换或内部再部署的准专业人士（PMETs）创造更多职位。MCI能否分享这可能为新加坡人创造多少新岗位？
此外，为促进PMETs在数据保护领域的成功招聘、安置和再部署，需要采取更积极措施培训、安置、匹配及再部署合适PMETs到潜在雇主，或其现有组织内的数据保护及合规岗位。我期待看到更多雇主与就业促进机构如e2i合作，帮助更多PMET中途转行者，无论是进入该行业还是在组织内再部署，顺利转型为数据保护专业人士。
我赞赏个人数据保护委员会（PDPC）于2019年7月17日发布的数据保护官（DPO）能力框架和培训路线图。该框架旨在指导数据保护专业人员提升其能力，同时为不同级别的数据保护官提供可行的职业发展路径。我希望听到信息通信媒体发展部（MCI）关于如何进一步推动这一专业领域，使其成为中期职业专业人士（PMETs）具有吸引力且可行的选择的计划。
监管面部识别技术
余嘉兴议员（蔡厝港）：主席，我们看到面部识别技术在新加坡的应用日益增多。甚至本议院也在考虑使用该技术来追踪议员出席情况，我在招标文件中看到了相关内容。虽然这项技术最初主要用于安全领域，但是否有关于面部识别技术使用的指导方针，以确保数据不会被用于商业目的，也不会危及个人数据安全？
先生，我认为需要对面部识别技术的部署进行更严格的监管。目前，诸如大华银行广场（UOB Plaza）和新加坡交易所中心（SGX Centre）等多栋建筑已经使用了该技术。
使用面部识别进行建筑物访问时，访客的姓名会与面部识别数据关联。那么，面部识别数据是否成为技术供应商的知识产权？供应商可以保存这些信息多长时间？供应商是否可以将相同信息用于其他客户？
另一个方面是供应商是否被允许将面部识别模式与更多数据关联，例如消费者购买行为。如果没有使用指导方针，这种技术可能被滥用的情况令人震惊。
主席，我建议所有由私人商业实体收集的面部识别数据不得存储超过24小时。除姓名外，面部识别数据不应与任何其他信息（如消费者购买模式）关联。如需例外，必须获得明确同意，并且即使如此，也应设定面部识别数据的最大存储期限。
主席，我们生活在一个勇敢的新世界，我担心如果没有指导方针，面部识别技术和数据将被滥用。因此，我真诚希望信息通信媒体发展部能关注此问题。
主席：穆罕默德·伊尔沙德议员，请一次性发表您的两个发言。
邮政与包裹的未来
穆罕默德·伊尔沙德议员（提名议员）：主席，全球邮政与包裹行业无疑正面临颠覆。随着核心邮件业务回报的不断变化、电子商务的快速普及以及客户期望的转变，现今的邮政与包裹公司需要具备适应性、相关性和创新能力，以跟上不断变化的需求。
先生，电子商务和在线购物的兴起深刻改变了消费者行为。许多消费者对配送和邮政基础设施的便利性和选择性提出了更高的期望。如今，除了新加坡邮政（SingPost）外，只有少数物流服务提供商提供最后一公里配送服务。
在这方面，政府有何计划改造我们的国内邮政基础设施以满足这些新需求，确保世界级的配送标准？更重要的是，消费者和企业未来可以期待什么，这些变化将如何与新加坡现有的邮政基础设施整合？
新加坡5G网络部署
主席，我转向谈论5G——5G是数字连接的基础，将成为我们数字未来的骨干。它将推动自动驾驶汽车、工业和消费领域物联网等新兴增长领域的发展。
2019年6月，通讯及资讯部长苏伊士宣布，政府已拨出4000万新元发展5G研究与创新生态系统，特别支持5G技术试验、开放测试平台以及5G研发。新加坡在发展5G研究与创新生态系统方面取得了哪些进展？
此外，鉴于资讯通信媒体发展局（IMDA）发布的5G征求建议书，我们的5G部署计划如何？政府采取了哪些措施支持5G推广，以确保新加坡在国际竞争中保持优势？更重要的是，5G将如何惠及新加坡民众，并确保5G对他们来说负担得起？
5G技术进展
杜格拉斯·傅议员（提名议员）：主席，随着新加坡准备今年推出5G网络，一些公司对5G部署的安全措施表示担忧。根据一家美国网络安全公司的调查（2019年10月发布），55%的受访者认为5G部署可能成为更有效且破坏性更强的网络犯罪手段，另有54%认为这可能为网络犯罪分子提供更多攻击组织的机会。
部长能否更新新加坡在拥抱5G通信网络方面的准备情况，以及有哪些计划帮助企业充分理解和利用这项技术，同时管理其挑战？信息通信媒体发展部是否计划与行业协会和商会合作，了解企业对这项新技术的需求，并推动新技术设备和应用的实施？
保障数字空间安全
维克拉姆·奈尔议员（森巴旺）：主席，我们常常没有意识到数字化在我们生活中的广泛性和重要性。我们所称的关键资讯基础设施是一些最重要的数字空间，国家网络安全局（CSA）正是为保护这些设施而设立。
中午12点
关键资讯基础设施目前涵盖航空、医疗、陆路交通、海事、媒体、安全与应急、水务、银行金融、政府和能源等行业的关键数据。
数据对于保持我们的发电厂、医院、水务、银行甚至政府的顺畅运作至关重要。随着数字化和自动化程度的提高，关键资讯基础设施的重要性日益增加，风险也随之加大。
去年4月，英国广播公司（BBC）报道，庞纳姆研究所（Ponemon Institute）对六国安全专业人士的调查显示，90%的人至少遭受过一次成功攻击。该调查涵盖公用事业、能源、医疗和交通部门的员工。报告还指出，资源不足和对“持续不断”的网络攻击缺乏情报是行业关注的焦点。
该研究的关键点是，我们必须假设攻击会发生，并做好应对准备。我们还需要防范人为失误，包括员工误开钓鱼邮件从而导致网络被攻击。此外，情报共享也非常必要。
我相信国家网络安全局正专注于这些问题，我希望了解政府如何保障关键资讯基础设施的网络安全和韧性。
网络安全局
林秀玉议员（亚历山大）：主席，2016年，政府发布了《新加坡网络安全战略》文件。该战略有四大支柱：一是加强关键资讯基础设施的韧性；二是动员企业和社区确保网络空间安全；三是发展充满活力的网络安全生态系统，包括技术先进的企业、技能熟练的劳动力和强大的研究合作；四是加强国际合作。
自2016年以来，许多事件使我们更加关注网络安全漏洞。政府目前如何评估新加坡网络安全战略的实施情况？网络安全局在落实这四大战略支柱方面取得了哪些贡献？
此外，网络安全局有权指示关键资讯基础设施所有者采取必要的网络安全措施，并在必要时提供专业咨询和直接协助。网络安全局如何确保其官员具备制定可信法规和指导方针的专业能力？这在供应商管理方面尤为重要，因为数据所有者通常将数据管理外包给第三方提供商。
我还想询问网络安全局在公共部门中的角色。根据《网络安全法》，关键资讯基础设施所有者包括政府，因为政府运营多项关键服务。去年，政府召集了公共部门数据安全审查委员会，最近发布了关于加强公共部门数据安全的报告。部长能否说明网络安全局在此次审查中扮演了什么角色？
网络安全
杜格拉斯·傅议员：主席，根据美国网络安全公司Carbon Black于2019年10月1日发布的报告，96%的新加坡受访公司表示过去12个月内至少遭受过一次外部网络攻击。
在遭受攻击的公司中，48%遭受了财务损失，83%报告声誉受损。此外，93%的组织报告过去一年网络攻击有所增加。
报告还指出，98%的首席信息官和首席信息安全官担心数字化转型项目和5G网络推广将进一步影响新加坡的网络安全。超过250名来自各行业的首席信息官、首席技术官和首席信息安全官参与了此次调查。
根据消费者信息提供商Comparitech的研究，该机构基于2018年移动设备和计算机感染恶意软件的比例以及加密货币挖矿攻击次数等指标，评估了60个国家的网络安全水平，新加坡排名全球第10位。这一成绩值得肯定，但2019年12月国防部和武装部队人员个人数据泄露等事件仍令人担忧。
以健康领域为例，我们从非典（SARS）中学到了建立可快速响应框架的重要性，如今新加坡的疾病预警与响应系统（DORSCON）在应对新冠肺炎（COVID-19）疫情中广受赞誉。若发生大规模国家级网络攻击，计算机和网络病毒迅速传播，是否有类似的框架来降低和缓解此类事件的风险？
主席：傅志坚议员，请一次性发表您的两个发言。
傅志坚议员：过去二三十年，数字计算技术迅速改变了世界，对企业和消费者产生深远影响。尤其是过去十年，数字技术的采用速度加快。数字技术的普及造就了高度互联的世界，赋能个人，改变了消费者、企业和政府的运作方式。
如今，许多智慧国应用允许随时访问，极大地方便了新加坡民众。
在企业层面，运营技术（OT）允许直接监控和控制关键工厂、电力和电信网络。它带来了显著的控制和生产力提升，包括预防性维护、减少停机时间和质量控制等。预计OT将在政府和许多组织中扮演越来越重要的角色，实现业务流程、物理活动和支持技术的更紧密整合。
在这个高度互联的世界中，网络攻击导致个人数据丢失，尤其是对关键OT系统的攻击，可能造成灾难性后果。国家行为者的网络攻击也已成为“首选武器”，这在许多国家均有体现。
我想请问部长，我们如何确保政府和企业能更好地防范这一新威胁？网络安全局在这方面做出了哪些贡献？
关于新冠肺炎相关谣言
我的下一个发言涉及新冠肺炎疫情相关谣言。乌克兰一城镇数十名抗议者袭击了运送72名从中国武汉撤离人员前往隔离设施的巴士。这些示威者点燃篝火，向警察和国民警卫队投掷石块，甚至动用了装甲人员运输车。
抗议起因是一封伪造的电子邮件，冒充乌克兰卫生部，谎称部分撤离人员感染了病毒。许多观察者指出，新冠肺炎的挑战不仅在于控制“生物病毒”，还在于控制“心理恐惧和非理性”，这往往源于假新闻和谣言。
新加坡也出现了关于新冠肺炎的假新闻。例如，“2019年1月28日，兀兰地铁站关闭，实际上当时完全正常运营”；“政府向每位‘中国大陆工人’在14天留岗期间每天发放100元补贴，实际上是发给符合条件的雇主”。这些及其他许多假新闻在流传，威胁着我们应对新冠肺炎的国家努力和公众信任。
幸运的是，新加坡有一部名为《防止网络假信息法》（POFMA）的新法律，回顾来看，这部法律确实及时。我想请部长更新政府如何应对新冠肺炎相关谣言，以及POFMA是否已被有效运用。
主席，议院内也曾讨论过，是否应由法官而非部长发布POFMA下的更正通知。我们最近实施POFMA应对新冠肺炎疫情的经验，是否强化了政府的立场，即发布更正通知最好由行政部门负责？
提供可信信息
王鼎群议员：主席，随着新冠肺炎疫情持续，我们看到破坏稳定的谣言伤害了国家。这些谣言包括兀兰地铁站关闭的假消息；七国禁止前往新加坡的旅行；以及一则关于新加坡有人死于新冠肺炎的网络谣言，实际上并无此事。
POFMA在处理虚假信息方面维护了稳定，但确保公民获得可信信息同样重要。
我想请部长说明，他能做些什么帮助公民轻松获取来自不同渠道的可信信息？我也想请部长考虑在紧急时期取消《海峡时报》的付费墙。
数字化世界中的沟通
林顺顺教授（提名议员）：主席，尽管新冠肺炎是一个可怕的威胁，但它也让我们认识到有效沟通和强大信息基础设施的重要性。
正如医疗自非典以来有显著进步，信息与通信技术也经历了巨大变革。我们的信息环境看似更加碎片化，却又更加互联。它碎片化且分裂，是因为信息和通信渠道众多。除了积极数字化的传统主流媒体，我们现在还能访问大量在线内容，涵盖WhatsApp、Telegram、微信、Facebook和抖音等多种平台。
因此，很难用简洁的方式描述当今受众所消费和受影响的多元信息世界。尽管看似碎片化，我们的信息环境因个人媒体设备（如智能手机）拥有量增加而更加互联。全球个人消费者在线相互连接，跨平台、跨地域甚至跨语言分享内容，语言障碍正被翻译软件迅速消除。
在全球化高度互联的世界中，我们对本地情况的理解因远超身边环境的视角而丰富且复杂。作为媒体消费者，我们不仅要应对国内信息流，还要管理国际新闻的冲击，更要辨别真假新闻与谣言。
在如此复杂的媒体环境中，谣言和虚假信息可能成为具有传染性的社会病毒，引发暴民心态和羊群效应，如我们经历的抢购潮，以及北美目前的类似现象。
因此，管理官方沟通的公共机构不能闭门造车，只关注本地围绕全球性危机的讨论。
去年5月本议院通过POFMA时，像新冠肺炎这样神秘且高度传染的疾病尚属“黑天鹅”事件，需避免发生。但当前危机为我们提供了宝贵机会，检验信息基础设施的韧性，包括官方沟通渠道、公众教育努力和POFMA等监管措施。
因此，在COVID-19疫情之后，我想请问政府如何提升了在信息边界日益开放的数字化世界中，快速有效地向所有人口群体传达信息的能力。
重要的是，能否请相关部委分享我们应对网络虚假信息的能力如何被考验，以及我们将采取哪些措施来加强这些能力？
特别是关于《防止网络虚假信息和操纵法案》（POFMA）及其应用，我们能否对针对性和普遍性更正措施的效果进行更系统的评估？具体来说，能否从互联网中介机构获取已发布更正信息的覆盖范围和访问数据，以便我们确认更正策略的有效性并据此进行调整？
中午12点15分
此外，我们必须抓住机会调查消费者，了解他们在COVID-19疫情期间如何应对接收到的大量虚假信息。他们采取了哪些个人措施来核实所获得的疾病相关信息？他们是否使用了如gov.sg WhatsApp聊天和Factually等服务？他们对这些服务的看法如何？当他们遇到尚未被POFMA命令处理的疑似虚假信息时，他们的反应如何？他们是否随后认为这些虚假信息是真实的，从而形成了不健康的认知捷径？这些都是我们必须回答的重要问题，以加强官方沟通策略和公众教育工作。
最后，虽然我认可通过人们熟悉的平台如WhatsApp进行沟通的价值，但使用这些第三方通信渠道的安全性和财政可持续性如何？从长远来看，是否更合理使用现有应用程序如SGSecure，在危机期间发布官方政府警报？虽然我理解SGSecure由内政部推出和管理，但我们的全政府方法是否应促使我们更有策略地整合现有的多种沟通渠道？我欢迎对我提出的关切给予澄清。
危机时期的政府沟通
穆罕默德·伊尔沙德先生：主席先生，COVID-19危机表明，在危机时期，政府与民众之间需要准确、及时且可信的公共沟通。政府向社会不同群体提供准确及时的信息以缓解公众焦虑非常重要。不幸的是，在信息真空的情况下，扭曲、谣言、不实信息、误导和抹黑会破坏公众信心并造成分裂。
先生，关于这点，请允许我聚焦于政府在危机时期与新加坡同胞沟通的能力。为使我的问题有背景，我担心新加坡提升至DORSCON橙色的消息在官方宣布前被泄露。因此，我的问题如下。
首先，我们如何加强信息流通管理以避免未来泄露？
第二，政府采取了哪些公共沟通措施向新加坡人更新COVID-19情况？政府是否尝试了新的或不同的方式？我们是否期待在危机应对处理中有任何改进？
第三，与我们应对H1N1和SARS相比，政府在此次COVID-19危机中向新加坡人沟通的努力有多有效和不同？政府是否会审查这些努力的有效性，特别是在虚假信息领域？
最后，政府是否会继续使用如Gov.sg的WhatsApp渠道？对我来说，这似乎是确保我们能及时向民众提供核实信息的简单方式。
数字化准备
维克拉姆·奈尔先生：数字化无处不在，使我们的生活更简单、更便捷。作为智慧政府，许多政府服务现已在线和智能手机应用上提供。从缴税到停车费支付，都可以通过手机轻点几下完成。其他服务如银行业务、信用卡账单支付甚至送餐服务也能在家中轻松完成。
然而，信息的阴暗面是，虚假信息也通过社交媒体和如WhatsApp等通讯工具自由传播。对此已有许多例子，最近的就是COVID-19疫情，我的同事翁腾坤先生、傅志坚先生和穆罕默德·伊尔沙德先生已详细阐述。
另一个关注点是诈骗，特别针对更脆弱的居民。我本人接到过一个来自澳大利亚电话号码的电话，自称是新电信（Singtel）技术人员。当时我正坐在电脑前，参加过所有基层反诈骗讲座，迅速谷歌搜索了新电信诈骗，发现这实际上是一个广为人知的诈骗，便挂断了电话。事实上，我个人变得非常怀疑，如果有人打电话自称代表我的银行，我通常会说我自己回拨银行，而不是透露任何个人信息。
然而，许多人可能更信任他人，正是这些信任者被诈骗利用。虽然有如POFMA的立法帮助政府对抗网络假新闻，但其在以下方面存在局限：一是通过通讯服务而非网络传播的假新闻；二是利用人们信任本性的诈骗。
当然，更多立法是一种解决方案，但我想知道政府是否采取措施帮助个人自身变得安全、知情和更有辨别力。
主席：达里尔·大卫先生，请两段发言。实际上是三段。
POFMA与网络虚假信息
达里尔·大卫先生（宏茂桥）：主席先生，正如我之前的议员同事所述，COVID-19疫情再次凸显了假新闻的危害及其对社会凝聚力和信任的负面影响。全球各国政府都在应对每日涌现的COVID-19假新闻，新加坡也未能幸免。诸如地铁站和某些购物中心关闭、学校停课及谣传死亡等假新闻引发了社会恐慌，有时甚至导致针对特定社区和餐馆的仇外反应。
大量假新闻削弱了全球政府管理COVID-19疫情的能力。事实上，世界卫生组织（WHO）甚至将假冠状病毒信息称为“信息流行病”，威胁疫情管理。为应对“信息流行病”，世卫组织代表最近在硅谷会见科技公司，呼吁他们通过道德劝说加大打击假新闻和故意虚假信息传播的力度。
虽然一些国家对故意传播COVID-19虚假信息采取了强硬立场，甚至逮捕肇事者，但新加坡政府则通过POFMA发布更正令采取了不同立场。尽管我们在此事上采取了比其他国家温和的方式，事实是，网络虚假信息和不实言论总体上仍将是我们社区的祸害。
因此，我想问政府如何继续帮助新加坡人防范日益复杂的数字和媒体环境中故意传播的网络虚假信息？
公共服务广播
下一段，请。OTT媒体服务日益流行，导致免费电视（FTA）频道的收视率全球下降。尽管2018年底发布的尼尔森新加坡媒体指数报告显示约有340万人每周仍收看免费电视频道，但报告也指出，点播OTT媒体服务的用户呈上升趋势。
这一趋势跨越所有人口群体，意味着随着时间推移，越来越少人会接触到免费电视频道的公共服务广播信息，政府需要探索其他渠道、平台和媒介向新加坡人传递这些信息。面对来自网络和海外平台日益激烈的竞争，公共服务广播如何保持相关性？
发展媒体产业
我的第三段发言，主席先生。媒体消费已从传统的无线广播服务转向我前述的OTT服务。这些OTT服务通过互联网流媒体直接向消费者提供媒体内容，绕过了传统的有线、广播甚至卫星电视平台。
此外，OTT服务的普及意味着消费者如今有更多媒体内容选择，并接触到来自海外的更广泛媒体选项。这种媒体消费模式的转变给本地媒体带来了冲击，本地媒体提供者需迅速适应，在非传统平台上提供更多原创内容。
因此，我想问政府在这一不断变化的媒体环境中，有何计划发展和支持本地媒体产业？
多语种政府沟通
陈佩玲女士：及时准确的信息获取和基于此的信息决策对任何民主社会都至关重要。新加坡人应能以易于理解的形式获得准确信息。
长期以来，许多未受英语教育的年长新加坡人难以获取政府信息，因为相关资料通常为英文。尝试翻译有时导致误解。只有部分材料如公积金信件提供多语种版本。
值得肯定的是，情况已有显著改善。此次COVID-19疫情期间新推出的多语种WhatsApp服务非常有用。我们应扩大这一多语种能力，使所有新加坡人都能及时获取所有公共信息。
因此，政府采取了哪些措施确保所有新加坡人都能及时且包容地获取所有政府相关信息？技术进步如何助力这一努力？
翻译技术
张世乐先生（巴西立-榜鹅）：主席先生，先生，早期我在海外设立办事处时——无论是在中国、吉隆坡还是雅加达——我都使用翻译人员处理当地合同和会议。最近，我更多使用在线平台，尤其是在中国和马来西亚。当地开发的在线平台让我能快速完成翻译。
我有个想法——鉴于我们多元文化和多语种社会，若有本地翻译项目，并将其上线或结合技术提升，那将非常棒。因为这不仅提升个人在不同文化和语言间翻译词义的能力，也能帮助企业用多种语言开展业务。
所以，我想问部委是否有计划建立此类在线平台或将技术与语言结合？
数字接入
张浩斌博士（武吉班让）：主席先生，先生，要成为智慧国，首先要建设智慧基础设施。随后，重要的是让所有新加坡人都能访问这些设施。
新加坡有470万智能移动设备用户，但并非所有用户都有数据计划，无法充分自由使用智能设备和移动应用服务。
数据计划订阅费用是建设智慧国的障碍之一。我们教育智能设备用户的速度也是阻碍，减缓了我们成为数字社会的进程。
我建议所有社区俱乐部和居民委员会中心提供免费数字服务接入，如在线新闻、电子政务和电子学习服务。这将鼓励新加坡人终身学习和积极的数字生活方式。
我希望部长更新议会关于低收入家庭数字接入计划的情况，并考虑为长者提供智能设备和数字服务补贴。
图书馆未来角色
傅志坚先生：主席，我的发言关于公共图书馆的未来角色。传统纸质书籍逐渐被电子书取代。根据皮尤研究中心数据，过去12个月内使用或阅读纸质书的美国成年人比例从2011年的71%降至去年的65%；而阅读电子书的比例则从2011年的17%升至2019年的25%。
这一趋势不仅限于美国，在多数发达国家普遍存在。年轻读者尤为明显，且越来越多年轻读者表示偏好使用电子设备阅读。通过Overdrive等应用借阅电子图书馆资源也日益普遍。许多成年人，包括新加坡成年人，不再像过去那样亲自到图书馆借阅纸质书。
鉴于此，有必要重新审视未来图书馆的战略定位，可能作为促进社区交流的节点，或作为市民社交的公共空间，亦或作为推广终身学习的场所。我认为这些可能性令人兴奋，期待部长分享对图书馆未来角色的看法。
主席：易华仁部长。
通讯及资讯部长（易华仁先生）：主席先生，能否允许我展示几张幻灯片？
主席：可以。[向尊敬的议员展示幻灯片。]
易华仁先生：对资讯通信部来说，这是充满事件的一年，尤其是因为生物和数字病毒。我感谢所有发言的议员，以及向我部提出问题、疑问和建议的议员们。
中午12点30分
多位议员谈及数字化的前所未有和广泛影响，以及它为我们的经济、工人和人民带来的激动人心的新机遇。
数字技术不仅提升企业生产力，还创造了通往新市场的新途径。仅东南亚数字经济到2025年将增长至3000亿美元的三倍。数字营销、数据分析和人工智能（AI）等领域涌现出令人兴奋的职业。通过预算中的80亿新元“转型与成长”计划，我们正大力投资企业创新能力和人才技能，使他们能充分实现这些利益。因此，我们有充分理由对数字未来持乐观态度。
然而，数字化的承诺也伴随着变革的不确定性和对企业、就业甚至生活被颠覆的恐惧。企业，尤其是中小企业，担心无法跟上数字化步伐，面临边缘化风险。一些人，包括中年职业人士，担忧人工智能等新技术的长期影响。技术不熟练的公民担心自己处于日益扩大的数字鸿沟一侧。此外，持续存在的网络虚假信息和谣言威胁着对我们机构的信任，最终影响我们的民主。
这些是真实的关切，必须有效应对，以确保每个企业、每位工人和每个公民都有信心和坚定信念，能够在数字未来中茁壮成长。这也是我部的使命——与所有新加坡人携手建设一个数字未来，让人人都有机会，无人被落下，且对我们机构的信任得以维护。
在本次供应委员会辩论中，资深国务部长安女士、资深国务部长贾尼尔和我将回应议员提问，详细说明资讯通信部如何围绕三大重点工作，共同打造数字未来：抓住数字机遇，确保数字未来惠及所有人，保障我们的数字空间安全。
让我先从抓住数字机遇、国际数字贸易和规范塑造谈起。
傅志坚先生询问我们签订数字贸易协定和促进数字交易的计划。主席先生，数字是贸易的新前沿，跨境流量呈指数增长。正如我们对货物和服务国际贸易所做的，新加坡现积极参与制定国际数字贸易规则和规范。我们的目标和利益是与志同道合的伙伴合作，确保开放的数字贸易架构，防范新型保护主义。
