AI Influence Profile
Denise Phua Lay Peng
Positioning
Member of Parliament. Spoke in 10 AI-related parliamentary debates (2015–2026), most often on AI & Employment and AI in Public Sector.
Parliamentary AI record (10)
MOE Committee of Supply 2026 — Preparing Singaporeans for an AI-Transformed Future
2026-03-03 · Parliament 15
Education Minister Desmond Lee anchored MOE's Committee of Supply debate, placing AI alongside the geopolitical paradigm shift and climate change as the three defining uncertainties facing the education system. MOE laid out a four-pronged AI literacy framework: (1) Learn about AI — understand principles and limits; (2) Learn to use AI — partner with industry so students use tools effectively and responsibly; (3) Learn with AI — educators infuse AI into teaching and learning to improve outcomes; (4) Learn beyond AI — develop the irreplaceable human capabilities so students "use AI to amplify their impact" rather than be displaced. Minister of State Jasmin Lau owns MOE's AI agenda and frames it within the national AI strategy. On teacher workflow, AI is being used to reduce administrative load, alongside the Reimagining the Teaching Profession Taskforce recommendations to streamline processes, strengthen support, and protect after-work hours. Senior Minister of State David Neo tied the COS theme "We Learn for Life Together" to the AI age — students must learn "to live life the way life was supposed to be lived" amid rapid technological change. SkillsFuture Singapore also announced the SME AI Skills Launchpad Initiative rolling out progressively from March 2026, with SkillsFuture Queen Bees delivering free AI masterclasses for SMEs.
Alternative Singpass Identity Options Apart from Facial Verification
2026-02-12 · Parliament 15
MP Denise Phua asked the Ministry of Digital Development and Information about alternative Singpass identity-verification options for users with medical conditions that prevent facial verification — particularly when setting up digital tokens with banks — and whether requirements would be reviewed to avoid excluding such users from essential services. Minister of State Jasmin Lau replied: (1) GovTech and MAS jointly issued a Straits Times Forum reply on 4 February 2026 confirming alternatives such as one-time passwords or hardware tokens for users unable to use facial-recognition technology due to medical conditions or disabilities; (2) MAS requires banks to provide at least one non-Singpass alternative; (3) Government digital services are tested with citizens of varying abilities to ensure accessibility; (4) the Government openly acknowledged "we can definitely do much better in communicating and explaining these different methods of access to our citizens." Phua's supplementaries pressed whether the alternatives are systematic across all digital banks and whether they are properly communicated; the Minister reiterated MAS's regulatory requirement and committed to stronger public education.
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.
Committee of Supply – Head K (Ministry of Education)
2024-03-01 · Parliament 14
MPs stressed that education must adapt to rapid technological change, especially the challenges from generative AI, calling for expanded upskilling courses and support for students' diverse development. The government acknowledged the system's resilience and international performance and committed to building students' adaptability and creativity. The core debate: balancing traditional teaching with cultivation of emerging skills, and broadening the scope of funding use.
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.
Debate on Annual Budget Statement
2024-02-26 · Parliament 14
The debate centred on Budget 2024, with questions on government transparency, social fairness, and retirement security. The government adopted some opposition proposals, such as a temporary unemployment assistance scheme. The core debate: whether the government is genuinely open to diverse views, and how to narrow the gap between ideals and reality.
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 K (Ministry of Education)
2023-02-28 · Parliament 14
MPs raised the education budget and career-guidance support, emphasising educators' contributions during the pandemic and the importance of future skills development. They proposed stronger career counselling for youth and working adults and broader use of SkillsFuture Credit for lifelong learning. The government has not yet responded in this excerpt. The core debate: how to better support youth career development and skills matching.
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.
Committee of Supply – Head K (Ministry of Education)
2015-03-06 · Parliament 12
MPs raised the question of graduate employment matching for Singapore universities, citing high graduate unemployment in South Korea and China and worrying about youth unemployment risk in Singapore. They emphasised education should focus on practical skills and called for SkillsFuture to drive lifelong learning and lift employability. The government's response focused on investing in citizen skills to prepare for future employment. The core debate: education-labour market match and prevention of youth unemployment.