AI Influence Profile
Gerald Giam Yean Song
Positioning
Member of Parliament. Spoke in 32 AI-related parliamentary debates (2021–2026), most often on AI Economy & Industry and AI Governance & Regulation.
Parliamentary AI record (32)
An Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transition with No Jobless Growth (Main Debate)
2026-05-06 · Parliament 15
On 6 May Parliament resumed debate on NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng's motion "An AI Transition with No Jobless Growth", with around 20 MPs speaking in the most substantive AI debate of the 15th Parliament to date. The motion asked the House to recognise AI's transformative power for Singapore's next phase of growth, anchor AI-enabled growth in fairness, resilience and opportunity for all, equip workers and enterprises, and affirm that Singapore must not have jobless growth. PAP and labour MPs focused on job redesign, Company Training Committees and the new Tripartite Jobs Council. Workers' Party MPs all supported the motion but proposed structural alternatives: Gerald Giam a National AI Equity Fund paying every adult citizen a $500 annual dividend plus an on-the-job mastery fund; Andre Low a redundancy insurance with no income ceiling, a retraining tax credit and an annual "AI gains audit"; Kenneth Tiong universal premium AI tool access and sovereign-level engagement with frontier AI firms. Manpower Minister Tan See Leng rejected the WP proposals as "a settlement" rather than empowerment, cited an MOM survey that only about 6% of AI-adopting firms cut headcount, and committed to studying a higher Jobseeker Support income threshold and earlier retrenchment notification. Speakers on both sides declared support for the motion.
An Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transition with No Jobless Growth (Debate Conclusion)
2026-05-06 · Parliament 15
The debate on the Motion "An AI Transition with No Jobless Growth" concluded on 6 May. In clarifications, WP's Andre Low stressed that strong social safety nets and urging Singaporeans to embrace AI are not zero-sum; Gerald Giam defended his proposed National AI Equity Fund as "not about a compensation for failure", with nearly half the fund invested directly in workers' skills, and pressed the Government on structurally sharing AI productivity gains. Manpower Minister Tan See Leng replied that the sharing would come through real income improvement, with SWDA setting clear KPIs tying the Enterprise Workforce Training Package and job redesign to real wages and career progression. WP's Kenneth Tiong questioned the quality of SkillsFuture courses and argued for universal access to frontier AI tools, while Mark Lee countered that Tiong's proposed 90-day mandatory notice for AI-driven role elimination is operationally ambiguous when transformation is gradual. Yeo Wan Ling asked whether job redesign would be an explicit condition of AI grants; Minister of State Jasmin Lau said the direction is committed and details would be worked out with tripartite partners. Wrapping up the debate of 7 hours 18 minutes and 24 speeches, Ng Chee Meng backed raising Jobseeker Support eligibility to the PME median income of about $8,400 and said NTUC is open on the form of support. The Motion was put and agreed to unanimously.
Regulating Smart Glasses and AI Wearables to Prevent Covert Recording and Unconsented Data Collection
2026-05-06 · Parliament 15
Workers' Party MP Mr Gerald Giam asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information whether the Ministry will introduce visual indicator requirements for smart glasses to prevent surreptitious recording in public, and how it ensures AI-enabled wearables do not facilitate mass collection of biometric or environmental data without the explicit consent of bystanders. Mrs Josephine Teo replied that under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), organisations — including individuals creating content for commercial purposes — are accountable for how personal data is collected and used, and that photography and recording are subject to the same rules regardless of the device's form factor. While the PDPA generally does not require consent for recording in public spaces, any subsequent use or disclosure, including for AI features, must be for a reasonable purpose and comply with other laws. Non-consensual recording or misuse of intimate content may constitute offences under the Penal Code and the Protection from Harassment Act, and content creators can be held accountable under the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act. No device-specific new regulations were committed.
Mandatory Government Security Vetting for Personnel with Access to Singapore's Critical Information Infrastructure
2026-04-08 · Parliament 15
Workers' Party MP Gerald Giam asked MDDI whether mandatory centralised government security vetting should be introduced for personnel with access to Singapore's critical information infrastructure (CII) — including foreign-national technical experts in telco and energy — to mitigate insider threats and state-sponsored APTs. Minister Josephine Teo replied with three positions: (1) profile-based assumptions about who is "safer" are themselves a vulnerability — defence has to assume any person with access could be an insider threat; (2) security vetting is not a silver bullet, since determined adversaries will specifically work around any known vetting regime; (3) the operative model is zero-trust architecture with least-privileged access, continuous verification and anomaly monitoring — defence-in-depth, not vetting alone. Giam pressed whether the public-servant standard (G50) should be extended to CII super-user / admin roles; the Minister noted that for certain access types arrangements already exist, but specific requirements are not publicly disclosed for security reasons.
