S Iswaran
Singapore
“The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has incorporated the requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2020 regulation in its Prevention of Pollution of the Sea (Air) Regulations 2022. The Regulations are applicable to Singapore-registered ships and all other ships while they are in Singapore waters.”
“The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) plans to progressively roll out the charging infrastructure for electric harbour craft operations in the Port of Singapore from 2025.”
“Since 2018, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has imposed minimum bicycle parking provisions covering different types of developments. The requirements are determined by multiple factors, including the developments’ use, location and gross floor area (GFA).”
“I had addressed similar Parliamentary Questions by Mr Gerald Giam on 29 November 2022 and 10 January 2023, as well as in my Ministerial Statement on 8 May 2023. The Member can refer to these past answers and statement as there has been no material change in the allocation of Certificates of Entitlement.”
“To encourage the uptake of electric cars, the Government has rolled out the Electric Vehicle Early Adoption Incentive and enhanced Vehicular Emissions Scheme. When taken together, it provides up to $45,000 off the Additional Registration Fee of an electric car upon registration.”
“The Land Transport Authority studies all potential changes to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system carefully, including conducting sensitivity analysis where appropriate.”
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“The Government is committed to providing a baseline of affordable digital access to households of limited means, including households with jobseekers. Singapore is a highly connected society — 98% of resident households have access to broadband and own internet-enabled devices such as computers or smartphones. Programmes like IMDA’s Home Access support digital access for low income households through subsidised broadband, which may be bundled with a tablet. More than 21,000 households have benefited since the start of the programme in 2014, including close to 6,900 in the past year alone. In addition, access to computers and the Internet is available at public libraries island-wide for a nominal charge. Singaporeans and PRs aged 50 and above can enjoy one hour of free Internet access by logging in with their myLibrary ID. Jobseekers may also visit physical Career Matching Services touchpoints such as WSG’s and NTUC-e2i’s five physical career centres. Jobseekers can use computer terminals at these centres to update their personal curriculum vitae or submit job applications.”
“Over the last five years, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has received 24,196 application for classification for films and 5,001 for Arts Entertainment (AE). In the same period, 137 films (0.57%) were edited so that the material could fall within the classification guidelines. For AE, 18 productions (0.36%) were edited over the last five years so that the material could fall within the classification guidelines. The majority of these edits were made for offensive religious content or explicit sexual depictions. A small minority were assessed to promote terrorism or individuals who espoused violence.”
“Finally, CSA works with several private sector partners and others to ensure various forms of cybersecurity solutions are available for adoption and use by not just the large enterprises and our CIIs but also SMEs. This is an important part of our work going forward, raising awareness of cybersecurity and also putting in place solutions or making available solutions which businesses can use, and at the same time also working with individuals. So, there is a range of measures we are undertaking and that we continue to undertake. I think the fact of the matter is, we can never be foolproof in this effort, but we can make sure that we take every effort to strengthen our system and learn from incidents like SolarWinds to further fortify ourselves.”
“Mr Speaker, I thank the Member for his question. I think his two questions are in some ways inter-related. Because the first is, how we can ensure that we are not vulnerable and the second is how we can help companies fortify themselves against such threats. I think underlying this is the key point first, what I stated earlier in my main response, which is that, the nature of cyber threats is such that they are global, they are transborder and they can occur or affect us through a multiplicity of chance; not least, as the SolarWinds incident illustrates, through trusted network systems and vendors. And therefore, the first and perhaps most important point is the "zero-trust" posture that we must adopt. In other words, always be vigilant, constantly evaluate our systems and conduct regular monitoring and threat hunting exercises. I think this is a fundamental; it is a posture that we need to adopt across not just our critical information infrastructure, but indeed across all organisations, especially as our digital footprint grows as we adopt new digital solutions. Secondly, on the part of CSA and the Government, CSA works with our CII sectors in particular, to share information regularly on evolving threats and also on solutions that are available for adoption. In particular, CSA is in regular contact with its counterparts around the world and that is an important source of this information and intelligence that is necessary to strengthen our own system. CSA also has, as I mentioned, an alert system, so that when it is warranted, the alert levels are raised so that our CII owners are aware that the threat landscape has shifted and they need to step up some of their activities in response to that.”
