AI Influence Profile
Rachel Ong
Profile pending. This page currently summarises parliamentary appearances and policy links from existing records.
Parliamentary speeches (10)
MSF Committee of Supply 2026 — AI Deepfake Protection & Disability Employment
2026-03-05 · Parliament 15
Two AI issues drew attention in the MSF Committee of Supply debate. MP Rachel Ong raised the threat of AI deepfakes — especially sexually exploitative content — to children and vulnerable groups, asking what safeguards exist and how MSF coordinates with other agencies. Separately, MP Neo Kok Beng warned that AI automation is displacing traditional jobs for persons with disabilities (packing, sorting, basic admin, coding), calling for a shift from "protective employment" to building disability employment resilience in the AI economy.
Committee of Supply – Head Q (Ministry of Digital Development and Information)
2025-03-07 · Parliament 14
MPs asked about digital infrastructure resilience and security safeguards, focusing on cloud and data centre security guidelines. The government emphasised the strong growth of Singapore's digital economy and the issuance of guidance to lift infrastructure security, ensuring digital transformation is sustainable and inclusive. The core debate: how to further strengthen infrastructure against round-the-clock operational risks.
Committee of Supply – Head S (Ministry of Manpower)
2025-03-06 · Parliament 14
MPs questioned the effectiveness of MOM's retirement security, workforce-upgrading and inclusive workplace efforts, with a focus on the challenges of an ageing workforce. They proposed using assistive technologies to redesign jobs and setting up dedicated training centres to lift senior employment rates. The government has yet to respond fully; the debate centres on tackling ageing-workforce shortages and the economic impact.
Committee of Supply – Head P (Ministry of Home Affairs)
2025-03-03 · Parliament 14
MPs asked how the government partners community groups and the public to safeguard Singapore's racial and religious harmony and respond to the global trust deficit in public institutions. They highlighted the threat of rumours and misinformation to social cohesion and called for collective effort. The government response is not included in the excerpt; the core debate is on balancing policy enforcement with community participation to strengthen public trust in law-enforcement institutions.
Committee of Supply – Head J (Ministry of Defence)
2025-03-03 · Parliament 14
MPs asked about the changing international security environment and its impact on Singapore's defence budget, focusing on US-China tensions, the wavering rules-based order, and regional security risks. The government stressed the importance of defence and the SAF for national security and called for sustained, strong defensive capability to handle complex and shifting global conditions. The core debate: the stability of international alliances and how Singapore should adjust its defence strategy.
Debate on Annual Budget Statement
2025-02-27 · Parliament 14
The parliamentary debate centred on Budget 2025, focusing on how to navigate global political-economic shifts and technological change — especially the impact of frontier technologies such as AI on the economy and society. The government emphasised supporting families and firms while actively positioning for future growth via tech innovation and talent development. The core debate: how to balance short-term support with long-term transformation, and the employment and governance challenges raised by AI.
Debate on Annual Budget Statement
2024-02-27 · Parliament 14
The debate focused on the path to economic growth in Singapore's Budget 2024, against a backdrop of global slowdown, high inflation and rising geopolitical uncertainty. The government emphasised structural reform and support for firms and households to navigate challenges, driving long-term sustainability. References to tech innovation, automation, and AI's impact on jobs and industry competitiveness reflected concern over AI governance and industrial development. The core debate: how to balance growth with social protection and respond to rising global protectionism.
Committee of Supply – Head S (Ministry of Manpower)
2023-03-01 · Parliament 14
MPs raised the impact of an ageing workforce and demographic shifts on Singapore's economy, noting that some sectors have a high share of older workers and may face rapid future labour outflow. They emphasised challenges from tech change and shifting work attitudes, urging attention to flexible work arrangements. The government did not respond directly. The core debate: how to manage employment-structure adjustment from ageing and technological change.
Committee of supply – Head J (Ministry of Defence)
2023-02-24 · Parliament 14
MPs asked MINDEF for its assessment of the global and regional security situation, focusing on US-China strategic competition, the Russia-Ukraine war, and North Korean missile tests. The government acknowledged concerns over the erosion of multilateralism and increasingly complex regional security, stressing Singapore must strengthen defence readiness for uncertainty. The core debate: balancing defence investment with regional diplomatic strategy to safeguard national security and stability.
Committee of Supply – Head J (Ministry of Defence)
2022-03-03 · Parliament 14
MPs asked MINDEF about progress on updating the medical classification system, focusing on how to make operational-fitness assessment and job matching more thorough. The government replied that the system aims to lift HR efficiency by combining servicemen's skills with their professional background. The core debate: how to make assessment thorough and ensure skills are properly matched in deployment.