这就是为什么新加坡积极推进与澳大利亚、智利和新西兰等国的数字经济协定（DEA）。这些协定将通过保障数据安全流通和无缝跨境数字支付惠及企业。例如，当DEA建立跨境互操作的电子发票系统时，企业因发票处理和支付更快，可以以更低成本与国际商业伙伴交易。
我也想向傅先生保证，在进行这些数字经济协议（DEAs）谈判时，我们的政府机构会定期咨询我们的商业利益、商业机构和组织，以确定他们的利益，并确保这些利益在这些数字经济协议中得到充分体现。
我们还需要通过建立关于新兴技术和系统威胁的伦理和治理原则的国际共识，来培养对数字系统的信任。在此时此刻，主席先生，我想赶紧补充一点，信息通信媒体发展局（MCI）并不是在议会中使用面部识别技术这一想法的发起者。主席先生，我认为您对此更为了解。
主席：对此，我负有责任。
伊斯瓦兰先生：新加坡一直积极参与国际平台，塑造网络安全和人工智能治理的全球规范。
在网络安全方面，新加坡积极参与联合国开放式工作组和由25个成员组成的政府专家组，致力于建立基于规则的网络空间，并实施负责任国家行为的规范。
今年早些时候，我还在达沃斯世界经济论坛会议上发布了我们《人工智能治理模型框架》的第二版。该框架将广泛的治理原则转化为企业实施人工智能解决方案的实用指南。
值得注意的是，从旧金山的Omada Health，到我们的星展银行（DBS Bank）和人力资源解决方案提供商Pymetrics等多样化组织，都采用了该模型框架中的最佳实践。换句话说，它正在获得认可、接受和推动力。
抓住数字机遇还需要世界级的基础设施，我想强调两个重要举措。
第一是5G，它将成为我们数字经济的支柱。我们致力于在新加坡建设世界级、安全且有韧性的5G网络。这就是为什么网络设计、韧性和安全成为信息通信媒体发展局去年十月启动的5G征求建议书（CFP）的关键要求。
政府还与业界合作伙伴合作，正如傅道格拉斯先生和莫哈末·伊尔沙德先生所提到的，发展我们的5G生态系统，从早期试验中学习以用于未来开发应用，并将新加坡定位于全球5G应用和服务创新的前沿。
伊尔沙德先生询问了新加坡5G部署的进展情况。我们取得了良好进展。在2月17日征求建议书截止时，信息通信媒体发展局收到了三份来自现有电信运营商的提交——分别来自新电信（Singtel）和TPG，以及星和（StarHub）与M1的联合提交。信息通信媒体发展局正在评估这些提案，目标是在2020年中期宣布5G频谱的授予。我们计划今年开始5G部署，在未来两年内实现大范围覆盖，并在2025年前实现全国独立覆盖。
傅道格拉斯先生和伊尔沙德先生也询问了5G的收益和成本。初期部署预计将在某些行业领域和消费者应用中进行，这些领域对探索创新的5G用例有浓厚兴趣。例如，新加坡港务集团（PSA）在使用5G技术控制其自动导引车和自动起重机方面取得了良好效果，这是实现其成为智能港口愿景的又一步。在成本方面，类似于3G和4G服务，随着技术成熟，服务计划和手机的成本预计将趋于合理。
伊尔沙德先生还询问了我们如何现代化物流网络。这是一个重要问题，因为受电子商务增长驱动，全球包裹递送量迅速增长。在新加坡，每天约有20万个包裹被递送，预计未来五年电子商务年增长率为12%至20%。
因此，将所有不断增长的包裹直接送到门口既不高效也不可持续。我们确实需要替代方案。我们必须提升新加坡的最后一公里递送基础设施。这就是为什么我们决定部署全国性的包裹柜网络。该网络将由信息通信媒体发展局拥有，所有物流参与者均可使用。它将为消费者提供更多选择，同时提高城市物流行业的生产力。资深国务部长沈颖女士将进一步阐述国家包裹柜网络计划。
我们的数字经济协议和世界级基础设施投资的目标是惠及所有企业。因此，我们通过信息通信媒体发展局广为人知的“中小企业数字化”计划，帮助我们的公司，特别是中小企业，采用数字解决方案。新加坡工商联合会（SBF）最近的一项调查发现，94%的企业认识到数字技术在转型业务中的重要性。因此，意识很高，我认为这是我们可以从中出发的起点。
但我们可以做得更多，特别是帮助企业通过数字渠道扩大规模和进入全球市场，正如拉哈尤·马哈赞女士和王登坤先生强调的那样。因此，信息通信媒体发展局正在推出一项新的计划，作为“中小企业数字化”计划的总体框架下，名为“数字成长”，帮助中小企业无需在海外设立实体即可获取海外机会。通过连接B2B和B2C电子商务平台，我们的中小企业将受益于与潜在海外客户的智能匹配、通过平台快速获得融资优惠以及与物流公司的整合以实现最后一公里递送。
“数字成长”还将帮助中小企业充分利用新加坡的自由贸易协定（FTA）网络和数字经济协议，拓展业务联系，扩大客户基础。
更广泛地说，信息通信媒体发展局将继续与政府机构和其他利益相关者合作，制定各行业的产业数字化计划（IDPs），如海运、餐饮服务和会计等。这些产业数字化计划指导中小企业在其数字化旅程和成长的各个阶段，了解可用的数字解决方案和培训。
信息通信媒体发展局和企业新加坡（ESG）于2018年11月推出了餐饮服务产业数字化计划。ESG委托尼尔森进行的一项研究发现，采用数字解决方案的餐饮服务中小企业认为这些方案易于实施，这一点非常重要，且70%的企业观察到客户等待时间缩短和满意度提升。因此，成效显著。
基于这一势头，政府将制定产业数字化计划并预先批准更多数字解决方案，覆盖所有23个信息通信技术制造（ITM）行业，较目前的10个有所增加。通过这些产业数字化计划，建筑、食品制造以及成人和早期儿童教育等行业的中小企业将受益于专门的数字化路线图，帮助转型业务并提升员工技能。
最终，我所概述的这一系列帮助企业实现数字化转型的举措，必须为我们的人民带来利益和机会。我们知道，数字化颠覆可能会给成熟工人带来深刻的焦虑，尤其是那些职业生涯较为成熟且没有技术背景的工人。事实上，他们是副总理王瑞杰在预算案中宣布的“技能未来下一阶段”关注的重点。我们希望特别关注这些40多岁和50多岁的中年工人，他们最深切感受到技术颠覆带来的不确定性，但如果有机会并具备相应技能，他们也能从新创造的工作中受益。
李凯文先生是通过技能未来（TeSA）下的企业主导培训（CLT）项目的一个例子。李先生曾是多家领先科技跨国公司的销售和市场高级主管，因此他在科技公司从事非技术业务。经过人工智能新加坡（AI Singapore）九个月的“深度技能”培训后，他现在是一名人工智能顾问，帮助组织确定如何最好地利用人工智能和机器学习技术。
中午12点45分
这已经是我们针对成熟工人所做工作的重要部分，但陈佩玲女士和王登坤先生询问我们还能做些什么，特别是针对成熟工人和那些没有技术背景的人。
技能未来（TeSA）计划是政府机构、产业界和全国职工总会（NTUC）三方合作的项目，旨在为工人提供数字技能，并将他们安置在信息通信技术（ICT）行业的优质岗位。信息通信媒体发展局与行业协会如SG Tech合作，提高对技能未来的认识。中小企业也有资格获得更高水平的资金支持，尤其是针对某些类型的短期培训项目。
自2016年4月启动以来，已承诺约10万个培训名额，较我今年早些时候提供的数据有所进展。对于企业主导培训（CLT）和技术沉浸及安置计划（TIPP）这类长期课程——即持续时间较长、内容更深入的课程——90%的受训者在完成培训一年后成功留任岗位。因此，市场反应良好。雇主认可，员工获得了稳定的工作。
作为技能未来下一阶段的一部分，信息通信媒体发展局正在试点一项新计划——技能未来中年进阶计划，面向40岁及以上的专业人士。我们的目标是减少阻碍成熟工人受益于科技行业或快速增长的科技领域机会的摩擦。预计未来两到三年，信息通信技术（ICT）和信息通信制造（ICM）行业将创造超过2万个岗位。
我们一方面希望降低雇主聘用这些工人的初期成本，另一方面帮助工人通过适当培训顺利过渡到这些岗位。
在技能未来中年进阶计划下，政府将支持企业雇佣和培训中年专业人士从事科技相关工作，无论他们是否具备信息通信技术背景。参与企业将受益于更大规模的本地人才库以及政府补贴，以部分抵消培训和培训期间的薪资成本。中年人才将受益于在增长行业的就业机会，同时获得长达24个月的培训、指导和辅导。
我们已为该计划预留了7000万新元。已有十家公司加入，承诺提供约500个职位，涵盖多种岗位，包括技术岗位和技术轻度岗位——从数据分析师、网络安全工程师、云计算工程师，到业务分析师、项目经理和销售专家。未来两到三年，我们计划通过该计划为更多2000名新加坡人提供岗位。
傅志诚先生和陈佩玲女士也询问我们如何满足在特定新兴领域补充本地人才的需求。政府认识到，新加坡的科技公司及我们希望吸引的其他企业需要某些领域的海外专家。因此，我们有“Tech@SG”等项目，为快速成长的科技公司提供商业网络和人才支持，帮助他们在新加坡组建团队。
此外，我们的经济机构如经济发展局（EDB）、信息通信媒体发展局（IMDA）和数字产业新加坡（DISG）主要与科技公司合作，密切协作，帮助他们获得所需人才，以补充本地人才库，支持其竞争策略的执行。
此外，正如陈佩玲女士所提，信息通信媒体发展局和新加坡劳动力发展局（Workforce Singapore）帮助企业利用来自海外的专业知识，通过能力转移计划（Capability Transfer Programme）培养新加坡人的新技能——换言之，实现能力转移。这是我们引进海外人才以补充本地人才库的有意识举措。
在转向人才话题之前，傅志诚先生提到了我们大学的情况。我认为教育部拨款委员会将提供更详细和完整的回应，但我可以说，计算机科学等相关课程的招生数量和质量都在提升。我们认为这将成为一个丰富的人才储备，进入行业满足需求。
除了就业和企业，随着更多公民拥抱技术丰富生活或获取公共服务，我们必须确保没有人因变革而感到落后或被遗忘。资深国务部长沈颖女士将说明我们如何加强对低收入家庭、老年人和儿童的支持，确保我们的数字未来是包容性的。
在这一使命中，我们的图书馆也发挥着非常重要的作用。我们的图书馆体现了“新加坡共同行动”（SG Together）运动的精神，将人民、志愿者和合作伙伴聚集在支持性的学习环境中。重新装修的VivoCity的harbourfront图书馆就是一个典范。自去年一月开馆以来，仅一年内已举办超过360个活动，其中超过三分之一由社区成员——即志愿者——主办。
这些独特的合作模式构成了图书馆与档案计划（LAP25）的模型，正如傅志诚先生所提。这是一个为期五年的图书馆和档案战略计划。在接下来的几个月里，国家图书馆局（NLB）将与各社区、合作伙伴和利益相关者就未来战略、藏书和服务进行交流，确保其持续满足新加坡人在不断变化的学习和知识环境中的需求和期望。
但要充分发挥数字化的优势，我们必须防范数字领域的威胁。这就是为什么我们将数字防御设为全面防卫的第六支柱——强调确保我们日益互动、交易和依赖的信息空间安全、可靠和值得信赖的重要性。
傅志诚先生询问我们如何确保在这一环境中得到充分保护。林秀玉女士也提出了关于网络安全局（CSA）及其与关键基础信息设施（CII）合作工作的相关问题。网络安全至关重要，尤其是保护我们的关键基础信息设施免受网络威胁。网络安全局定期与11个关键基础信息设施部门及其组成机构进行审查和演练。但正如议员们所理解的，这是一个反复且持续的过程，因为威胁不断演变，我们应对的能力也必须同步提升。
今年晚些时候，我们还将推出更安全网络空间总体规划，主动监测和防范网络威胁与网络犯罪，实施基础安全标准，并提高企业和公民对这些安全措施的采纳率。
数据保护在此背景下也尤为重要。这就是为什么我们正在审查《个人数据保护法》（PDPA）——一方面支持企业利用数据开发创新产品和服务的合法需求，另一方面保护消费者利益并提高组织的责任感。资深国务部长贾尼尔·普图切里将详细介绍信息通信媒体发展局加强网络安全和数据安全的新措施。
但我们必须超越网络安全和数据保护，因为我们的最终目标是维护社会价值、机构力量和共同空间。
如今，网络空间是我们来之不易的社会凝聚力可能出现裂痕和分裂的地方。在数字时代，我们的共同空间不再仅仅是物理空间。这就是为什么我们针对网络虚假信息的法律非常重要，正如达里尔·大卫先生所问。
《防止网络虚假信息和操纵法案》（POFMA）已被用来在严重虚假信息旁边放置事实纠正，这些虚假信息扭曲或捏造了事实。这些虚假信息涉及新冠疫情、警方程序和公共资金管理等方面。如果新加坡人被误导相信这些虚假信息，可能引发恐惧、恐慌并侵蚀对我们机构的信任。因此，我们利用POFMA的权力，在源头并置真相与虚假信息，让公民能够看到两者并自行判断。
在这场对抗网络虚假信息的斗争中，令人欣慰的是，新加坡人积极参与贡献力量。在新冠疫情相关的众多网络谣言中，南洋理工大学（NTU）的一群学生发起了名为“Sure Anot”的事实核查项目——带有一点新加坡英语特色——针对老年新加坡人。他们基于国家图书馆局的数字素养框架（“来源、理解、研究、评估”）开发了老年人评估信息的指南。他们还与独立事实核查机构合作，在Facebook和WhatsApp群组中分享已辟谣的报告。
同样，我也很高兴与议员们分享，学术界有许多项目研究网络信息生态系统的挑战。特别是，新加坡国立大学（NUS）正在设立可信互联网与社区中心，推动研究并加强公众对互联网影响和网络危害的讨论。资深国务部长贾尼尔·普图切里将分享详情。
所有这些通过信息通信维系信任和凝聚力的工作，在新冠病毒爆发时经受了考验。王登坤先生、莫哈末·伊尔沙德先生和林顺顺教授都询问了从这次经历中学到的教训。傅志诚先生特别询问了POFMA在应对病毒相关虚假信息中的作用。
新冠肺炎（COVID-19）不仅是医疗和公共卫生的挑战，更是一场对抗恐惧和不确定性的心理战。正如李显龙总理所言，“恐惧实际上可能比病毒本身造成更大的伤害”。因此，政府努力通过透明地公布疫情状况、采取的措施及其原因，并定期提供疫情最新信息，来缓解市民的恐惧，保持他们的信任。
有些人通过散布虚假信息引发公众焦虑。政府利用《防止网络虚假信息和操纵法令》（POFMA）发布更正令，迅速揭露虚假信息并同时公布真相。当某个顽固的脸书页面反复发布虚假信息且拒绝更正时，政府采取了更严厉的措施。显而易见，如果没有这套专门针对网络空间虚假信息的POFMA措施，要遏制虚假信息传播、维护社会稳定将更加困难。
但如果只关注POFMA在COVID-19中的应用，就会忽略整体情况。信息通信媒体发展部（MCI）还通过印刷和广播主流媒体、政府网站及社交媒体开展了大规模的公共传播和教育活动。具体内容已显示在屏幕上。遗憾的是，解除《海峡时报》的付费墙超出我的能力范围，但我希望相关人员能听取王鼎群议员的恳切呼吁，采取必要措施。
我们与新传媒（Mediacorp）及本地名人在四种官方语言以及福建话、潮州话、粤语、客家话和海南话等方言中合作开展传播活动。如果没有国家级平台及其内容和覆盖能力，这项传播活动将更加艰难，难以有效接触和联系新加坡人。
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达瑞尔·大卫议员询问公共服务广播（PSB）如何在不断变化的媒体环境中保持相关性。公共服务广播长期以来是可信信息和共同体验的重要来源。但随着媒体环境的变化，我们知道新加坡人可以接触多种媒体平台，但他们也必须继续接触反映并强化我们国家声音和特质的本地内容。因此，政府将加大对公共服务广播的投资，确保这一重要媒介对新加坡人的质量和相关性。
林教授问是否可以采取更具战略性的做法，将多种传播渠道整合到现有政府移动应用程序如SG Secure中。在当今碎片化的媒体环境中，我们必须通过人们依赖的不同平台向他们传递信息。这是现实。渠道多样化是必然结果。但我想向林教授保证，作为MCI持续努力的一部分，我们正与智慧国数字办公室（SNDGO）及其他机构合作，探索如何进一步整合和协调这些不同渠道。但我们不应让这一总体目标阻碍我们对新出现需求的响应，就像近期COVID-19期间所做的那样。
在COVID-19疫情期间，我们的努力通过新的数字平台得以体现。组屋区的数字显示屏和Gov.sg WhatsApp频道几乎实时向新加坡人提供更新。我们看到订阅人数激增——仅五周内，gov.sg的WhatsApp服务订阅者超过65万人，该服务以四种官方语言定期发送信息。
这项广泛的政府传播努力得到了市民及许多其他人的认可和赞赏。2月中旬至下旬，REACH进行了一项在线民意调查，了解公众情绪，超过80%的受访新加坡人或新加坡居民表示政府已提供了足够的COVID-19信息。因此，我们的信息传达有效，但我们总能做得更好。
主席先生，我想回到开头的话题作结。显然，数字未来为新加坡带来巨大机遇，但技术对企业和就业的影响也令人担忧。无论是投资世界级基础设施以抓住数字机遇；帮助中年转职专业人士在快速发展的信息通信技术（ICT）行业找到工作，确保数字机会普惠所有人；还是通过教育和执法加强我们公共空间的数字防御——我们的目标是打造一个数字未来，使企业具备蓬勃发展的能力和实力，工人拥有良好工作和必要技能，公民通过拥抱新兴数字技术过上充实生活。信息通信媒体发展部坚定致力于与全体新加坡人携手共建这一数字愿景。
通讯及资讯高级国务部长（贾尼尔·普图查里博士）：主席先生，数字化能为所有人带来更大便利、高效、参与度和更优质服务。安全的数字基础设施对于让公民安全生活、高效工作和享受网络生活至关重要。
傅志伟议员、维克拉姆·奈尔议员和林秀慧议员询问政府在网络安全方面的努力。网络安全局（CSA）一直致力于保护我们的关键资讯基础设施（CII）。这是新加坡网络安全战略的首要支柱。这些系统对提供能源和水等基本服务至关重要。
自新加坡健康局调查委员会（COI）一年前结束以来，CSA与关键资讯基础设施行业负责人合作，加强防御并落实委员会建议。截至目前，能源、信息通信、安全和应急部门已全面落实所有建议或补偿控制措施。其他部门也取得良好进展，已对70%至90%的关键资讯基础设施实施措施。我们将继续跟踪进展，推动进一步落实。
加强对运营技术（OT）系统的防御也至关重要。OT系统控制物理和工业流程及制造设备。许多关键资讯基础设施依赖这些系统，攻击OT系统可能导致物理中断。为此，CSA于去年10月启动了运营技术主计划，提高OT网络安全意识和能力。
杜格拉斯·傅议员问新加坡是否有类似于处理COVID-19的疾病预警响应系统（DORSCON）的网络响应框架。我们的应对方式有广泛相似之处。CSA有一套框架，用于调整应对潜在威胁的策略。如发生关注事件，该框架还帮助协调适当的国家响应以保障网络空间安全——这需要多方利益相关者、机构及私营部门共同参与。类似于遏制COVID-19，网络安全领域需要预警机制和多方协作以减轻大规模网络攻击的影响。
我们通过确保多渠道及时共享信息来实现这一点。根据《网络安全法》，关键资讯基础设施所有者须监控系统并向CSA报告事件。CSA随后与业界及国际伙伴紧密合作，分享网络情报。
然而，我们必须基于无法阻止所有网络事件的前提进行规划。坚定的攻击者总会找到新方法突破系统。因此，我们必须保持警惕，准备好应对并迅速从攻击中恢复。为此，CSA定期举行演习，如“网络之星演习”，为全国应对大规模网络攻击做准备。
作为新加坡网络安全战略的一部分，政府还与企业和公众合作提升网络安全。例如，SingCERT定期发布已识别漏洞的通告。除关键资讯基础设施外，CSA将通过新的“更安全网络空间主计划”扩大保护网络空间的广泛努力。该计划旨在使新加坡成为全球最安全的网络国家之一，惠及所有人。
该计划包括：第一，保障新加坡数字核心安全；第二，保护网络空间活动；第三，赋能网络安全意识强的民众。有关“更安全网络空间主计划”的详细内容将于今年晚些时候公布。
物联网（IoT）是一个日益关注的领域。它指的是诸如家庭路由器、智能家居中枢等设备，许多人在家中和办公室都有。随着这些设备变得越来越有用，数量预计将大幅增长。这带来挑战，因为这些设备通常安全性较弱，可能被攻击者利用，例如发动分布式拒绝服务攻击，淹没系统并扰乱运营。
信息通信媒体发展局（IMDA）和网络安全局（CSA）密切合作，解决这些挑战，并教育用户了解风险及采取的安全措施。未来，CSA将推出家庭路由器和智能家居中枢的网络安全标签计划（CLS）。该计划旨在提高消费者对更安全产品的认识，鼓励制造商采用额外的网络安全保障措施。
IMDA将为家庭路由器设定最低安全要求，提升此类设备的基线标准，并作为获得网络安全标签的前提条件。IMDA和CSA将联合开展公众咨询，征求意见。此外，IMDA还将发布物联网网络安全指南，为企业用户及其供应商提供更好的物联网技术部署指导。
自2016年国家网络安全战略启动以来，CSA取得了良好进展。但仅靠政府无法保障我们的网络空间安全。CSA将继续与个人和企业合作，提升新加坡的网络安全水平。
林秀慧议员询问CSA在公共部门数据安全审查委员会中的角色。CSA与其他政府机构紧密合作，提升公共部门数据安全。然而，数据安全与网络安全虽相关，但有所不同。数据安全关注数据保护——无论数据是否在线收集；网络安全则关注系统保护，包括例如列车信号系统，范围超出数据保护。两者均必不可少且相辅相成。
针对林议员关于供应商管理的观点，组织最终对其义务负责。这些义务在决定外包某些职能时仍然存在。若外包，应进行尽职调查，选择有良好记录的第三方供应商，并对外包职能保持充分监督。
我同意田佩玲议员的看法，数据在数字时代至关重要。数据需安全且具互操作性，以释放潜力，支持创新，惠及消费者。2019年6月推出的可信数据共享框架为数据互操作性奠定基础，提供通用语言和合同模板，帮助新加坡组织以可信方式共享数据。
在国际上，新加坡参与制定共同数据保护原则，如东盟数字数据治理框架及亚太经合组织（APEC）跨境隐私规则及其处理器系统隐私认可。新加坡的合作伙伴网络及数字经济协议也将促进跨境互操作性和协作。
我们将在《个人数据保护法》（PDPA）中引入新的数据可携带义务，使个人能够以通用格式在组织间传输数据。这也将提升数据互操作性。
关于田佩玲议员关于数据中心的问题，根据2019年高纬环球（Cushman and Wakefield）报告，新加坡数据中心市场预计年增长约5%，直至2024年。我们关注这些数据中心的环境影响。作为全国应对气候变化努力的一部分，IMDA正与经济发展局（EDB）合作提升数据中心效率。
王鼎群议员和余家兴议员询问新加坡的数据保护制度。随着我们在线生成和存储更多数据，法规必须既支持数据的创新和合法使用，又保障消费者利益。个人数据的收集、使用和披露受PDPA等法律监管，包括组织间共享的个人数据及通过面部识别技术收集的数据。个人数据必须受到保护，并用于合理目的，如余议员提及的安全。相反，王议员举例的未经同意将个人数据出售给其他组织，违反PDPA。组织须在数据不再用于收集目的时删除数据。公共机构在《公共部门（治理）法》下承担类似标准。
为促进面部识别技术的负责任使用，个人数据保护委员会（PDPC）和政府数据办公室今年将发布生物识别技术负责任使用指南。指南将涵盖最佳实践及通过该技术收集数据的端到端管理政策。
对于在线同意协议，PDPA继续适用。组织必须确保在线同意协议清晰，明确说明征求个人同意的合理目的。PDPC去年更新了通知指南，向组织提供如何利用即时通知和动态同意的示例，使个人能在相关时刻做出知情决定，而非一次性签署冗长协议。