MOH Committee of Supply 2026 — AI as National Healthcare Mission
2026-03-04 · Parliament 15
During the MOH Committee of Supply debate, MP Mariam Jaafar delivered a landmark speech on AI in healthcare policy. She put a bigger question to the Minister: if healthcare is truly a national AI mission, the goal cannot just be incremental adoption — Singapore must build a complete system (infrastructure, governance, talent, and the underlying plumbing) so that AI safely, effectively and at scale improves outcomes for every patient. She identified the need to cultivate "translator" talent fluent in both clinical realities and machine learning. Once AI is shown to deliver real patient benefit safely and reliably at scale, Singapore will gain a decisive global competitive advantage.
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.
MOM Committee of Supply 2026 — AI, Workforce & Career Resilience
2026-03-03 · Parliament 15
The MOM Committee of Supply debate was the centrepiece for AI and workforce issues in the Budget. Minister Tan See Leng framed AI as transforming the nature of work — not only what jobs people do, but how work is organised, skills are built, and careers evolve. Key threads: (1) AI as a gamechanger that can augment or displace workers depending on how jobs are redesigned; (2) SkillsFuture participation exceeding 600,000, with 458,000+ Singaporeans using SkillsFuture credits; (3) reframing "job redesign" as "human-with-AI job redesign", using design thinking to combine AI with human judgement, empathy and creativity; (4) mid-career PMEs face the highest risk and need career health to become mainstream, preventive and personalised; (5) generative AI poses higher risk to white-collar work than to manual / dexterity-based roles. MPs' threads: Industry Transformation Maps (ITMs), forward-looking when introduced in 2016, must be sharpened to give clear direction on AI-driven business process redesign, workforce-transition timelines and credible pathways into new roles; Ms Yeo Wan Ling argued the 2026 expansion of the Non-traditional Sources Occupation List (NTS-OL) must be coupled with productivity-linked conditions — structured training of locals, skills transfer from foreign workers, and job redesign; NMP Assoc Prof Terence Ho warned of an "AI divide" and proposed free or subsidised time-limited access to premium AI tools (the US$20–30/month tier) for mature workers, with longer-term subsidies for lower-income Singaporeans; Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim cautioned that agentic AI threatens entry-level positions and called for institutionalising the GRIT programme as a national on-the-job training subsidy.
Projected Expenditure on Government's Pursuit of Global Leadership in Growth Areas and AI-empowered Economy
2026-02-12 · Parliament 15
MPs questioned the government's budget plans to push AI economy and global leadership, and probed whether a state-owned AI corporation should be set up to protect data sovereignty and the public interest. The government responded with National AI Strategy 2.0, emphasising data security, technical performance, and international cooperation. The core debate: how to prevent global tech giants from dominating Singapore's AI market, avoid data leakage and tech dependency, and regulate foreign use of public data including how returns are shared.
Reasons for Lower Proportion of Fresh Graduates in Full-time Employment and Extent of Help from GRaduate Industry Traineeship Programme
2025-09-23 · Parliament 15
MPs asked about the cyclical and structural drivers behind the lower share of fresh graduates landing full-time employment, and how the Graduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT) programme can ease the difficulty. The debate focused on GRIT's implementation details, quality safeguards, long-term returns, and support for strategic industries. The government emphasised structured training and firm participation to lift graduate competitiveness; MPs focused on programme effectiveness and fair conversion mechanisms. The core debate: whether the programme genuinely improves long-term employment quality.
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 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.
Restrictions for Use of DeepSeek by Public Officers
2025-03-03 · Parliament 14
An MP asked whether the government is considering restrictions on public officers using DeepSeek, similar to bans imposed on government devices in some other countries. The government replied that it has policy frameworks for assessing technology suitability and balances security with innovation, without directly addressing DeepSeek. Asked whether the government's in-house AI tool Pair relies on overseas commercial platforms, the government did not elaborate publicly and said it could follow up privately. The core debate: the government's attitude toward specific commercial AI products and the transparency of data security.
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.
Trend in Number of Artificial Intelligence Voice-cloning Scams
2024-04-03 · Parliament 14
An MP asked about the number of AI voice-cloning scam cases in Singapore and the government's response. The government replied that case numbers are not high and the police are not specifically tracking such scams, but it has taken measures including terminating communication lines linked to scams and limiting the number of post-paid SIM cards. It stressed the importance of whole-of-society scam prevention and urged the public to strengthen awareness. The core debate: lack of transparency on specific case data and the reality of the technological threat.
Committee of Supply – Head O (Ministry of Health)
2024-03-05 · Parliament 14
MPs asked MOH about progress and scale-up of hospital-at-home services and whether MediShield Life and MediSave can support home-care claims. They also questioned whether current Activities of Daily Living (ADL) assessment criteria are reasonable, calling for more flexible consideration of patient need. The core debate: whether home-care coverage and subsidy mechanisms are sufficient to support patients and their families.
