AI Influence Profile
Dennis Tan Lip Fong
Positioning
Member of Parliament. Spoke in 13 AI-related parliamentary debates (2017–2026), most often on AI in Public Sector and AI Economy & Industry.
Parliamentary AI record (13)
Review of Personal Data Protection Act 2012 to Address Use of Inferred or Derived Data Generated by AI
2026-05-05 · Parliament 15
Workers' Party MP Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Ministry of Digital Development and Information in writing whether it intends to review the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA) to address the use of inferred or derived data, including behavioural profiles generated by AI systems, and if so, what principles would guide such a review. Minister Josephine Teo replied that under the PDPA, data about an identifiable individual is personal data which organisations must safeguard when in their possession or control, and this also covers data about the individual that an organisation derives in the course of business from such personal data. She added that the Personal Data Protection Commission has published Advisory Guidelines on the Use of Personal Data in AI Recommendation and Decision Systems, setting out principles such as using data only for legitimate business purposes and limiting collection to what is needed. The reply effectively declines to commit to legislative review: the Government's position is that existing statutory definitions already cover derived data, supplemented by soft-law guidelines, leaving AI behavioural profiling without a dedicated legislative response.
MOT Committee of Supply 2026 — AI-Enabled Infrastructure & Cross-Border Smart Factories
2026-03-04 · Parliament 15
The MOT Committee of Supply debate covered two significant AI threads. First, the Next-Generation Port at Tuas uses automation, advanced sensors, predictive analytics and AI to keep the infrastructure globally competitive — but requires responsible deployment to manage workforce transitions. Second, an MP proposed a bolder vision: under the Sijori framework, the National AI Mission can act as a "force multiplier", enabling cross-border smart factories, multimodal logistics optimisation, embedded trade finance, and stronger regional medical/bio-manufacturing supply chains — turning infrastructure expansion into a coordinated, AI-powered economic engine.
MSE Committee of Supply 2026 — AI for Climate Resilience
2026-03-03 · Parliament 15
During the MSE Committee of Supply debate, MPs asked whether the Ministry has explored using AI to strengthen Singapore's climate resilience initiatives. The discussion centred on using the latest technology to forecast extreme weather and the potential for AI to sharpen project accuracy. Multiple MPs raised concerns about the practical impacts of climate change on Singapore and the technological responses.
Balancing Academic Rigour Required to Excel at PSLE With Skills to Thrive in AI-driven Economy
2025-11-04 · Parliament 15
An MP asked whether the PSLE emphasises rote learning, whether it nurtures a love of lifelong learning, and how it compares with inquiry-based, collaborative approaches abroad. MOE replied that the PSLE focuses on core concepts and critical thinking, emphasising diverse pedagogies and 21st-century competencies, with international assessments showing students perform well in complex problem-solving. MPs raised concerns about teaching quality in lower-income, higher-needs schools and lessons from overseas. MOE highlighted that inquiry and collaboration are integrated in teacher training. The core debate: how to balance academic rigour with creative capacity.
Committee of Supply – Head V (Ministry of Trade and Industry)
2025-03-05 · Parliament 14
MPs asked whether Singapore's economy can outperform the 2025 1–3% growth forecast, emphasising the importance of growth for jobs and international competitiveness. The government replied that growth requires overcoming tight constraints on land, workforce and now carbon, through structural productivity gains, firm transformation, and infrastructure investment. The core debate: how to achieve higher growth under resource constraints.
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 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)
2022-03-02 · Parliament 14
MPs raised the defence budget, stressing that the Russia-Ukraine war underlines the importance of small-state self-defence and the threat of information warfare. The debate focused on geopolitical tension, tech competition, and the security impact of cyber and information warfare. The government emphasised strengthening self-defence and tech defence capabilities. The core debate: balancing the budget with response to emerging security threats.
Role of Personal Data Protection Commission in Investigating Blood Donors' Data Leak
2019-04-01 · Parliament 13
MPs asked about the PDPC's investigation role in the blood-donor data leak and whether public agencies should be subject to the PDPA. The government replied that PDPC is investigating the private IT vendor involved, and public agencies are governed by other regulations with data-protection standards no lower than the PDPA. The core debate: whether public agencies should be exempt from PDPA oversight and the accountability mechanisms.
Committee of Supply − Head U (Prime Minister's Office)
2019-02-28 · Parliament 13
Questions focused on how the Public Service can use AI and data analytics to lift efficiency, integrate services, and meet citizen needs. MPs emphasised that technology should be citizen-centred and avoid mechanical enforcement, with the government pushing high-tech, high-touch, and high-adaptability transformation in the public sector to lift productivity and service quality.
Preventive Measures Implemented Following Data Leak Involving Persons with HIV
2019-02-12 · Parliament 13
MPs asked about specific preventive measures following the HIV data leak affecting 14,200 patients — data access permissions, leak tracking, psychological protection of victims, and addressing social discrimination. The government must respond on how to prevent further spread, protect patient rights, and maintain public trust in HIV testing. The core debate: data-security gaps, transparency, and social discrimination.
Time Spent by Teachers on Marking Assignments and Administrative Work
2017-08-01 · Parliament 13
MPs asked about teachers' time on marking and administrative work and measures to reduce the load. The government emphasised the importance of marking, outlining teaching guidance and team-based marking, with technology used to auto-mark MCQ and digital quizzes; it will continue pushing tech use and process simplification. The core debate: balancing teachers' professional responsibilities with reducing workload.
Committee of Supply − Head J (Ministry of Defence)
2017-03-03 · Parliament 13
MPs asked MINDEF about the major current security threats — regional great-power conflict, North Korean nuclear tests, terrorism, and cyberattacks. The government emphasised the diversity of threats and prioritising cybersecurity, calling for stronger defensive capability. The core debate: balancing resource allocation and response strategy across traditional and non-traditional security threats.