为持续支持数据驱动创新，加强组织问责和消费者信任，政府正在审查PDPA。此次审查拟议的主要修订包括：（a）要求组织通知受影响个人及PDPC重大数据泄露；（b）加强PDPC执法权力；（c）推行风险评估等问责实践。我们计划今年晚些时候修订PDPA。
我于2020年2月28日宣布，政府将与企业和研究人员共享更多数据以促进创新。在此过程中，政府对自身施加的高标准数据保护必须延伸至第三方，遵循三项指导原则。第一，数据仅在有明确且惠及公众的目的时与非政府实体（NGE）共享。第二，原则上仅共享去标识化数据。第三，合同中应明确访问控制和保障措施。
保护公民网络安全还包括防范诈骗电话。IMDA与电信运营商合作，阻止国际诈骗者冒充常见伪装号码，如999和995。我们将进一步采取措施，要求所有国际电话前缀必须加“+”符号，以阻止国际诈骗者冒充本地号码，帮助消费者更好识别并拒绝国际伪装电话。
政府将继续制定更多措施打击诈骗，保护公民安全。MCI将与内政部新成立的反诈骗跨部委委员会密切合作，加强集体应对。
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达瑞尔·大卫议员和维克拉姆·奈尔议员询问防范蓄意网络虚假信息的措施。这些虚假信息可能威胁我们的多元文化和社会和谐。我们必须保护现实世界和网络空间的社会凝聚力，维护新加坡的共同价值观。蓄意网络虚假信息特别委员会建议政府支持事实核查项目，加强公众教育，培养知情且有辨别力的公民。我们将与多方合作实现这一目标。
一个及时的发展是新加坡国立大学（NUS）决定成立可信互联网与社区中心。该中心将研究社会如何识别网络危害及如何构建负责任的公共话语。MCI欢迎此举。这将成为现有促进健康、知情和包容性网络活动努力的重要学术补充。
最后，主席先生，随着经济数字化，我们必须支持所有工人。技术变革改变了工作方式，创造了新岗位和人力需求。政府将继续支持所有新加坡人抓住机遇，满足产业需求。
王先生和田女士询问了新加坡的科技人才问题。我们必须与利益相关者合作，扩大人才库，强化新兴岗位的职业发展路径。为了壮大我们的劳动力，我们与私营部门开展合作。我们非常高兴看到业界，例如苹果和阿里巴巴，与我们合作。信息通信媒体发展局（IMDA）一直与他们合作，为中学生开发项目，帮助他们在发展技术技能的同时，积累市场营销和推介商业创意的经验，将部分技能应用于他们感兴趣的问题，例如废物识别和可回收材料。这些由业界主导的项目让新加坡的年轻人能够发展技术技能，为他们认为有意义的事业做出贡献，并为未来做好准备。
我们必须继续确保所有新加坡人——包括那些在学校没有学习技术技能的人——在承担这些基于技术的岗位时得到支持。我们将通过导师指导、海外实习和结构化培训积极培养创新人才，定位新加坡为数字枢纽。
在技能未来计划（SkillsFuture）下，科技技能加速器（TechSkills Accelerator，简称TeSA）倡议支持专业人士提升数字经济所需的技能。这些项目包括企业主导培训（Company-Led Training，CLT）和网络安全助理及技术员（Cyber Security Associates and Technologists，CSAT）项目。这些项目支持信息通信技术（ICT）专业人士和非ICT专业人士向基于技术的岗位转型。因此，它们为从事技术职业的人提供了转变技能和职业方向的机会，也为没有特定ICT培训的人提供了发展ICT技能并进入技术岗位的机会。
不仅是企业，政府，连我们的行业协会也积极参与这些努力。
在职业指南（Career Compass）计划下，新加坡计算机学会的资深ICT导师与新加坡劳动力局（Workforce Singapore）合作，为有志于技术职业的人士提供职业指导。SGTech还与Salesforce等平台公司合作管理专业转换计划，培训并安置员工进入新岗位。这些新岗位包括数据保护官（DPO）和网络安全专业人员等。许多新工作和激动人心的机会正在创造，我们必须加大力度支持这些新岗位的专业发展。
我同意郑先生关于提升这些数据保护官技能的看法。正如他所指出的，个人数据保护委员会（PDPC）的数据保护官能力路线图和培训框架旨在支持这一点。PDPC将与合作伙伴如全国职工总会（NTUC）合作，推出额外课程，目标是在第一年培训500名数据保护官。我鼓励更多员工利用此类培训，深化数据保护技能，抓住这一不断增长领域的机会。
除了数据保护，正如我们所讨论的，网络安全是数字化的关键推动力，我们需要更多网络安全专业人员来保护我们的网络空间。网络安全局（CSA）正在启动新加坡网络人才计划（SG Cyber Talent），计划在三年内通过现有和新项目接触超过2万人。这将建立网络安全专业人才库，支持新加坡成为网络安全枢纽的目标。
在新加坡网络人才计划下，CSA今年将推出两个新项目。
首先，CSA将与网络安全社区和教育者合作，培养对网络安全有天赋的新加坡年轻人。该项目将为参与者提供网络对抗、导师指导、定制培训以及部分支持参加海外竞赛的机会。其次，CSA将建立实践社区，提供网络安全培训，并将网络安全领导者与全球最佳实践和技术连接起来。这将使这些领导者更有效地保障其组织安全。
新加坡的网络安全人才不仅对发展具有竞争力的数字经济至关重要，也关系到国家安全。针对林女士关于CSA如何确保其使命所需专业知识和知识的提问，CSA设有网络安全专业人员计划和网络安全能力框架。这些共同指导我们官员的专业发展，并使CSA能够吸引和留住具备合适技能的人才。自2018年以来，CSA学院一直与全球合作伙伴合作，为CSA及关键基础信息设施（CII）部门提供中高级培训。截至目前，学院已培训约200名专业人士。
主席先生，我已谈及信息通信媒体部（MCI）为保障我们的数字基础设施、维护社会凝聚力及支持所有员工所做的努力。通过这种方法，我们可以抓住数字机遇，共同自信地拥抱数字化。
通讯及资讯高级国务部长（沈颖女士）：主席先生，像世界其他地方一样，新加坡正迈向数字未来。MCI的使命是确保这一数字未来对所有新加坡人来说更加光明。
在我的发言中，我将阐述实现这一目标的三大战略。第一，通过改善最后一公里交付基础设施，帮助市民更好地利用数字经济。第二，通过提供可信信息，强化社会凝聚力。第三，帮助所有市民实现数字连接。
穆罕默德·伊尔沙德先生谈到了邮政及包裹的颠覆和未来前景。议员们可能还记得，新加坡邮政（SingPost）在2018年和2019年初出现了多次服务失误。今年情况已有所不同。自2019年以来，SingPost一直在改善服务交付，以重建公众信任。他们延长了高峰期的投递时间，改善了员工薪酬，并增加了邮递员人数。
2019年12月的消费者投诉比2018年下降了约40%。消费者满意度也有所提升。SingPost的更好表现反映了他们所付出的努力。MCI和IMDA将继续与SingPost紧密合作，提升其服务交付水平。
伊尔沙德先生还询问了邮政行业的未来前景。在新加坡，电子商务的普及导致包裹投递量稳步增长。但鉴于新加坡的城市环境和消费者忙碌的生活方式，门到门投递常常导致投递失败。我们的邮政基础设施必须发展，提供实用的门到门投递替代方案，使所有物流服务提供商，而不仅仅是SingPost，能够克服这一高成本挑战。
基于储物柜联盟试点的成功，IMDA将于2022年底前在组屋区、地铁站和社区中心推出1000个储物柜站点。这将补充现有的商业储物柜站和门到门投递。目标是在每个组屋楼栋附近五分钟步行范围内设立储物柜站。用户可以在上班或回家途中，任何时间取件。商家和物流服务提供商也将享受更高的投递效率，这可能带来更具竞争力的投递价格。IMDA已获得Qoo10、Shopee等主要电商平台及Qxpress等物流服务商的大力支持。IMDA还将与SingPost合作，利用其丰富的邮政服务经验。
在加强基础设施的同时，我们也必须维护社会凝聚力。我们相信所有市民都应获得可信信息。我们通过两种方式实现这一点。首先，我们的媒体行业为观众创造引人入胜的内容。MCI支持媒体行业的发展，使其保持领先。其次，我们的政府传播始终以市民为中心。MCI采用多种沟通方式，包括面对面和多语种交流，连接所有新加坡人。让我逐一说明。
媒体行业在保持市民信息通畅方面发挥着重要作用。达里尔·大卫先生询问公共服务广播（PSB）如何保持相关性。PSB随着市民消费偏好的变化而发展，提供跨多平台的定制内容。
例如，Mediacorp的本地语节目采取多平台策略。为扩大观众参与，Vasantham将2019年屠妖节倒计时节目直接带到小印度的观众面前。观众可以在小印度现场庆祝，并通过meWatch和Vasantham的社交媒体平台观看转播。技术娴熟的年轻观众也能享受更多为他们量身定制的在线内容。IMDA正与The Smart Local和Viddsee等流行数字平台合作，制作多样的戏剧节目和纪录片，今年将上线。
达里尔·大卫先生还询问在OTT媒体服务（如Netflix）竞争下，发展媒体行业的计划。媒体技能框架（Skills Framework for Media）规划了职业路径和新兴趋势技能，如沉浸式媒体，帮助媒体专业人士保持竞争力。导师计划如WritersLab、ProducersLab和Story Lab学徒计划也帮助媒体专业人士提升专业技能。这些项目将在未来两年惠及200多名媒体专业人士。
IMDA还帮助本地媒体内容走向全球。我很高兴看到近年来“新加坡制造”内容的崛起。一个例子是本土公司Bert Pictures与亚洲知名导演合作制作的电视剧《食物传说》。该剧在国际舞台上大放异彩，让我们感到自豪。通过能力伙伴计划，IMDA将继续与Facebook和香港CJ ENM等全球企业合作，强化本地媒体公司的专业能力。
田佩玲女士询问政府如何确保新加坡人及时获取信息。这引出我的第二点——市民。我们正在加强最后一公里的面对面接触。强大的社区伙伴关系放大了这些努力。例如，3000名银发一代大使积极与长者沟通有关独立建国一代计划（Merdeka Generation Package，MGP）。其中一位银发大使是孔世强先生，现年70岁，自2015年以来每周志愿服务三天，是武吉知马区长者中的熟悉面孔。
MGP路演活动也在社区如火如荼地进行。借助社区的深度参与，政府已在200多个路演和活动中接触了近20万名MGP长者及其家属。
优质翻译对于重要信息传达至新加坡社会各个群体至关重要。MCI的翻译部（TD）承担政府最重要的翻译工作，并在所有公共机构的翻译工作中，无论是内部还是外包，倡导高标准。
多年来，MCI采取多项措施提升翻译能力，产出越来越多高质量且快速的翻译材料。MCI现准备整合这些举措。我们将提升目标，将MCI翻译部重新定位为全政府翻译卓越中心。
卓越中心将推动三大工作领域：人才、技术和合作伙伴关系。
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首先，我们将培养翻译人才并提升行业从业者技能。通过MCI信息服务（翻译）奖学金和翻译人才发展计划等项目实现。
其次，我们利用技术提升政府翻译工作的速度和质量。在全国抗击新冠疫情中，我们的机器翻译引擎SG Translate支持了多语种公共传播材料的翻译。由于SG Translate生成符合本地语境的翻译，准确度优于其他机器翻译工具。张世乐先生询问我们如何吸引更多合作伙伴提升翻译技术。我们完全同意合作伙伴关系对于知识和专业技能共享的重要性。因此，MCI启动了新试点项目“SG Translate Together”，号召新加坡人共同改进SG Translate。自2021年起，MCI将邀请包括企业和学校在内的选定团体通过网络门户提交优质翻译。优质输入越多，训练引擎的数据越丰富，技术底层的人工智能能力越强。我们将逐步向更多用户开放该门户。这将惠及更多从业者，同时提升引擎能力。
第三，MCI也在加强合作伙伴关系，弥补翻译缺口。例如，我们与拥有专业译员的机构合作，应对公共部门翻译需求的周期性激增。我们还设有保留协议以增强审核能力。在此，我要衷心感谢我们的翻译合作伙伴。我们还有更多可以共同完成的工作。让我们继续合作，确保政府传播对市民的强大支持。
如果说翻译是连接我们多元种族社区的桥梁，那么保存的档案则为新加坡的共同遗产打开了一扇窗。为了加强凝聚力，我们必须铭记将我们联系在一起的共同历史。国家图书馆和新加坡国家档案馆（NAS）正在扩大公众对国家和社会记忆的访问。在碧德福公共图书馆正在进行的法定存档展览中，新加坡人可以查阅大量昔日出版物。其中一本是《集会歌曲》，是过去学校歌曲的宝贵汇编。
法定存档收藏总计有超过137万件由出版商提供的项目。随着国家图书馆局（NLB）法案的更新，赋予NLB存档数字材料的权力，NLB还将4万个新加坡网站纳入数字收藏，供后代欣赏。国家档案馆将启动众包计划，收集新加坡珍贵的景象和声音。市民可以通过“社区之声”和“节庆活动”等类别参与贡献。
以我们的过去为根基，我们可以自信地面对未来。为了推动新加坡前进，易华仁部长表示，所有市民都应自信抓住数字机遇。主席先生，请允许我用中文发言。
（中文）：[请参阅方言发言。]数字化颠覆了产业，改变了工作岗位并创造了新岗位。新加坡企业创新更多，高技能岗位需求将持续增长。这将为劳动力创造新机会，如产品经理、数据科学家和软件工程师等岗位。
我们必须支持所有员工技能转型。政府重点关注的一个群体是中年职业人士。数字化既带来颠覆也带来机遇，这群专业人士在职业转型中可能面临挑战，但他们丰富的经验对经济极具价值。
科技技能加速器（TeSA）项目支持员工掌握新的ICT技能。
50岁的陈伟忠先生在IT领域工作了25年。他一直有学习新技能的兴趣。通过PSA提供的TeSA企业主导培训项目的结构化培训，他承担了高级技术岗位。现在他是PSA的应用开发员。
为了支持更多像陈先生这样的中年职业人士，IMDA推出了针对40岁及以上新加坡人的TeSA中年职业提升计划。
该计划包括长达24个月的培训和导师指导，帮助中年职业人士掌握热门技术岗位所需的能力。初期已有约10家公司加入，承诺提供约500个培训名额。IMDA目标在未来两到三年内惠及额外2000名中年职业人士。
我们将与业界携手，支持这些专业人士自信地发展职业生涯。
（英文）：主席先生，回到英文。技术可以赋能我们的人民。然而，部分群体，如长者和低收入家庭，可能在数字社会中感到迷茫，难以跟上步伐。我理解他们的焦虑。
因此，新加坡必须关注数字包容。我们必须克服年龄、收入和识字差距，让每个人都能享受数字经济的红利。
维克拉姆·奈尔先生询问提升数字准备度的措施，张浩斌博士询问如何改善低收入家庭和长者的数字接入。
国家图书馆局（NLB）和IMDA正在动员社区和产业，提升数字素养和技能。这与新加坡共同行动（Singapore Together）运动相呼应，政府与新加坡人合作共建更美好未来。
为支持低收入新加坡人，家庭接入计划（Home Access Programme）已为超过14,000户家庭补贴宽带费用。受益者之一是拉什帕尔·辛格·西杜先生。通过补贴宽带，西杜先生在线寻找兼职工作成功，还利用互联网与海外亲属保持联系。
然而，尽管新加坡的家庭宽带接入率多年来有所提高，但仍有一些低收入家庭未能接入。为了让更多低收入家庭受益，信息通信媒体发展局（IMDA）将从四月起加强“家庭接入计划”。IMDA将与M1、MyRepublic Limited和NetLink Trust合作，分担低收入家庭的宽带费用，同时提供更快的宽带速度。IMDA还将提供更广泛的设备选择，给予家庭补贴智能手机或平板电脑的选择。我们计划在三年内让另外一万户低收入家庭受益。
我们也在帮助长者学习数字技能。IMDA与国家图书馆局（NLB）等合作伙伴一起，在图书馆和社区空间举办了200多场免费的数字诊所，帮助长者使用智能手机设备。约有3,000名志愿者走访了全岛超过15,000名长者。其中一位长者是64岁的萨菲亚·莫哈末·萨利女士。通过数字诊所，她发现了许多有用的应用程序，可以预约多科诊所和医院，以及查询公交车到达时间。她计划再次访问数字诊所，学习更多内容。
还有一些自发的努力帮助儿童安全地使用网络环境。这一点很重要，因为他们从小就越来越多地接触科技。媒体素养理事会正与谷歌合作，今年将在小学举办一场关于网络安全的移动互动展览。学生们可以学习网络安全、网络欺凌以及遇到网络问题时应采取的行动。我们的新加坡数字准备基金也支持社区努力应对网络风险。例如，一群南洋理工大学学生组织了一场展览，提高公众对网络诱骗儿童的认识。参观者可以通过互动装置体验受害者的感受。我上周参观了该展览，展览做得非常好，信息传达得很到位。我赞赏社区为促进网络安全所做的积极贡献。
我们迈向数字未来的步伐必须伴随着坚定的社区意识。在快速变化的数字世界中，通过共同的空间和项目连接人们比以往任何时候都更重要。
我们的图书馆在这方面发挥着关键作用。多年来，它们已转变为值得信赖和珍视的空间，人们可以在这里联络感情、社交和学习。
傅志强先生问我们如何改造图书馆，以确保它们在数字世界中保持相关性。我们已在“未来图书馆”计划下改造了六个图书馆。这些图书馆的显著特点是强烈的社区参与，鼓励终身学习。例如，去年开放的海湾坊图书馆（library@harbourfront），年轻人和长者都可以在“科技展示区”学习新兴技术。关于教育机器人等主题的互动展示提供了引人入胜的学习体验。家庭还可以参与儿童创客空间的动手活动。改造后的图书馆在运营的第一年内，访客总数增加了73%，借阅总量增加了49%。我们的图书馆是全球图书馆使用率下降趋势中的一个例外。
我们将继续推进图书馆的转型。国家图书馆局将从现在起至2026年改造另外八个图书馆，包括蔡厝港公共图书馆、中央公共图书馆、女皇镇公共图书馆和海洋坊公共图书馆。此外，还在筹建一个全新的榜鹅区域图书馆。
这些未来的图书馆将在连接新加坡人方面发挥更强作用。它们将建设包容性的学习社区。例如，榜鹅区域图书馆将为所有年龄段和需求提供空间和藏书。残障人士和有特殊需要的儿童可以享受定制服务。图书馆还将收藏特别策划的世界儿童文学藏书，让年轻的新加坡人从小就能欣赏文化多样性。
主席先生，数字未来充满无限可能。信息通信媒体发展部（MCI）将坚持努力，确保每个企业、每位员工和公民都能抓住数字机遇。我们将继续培育持久的合作伙伴关系，实现这一愿景，确保无人被落下。让我们作为一个国家携手共进，打造强大的数字未来。
主席：请澄清。伊尔沙德先生。
穆罕默德·伊尔沙德先生：主席先生，我欢迎在新加坡部署一千个储物柜，尤其是确保它们距离组屋楼不到五分钟路程。只是想向高级国务部长澄清一点。她提到储物柜网络的推广将由IMDA监督和管理。请问部委是否可以研究在信息通信媒体发展部（MCI）或交通部（MOT）下设立一个新单位或实体，类似于内政部（MHA）下的家庭队伍科技局（Home Team Science and Technology Agency）或科技局（HTX）。该实体将拥有明确的使命，专注于数字化以及推动新加坡邮政、包裹和物流行业的创新和转型，通过制定相关标准、试点并推动采用新兴创新技术，例如无人机配送和区块链追踪？
沈颖女士：感谢伊尔沙德先生的问题。实际上，IMDA内部已有一个行业转型小组，负责支持不同行业的数字化和转型。城市物流是其中之一，我们提到的全国包裹储物柜网络就是该行业下的一个举措。
主席：傅志强先生。
傅志强先生：主席，我想问高级国务部长沈颖女士，我们是否可以有信心地说，如果新加坡学校的孩子家庭负担不起电脑和宽带接入，那么没有孩子会因此缺乏电脑和宽带？
沈颖女士：回答傅志强先生的问题，我认为这是一个非常重要的目标，确保新加坡的每个孩子都能良好学习，充分利用数字学习的好处。这是信息通信媒体发展部（MCI）和教育部（MOE）共同的目标。我们将确保低收入家庭能够获得家庭宽带接入，同时我们也与教育部合作，确保在学校层面，每个需要数字设备或电脑的孩子都能得到支持。
下午1时45分
主席：伊尔沙德先生。
穆罕默德·伊尔沙德先生：还有一个澄清。我欢迎设立gov.sg WhatsApp群组，即通过WhatsApp渠道与公众沟通。请问信息通信媒体发展部如何决定使用哪个渠道进行沟通？例如，还有Telegram。选择哪个第三方平台与公众沟通时考虑了哪些因素？
许文远部长：主席，感谢议员的问题。正如我之前所说，我们必须根据目标群体以及我们应对情况的能力来选择渠道。在这次新冠疫情爆发时，我们意识到公众对可靠信息的即时需求。于是我们重新利用了一个已有的WhatsApp渠道，该渠道之前用于传播“独立世代”计划及相关信息。我们决定将其改造为向公众传递相关信息的即时机制。
我认为效果很好，从订阅者的反应可以看出。但我们不排除使用其他渠道的可能性。这是利用现有工具，在最短时间内响应紧急需求的做法。
傅志强先生：主席，几个月前，我与普里坦·辛格先生就POFMA（防止网络虚假信息和操纵法案）进行了健康的讨论，讨论司法机关是否是处理纠正通知的最佳机构，还是行政部门更适合。我认为最近的新冠疫情是使用POFMA的一个很好的例子。根据最近使用POFMA的经验，部长是否更坚信这项工作最好由行政部门负责？
许文远部长：主席，感谢这位政府议会委员会主席的评论。正如我强调的，新冠疫情特别凸显了迅速行动的必要性，以防止虚假信息传播误导公众。在疫情这种情况下，确保公众保持冷静，从可靠渠道获取建议和信息，并采取适当措施至关重要。
在这方面，我们发现POFMA及其执行工具，以及赋予行政部门行使这些工具的权力，非常有效。它证明了我们在立法辩论中提出的理由，即将该权力置于行政部门的一个关键原因，是为了确保能够果断、迅速地应对网络上广泛传播的虚假信息。我们的新冠疫情经验进一步强化了这一信念，我们没有理由质疑当初的决定。
主席：普里坦·辛格先生。
普里坦·辛格先生：主席，谢谢。我无意重新开启关于POFMA的辩论，但工人党立场依然如故。确实，在疫情甚至大流行期间存在假新闻，必须迅速删除。但迅速行动可以有不同方式。工人党认为，除了行政命令外，还有其他选项可以实现这一目标。
维克拉姆·奈尔先生：主席。我提到过，POFMA在处理网络虚假信息方面非常有用。但在新冠疫情期间，我们发现很多虚假信息通过WhatsApp等通讯应用传播，而POFMA的纠正令对这些平台效果有限。那么，我们还能做些什么？未来立法？或者我建议加强公众教育。
许文远部长：主席，不想延长关于POFMA的讨论，但这也是我们积极推动gov.sg WhatsApp服务的原因之一。首先，如果该服务能覆盖大量公众，意味着他们可以通过熟悉的渠道获得可靠的新冠疫情信息。其次，公众如果在其他聊天群组遇到不同信息，可以转发官方信息，提供对比观点。我们认为这是良好的开端。
至于如何处理WhatsApp这类端到端加密的平台，因其特殊性，POFMA的监管面临不同挑战。正如我们在POFMA辩论中所说，我们采取了考虑不同平台差异的策略，包括与WhatsApp和Facebook持续对话。
主席：傅志强先生，您是否愿意撤回您的修正案？
傅志强先生：主席，数字技术确实是新加坡美好未来的重要推动力。听了高级国务部长沈颖女士、高级国务部长詹尼尔博士和许部长的发言，我相信同事们和我一样，感到我们掌握在可靠手中。因为他们不仅谈论技术和数字，更关注的是人。主席，我请求撤回我的修正案。