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.
Specific Targets for Singapore's Global Share of Aggregate Computing Power
2024-02-26 · Parliament 14
An MP asked whether the government has set specific targets for Singapore's global share of compute over the next 5–10 years. The government replied that no such target has been set, emphasising that compute demand is dynamic. MPs followed up on data centre construction and sustainability; the government said it supports building data centres that meet environmental standards and pushes digitalisation to lift jobs and skills. The core debate: whether explicit targets should be set, and how to balance growth with environmental protection.
Building an Inclusive and Safe Digital Society
2024-01-10 · Parliament 14
MPs raised a trust crisis and cybersecurity challenges in the digitalisation drive, stressing growing online harms like scams. The government cited Singapore's digital-economy progress and forward-looking infrastructure, committing to a whole-of-nation approach to digital risk. The core debate: balancing digitalisation with public safety and trust.
Measures to Develop Baseline Artificial Intelligence Literacy of Students
2024-01-09 · Parliament 14
MPs asked MOE how it will develop baseline AI literacy for students beyond the AI tools on Singapore Student Learning Space, including plans for AI coding programmes and who would deliver them. The Education Minister replied that MOE drives student understanding of AI and its ethics through curriculum integration, teacher training, and out-of-school programmes like the AI Student Outreach Programme, with cyber wellness education to guard against AI risks. The core debate: how to effectively lift student AI skills and expand programme participation.
Workers Facing Highest Risk of Displacement from Artificial Intelligence and Reskilling Programmes Available
2024-01-09 · Parliament 14
MPs asked which job categories face the highest displacement risk from AI, the projected numbers for each, and what expanded reskilling programmes are available. The government replied that AI's impact is not fully predictable; it runs Industry Transformation Maps, SkillsFuture and similar programmes to support upskilling and career conversion, and encourages transition into AI roles — reflecting an active stance on AI challenges. The core debate: AI's specific employment impact and the effectiveness of reskilling.
Developing Indigenous Capabilities for Artificial Intelligence Solutions
2023-11-07 · Parliament 14
An MP asked whether the government has a whole-of-government plan to develop indigenous foundation-model capability, including a national research institute. The government replied that Singapore's AI research is strong, but full reliance on indigenous capability is not the priority — it leans toward rapidly adopting international frontier technology. The core debate: whether to build foundation models in-house and the related long-term risks.
Supporting Healthcare
2023-05-09 · Parliament 14
Dr Tan Yia Swam (NMP) called for sustainable post-pandemic support of the healthcare system, emphasising the complexity of doctor-patient relationships and limited healthcare resources. She urged a whole-of-government approach addressing healthcare expenditure, chronic-disease management, and care quality. The debate focused on the balance between healthcare costs, patient rights, and doctor responsibilities — reflecting concern over the system's long-term development.
Reports of Unauthorised Bank Transaction taking Place despite Absence of Alerts on Customer's Telephone Records
2023-05-08 · Parliament 14
The question concerned disputes where unauthorised bank transactions occurred despite the customer not receiving SMS OTPs. The government replied that such cases are very rare, with no police reports and only a small number filed at the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre. Customers should contact their bank and the police promptly; banks must handle disputes fairly and may offer goodwill compensation, while customers can pursue mediation or legal channels. MPs focused on the review mechanism when bank and telco records conflict, and preparation for future scams.
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 Q (Ministry of Communications and Information)
2023-02-28 · Parliament 14
MPs asked how Singapore balances data use with user protection in the digital economy, focusing on online-safety legislation progress and regulation of emerging areas like the metaverse. They stressed that rules must protect users without stifling innovation, especially SME digitalisation. The government's response is not yet detailed in the excerpt. The core debate: balancing the digital economy with cybersecurity.
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)
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.
Impact of Malaysia's Intended Legal Action at ICJ on Singapore's Development Plans In and Around Pedra Branca
2022-11-09 · Parliament 14
The question asked whether Malaysia's intended legal action at the ICJ would affect Singapore's reclamation works around Pedra Branca. The Foreign Minister replied that the 2008 ICJ judgment is final, the time limit has passed, and Singapore has not received specific case details from Malaysia. Singapore stands ready to handle any legal action; all development is law-compliant. The core debate: sovereignty and the time limits of legal procedure.
Legal Provisions and Safeguards in Using TraceTogether Data
2021-01-04 · Parliament 14
MPs asked whether TraceTogether data would be used in criminal investigations and what legal safeguards apply. The government replied that the police can obtain such data under the Criminal Procedure Code, with strict access controls and penalties to protect data security. The debate centred on whether the data should be restricted to pandemic use, and whether use in criminal investigations would erode public trust and uptake.