[(程序文本) 修正案，经许可，撤回。 (程序文本)]
[(程序文本) 头Q项下的1,004,918,400元被批准列入主要预算。 (程序文本)]
[(程序文本) 头Q项下的37,103,300元被批准列入发展预算。 (程序文本)]
英文原文
SPRS Hansard 原始记录 · 抓取日期：2026-05-02
Partnering for Digitalisation
Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng (Pioneer) : Mr Chairman, I beg to move, "That the total sum to be allocated for Head Q of the Estimates be reduced by $100".
Digitalisation is transforming how people live, work, play and interact. Business enterprises must embrace it to remain relevant. Our future is being shaped by digitalisation in ways unimaginable and at a pace unprecedented.
As a result of the digital economy, many of our top companies in the world are now in the technology space. By market capitalisation, seven out of top 10 companies worldwide are technology companies. Combined, these seven companies are worth about US$6 trillion.
It is clear that our Government, businesses and workers must look to digitalisation to transform our economy, create opportunities and move up the value chain. That way, we stay relevant and create good and enduring jobs. If done well, we can turn our vulnerabilities into opportunities. Traditional factors of production like land, labour, capital, or even our ageing population are no longer hard constraints in the digital economy and if we play our cards right, we can be successful.
However, digitalisation does bring about many challenges, especially for a city-state with a small population and a consumer base.
Data analytics, machine learning and AI require massive amounts of data. For our Government and local enterprises alike, it would be challenging to acquire a large enough volume of data compared to other larger countries. How we overcome this constraint would make a big difference in our digitalisation success. Perhaps, digital trade agreements, like the ones we just concluded with New Zealand and Chile, could be helpful. If there are more such agreements, with a framework for sharing aggregate anonymised data, for mutual recognition or for inter-operability, it would be beneficial to Singapore as well as all participating economies. Could the Minister elaborate on this?
Even as data are shared with our local business enterprises, we would need to consider issues like personal data privacy and therefore the principles upon which data requests by private enterprises can be agreed to or not by the Government. This is an issue that needs clarity and could the Minister also inform us of what these principles are?
Digital talent alone is not sufficient for innovation. Often, design thinking and deep insights into specific industry are also needed for successful innovations and commercialisation. MCI has a Design Thinking Unit. How would the Ministry increase this Unit's impact for innovation and commercialisation in Singapore?
Just as we set boundaries in the area of Bio-ethics, we would similarly need to set up an ethical framework, within which, AI can operate here in Singapore. Can the Minister advise us on the work around this area as well?
One of the key success factors for digitalisation is scale and capacity. Unfortunately, this is a challenge for many of our SMEs. How would MCI induct and incentivise such SMEs to take on digitalisation for a brighter future for themselves?
There is also a pressing need as we become more digital as a nation to enhance our cybersecurity. I will address this issue under a different cut later.
Foreign Digital Talent
Chairman, my next cut is on foreign digital talent, as an interim measure, to augment Singaporeans as Singapore embarks on digitalisation. We hear a clarion call from the industry that there is a dearth of digital talent in data science and cybersecurity, in computer science and so forth. And as we transform our economy, such talents would be in very high demand.
GovTech actively recruits talents in the Technology Industry to turn our Smart Nation vision into a reality. On the other hand, due to scarcity of such talent, GovTech would be competing with the private sector for similar talents.
How would we strike the right balance here, such that we create a symbiotic relationship between the private and public sector instead of creating a "win-lose" situation amounting to a "zero sum" game?
Can the Minister advise the number of Computer Science and Data Science graduates in our local Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs)? What are the projections for such graduates in the next five to 10 years? If the number of graduates are insufficient to meet industry demand, could the Government allow for employment and S Passes to be issued as an interim measure? That way, we can attract more investments into Singapore now which will eventually benefit future Singapore graduates in such fields. The alternative is to risk such investments going elsewhere.
[(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]
Digital Opportunities for Businesses
Ms Rahayu Mahzam (Jurong) : Most, if not all, companies in Singapore would agree that digital transformation is no longer an option, but a necessary step if they are to survive. Over the years, the Government has been urging companies, including small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to transform and adopt appropriate technology to stay relevant and competitive. This message appears to have sunk in and there is keen awareness of the need to go digital.
However, awareness may not necessarily translate to action as a number of companies, especially the smaller businesses, have been slow to make the transition. Minister Iswaran at MCI's workplan seminar last year said that it is not about a lack of awareness or will on SMEs’ parts anymore but more about them being resource-constrained and lacking capacity to get the transformation done.
Similar observations were also made by the Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Business Federation (SBF), Mr Ho Meng Kit in a commentary last year. He mentioned that business transformation is hindered by talent deficit in Singapore's tech sector and cost or perceived cost of adopting digital solutions. In the commentary, Mr Ho, gave several suggestions to businesses to tackle the tech gap, for example by leveraging on IMDA’s SMEs Go Digital Programme.
Earlier this year, SBF also released its National Business Survey 2019/2020, which found that SMEs know that they need to adopt digital solutions to tackle their top challenges of manpower costs and finding new and better ways to generate revenue, but costs remain the biggest roadblock. SBF called on the Government to build on the momentum with robust measures that encourage, support and strengthen the digitalisation and research and development efforts of companies.
In reviewing the developments over the years, what is the assessment on the effectiveness of our initiatives in digitalising companies? Are we better able to appreciate the specific challenges faced by SMEs and address them? How do we intend to continue helping companies access opportunities and scale in the Digital Economy?
The Chairman : Mr Ong Teng Koon, take both cuts.
Mr Ong Teng Koon (Marsiling-Yew Tee) : Both cuts, thank you. Mr Chairman, the SME Go Digital Programme has helped over 4,000 companies to implement digital solutions. This is encouraging to hear and it should remain our priority to accelerate digital transformation in order to create new opportunities, both locally and in the region. I would like to ask the Minister what are our future plans for the Go Digital Programme and how we intend to continue to drive digital adoption in SMEs?
For a SME to go digital, talent is paramount. However, the competition for talents in fields such as automation and machine learning is fierce. Our SMEs may be no match for MNCs when it comes to recruitment. I would like to ask the Minster how we can ensure that our SMEs are able to attract the talent they need and how can we help SMEs to develop such skills in-house by upskilling their existing employees.
One of the key challenges to any digitalisation faced by SMEs is getting all their employees ready and equipped for these changes. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. I would like to ask the Minister if he would consider additional skill training subsidies for all the employees of SMEs to complement their ongoing digital transformation.
Helping Singaporeans Get Good Jobs
My next cut. The Infocomm Media (ICM) sector is a key growth sector, particularly in technology such as cybersecurity, Internet of Things, immersive media, data analytics and artificial intelligence. I would like to ask the Minister how many jobs would be created for Singaporeans in such sector and how we can help mature PMETs who are displaced from adjacent industries to get employed into the ICM sector. And would the Minster consider a stipend for mature PMETs who undergo retraining so that they are able to still take care of their families while they are doing so?
In relation to cybersecurity jobs, as advertised by the Professional Conversion Programme on WSG's website, residents have given me feedback that it is difficult to get a place into such professional conversion programmes. This issue is these programmes on a place-and-train basis. Place-and-train means that they need to get a job first before they can get training. These residents are stuck in a catch-22 situation. They need to get the job first before they can get training but they need the training to get the job. So, I would like to ask the Minister whether he can consider to go beyond what Deputy Prime Minister announced in his Budget Statement of the 20% salary support for six months, to further incentivise companies to take the first step.
The creation of jobs for Singapore in the ICM sector is contingent on Singapore being an attractive hub to local and global businesses. I would like to ask the Minster what are plans to further develop our local eco-system and how do we continue to position Singapore as the digital technological hub for Asia. And how do we ensure that research, innovation and entrepreneurship continue to be our engines of growth?
Mr Chairman : Ms Tin Pei Ling, both cuts, please.
11.45 am
Tech Talents In and For Singapore
Ms Tin Pei Ling (MacPherson) : Talents are critical in building new and successful industries. We need a high concentration of skilled workers with a critical mass of world class talents to attract top enterprises and future unicorns to Singapore to create good jobs, and we need to develop Singaporeans to excel in these jobs. As talents beget talents, there is a virtuous cycle to this.
On 6 January this year, the Minister informed the House that more than 93,000 training places have been taken up or committed since the TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) programme started in 2016. And as of October 2019, 1,400 trainees completed the Tech Immersion and Placement Programme (TIPP). These are impressive numbers.
May I ask the Ministry if we are on track in meeting the ICT industry manpower demand? Of the 93,000 TeSA places, how many have completed the programme, successfully found placement and stayed in the new jobs? What other efforts are in place to help Singaporeans switch careers and stay meaningfully employed in the digital economy? How can enterprises that are less tech-savvy but keen to transform, better access and tap into this pool of re-skilled and up-skilled workers?
As Singapore continues on our relentless pursuit to re-skill and up-skill our Singaporean core, it can be expected that enterprises will look to topping up their teams with overseas talents to plug the talent and skills gap in the meantime.
Global competition for skilled workers is stiff. In a February 2020 McKinsey's article, it was reported that 87% of companies surveyed around the world say they are either experiencing manpower gaps now or expect to experience it within a few years. Respondents expect market and technology trends to play a big part in these shifts.
More dramatically, the World Economic Forum describes the world as facing a "re-skilling emergency". One billion people globally need to be re-skilled by 2030.
Companies and countries are motivated to close the skills gap fast. Singapore needs to be even faster – one to two years' window of opportunity, according to some prominent business leaders in the ICT industry I encountered from within and outside of Singapore. Unresolved US-China tensions and rising protectionism around the world resulted in talent displacement. Amongst these talents, there is a group who not only have deep skills, but also an international perspective given their exposures. If we are able to tap on this group of talents and pick the "winners" for Singapore before others do, Singapore's transformation could be catalysed and more top enterprises with good jobs for our people will be attracted to Singapore.
Therefore, I would like to ask what role is the Government playing in attracting talents to Singapore, for Singapore, as we strive towards our future economy? Ultimately, our Singaporean Core must benefit from this exercise and so, how could we ensure skills and knowledge transfer?
Some of these talents are founders of fast-rising start-ups or fast-growing firms. They are therefore globally mobile by nature. Still, they can invest in Singapore and have a role to play in helping to develop our workforce. Might the Government be exploring ways to harness the value they can offer to Singapore, and help groom our youth and talents, without requiring them to physically anchor here?
Data Infrastructure for Digital Future
Singapore is on track to fulfill our smart nation aspiration and is positioned to become a leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain. Data is critical in enabling this. Big data fuels AI and AI will drive many daily applications in our digital future. Therefore, the quality and integrity of data is important. Having data that can readily be shared or used from one system to another is also important.
As ASEAN integrates and transforms, and as Singapore champions the effort to build and strengthen the ASEAN Smart Cities Network, how do we ensure that the data generated are meaningful, of good quality and inter-operable across the region? What role can Singapore play in influencing and setting standards for the data and the digital infrastructure necessary for a smart ASEAN?
This development will see an "explosion" of data and the need for high speed processing. Data centres are therefore a critical infrastructure for Singapore. It is the backbone of our future economy. How many data centres do we expect to be built and at what pace in order to achieve our smart nation and smart ASEAN aims?
Building data centres comes at a cost. It consumes a lot of energy. Data centers today consume about 2% of electricity worldwide. It also has massive carbon footprint. Data centres worldwide generate 0.3% of carbon footprint today and is set to increase.
So, what is the Government doing to promote greater efficiencies and mitigate the carbon footprints as we build more data centres? How do we reconcile this expected increase in energy consumption and carbon footprints while achieving our target of halving carbon emissions by 2030 and zero by 2050?
Ethical Issues on the Use of Data
Mr Ong Teng Koon : Mr Chairman, data can be used for great good or it can be used to inflict terrible harm. With developments in technology ranging from facial recognition to online personality analysis, individual data is increasingly easy to obtain.
We have the Personal Data Protection Act to protect individual privacy but there are also data portability concerns. We need to address the issue of secondary acquisition of data and the use of legally acquired data by undesirable companies. For example, a foreign online company might acquire and transfer the personal data from a local company. These foreign online betting companies then target the vulnerable and entice them to gamble. How can the Minister ensure that data portability and data protection can work together without conflict?
I would also like to ask the Minister how we can use legislation to restrict the data that companies collect. What users often encounter on websites or when downloading apps on their smartphones are these lengthy click-through agreements with a lot of information disclosure provisions embedded in those agreements. The result is that when the users click "accept", they are allowing these information disclosure terms which expose them to the sharing of data and often without their knowledge. So, I would like to ask the Minister what ethical safeguards can be put in place to protect the consumer and Singaporeans at large.
PDPA – Jobs for Para-professionals
Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan (West Coast) : Under the Personal Data Protection Act 2012, it is mandatory for every organisation to designate one or more individuals as data protection officers. These individuals are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that the organisation complies with the Act.
Increasingly, companies and organisations have also realised that the job responsibilities of a data protection officer are often executive and managerial in nature, requiring the development and implementation of policies and processes. All this should translate to more job openings for data protection officers which would be suitable for PMETs looking into making this mid-career switch or to be re-deployed in their existing organisations. Can MCI share how many new roles and job openings this will possibly create for Singaporeans?
Notwithstanding, to facilitate the successful hiring, placement and re-deployment of PMETs in the data protection field, there is a need to take more active steps to train, place, match and re-deploy suitable PMETs to potential employers, or even data protection and compliance roles within their existing organisations. I look forward to seeing more employers collaborate with placement agencies such as e2i to help more PMET mid-career switchers, whether entering into the industry or being retained to be re-deployed within the organisation, transition into their new role as data protection professionals.
I applaud the Data Protection Officers (DPO) Competency Framework and Training Roadmap which was published by the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) on 17 July 2019. It was developed to guide data protection professionals in enhancing their competencies. It also provides guidance on the viable career pathways for different levels of DPOs. I hope to hear MCI's plans on what and how we can do more to make this area of expertise an attractive and viable option for mid-career PMETs.
Regulating Facial Recognition Technology
Mr Yee Chia Hsing (Chua Chu Kang) : Chairman, we have seen an increase in the application of facial recognition technologies being employed in Singapore. Even this House is contemplating the use of this technology to track Members' attendance. I saw that in the tender. While this technology started out mainly to tackle security, are there any guidelines for the use of facial recognition technology to ensure data is not misused for commercial purposes and that its use does not compromise personal data security?
Sir, I believe there is a need for greater regulation of the deployment of facial recognition technology. Currently, several buildings such as UOB Plaza and SGX Centre already use such technology.
The use of facial recognition for building access would link the name of the visitor to the facial recognition data. Does facial recognition data then become part of the intellectual property of the technology vendor? How long can the vendor keep such information? Can the vendor use the same information for its other customers?
The other aspect is whether the vendor is allowed to link facial recognition pattern to even more data such as consumer buying behaviour. The possible abuse of such technology is mind-boggling if we do not have guidelines on its use.
Chairman, may I propose that all facial recognition data collected by private commercial entities should not be stored for more than 24 hours. Other than name, facial recognition data should not be linked to any other information such as consumer buying pattern. Where exceptions are needed, express consent should be obtained and even then, there should always be a maximum time limit for which facial recognition data can be stored.
Chairman, it is a brave new world that we live in and I am worried that without guidelines, there will be misuse of facial recognition technology and data. So, I really hope that MCI can look into this issue.
The Chairman : Mr Mohamed Irshad, take both your cuts, please.
The Future of Post and Parcel
Mr Mohamed Irshad (Nominated Member) : Chairman, globally, the post and parcel industry is undoubtedly being disrupted. With ever-changing returns in core mail business, the rapid take up of e-commerce and shifting customer expectations, post and parcel companies of today need to be adaptable, they need to be relevant and to be innovative to keep pace with changing demands.
Sir, the rise in e-commerce and online shopping has indelibly altered consumer behaviour. Many consumers have also increased expectations about the convenience and options offered by deliveries and postal infrastructure. Today, there are only several logistics service providers that offer last-mile delivery services besides SingPost.
In this regard, what are the Government's plans to transform our domestic postal infrastructure to meet these new demands, ensuring world class delivery standards? Importantly, what can consumers and businesses look forward to in the future and how will these changes be integrated with the current postal infrastructure in Singapore?
5G Roll-out in Singapore
Mr Chairman, I turn to speak about 5G – 5G is the basis for digital connectivity and will be the backbone for our digital future. It will enable possible new areas of growth in autonomous vehicles, and the Internet of Things in industry and in consumer segments.
In June 2019, the Minister for Communications and Information, Mr S Iswaran, announced that the Government has set aside $40 million to develop the 5G research and innovation eco-system, specifically to support 5G technology trials, open test beds and enable research and development in 5G. What is the progress on Singapore's efforts to develop the 5G research and innovation eco-system?
Also, given IMDA's 5G Call For Proposal, what are our plans for 5G deployment? What is the Government doing to support the rollout of 5G to ensure that Singapore remains competitive on the international front? Importantly, how will 5G benefit Singaporeans and ensure that 5G remains affordable for Singaporeans?
5G Technological Advancements
Mr Douglas Foo (Nominated Member) : Mr Chairman, as Singapore prepares to roll out 5G network this year, there are companies that are concerned about the security measures of 5G deployment. According to a survey by a United States-based cybersecurity firm, which was released in October 2019, 55% of those surveyed believe that 5G deployment may be avenues for more effective and destructive methods of cyber crime and another 54% thought it may give more opportunities for cyber criminals to attack the organisation.
Can the Minister provide by way of an update how ready is Singapore to embrace 5G communication networks and what plans are in place to help enterprises understand and exploit this technology to its fullest while managing its challenges? Does the Ministry have any plans to engage Trade Associations and Chambers to help understand from businesses what they would most need from such a new technology and to implement the new technological equipment and applications?
Securing Digital Spaces
Mr Vikram Nair (Sembawang) : Chairman, we often do not realise how widespread and important digitisation is in our lives. Some of the most important digital spaces are what we refer to as the critical information infrastructure which our national Cyber Security Agency (CSA) has been set up to safeguard.
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Critical Information Infrastructure currently includes the critical data used for sectors such as aviation, healthcare, land transport, maritime, media, security and emergency, water, banking and finance, government and energy.
Data is necessary to keep our power plants, hospitals, water, banks and even Government functioning smoothly. The more we digitise and automate, the more important our critical information infrastructure becomes and the greater the risk we face of something goes wrong here.
In April last year, the BBC carried a story that stated a survey of security professionals across six countries by the Ponemon Institute found that 90% had been hit by at least one successful attack. This survey covered staff in utilities, energy, health and transport sectors. This report also concluded that a lack of resources and intelligence about the “relentless and continuous” cyber-attacks are the industry’s concern.
The key points from this study were that we have to assume attacks will be made and be prepared to deal with them. We also need to be able to guard against human failings, and this may include employees accidentally opening phishing emails and thereby opening the network to attack. There is also a need to share intelligence.
I believe the national Cyber Security Agency is focusing on these matters and I would be interested in an update on how the Government is safeguarding the cybersecurity and resilience of our critical information infrastructure.
Cyber Security Agency
Ms Sylvia Lim (Aljunied) : Chairman, in 2016, the Government published a document called "Singapore's Cybersecurity Strategy". The strategy has four pillars. One, to strengthen the resilience of our critical information infrastructure; two, to mobilise businesses and the community to make cyberspace safe; three, to develop a vibrant cybersecurity eco-system comprising a skilled workforce, technologically advanced companies and strong research collaborations; and four, to step up efforts to forge strong international partnerships.
Since 2016, much has happened to focus us on our cybersecurity vulnerabilities. What is the Government's current assessment of the implementation of Singapore's cybersecurity strategy and how far has the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) contributed towards grounding the four pillars of the four strategies?
Next, CSA's mandate enables it to direct owners of critical information infrastructures on the essential cybersecurity measures to be adopted and to provide professional consultancy and direct assistance to them, where necessary. How does CSA ensure that its officers have the necessary expertise to devise credible regulations and guidelines? This is particularly needed in vendor management as it is common for data owners to outsource data management to third party providers.
I know move on to a query on the role of CSA viz a viz the public sector. Under the Cybersecurity Act regime, owners of critical information infrastructure include the Government, as it is running various essential services. Last year, the Government convened a public sector data security review committee which recently issued its report on enhancing public sector data security. Could the Minister clarify what CSA played in this review?
Cybersecurity
Mr Douglas Foo : Mr Chairman, according to a report released on 1 October 2019 by a United States-based cybersecurity firm, Carbon Black, 96% of surveyed companies in Singapore said they have experienced at least one cybersecurity breach in the past 12 months due to external cyber attacks.
Of those that had experienced a cyber attack, 48% suffered negative financial impact while 83% reported damage to their reputation. Furthermore, 93% of these organisations reported an increase in cyber attacks in the past year.
The report added that 98% of chief information officers and chief information security officers surveyed were concerned how digital transformation projects and the roll-out of the 5G network will further affect cybersecurity in Singapore. More than 250 chief information officers, chief technology officers and chief information security officers from across a range of sectors participated in this survey .
According to a study by consumer information provider, Comparitech, which studied 60 countries based on criteria such as percentage of mobiles and computers infected with malware and the number of attacks by cryptominers in 2018, Singapore ranked 10th place in global cybersecurity. This is commendable but reports on probable attacks such as the personal data leak of MINDEF and SAF staff in December 2019 is still a cause for concern.
Taking an analogy from the health perspective, our previous experience with SARS taught us the importance of having a readily adoptable response framework, such that today, Singapore’s DORSCON framework has been widely praised in the handling of the COVID-19 outbreak. In the event of a large scale national cyber attack where computer and network viruses can spread speedily, Is there a similar framework in place to reduce and mitigate the dangers of such an outbreak?
The Chairman : Mr Cedric Foo, both the cuts, please.
Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng : Over the past two to three decades, digital computing technologies have rapidly changed the world, with far ranging implications on businesses and consumers. Particularly, the pace of adoption of digital technologies have accelerated over the last decade. Adoption of digital technologies have resulted in a very connected world, empowering individuals and transforming how consumers, businesses and governments operate.
Today, there are many Smart Nation applications, which allow accessibility at any time and thus, bring significant conveniences to Singaporeans.
At the enterprise level, operational technology or OT allows the direct monitoring and control of critical plants, power and telco grids. It yields significant control and productivity benefits including preventive maintenance, reducing downtime and quality control just to name a few. OT is expected to assume an expanding role in government and many organisations, enabling greater integration among business processes, physical activities and supporting technology.
In this highly connected world, cyber attacks resulting in loss of personal data and even more so attacks on our critical OT systems could be disastrous. Cyber attacks by state actors have also become a "weapon of choice" as can be seen in many countries.
I would like to ask the Minister how we ensure that the Government and enterprises here can be better protected against this new threat? And how has CSA been contributing to this effort?
Falsehoods Pertaining to COVID-19
My next cut is on falsehoods pertaining to COVID-19 outbreak. Dozens of protestors in a Ukrainian town attacked buses carrying 72 evacuees from Wuhan, China enroute to a quarantine facility in Ukraine. These demonstrators lighted bonfires and hurled stones in clashes with police officers and national guards. Even armoured personnel carriers were deployed to this small town.
The protest was started because of a hoax – a fake email claiming to be from the Ukrainian Health Ministry, falsely claiming that some evacuees had contracted the virus. Indeed, many observers have commented that the challenges of COVID-19 is not just in containing the "biological virus" but also in containing the "psychological fear and irrationality", and this often arise from fake news and rumours.
Fake news on COVID-19 have also surfaced here in Singapore. "Woodlands MRT station was closed on 28 January when it was actually fully operational" or "the Government giving $100 per day to every 'PRC worker' for the 14 day period under the Leave of Absence, when it is be given to eligible employers instead". These and many other examples of fake news have been circulating around, threatening to undermine our national effort and public trust in addressing the COVID- 19 situation.
Fortunately for Singapore, we have a new law called POFMA and in retrospect, this new legislation is indeed timely. I would like to ask the Minister to provide an update on how the Government has dealt with falsehoods pertaining to the COVID-19 outbreak and whether POFMA has been effectively invoked.
Chairman, there were also discussions in this House that judges should be the body issuing Correction Notices under POFMA, as opposed to Ministers. Do our recent experiences of implementing POFMA to deal with the outbreak like the current COVID-19 situation, reinforces the Government's position that the issuance of Correction Notices is indeed a job best left to the Executive branch?
Providing Trusted Information
Mr Ong Teng Koon : Mr Chairman, with the on-going COVID-19 outbreak, we have seen destabilising falsehoods that have hurt our nation. These range from the false closure of Woodlands MRT station; seven countries banning travel to Singapore; to an online falsehood regarding the death of a man in Singapore from COVID-19, when no such death had occurred.
POFMA has served to preserve the stability by dealing with false information. But it is also important to ensure that our citizens have access to trusted information.
I would like to ask t he Minister what he can do to help citizens easily access trusted information from different sources. I also ask the Minister whether he would consider to drop the paywall on The Straits Times during times of emergency.
Communication in a Digitalised World
Prof Lim Sun Sun (Nominated Member) : Mr Chairman, in as much as COVID-19 has been an abominable threat, it has also been an illuminating lesson on the importance of effective communication and the importance of a robust information infrastructure.
Just as medical care has improved significantly since SARS, information and communication technologies have also seen considerable transformations. Our information landscape is paradoxically more fragmented, yet more connected at the same time. It is fragmented and balkanised because there is a plethora of information and communication channels out there. Apart from traditional mainstream media that actively seeking to digitalise, we now have access to vastly more online content, across a range of different platforms including WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat, Facebook and TikTok.
It is therefore very difficult to capture in any parsimonious way, the chequered universe of information that audiences today consume and are influenced by. Despite this seeming fragmentation, our information landscape is concurrently more connected because of growing ownership of personal media devices such as smartphones. Individual consumers across the world are thus linked to one another online, creating content and sharing it across platforms, geographical boundaries and even linguistic barriers now being rapidly eroded by translation software.
In a globalised hyper-connected world, our understanding of local situations is thus enriched but also complicated by perspectives extending far beyond our immediate environments. As media consumers, we must contend not only with domestic information flows but manage the onslaught of international news, quite apart from having to discern between legitimate news and false rumours.
In such a fraught media landscape, rumours and falsehoods can become virulent social contagions that trigger mob mentality and herd behaviour like the panic buying we experienced and are now witnessing in North America.
Hence, our public agencies managing our official communications cannot afford to be insular and track only local discourse around crises of a global nature.
When this house passed POFMA in May last year, a mysterious yet highly contagious disease like COVID-19 was but a black swan to be avoided. But the crisis now presents us with a valuable opportunity to test the mettle of our information infrastructures, including official communication channels, public education efforts and regulatory measures such as POFMA.
In the wake of COVID-19 therefore, I would like to ask how the Government has sharpened its ability to communicate quickly and effectively to all demographic groups in a digitalised world with porous information boundaries.
Importantly, can the ministry share how our capacities to cope with online falsehoods have been stretched and what measures will we take to reinforce them?
With specific regard to POFMA and its application, can we conduct more systematic assessment of the effects of the targeted and general corrections approach? Specifically, can we obtain data from the internet intermediaries on the reach and access of the corrections that have been issued so that we may ascertain the effectiveness of the corrections strategy and finetune it accordingly?
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Additionally, we must seize the opportunity to survey consumers to comprehend how they have managed the onslaught of falsehoods that they have received in light of COVID-19. What personal measures have they taken to verify the information they have received about the disease? Did they use services such as the gov.sg WhatsApp chat and Factually, and how did they perceive them? How did they react when they encountered suspected falsehoods that had not been issued with POFMA orders? Did they subsequently assume that these falsehoods were true, thereby developing unhealthy cognitive shortcuts? These are all crucial questions that we must answer to strengthen both our official communication strategies and our public education efforts.
Finally, while I recognise the value of reaching out to people via platforms they are familiar with such as WhatsApp, how secure and financially sustainable is it for us to use such third-party communication channels? Might it not make better sense in the long run to use existing apps such as SGSecure for official Government alerts during periods of crisis? While I understand that SGSecure was launched and is managed by MHA, should our Whole-of-Government approach not predispose us to more strategically integrate our multiple communication channels that we have? I welcome clarifications on the concerns I have raised.
Government Communications in Times of Crisis
Mr Mohamed Irshad : Chairman, the COVID-19 crisis has shown that there is a need for accurate, timely and trusted public communications between the Government and the people in times of crisis. It is important that the Government provides accurate and timely information to different segments of society to allay public anxieties. Unfortunately, in a situation of information vacuum, distortions, rumours, untruths, misinformation and smears can undermine public confidence and be divisive.
Sir, in this regard, allow me to focus on our Government's ability to communicate with our fellow Singaporeans in times of a crisis. To contextualise my questions, I am concerned that Singapore's movement to DORSCON Orange was leaked ahead of its official announcement. So, my questions are as follows.
First, how can we tighten the information flow to avoid any future leaks?
Second, what are the public communications efforts undertaken by the Government to update Singaporeans on COVID-19? Has the Government tried anything new or different? Are we expecting any improvements along the way to improve our crisis-response handling?
Third, how effective and different were the Government's efforts in communicating to Singaporeans during this COVID-19 crisis, in comparison to our response to H1N1 and SARS? And will the Government review the effectiveness of these efforts, especially in the realm of misinformation?
Lastly, will the Government continue to make use of the WhatsApp channel such as Gov.sg? To me it seems like a simple way to ensure that we can provide timely and verified information to our people.
Digital Readiness
Mr Vikram Nair : Digitisation is all around us, making our life simpler and more convenient. As a Smart Government, numerous Government services are now available online and on smartphone apps. And everything from taxes to parking payments can be done with a few clicks on one's phone. Other services like banking, credit card bill payments and even food delivery can be done in the comfort of one's armchair.
However, the darker side of information is that misinformation is also freely sent and communicated, through social media and messaging tools such as WhatsApp. There have been numerous examples of this, the most recent being COVID-19 outbreak which my colleagues, Mr Ong Teng Koon, Mr Cedric Foo and Mr Mohamed Irshad have elaborated on.
Another area of concern is scams, which really target more vulnerable residents. I, myself, have been subject to a phone call from an Australian phone number claiming to be from Singtel's technical staff. I happened to be at my computer and having attended all the grassroots sessions on scams, quickly googled Singtel scams and discovered that this was actually a well-documented scam and stopped that call. In fact, I have personally become so skeptical that if someone calls me telling me they represent my bank, I will usually say I will call the bank myself, rather than reveal any personal data.
However, many others may be more trusting and it is the trusting who get exploited by these scams. There is legislation such as POFMA, that can help the Government take action against online fake news. But, this has its limitations, particularly in the context of: one, fake news that spreads through messaging services rather than online and two, scams which can take advantage of people's trusting nature.
Of course, more legislation is one solution but I would be interested to know if the Government is taking any steps help individuals themselves become safe, informed and more discerning online.
The Chairman : Mr Darryl David, both cuts please. Three cuts, actually.
POFMA and Online Falsehoods
Mr Darryl David (Ang Mo Kio) : Mr Chairman, as we have heard from my Parliamentary colleagues speaking before me, the outbreak of COVID-19 has once again shone the spotlight on the dangers of fake news and their negative impact on social cohesion and trust. Governments around the world are combating the daily deluge of fake news on COVID-19 and Singapore was also not spared. Fake news such as the shutting down of MRT stations and certain shopping malls, closure of schools and rumoured deaths sparked social panic and in some cases, xenophobic reactions against certain communities and restaurants.
The deluge of fake news has undermined the ability of governments worldwide to manage the COVID-19 epidemic. Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) went as far as to label fake coronavirus claims as an "infodemic" that threatens the management of the outbreak. To manage the "infodemic", a WHO representative met tech firms in Silicon Valley recently to urge them through moral suasion to do more to combat the spread of fake news and deliberate false information.
While some countries have taken strong positions on the deliberate spread of falsehood regarding COVID-19 by even arresting the perpetrators, the Singapore Government has taken on a different position by issuing correction orders under POFMA. Even though we have taken on a less harsh approach than other countries in this instance, the truth is, that online falsehoods and untruths in general will continue to be a scourge, a scourge to our community.
I would thus like to ask how the Government can continue to help Singaporeans guard against deliberate online falsehoods in an increasingly complex digital and media environment?
Public Service Broadcasting
Next cut, please. The growing popularity of over-the-top (OTT) media services has led to a worldwide decline in viewership rating amongst free-to-air (FTA) TV channels. Although the Nielsen Singapore Media Index Report released in late 2018 found that approximately 3.4 million people in Singapore continued to tune in to FTA TV channels on a weekly basis, the same report also highlighted that there is an upward trend of people consuming on-demand OTT media services.
This cuts across all demographics and implies that, over time, fewer people will be exposed to Public Service Broadcasting messages from FTA TV channels and that the Government will need to explore other channels, other platforms and other medium to share these messages with Singaporeans. How is Public Service Broadcasting remaining relevant given the increasing competition for eyeballs from online and foreign platforms?
Developing the Media Industry
My third cut, Mr Chairman. The consumption of media has shifted from over-the-air broadcasting services to over-the-top (OTT) services that I mentioned in my previous cut. These OTT services offer media content directly to consumers via internet streaming; bypassing cable, broadcast and even satellite television platforms that were traditional distributors of media content.
Furthermore, the availability of OTT services also mean that consumers today have a greater variety of media content to choose from and are exposed to a wider range of media options from beyond our shores. This shift in media consumption pattern has brought about disruptions to the local media scene as our local media providers need to adapt quickly to offer a greater variety of original content over non-traditional platforms.
I would thus like to ask what plans the Government has to develop and support the local media industry in this evolving media environment?
Multilingual Government Communications
Ms Tin Pei Ling : Access to and decisions based on timely and accurate information are important to any democracy. Singaporeans should have access to accurate information in forms that they can easily understand.
For a long time, it was highly challenging for older Singaporeans, many of whom were not English educated, to consume Government information as collaterals were typically in the English language. Attempted interpretations sometimes led to misinterpretations. Only selected material such as CPF letters come in different languages.
To the Government's credit, the situation has improved significantly. The multilingual WhatsApp service recently introduced during this COVID-19 outbreak has been most useful. We should scale up this multilingual capability to enable all Singaporeans to access all public information in a timely manner.
Therefore, what is the Government doing to ensure timely and inclusive access to all Government related information by all Singaporeans? How might the advancement of technology complement this effort?
Translation Technology
Mr Teo Ser Luck (Pasir Ris-Punggol) : Mr Chairman, Sir, in the initial days when I set up offices overseas – whether it is China, Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta – I used a translator for the local contracts as well as for meetings. Lately, I have been using online platforms, especially in China and also in Malaysia. The online platforms that they produce locally enables me to do translation in double-quick time.
Somehow, I have a thought – what if we have a local project, given our multicultural and multilingual society, a local translation project and then, put it online or using technology to enhance it, it would be wonderful. Because it not only enhances individuals in terms of translating the languages and also the meaning of certain words across different cultures and across different languages, it will also enhance or enable businesses to be able to conduct its business in different languages as well.
So, I wanted to ask the Ministry whether it has such plans to be able to put up that online platform or to merge technology with languages.
Digital Access
Dr Teo Ho Pin (Bukit Panjang) : Mr Chairman, Sir, to be a Smart Nation, it is important to first build a smart infrastructure. Subsequently, it is important that such we made accessible to all Singaporeans.
Sir, in Singapore, we have 4.7 million smart mobile device users. However, not all users have data plans to which, enable them to fully and freely use their smart mobile devices and mobile apps services.
Sir, the costs of subscription of these mobile data plans is an impediment to creating a Smart Nation. The speed at which we educate our smart mobile device users is another barrier, slowing our progress to becoming a digital society.
Sir, I would like to propose that all Community Clubs and Residents' Committee Centres be equipped with free access for Digital Services such as online news, e-Government services and e-learning services. This will encourage lifelong learning and active digital lifestyles among Singaporeans.
Sir, I wish to ask the Minister to update the House on the digital access scheme for low-income households and to consider providing subsidies for smart mobile devices and digital services for seniors.
Future Role of Library
Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng : Chairman, my cut is on the future role of our public libraries. Traditional paper books are gradually being replaced by electronic books. According to Pew Research Centre, the percentage of US adults that have used or read a print book in the past 12 months has fallen from 71% in 2011 to 65% last year. Conversely, the percentage of US adults that have read an e-book in the past 12 months have increased from 17% in 2011 to 25% in 2019.
This trend is not unique to US and is rather common amongst most developed countries. It is particularly pronounced amongst younger readers and increasingly so, younger readers have voiced their preference for reading from electronic devices. Borrowing from e-libraries using various applications such as Overdrive is also increasingly common. Many adults, including Singaporean adults are no longer visiting the library to pick up paper books, as they did in the past.
Bearing this in mind, there is a need to review the strategic positioning of future libraries, possibly as nodes to foster community or as common spaces for citizens to socialise or as venues to promote life-long learning. I think the possibilities are exciting and we are eager to hear from the Minister on his views about the future role of our libraries.
The Chairman : Minister Iswaran.
The Minister for Communications and Information (Mr S Iswaran) : Mr Chairman, may I have your permission to display a few slides.
The Chairman : Yes, please. [ Slides were shown to hon Members. ]
Mr S Iswaran : It has been an eventful year for MCI. Not least because of viruses, both biological and digital. I want to thank all Members who have spoken and post their questions, queries and suggestions for my Ministry.
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Several Members have spoken on the unprecedented and pervasive impact of digitalisation, as well as the exciting new opportunities it brings – for our economy, for our workers and our people.
Digital technology not only enhances enterprise productivity but also creates novel pathways to access new markets. In Southeast Asia alone, the digital economy will treble to US$300 billion by 2025. Exciting careers are emerging in both ICT and non-ICT sectors – in digital marketing, data analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI). With the $8 billion Transform and Grow package in the Budget, we are investing significantly in the innovation capacity of our businesses and the skills of our people, so that they can fully realise these benefits. We therefore have good reasons to be optimistic about our digital future.
However, the promise of digitalisation is tempered by the uncertainty of change and the fear of disruption to businesses, jobs and even our lives. Enterprises, particularly SMEs, worry that they would not be able to keep pace with digitalisation and risked being marginalised. Some, including mid-career professionals, feel the long-term implications of new technologies like AI. The less tech savvy amongst our citizens are concerned that they are on the wrong side of a digital divide that is ever widening. Moreover, a persistent strain of online misinformation and falsehoods threatens to erode trust in our institutions and, ultimately, our democracy.
These are real concerns and they must be effectively addressed so that every business, every worker and every citizen has the assurance and the deep conviction that they too can thrive in a digital future. And that is the mission of my Ministry – to work with all Singaporeans to build a digital future where are opportunities for all, where no one is left behind, and where trust in our institutions is preserved.
In this Committee of Supply (COS) debate, Senior Minister of State Ann. Senior Minister of State Janil and I, in responding to Members' queries, will elaborate on how MCI is working on three broad thrusts to forge our digital future together by seizing digital opportunities, ensuring a digital future for all and securing our digital spaces.
Let me start with seizing digital opportunities, engaging internationally in digital trade and norm shaping.
Mr Cedric Foo has asked about our plans to enter into digital trade agreements and facilitate digital transactions. Mr Chairman, digital is the new frontier for trade, with cross border flows growing exponentially. And just as we did for international trade in goods and service, Singapore is now actively involved in shaping the international rules and norms that will govern digital trade. Our goal and our interest is to work with like-minded partners to ensure an open digital trade architecture and to guard against a new kind of protectionism.
That is why Singapore is actively pursuing Digital Economy Agreements (DEAs) with countries like Australia, Chile and New Zealand. These agreements will benefit businesses by providing for secure data flows and seamless cross-border digital payments. For example, when DEAs establish e-invoicing systems that are interoperable across borders, enterprises can transact at a lower cost with their international business partners because of faster invoice processing and payment.
I also want to assure Mr Foo that in undertaking these negotiations on DEAs, our Government agencies regularly consult our business interest, business agencies and organisations, in order to establish their interest and ensure that they are adequately captured and reflected in these DEAs.
We also need to foster trust in digital systems by building an international consensus on ethical and governance principles for nascent technologies and system threats. At this juncture, Mr Chairman, I want to hasten to add that MCI is not the progenitor of the idea of using facial recognition in Parliament. Mr Chairman, I think you are better placed on that.
The Chairman : For that, I am responsible.
Mr S Iswaran : Singapore has been an active participant in international platforms to shape global norms in cybersecurity and AI governance.
In cybersecurity, Singapore actively participates in the UN Open-Ended Working Group and the 25-member Group of Government Experts, to develop a rules-based cyber space and to implement norms for responsible state behaviour.
Earlier this year, I also launched the second edition of our Model AI Governance Framework at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos. The framework translates broad governance principles into practical guidelines for businesses who are implementing AI solutions.
Notably, diverse organisations, from Omada Health in San Francisco, to our DBS Bank and Pymetrics, a HR solutions provider, have adopted the best practices in the Model Framework. So, in other words, it is gaining recognition, acceptance and traction.
Seizing digital opportunities also requires world-class infrastructure and I want to like to highlight two important initiatives in this regard.
The first is 5G, which will be the backbone of our digital economy. We are committed to building a world-class, secure and resilient 5G network in Singapore. And that is why network design, resilience and security have been key requirements in IMDA's 5G Call for Proposal (CFP), which was launched last October.
The Government is also collaborating with industry partners, a point that both Mr Douglas Foo and Mr Mohamad Irshad have raised, to develop our 5G eco-system, learn from early trials for future development application and position Singapore at the forefront of global innovation in 5G applications and services.
Mr Irshad asked about the status of 5G rollout in Singapore. We have made good progress. At the close of the Call for Proposal (CFP) on 17 February, IMDA had received three submissions from the incumbent telcos – one each from Singtel and TPG, as well as a joint submission from StarHub and M1. IMDA is evaluating the proposals and aims to announce the award of the 5G spectrum by mid-2020. We are on track to commence 5G deployment this year, achieve substantial coverage in the next two years, and nationwide standalone coverage by 2025.
Mr Douglas and Mr Irshad have also asked about the benefit and cost of 5G. The initial deployment is expected to be in certain industry sectors and consumer applications where there is keen interest to explore innovative 5G use-cases. For example, PSA has had promising results in using 5G technology to control its Automated Guided Vehicles and automated cranes, in another step towards realising its vision of being a Smart Port. In terms of cost, similar to 3G and 4G services, the cost of service plans and handsets are expected to moderate as the technology matures.
Mr Irshad has also asked how we are modernising our logistics networks. This is an important point because driven by e-commerce growth, parcel deliveries have grown rapidly worldwide. In Singapore, around 200,000 parcels are delivered daily, with e-commerce projected to grow at 12% to 20% annually over the next five years.
So, it is neither productive nor sustainable for this growing volume of packages to all be delivered to the doorstep. We do need alternative solutions. We must enhance Singapore's last-mile delivery infrastructure. And that is why we have decided to deploy a nationwide parcel locker network. The network will be owned by IMDA and accessible to all logistics players. It will offer greater choice to consumers, while raising the productivity of the urban logistics sector. Senior Minister of State Sim Ann will further elaborate on the national parcel locker network initiative.
The goal of our DEAs and investment in world-class infrastructure is to benefit all our businesses. So, we are helping our companies, especially our SMEs, adopt digital solutions through IMDA's now well-known SMEs Go Digital initiative. A recent Singapore Business Federation (SBF) survey found that 94% of enterprises recognise the importance of digital technology in transforming businesses. So, the awareness is high and I think that is a starting point from which we can work.
But we can do more, especially to help our enterprises scale and access global markets through digital channels, as emphasised by Ms Rahayu Mahzam and Mr Ong Teng Koon. So, IMDA is launching a new initiative, under the overarching's SMEs Go Digital, and it is called Grow Digital, which will help SMEs access overseas opportunities without the need to establish a in-market physical presence. By connecting to B2B and B2C e-commerce platforms, our SMEs will benefit from smart matching with potential overseas clients, prompt access to financing offers through the platforms and integration with logistics companies for last-mile delivery.
Grow Digital will also help SMEs fully utilise Singapore's network of free trade agreements (FTAs) and our DEAs to extend their business linkages and grow their customer base.
More broadly, IMDA will continue to work with Government agencies and other stakeholders on the Industry Digital Plans (IDPs) for various sectors, such as sea transport, food services and accountancy. These IDPs guide SMEs on the digital solutions and training available at each stage of their digital journey and growth.
IMDA and Enterprise Singapore (ESG) launched the Food Services IDP in November 2018. A Nielsen study commissioned by ESG last year found that Food Services SMEs who had adopted digital solutions found them easy to implement, which is important, and 70% of these companies have seen shorter waiting times and greater satisfaction for customers. So, there is a tangible benefit.
Building on this momentum, the Government will develop IDPs and pre-approve more digital solutions to cover all 23 ITM sectors, up from the current 10. Through these IDPs, SMEs in sectors, such as construction, food manufacturing and adult and early childhood education, will benefit from dedicated digital roadmaps to help transform their business and upskill their workers.
Ultimately, this array of initiatives I have outlined to help our businesses make the digital transformation, must yield benefits and opportunities for our people. We know that digital disruption can cause profound anxiety for mature workers, especially those who may be more advanced in their careers and not have a technology background. They are, in fact, the focus of the Next Bound of SkillsFuture that Deputy Prime Minister Heng announced in the Budget. We want to pay special attention to these mid-career workers, many of whom are in their 40s and 50s, and most keenly feel the uncertainty caused by technological disruption, but they also stand to gain from the new jobs that are being created if the opportunity is presented and they have the requisite skills.
Mr Kevin Lee who went through Company-Led Training (CLT) under TeSA is an example. Mr Lee used to be a senior executive in sales and marketing at several leading technology MNCs. So, he was doing non-tech business in tech companies. After nine months of "deep-skilling" with AI Singapore, he is now an AI consultant, helping organisations figure out how best to use AI and machine learning technologies.
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So, this is an important part of what we are doing with our mature workers already, but Ms Tin Pei Ling and Mr Ong Teng Koon have asked what more we can do, especially for mature workers and those who do not have a tech background.
The TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) programme is a tripartite effort between Government agencies, industry and NTUC to equip workers with digital skills and place them in good jobs in the Info-Communications and Technology (ICT) sector. IMDA works with trade associations like SG Tech to raise awareness of TeSA. SMEs also qualify for higher levels of funding support, especially for certain types of short-form training programmes.
Since its launch in April 2016, about 100,000 training places have been committed, so a progress from the number I gave earlier this year. For the Company-Led Training (CLT) programme and Tech Immersion and Placement Programme (TIPP), which are long-form courses – in other words, they are courses over a long duration and therefore go deeper – 90% of trainees successfully stayed in the job a year after the completion of training. So, there is traction in the market. The employers value and the employees get a job that they are able to secure and work from.
As part of the next bound for TeSA, IMDA is piloting a new programme, TeSA Mid-Career Advance, for professionals aged 40 and above. Our aim is to lessen the friction that gets in the way of mature workers being able to benefit from opportunities being created in tech sectors or the fast-growing tech areas. We expect to create in the ICT, ICM sectors over 20,000 jobs in the next two to three years.
We want to, on the one hand, make it easier for employers to bring these workers into their team, lessening some of the initial costs that might get in the way, and, at the same time, enable workers to bridge into these roles with the appropriate training.
Under TeSA Mid-Career Advance, the Government will support companies to hire and train mid-career professionals for tech-related jobs, regardless of whether they have an ICT background. Participating companies will benefit from access to a bigger pool of local talent as well as Government subsidies to partially offset the cost of the training and the salaries for the duration of the training. The mid-career individual will benefit from employment in a growth sector while gaining exposure, training and mentorship for up to 24 months.
For a start, we have set aside $70 million for this programme. Ten companies have already come on board and they have committed to about 500 positions covering many roles, both tech and tech-lite – from data analysts, cybersecurity engineers and cloud computing engineers, to business analysts, project managers and sales specialists. Over the next two to three years, we aim to place a further 2,000 Singaporeans in companies through this programme.
Mr Cedric Foo and Ms Tin Pei Ling have also asked how we will address the need to augment our local talent pipeline with the requisite talent from abroad in selected, emerging fields. The Government recognises that tech companies in Singapore and others whom we want to attract need specialists from overseas in certain fields. That is why we have programmes like Tech@SG, which provides fast-growth tech companies with access to business networks and talent, so as to build their teams in Singapore.
In addition, our economic agencies like EDB, IMDA and DISG, which is Digital Industry Singapore and working with the tech companies largely, work closely with them and see how they can be helped to secure the talent that is needed to complement the local pool and enable them to execute their strategies competitively.
In addition, and I think this goes to the point that Ms Tin Pei Ling raised, IMDA and Workforce Singapore help our companies to leverage this specialised expertise from abroad to develop new skill sets amongst Singaporeans – in other words, a transfer of capability – through the Capability Transfer Programme. That is a conscious part of this effort, even as we bring in talent from abroad to complement our local talent base.
Before I move away from the topic of talent, Mr Cedric Foo raised the point about what is happening in our Universities. I think the details and the more complete response will be given in the MOE Committee of Supply, but I think it would suffice for me to say that both in terms of quantity and quality, the intakes for the courses pertaining to computer science and so on have been rising. We see this as being a very rich pipeline that will then enter the industry and meet its needs.
Beyond jobs and businesses, as more citizens embrace technology to enrich their lives or access public services, we must make sure that no one feels out-paced by the change or left behind. Senior Minister of State Sim Ann will explain how we are increasing support for low-income households, seniors and children to ensure our digital future is an inclusive one.
In this mission, our libraries also have a very important role. Our libraries epitomise the spirit of the SG Together movement, bringing our people, volunteers and partners together in a supportive learning environment. The revamped library@harbourfront at VivoCity exemplifies this. In just one year since its opening in January last year, it has held over 360 programmes, more than a third of them run by members of the community. In other words, volunteers.
These unique partnerships form the model for the Libraries and Archives Plan (LAP25), and this goes to the point that Mr Cedric Foo raised. This is a five-year strategic plan for our libraries and archives. Over the next several months, NLB will be engaging with various communities, partners and stakeholders on its future strategies, collections and services to ensure that it continues to meet the needs and aspirations of Singaporeans in an evolving learning and knowledge landscape.
But to fully derive the benefits of digitalisation, we must protect ourselves from the threats in the digital domain. That is why we have instituted Digital Defence as the sixth pillar of Total Defence – to underscore the importance of ensuring that digital spaces where we increasingly interact, transact and rely on for information, are safe, secure and trustworthy.
Mr Cedric Foo has asked how we ensure that we are adequately protected in this environment. Ms Sylvia Lim also raised some questions pertaining to CSA and the work we do with the Critical Information Infrastructure (CII). Cybersecurity is key, in particular to safeguard our Critical Information Infrastructure from cyber threats. CSA has been conducting regular reviews as well as exercises with the 11 CII sectors and the component agencies. But as Members can well appreciate, this is an iterative and on-going process, because the threats keep evolving and therefore, our capacity to deal with them must also keep evolving in tandem.
Later this year, we will also launch a Safer Cyberspace Masterplan to proactively monitor and prevent cyber threats and cyber crime, implement baseline security standards and increase the adoption of these safeguards by enterprises and citizens.
Data protection also takes on added importance in this context. That is why we are reviewing the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) – to support, on the one hand, the legitimate needs of businesses to harness data for innovative products and services, while protecting consumers' interests and increasing the accountability of organisations. Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary will elaborate on MCI's new measures to enhance cybersecurity and data security.
But we do have to go beyond cybersecurity and data protection, because ultimately, our aim is to uphold the values of our society, the strength of our institutions, and preserve our common spaces.
Today, the online space is where our hard-won cohesion could fray and splinter. In the digital age, our common spaces are no longer just physical. That is where our laws against online falsehoods become very important, a point that Mr Darryl David has asked.
POFMA has been used to place factual corrections next to the grievous falsehoods which distorted or fabricated facts. These falsehoods have pertained to the COVID-19 situation, police procedures and the management of public funds, among other things. If Singaporeans are duped into believing such falsehoods, it can sow fear, cause panic and erode trust in our institutions. That is why in response, we have used the powers under POFMA to juxtapose the truth with the falsehoods at the source, so that our citizens can see both and draw their own conclusions.
In this fight against online falsehoods, it is heartening to see Singaporeans stepping up to do their part. Amid many online rumours that have been circulating in the context of COVID-19, a group of students from NTU started a fact-checking initiative called "Sure Anot" – a bit of Singlish there – aimed at older Singaporeans. They developed a guide for seniors to assess information they receive, based on NLB's digital literacy framework – "Source, Understand, Research, Evaluate". They also collaborated with an independent fact-checking outfit to share reports of debunked rumours in Facebook and WhatsApp groups.
In a similar vein, I am also glad to share with Members that there are many initiatives from academia to study the challenges of the online information eco-system. In particular, NUS is setting up a Centre for Trusted Internet and Community that will drive research and strengthen public discourse on the impact of the internet and online harms. Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary will share the details.
All these strands of work to sustain trust and cohesion through information and communications were put to the test when the COVID-19 virus broke out. Mr Ong Teng Koon, Mr Mohamad Irshad and Prof Lim Sun Sun have all asked about the lessons learned from the experience. Mr Cedric Foo has asked specifically about the role that POFMA played in dealing with falsehoods about the virus.
COVID-19 is not a medical and public health challenge, it is also a psychological battle against fear and uncertainty. As Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong put it, "Fear can actually do more harm than the virus itself". The Government has therefore sought to allay the fears of our citizens and keep their trust by being transparent about the situation, the measures we are taking and the reasons for doing so, and giving regular information on the evolving situation.
Some have caused anxiety in our population by putting out falsehoods. POFMA correction orders were used to swiftly expose them by placing the truth alongside. Firmer levers were used when a recalcitrant Facebook page repeatedly posted falsehoods and refused to carry any corrections. It is abundantly clear that it would have been much harder to quell the spread of misinformation and keep the calm of our society without this set of POFMA measures, which are designed specifically to address falsehoods in the online space.
But to focus only on the use of POFMA for COVID-19 would be to miss the wood for the trees. MCI has also conducted a major public communication and education campaign through the print and broadcast mainstream media, Government websites and social media. The details are on the screen. Alas, removing The Straits Times' paywall is beyond my ken, but I do hope that the relevant people will heed Mr Ong Teng Koon's plaintive call and do the necessary.
We have collaborated with Mediacorp and local celebrities in all four official languages and also in dialects such as Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Hakka and Hainanese. This communication campaign would have been much more challenging if we did not have the national platforms with the content and reach to engage and connect with Singaporeans.
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Mr Darryl David asked how PSB will remain relevant amid the changing landscape. PSB has long been a key source of trusted information and common experiences. But with these changes in media landscape, we know that Singaporeans enjoy access to multiple media platforms but it is imperative that they also continue to access local content that reflects and strengthens our national voice and character. The Government will, therefore, invest more in PSB to ensure the quality and relevance to Singaporeans of this important medium.
Prof Lim has asked whether we can take a more strategic approach and integrate the multiple comms channels onto existing Government mobile apps like SG Secure. In today’s fragmented media landscape, we have to bring the information to our people through the different platforms that they rely on. That is the sheer reality of it. The diversity of channels is, therefore, an inevitable consequence. But I want to assure Prof Lim that, as part of MCI's on-going effort, we are working with Smart Nation Digital Office (SNDGO) and other agencies to see how we can further integrate and coordinate these different channels. But we should not let that overarching objective get in the way of responding to needs as they emerge, as they did in recent times with COVID-19.
Already, amid the COVID-19 situation, our efforts have out through new digital platforms. Digital display panels in HDB estates and Gov.sg WhatsApp channel have given almost real-time updates to Singaporeans. We have seen a huge surge in subscribers – over 650,000 in just five weeks – to gov.sg's WhatsApp service which issues regular messages in the four official languages.
This broad-based Government communication effort has been recognised and appreciated by our citizens and many others. From mid-to-late February, REACH conducted an online poll to understand public sentiments and more than 80% of Singaporeans or Singapore residents who were polled indicated that the Government had provided sufficient information about the COVID-19 situation. So, we are getting through, communicating, but we can always do better.
Mr Chairman, I would like to conclude by going back to where I began. It is clear that the digital future holds much promise for Singapore but there are real concerns over the impact of technology on our enterprises and jobs. Be it investment in world-class infrastructure to seize digital opportunities; ensuring digital opportunities for all by helping our mid-career professionals secure jobs in the growing ICT sector; or education and enforcement to strengthen the digital defence of our common spaces – our goal is to forge a digital future where our businesses have the abilities and capabilities to thrive, our workers have good jobs with the requisite skills, and our citizens lead fulfilling lives by embracing emerging digital technologies. And the Ministry of Communications and Information is resolutely committed to working together with all Singaporeans to forge this digital vision for our nation.
The Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information (Dr Janil Puthucheary) : Mr Chairman, digitalisation can bring greater convenience, efficiency, participation and better services for all. A secure digital infrastructure will be important to allow our citizens to live safely, work productively and enjoy themselves online.
Mr Cedric Foo, Mr Vikram Nair and Ms Sylvia Lim asked about the Government's efforts on cybersecurity. The Cyber Security Agency (CSA) has been working to protect our Critical Information Infrastructures (CIIs). This is the first pillar of Singapore’s cybersecurity strategy. These systems are critical for providing essential services, like energy and water.
Since the SingHealth Committee of Inquiry (COI) concluded a year ago, CSA has worked with CII sector leads to strengthen their defences and to implement the Committee’s recommendations. To date, the Energy, Infocomm, Security and Emergency sectors have fully implemented all the recommendations or compensating controls. Other sectors have made good progress and implemented measures for between 70% and 90% of their CIIs. We will continue to track their progress and enable the further implementation of these measures.
It is crucial to strengthen our defences on operational technology (OT) systems as well. These are systems that control physical and industrial processes and manufacturing equipment. As many of the CIIs rely on these, attacks on OT systems can cause physical disruption. To address this, CSA has launched the Operational Technology (OT) Masterplan in October last year to raise awareness and competencies in OT cybersecurity.
Mr Douglas Foo asked if Singapore has a cyber-response framework similar to the DORSCON Framework used to handle COVID-19. There are broad similarities in how we respond. CSA has a framework to calibrate the approach to mitigate potential threats. Should there be an incident of concern, this framework also helps us to coordinate an appropriate national response to secure our cyberspace – a response that will involve multiple stakeholders and agencies as well as private sector entities. Similar to containing COVID-19, in cybersecurity, we need processes to give us an early warning and a multi-stakeholder approach to mitigate any impact of a large-scale cyberattack.
We do this by ensuring timely information sharing from multiple sources. Under the Cybersecurity Act, CII owners are required to monitor systems and report incidents to CSA. CSA then works closely with industry and international partners to share cyber intelligence.
However, we must plan on the basis that we cannot prevent all cyber incidents. Determined attackers will always find new ways to breach our systems. So, we must be vigilant and be prepared to respond to and recover quickly from any attack. To these ends, CSA conducts regular exercises, such as Exercise Cyber Star, to prepare the nation in the event of a widespread cyberattack.
As part of Singapore’s Cybersecurity Strategy, the Government also works with businesses and the general public to improve their cybersecurity. For example, SingCERT provides regular advisories about identified vulnerabilities. Beyond the CIIs, CSA will continue to expand broad efforts to protect cyberspace through the new Safer Cyberspace Masterplan. This aims to make Singapore one of the most cyber-secure countries in the world, benefiting all.
The plan involves, firstly, securing Singapore’s digital core; secondly, safeguarding activities in cyberspace; and thirdly, empowering a cyber-savvy population. Details on this Safer Cyberspace Masterplan will be announced later in the year.
A growing area of concern is the Internet of Things (IoT). This refers to devices, like home routers, smart home hubs, which many of us may have in our homes and offices. We expect that the number of these devices will grow significantly as they become more and more useful. This poses a challenge because these devices typically have weak security and can be exploited by attackers, for example, in a distributed denial-of-service attack to flood systems and disrupt operations.
IMDA and CSA have been working closely to address these challenges and to educate users about these risks and the precautions that they can take to secure their devices. Going forward, CSA will be launching the Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme (CLS) for home routers and smart home hubs. The scheme will raise consumer awareness on more secure products and aims to encourage manufacturers to adopt additional cybersecurity safeguards.
IMDA will be setting minimum security requirements for home routers. This will improve baseline standards for such devices and will be a prerequisite to attaining the cybersecurity label. Together, IMDA and CSA will be launching a joint Public Consultation to seek feedback on this. In addition, IMDA will also be publishing an IoT Cyber Security Guide to offer enterprise users and their vendors better guidance on the deployment of IoT technology.
CSA has made good progress since the launch of the national Cybersecurity Strategy in 2016. But the Government alone cannot secure our cyberspace. CSA will continue to work with individuals and businesses to enhance Singapore's cybersecurity.
Ms Lim asked about CSA's role in the Public Sector Data Security Review Committee. CSA works closely with other Government agencies to enhance public sector data security. However, while related, data security and cybersecurity are different. Data security is concerned about the protection of data – whether this data is collected online or not. On the other hand, cybersecurity is concerned with the protection of systems, including, for example, train signalling. It extends beyond data protection. Both are essential and complementary.
To Ms Lim's point on vendor management, organisations are ultimately responsible for their obligations. These obligations continue when they decide to outsource certain functions. If they do so, they should perform due diligence to select the right third party providers with proven track records and maintain sufficient oversight over this outsourcing of functions.
I agree with Ms Tin Pei Ling that data is critical in this digital age. Data needs to be secure and interoperable to unlock its potential, to support innovation and to benefit consumers. The Trusted Data Sharing Framework introduced in June 2019 laid the groundwork for data interoperability and provided a common language as well as contractual templates to help organisations in Singapore share data in a trusted manner.
Internationally, Singapore is contributing to common data protection principles, for example, the ASEAN Framework on Digital Data Governance as well as the APEC Cross-Border Privacy Rules and their Privacy Recognition for Processors Systems. This network of partnerships that Singapore has and our Digital Economy Agreements will also facilitate cross-border interoperability and collaboration.
We will introduce a new Data Portability Obligation in the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) so that individuals can have their data transmitted between organisations in a commonly used format. This will also improve data interoperability.
On Ms Tin's questions on data centres, Singapore’s data centre market is expected to grow about 5% annually until 2024, according to a 2019 report by Cushman and Wakefield. We are mindful about the environmental impact of these data centres. As part of our nation-wide efforts to combat climate change, IMDA is working with EDB to improve the efficiency of these data centres.
Mr Ong Teng Koon and Mr Yee Chia Hsing asked about Singapore's data protection regime. As we generate and store more data online, it is essential that our regulations enable the innovative, legitimate use of data and simultaneously safeguard consumer interest. The collection, use and disclosure of personal data are regulated by laws like the PDPA. This includes personal data shared between organisations and data collected through facial recognition technology. Personal data must be protected and used for reasonable purposes, like security, as mentioned by Mr Yee. Conversely, the example cited by Mr Ong of the sale of personal data to other organisations without consent would be in breach of the PDPA. Organisations are responsible for expunging the personal data when it no longer serves the purposes for which it was collected. Public agencies are held to similar standards under the Public Sector (Governance) Act.
In order to promote the responsible use of facial recognition technologies, the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) and the Government Data Office will publish guides on the responsible use of biometric technology this year. The guides will include best practices and policies on the end-to-end management of data collected via such technology.
For online consent agreements, the PDPA continues to apply. Organisations must ensure that online consent agreements are clear and spell out the reasonable purposes for which the individuals’ consent is being sought. The PDPC also updated the Guide to Notification last year, providing organisations examples of how to utilise just-in-time notifications and obtain dynamic consent. This allows individuals to make informed decisions as and when relevant, instead of one-off lengthy consent agreements.
As part of the effort to continually support data-driven innovation and to strengthen the accountability of these organisations and consumer trust, the Government is reviewing the PDPA. The key proposed amendments under this review include: (a) obligating organisations to notify affected individuals and the PDPC of significant data breaches; (b) strengthening PDPC's enforcement powers; and (c) instilling accountability practices like risk assessments for organisations. We plan to amend the PDPA later this year.
I announced on 28 February 2020 that the Government will be sharing more data with businesses and researchers to spur innovation. As we do so, the high standards of data protection that the Government imposes on itself must be extended to third parties using three guiding principles. First, the data is shared with these non-Government entities (NGEs) only when there is a specified purpose that will benefit the public. Second, as a general rule, only de-identified data is shared. Third, access controls and safeguards should be spelt out in contracts with these NGEs.
Protecting our citizens online includes shielding consumers from scam calls. IMDA has worked with the telcos to block international scammers from making their phone call look like they are coming from commonly spoofed numbers, such as 999 and 995. We will move on to introduce measures to stop international scammers from trying to spoof numbers that look like they are a local number, targeting our citizens by introducing a requirement to have the "+" symbol as a prefix for all overseas calls. We hope this will help consumers better identify international spoof calls and reject them.
The Government will continue to develop additional measures to combat scams so that our citizens can be better protected. MCI will work closely with other agencies in the newly formed Inter-Ministry Committee on Scams announced by MHA to strengthen our collective efforts to tackle this problem.
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Mr Darryl David and Mr Vikram Nair asked about measures to guard against deliberate online falsehoods. These can threaten our multiculturalism and the harmony of our society. We must protect our social cohesion in the real world and online to uphold the shared values of Singapore. The Select Committee on Deliberate Online Falsehoods recommended for the Government to support fact-checking initiatives and strengthen public education to build an informed and discerning citizenry. We will do so together with a range of partners.
One timely development is the National University of Singapore (NUS)'s decision to establish a Centre for Trusted Internet and Community. The Centre will research how societies discern online harms and how to build responsible public discourse. MCI welcomes this effort. This will be an important academic complement to existing efforts that nurture healthy, well-informed and inclusive online activity.
Finally, Chairman, we must support all workers as our economy digitalises. Technological disruptions have changed how we work, creating new roles and new manpower demands. The Government will continue to support all Singaporeans to capitalise on these opportunities and to meet industry needs.
Mr Ong and Ms Tin asked about tech talent in Singapore. We must work with stakeholders to expand our talent pool and strengthen career developmental pathways for emerging roles. To grow our workforce, we have collaborations with the private sector. We are very glad that industry, for example, Apple and Alibaba collaborate with us. IMDA has been collaborating with them to develop programmes for Secondary school students to help them develop some experience in marketing and pitching business ideas as the develop the technological skills, applying some of these skills to problems that interest them; for example, waste identification and recyclable materials. These industry-led programmes allow young minds in Singapore to develop technological skills, contribute to the causes that they find meaningful and prepare themselves for their future.
We will have to continue to make sure all Singaporeans – including those who did not learn tech skills in schools – are supported as they take on these technology-based roles. We will actively groom the innovation talent through mentorships, overseas attachments and structured training to position Singapore as a digital hub.
Under SkillsFuture, the TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) initiative supports professionals to upgrade their skills for the Digital Economy. These programmes include the Company-Led Training (CLT) and the Cyber Security Associates and Technologists (CSAT) programme. These support the transition of both ICT professionals as well as non-ICT professionals into technology-based jobs. So, they provide an opportunity for people who are in a technology-based profession to shift their skillset, shift their career focus as well as people who have not had specific ICT training to develop ICT skills and move into a technology-based job.
Not just the companies, not just the Government, but also our trade associations are also actively contributing to these efforts.
Under the Career Compass initiative, experienced ICT mentors from the Singapore Computer Society partnered Workforce Singapore to provide career guidance to aspiring technology professionals. SGTech also manages Professional Conversion Programmes with platform companies such as Salesforce to train and place workers into new roles. These new roles include examples such as data protection officers (DPOs) and cybersecurity professionals. There are many new jobs and exciting opportunities that are being created, and we have to increase our effort to support the professional development in these new roles.
I agree with Mr Patrick Tay on the need to upskill these DPOs. As he noted, the PDPCs DPO Competency Roadmap and Training Framework aims to support this. PDPC will collaborate with partners such as NTUC, to roll out additional courses and targets to train 500 DPOs in the first year. I encourage more workers to tap on such training to deepen their skills in data protection and seize the opportunities in this growing field.
Other than data protection, cybersecurity, as we have discussed, is a critical enabler for digitalisation and we will need more cybersecurity professionals to protect our cyber space. CSA is launching the SG Cyber Talent initiative to reach out to more than 20,000 individuals over three years, through existing and new programmes. This will build a pipeline of cybersecurity professionals to support Singapore's ambition to be a cybersecurity hub.
Under the SG Cyber Talent programme, CSA will introduce two new programmes this year.
First, CSA will work with the cybersecurity community and educators to nurture young Singaporeans with an aptitude in cybersecurity. This will provide participants with an arena for cyber sparring for mentorship for customised training and some support to participate in overseas competitions. Secondly, CSA will build communities of practice, offering training in cybersecurity and connecting cybersecurity leadership to global best practises and technologies. This will equip these leaders to secure their organisations more effectively.
Singapore's cybersecurity workforce is important not just for the development of a competitive digital economy, but also for our national security. To Ms Lim's query on how CSA ensures that it has the expertise and knowledge for its mission, CSA has a Cybersecurity Professional Scheme and a Cybersecurity Competency Framework. Together, these guide the professional development of our offices and allow CSA to attract and retain people with the right skill sets. CSA Academy has also been working with global partners to provide intermediate and advanced training for CSA, as well as for the critical information infrastructure (CII) sectors since 2018. To date, the Academy has trained about 200 professionals.
Mr Chairman, I have spoken about MCI's efforts to secure our digital infrastructure to protect our cohesive society and to support all workers. With this approach, we can seize the digital opportunities and embrace digitalisation with confidence together.
The Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information (Ms Sim Ann) : Sir, like the rest of the world, Singapore is headed towards a digital future. It is MCI's mission to ensure this digital future is also a brighter one for all Singaporeans.
In my speech, I will address three key strategies to realise this goal. First, help citizens get more out of the digital economy by improving last-mile delivery infrastructure. Second, strengthen social cohesion by making trusted information widely available. And third, help all citizens to be digitally connected.
Mr Mohamed Irshad talked about disruption and future prospects for post as well as parcels. Members would recall SingPost had a number of service lapses in 2018 and early 2019. We are in a different place this year. SingPost has been improving service delivery since 2019 to rebuild public trust. They have extended delivery hours for peak periods, improved staff remuneration and also hired more postmen.
Consumer complaints fell by about 40% in December 2019 compared to 2018. Consumer satisfaction has also grown. SingPost's stronger performance reflects the efforts they have put in. MCI and IMDA will continue to work closely with SingPost to enhance its service delivery.
Mr Irshad also asked about the future prospects of postal industry. In Singapore, the popularity of e-commerce has led to a steady increase in parcel deliveries. But given Singapore's urban context and consumers' busy lifestyles, doorstep deliveries often mean missed deliveries. Our postal infrastructure must evolve to offer practical alternatives to doorstep deliveries so that all logistics service providers, and not just SingPost can overcome this costly challenge.
Building on the success of the Locker Alliance pilot, IMDA will launch a nationwide deployment of 1,000 locker stations in HDB estates, MRT stations and Community Centres by the end of 2022. This will complement existing commercial locker stations and doorstep deliveries. The goal is to place a locker station around five minutes' walk from every HDB block. Users can collect their parcels on their way to work, or on their way home, any time of the day. Merchants and logistics service providers will also enjoy greater delivery efficiency. This may result in more competitive delivery prices for consumers. IMDA has received strong support from major e-commerce marketplaces like Qoo10 and Shopee, and logistics service providers like Qxpress. IMDA will also partner with SingPost to leverage its extensive postal service experience.
As we strengthen infrastructure, we must also safeguard our social cohesion. We believe all citizens should have access to trusted information. We do this in two ways. First, our media industry creates compelling content for its audiences. MCI supports the growth of the media sector so it stays ahead of the curve. Second, our Government communications are always centred on citizens. MCI varies the modes of engagement, using face-to-face and multilingual communications to connect with all Singaporeans. Let me cover them in turn.
The media industry plays a significant role in keeping citizens well informed. Mr Darryl David asked how the Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) can continue to be relevant. PSB has evolved alongside citizens' consumption preferences by providing customised content across multiple platforms.
For example, Mediacorp's vernacular programmes are taking a multi-platform approach. To widen audience engagement, Vasantham brought the Deepavali Countdown Show 2019 directly to audiences in Little India. Viewers were able to celebrate in Little India with the "live" show, and catch the telecast on meWatch and Vasantham's social media platforms. Tech-savvy younger audiences can also enjoy more online content tailored for them. IMDA is partnering popular digital platforms such as The Smart Local and Viddsee to produce a wide range of drama programmes and documentaries, which will be available this year.
Mr Darryl David also asked about plans to develop the media industry amid competition from over-the-top (OTT) media services, such as Netflix. The Skills Framework for Media, maps out career pathways and skills in emerging trends such as immersive media, to help media professionals stay relevant. Mentorship programmes like WritersLab, ProducersLab and the Story Lab Apprenticeship also help media professionals sharpen their tools of the trade. These programmes will benefit over 200 media professionals over the next two years.
IMDA is also helping local media content go global. I am glad to see the rise of "made with Singapore" content in recent years. One example is the drama series "Food Lore" by home-grown company, Bert Pictures and prominent directors in Asia. The drama has sparkled on the international stage and done us proud. Through initiatives like the Capability Partnership Programme, IMDA will continue to collaborate with global players such as Facebook and CJ ENM Hong Kong, and strengthen the expertise of local media companies.
Ms Tin Pei Ling asked how the Government ensures timely access to information for Singaporeans. This brings me to my second point on citizens. We are strengthening last-mile engagement to connect with citizens face-to-face. Strong community partnership amplifies these efforts. For example, 3,000 Silver Generation (SG) Ambassadors actively engage seniors with regard to the Merdeka Generation Package or the MGP. One of the SG Ambassadors is Mr Kong Seet Kiang. Already 70 years old, he has been volunteering three days a week since 2015 and a familiar face among Bukit Timah seniors.
MGP roadshows are also in full swing in the heartlands. With the deep involvement of the community, the Government has engaged nearly 200,000 MG seniors and their families at over 200 roadshows and events.
Good translation is essential for important messages to reach all segments of Singapore society. MCI's Translation Department (TD) undertakes the most important pieces of translation work for the Government. It also champions high standards when it comes to translated work produced by all public agencies, whether done in-house or outsourced.
Over the years, MCI initiated various moves to boost our translation capabilities, producing increasing quantities of translated materials, at good quality and at speed. MCI is now ready to consolidate these moves. We will signal a higher level of aspiration, by repositioning MCI's translation department (TD) as the whole-of-Government Centre of Excellence for Translation.
The Centre of Excellence will drive three key workstreams: talent, technology and partnerships.
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First, we will groom translation talents and upskill industry practitioners. This is done through programmes like the MCI Information Service (Translation) Scholarship and the Translation Talent Development Scheme.
Second, we use technology to improve the speed and quality of Government translation work. In the national fight against COVID-19, our machine translation engine, known as SG Translate, has been supporting the translation of public communications materials in vernacular languages. As SG Translate produces translations that suit the local context, it is more accurate than other machine translation tools. Mr Teo Ser Luck asked how we are involving more partners to enhance translation technology. We fully agree partnerships are important to share knowledge and expertise. That is why MCI is launching a new pilot project, SG Translate Together, to rally Singaporeans to improve SG Translate. From 2021, MCI will invite selected groups, including businesses and schools, to submit quality translations through a web portal. The more quality inputs we receive, the more data for training the engine, and the stronger the technology’s underlying AI will become. We will open up the web portal progressively to more users. This will benefit more practitioners while also growing the engine’s capability.
Third, MCI is also strengthening partnerships to close translation gaps. For example, we are working with organisations with skilled translators to meet periodic surges in translation demand within the public sector. We also have retainer arrangements to boost vetting capabilities. Here I want to say a very big thank our translation partners. There is so much more we can do together. Let us continue our partnership to ensure strong Government communications for our citizens.
If translation is the bridge to connect our multiracial communities, then preserved records open a window to Singapore's shared heritage. To strengthen cohesiveness, we must remember the shared history that binds us. The National Library and the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) are widening public access to national and social memories. At the on-going Legal Deposit display at Bedok Public Library, Singaporeans can access a vast array of publications from yesteryear. One of them is the book "Assembly Songs", a valuable compilation of school songs of the past.
In total, the Legal Deposit collection has more than 1.37 million items contributed by publishers. With the updated National Library Board (NLB) Act empowering NLB to archive digital materials, NLB has also added 40,000 Singapore websites to its digital collection, preserved for generations to enjoy. The NAS will be launching a crowdsourcing initiative to capture treasured sights and sounds of Singapore. Citizens can play a part by contributing under categories such as "Sounds of the Heartlands" and "Festivals and Celebrations".
Anchored by our past, we can face the future with confidence. To bring Singapore forward, Minister Iswaran said all citizens should feel confident about seizing digital opportunities. Mr Chairman, in Mandarin, please.
( In Mandarin ) : [ Please refer to Vernacular Speech .] Digitalisation has disrupted industries, transforming jobs and creating new ones. Companies in Singapore are innovating more. The demand for high-skilled roles is set to grow. This will create new opportunities for the workforce in roles such as product managers, data scientists and software engineers.
We must support all workers in skills transition. One segment the Government is focusing on is mid-career professionals. With digitalisation creating disruption alongside opportunities, this group of professionals may face challenges in career transitions. However, their rich experience makes them invaluable to the economy.
The TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) programme supports workers to acquire new ICT skills.
50-year-old Mr Tan Wai Chong worked in the IT field for 25 years. He has always been interested to learn new skills. With structured training from PSA through TeSA’s Company-Led Training programme, he took on an advanced tech role. He is now an Application Developer with PSA.
To support more mid-career professionals like Mr Tan, IMDA is launching the TeSA Mid-Career Advance programme for Singaporeans aged 40 and above.
The programme will comprise training and mentorship of up to 24 months to equip mid-career professionals with competencies for in-demand tech roles. For a start, about 10 companies have come on board, and committed to about 500 training placements. IMDA aims to benefit an additional 2,000 mid-career professionals over the next two to three years.
Together with the industry, we will support these professionals to further their careers with confidence.
( In English ): Chairman, back to English. Technology can empower our people. However, some segments of the population, such as seniors and low-income households, may feel lost in the digital society. They may struggle to catch up. I understand their anxiety.
Singapore must therefore focus on digital inclusion. We must overcome age, income and literacy gaps, so everyone can reap the benefits of the digital economy.
Mr Vikram Nair asked about measures to boost digital readiness, while Dr Teo Ho Pin asked how we are improving digital access for low-income households and seniors.
NLB and IMDA are galvanising the community and industry to build digital literacy and skills. This is in sync with the Singapore Together movement, where the Government partners with Singaporeans to build a better future.
To support low-income Singaporeans, the Home Access Programme has subsidised broadband for over 14,000 households. One of the beneficiaries is Mr D Rashpal Singh Sidhu. With subsidised broadband, Mr Sidhu found a part-time job after searching online. He also uses the Internet to stay in touch with overseas relatives.
However, while household broadband access in Singapore has increased over the years, some low-income households are still unconnected. To benefit more low-income households, IMDA will enhance the Home Access Programme from April. IMDA will partner with M1, MyRepublic Limited and NetLink Trust to defray the cost of broadband for low-income households, while offering faster broadband speeds. IMDA will also offer a wider range of devices, giving households the choice of either a subsidised smartphone or tablet. We aim to benefit 10,000 more low-income households over three years.
We are also helping seniors to learn digital skills. IMDA, together with partners such as NLB, organised over 200 free Digital Clinics in libraries and community spaces to help seniors with their smartphone devices. Some 3,000 volunteers have reached out to over 15,000 seniors island-wide. One of these seniors is 64-year-old Madam Safia Bte Mohd Salleh. Through Digital Clinics, she discovered useful apps to make polyclinic and hospital appointments, and check the arrival times of buses. She plans to visit Digital Clinics again to learn more.
There are also ground-up efforts to help children navigate the online environment safely. This is important as they are increasingly exposed to technology from an early age. The Media Literacy Council is partnering Google to bring a mobile interactive exhibition on online safety to primary schools this year. Students can learn about online safety, cyber-bullying and the actions to take when encountering problems online. Our Singapore Fund for Digital Readiness also supports community efforts to combat online risks. For example, a group of NTU students organised an exhibition to raise awareness of online child grooming. Visitors could step into the shoes of victims through interactive installations. I visited the exhibition last week. It was very well done, and the messages hit home. I applaud the strong contributions of the community to promote online safety.
Our march towards the digital future must also be matched by an unwavering sense of community. In the fast-moving digital world, it is more important than ever to connect people through common spaces and programmes.
Our libraries play a key role in this. They have transformed over the years to become trusted and treasured spaces where people can bond, socialise and learn.
Mr Cedric Foo asked how we are revamping libraries to ensure they stay relevant in a digital world. We have revamped six libraries under the Libraries of the Future initiative. Strong community engagement to encourage lifelong learning is the hallmark of these libraries. For example, at library@harbourfront, which opened last year, citizens young and old can learn about emerging technology at The Tech Showcase. Interactive displays on topics like educational robotics offer an engaging learning experience. Families can also participate in hands-on activities at the children's makerspace. The revamped libraries have seen an increase of 73% in total visitors and 49% in total loans in the first year of operation. Our libraries are an exception to the global trend of falling library usage.
We are continuing our libraries' transformation. NLB will revamp eight more libraries from now to 2026. They include Choa Chu Kang Public Library, Central Public Library, Queenstown Public Library and Marine Parade Public Library. In addition to these, a brand new Punggol Regional Library is in the works.
These future libraries will play a stronger role in connecting Singaporeans. They will build inclusive learning communities. For example, Punggol Regional Library will offer spaces and collections for all age groups and needs. Users with disabilities and children with special needs can enjoy customised services. The library will also house a specially curated world children’s literature collection so younger Singaporeans can appreciate cultural diversity from an early age.
Mr Chairman, the digital future presents endless possibilities. MCI will persevere in our efforts to ensure every business, worker and citizen can seize digital opportunities. We will continue to nurture enduring partnerships to realise this vision, and leave no one behind. Let us work together, as one nation, to forge a strong digital future.
The Chairman : Clarifications. Mr Irshad.
Mr Mohamed Irshad : Mr Chairman, I welcome the deployment of the thousand lockers across Singapore, particularly to have it located within five minutes of the HDB block. Just one clarification for the Senior Minister of State. She mentioned the roll-out of the locker network will be overseen and managed by IMDA. Can the Ministry study the possibility of setting up a new unit or an entity under either MCI or MOT, similar to Home Team Science and Technology Agency or HTX under MHA. This entity will then have a clear mandate focusing on digitising and driving innovation and transformation in the post, parcel and logistic industry in Singapore by setting relevant standards trialing and driving adoption of new innovative technology such as, say, drone delivery and blockchain traceablility?
Ms Sim Ann : I thank Mr Ishad for his question. Within IMDA, in fact, there is already a sector transformation group whose work is to support the digitalisation as well as transformation of different industry sectors. Urban Logistics is one of them and the Nationwide Parcel Locker Network that we talked about is one of the initiatives under this particular sector.
The Chairman : Mr Cedric Foo.
Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng : Chairman, I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State, Ms Sim Ann, whether or not we can confidently say that no child in a Singapore school will be without a computer and broadband access if their family cannot afford one.
Ms Sim Ann : To answer Mr Cedric Foo's question, this is, I think, a very important goal to ensure that every child in Singapore is able to learn well and is able to make the full use of the benefits of digital learning. This is a goal shared by MCI as well as MOE. We will do our part in terms of ensuring that low-income households are able to have home access and also at the same time we do partner MOE to also ensure that at the school level, every child who needs digital devices or computers is also being served.
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The Chairman : Mr Irshad.
Mr Mohamed Irshad : Just one other clarification. I welcome the move to set up gov.sg WhatsApp group, a WhatsApp channel to communicate with the public. At which point does MCI determine which channel to communicate with, for example, there is also Telegram. So, what were the considerations behind choosing which platform as a third party platform to communicate with the public?
Mr S Iswaran : Chairman, I thank the Member for his question. As I said earlier, we have to choose the channel according to both the target segment that we want to reach out to but also in terms of our ability to respond situationally. In this case, the COVID-19 outbreak occurred very quickly, we sensed that there is going to be an immediate need for a reliable source of information for our population. What we then did was to repurpose an existing channel, which was a WhatsApp channel that was already available – that was used for communication for certain types of information, particularly the Merdeka Generation package and related information – and we decided that we would repurpose it and make that an immediate mechanism by which we convey the requisite – the relevant information to our population.
I think it has worked well, as evidenced by the response that we have seen from the subscribers, but we do not preclude the possibility of using other channels. But this was responding to an immediate need with the tool that was available to us with the shortest possible notice.
Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng : Chairman, some months ago, we had a healthy discussion between Mr Pritam Singh and myself about POFMA; whether the Judiciary is best party to act, or whether the Executive branch is better placed to act on the issuance of Correction Notices. I think the recent COVID-19 outbreak is a good example of when to use POFMA. From the recent experience using POFMA for this purpose, does the Minister feel even stronger now, that this is a job best left for the Executive branch?
Mr S Iswaran : Chairman, I thank the Member, who is the Chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee, for his comment. As I emphasised, I think what COVID-19 has in particular brought to the fore, is the need for swift action, when you are trying to ensure a falsehood does not gain traction and mislead the population. In a situation like an epidemic, it is essential that our population stays calm, gets advice and information from reliable sources, and is able to then take appropriate measures.
In that context, we have found POFMA, the tools and also the ability to exercise those tools, the authority that is vested in the Executive to exercise those tools, to have been very effective. It has, I think, demonstrated the case that we made in the course of the debate, in introducing the legislation, that one of the reasons, not the only, but a key reason for wanting to site that authority with the Executive arm, was to ensure the ability to respond decisively, swiftly given the virulence and virality of falsehoods that are pervade online. I think our COVID-19 experience has reinforced, if anything, that conviction; and certainly, we have no reason to question the reasons for doing so.
The Chairman : Mr Pritam Singh.
Mr Pritam Singh : Mr Chairman, thank you. I do not mean to open the debate that we had on POFMA again but the position as far as the Workers' Party is concerned, is still the same. Indeed, you have instances of fake news in the case of epidemics, even pandemics; certainly, they have to be taken down swiftly. But there are different modalities that swift action can manifest itself in. And the Workers' Party position is that there are still other options, apart from Executive orders, that can eventuate in that outcome.
Mr Vikram Nair : Chairman. One of the points I mentioned was I think POFMA is very useful in handling online falsehoods. But, I think in the COVID-19 situation, one of the things we realised, a lot of the falsehoods spread through messaging apps such as WhatsApp for which the Correction Orders in POFMA would not work effectively. So, is there anything else we can do about that? Either future legislation or what I had suggested was, better education of the population.
Mr S Iswaran : Mr Chairman, without wanting to prolong that discussion on POFMA, let me just say that, I think, essentially this is one of the reasons why we were very keen to move on the gov.sg WhatsApp service. Because, firstly, if it succeeded in terms of its reach to a large base of the population, it meant that they had a reliable source of information on COVID-19 through a channel that they are already quite accustomed to using. Secondly, if you were to receive such information reliably through WhatsApp, in this case, then there is also the ability for individuals who might encounter other sorts of information through other chat groups that they belong to, individuals can then forward this to basically provide the countervailing point of view. So, we think that that is a good start.
In terms of the actual mechanisms for dealing with platforms like WhatsApp because they have end-to-end encryption and so they pose a different kind of challenge in terms of the POFMA regulation compared to some of the other platforms.
As we said during the POFMA debate, we are taking an approach which takes into account the variations across different platforms and that includes WhatsApp and Facebook whom we are engaging in an on-going discussion.
The Chairman : Mr Cedric Foo, would you like to withdraw your amendment, please?
Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng : Chairman, indeed digital technology will be a key enabler for a brighter future for Singapore. Listening to Senior Minister of State, Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State, Dr Janil and Minister Iswaran, I am sure my colleagues share my view that we are in good hands. That is because they do not only talk about technology and digits, they were talking about people. Chairman, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.
[(proc text) Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. (proc text)]
[(proc text) The sum of $1,004,918,400 for Head Q ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. (proc text)]
[(proc text) The sum of $37,103,300 for Head Q ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. (proc text)]