“At its core, this "zero-trust" cybersecurity posture has the notion that we should protect our networks by observing two key principles. First, we should not trust any activity without first verifying it; and second, ensure constant monitoring and vigilance for suspicious activities. This includes compartmentalising and restricting access to different segments of the network, validating transactions across segments, reconciling any escalation of user privileges, and actively and regularly hunting for threats. Organisations should also put in place robust plans for cyber incident response in the event they fall victim to a cyber-attack. CSA will strengthen engagements with CII sectors, enterprises and organisations to adopt and sustain these measures. Mr Speaker, the SolarWinds incident underscores the global and transborder nature of cyber threats. Given the nature of the digital domain, such cyber incidents will happen from time to time. Malicious actors only need to exploit one vulnerability, while the defenders must ensure that there are no vulnerabilities in all the systems and networks that they are protecting, all the time. Though difficult to completely prevent, we need deliberate, targeted and consistent efforts to strengthen our cyber defences against sophisticated threats like the SolarWinds breach, which exploit the supply chain of trusted software and vendors. Our CIIs, enterprises and citizens must also maintain their vigilance against cyber threats, as we mitigate the risks while leveraging the opportunities of digitalisation. Mr Speaker, may I also have your permission to say that this is also in response to Question No 4.”
“Mr Speaker, the SolarWinds cybersecurity breach compromised a network management software that is widely used by major companies worldwide. The attacker used the software’s regular updates to implant a backdoor and gain a foothold in the networks of organisations that downloaded and installed the malicious update. This is a very sophisticated attack that evaded detection for many months. As reported by the media, SolarWinds’ clients include US government agencies and Fortune 500 companies – including Microsoft, CISCO Systems and VMWare. It affected about 18,000 customers, although a much smaller number were compromised by follow-on activity on their systems. This breach is especially noteworthy because the SolarWinds software is part of the network control and management infrastructure. Hence, it was trusted and had privileged access to internal networks. The situation is still evolving and the affected firms are continuing with their investigations. When first alerted of the breach, the Cyber Security Agency, or CSA, immediately raised the National Cyber Threat Alert Level and worked with our Critical Information Infrastructure, or CII, sectors to check and monitor our critical systems. There is no indication thus far that Singapore’s CII and Government systems have been adversely affected by the SolarWinds breach. The Government is nonetheless adopting a cautious approach and CSA has issued public advisories on steps that enterprises and organisations should take to safeguard their systems against this threat. These include having full visibility of their networks and detecting unusual activity in a timely manner. In the longer term, dealing with these sophisticated cyber threats requires a fundamental shift in mindset towards a "zero-trust" cybersecurity posture.”
“Mr Speaker, I thank the Member for his question. In our response to misinformation as I have described, we have a range of possibilities – from public education, to a targeted effort to clarify a particular point on Government websites and other channels, as well as working with the specific parties concerned. We do not need to always resort to the extreme use of the legislative levers, unless it is warranted by the circumstances. Therefore, in the kind of example that the Member cites, very often, we have found that engagement with the relevant parties has sufficed to clarify the matter and correct the misinformation.”
“As we commence the vaccination programme for seniors, community volunteers from the People’s Association, as well as Silver Generation Ambassadors, will be conducting house visits to speak to our seniors and address their queries about the COVID-19 vaccine and the vaccination programme. We are also actively monitoring for vaccine-related misinformation. Where there is cause for action, we will not hesitate to use the full force of the law. All of us have a role in stemming the spread of misinformation. We should check that the information we receive comes from reliable sources, make the effort to verify before sharing and not share unverified information. It is vital, especially in this time of crisis, that every one of us does the right thing. Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim (Sengkang): I thank the Minister for that response. I am just wondering as a supplementary question if some degree of benefit of doubt may be afforded to those who may unwittingly be sharing disinformation. I have in mind Grandma who may run the risk of falling foul of POFMA because she shares reservations in a WhatsApp message she received about mRNA vaccines. She is exercising just individual skepticism.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, misinformation is a serious challenge in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past year, we have responded to over 60 instances of speculation, rumours, scams and outright falsehoods pertaining to COVID-19, using a range of responses – from public communications to legislative levers, including the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act or POFMA. A key focus of the Ministerial Taskforce and our Government agencies has been to provide accurate updates from trusted sources in a timely and transparent manner, to help ensure our citizens are well-informed and to calm anxieties caused by such misinformation. For instance, we regularly convey information and clarifications through the media, on Government websites, social media and the Gov.sg channel on WhatsApp and Telegram. Public education is key to our vaccination programme. We want to strengthen our resilience against vaccine misinformation by enhancing the understanding of COVID-19 vaccines and debunking falsehoods, so that Singaporeans can make informed decisions for the safety and health of themselves, their loved ones and the community. We use multiple platforms and languages to communicate essential information about the COVID-19 vaccines to all segments of our society. Over the past few weeks, vaccination information has been conveyed through print and broadcast interviews, as well as social media, direct messaging platforms and Gov.sg. The local media has also published articles and FAQ columns to address concerns and questions about vaccines. We have also worked with major tech companies to ensure that authoritative sources, including MOH’s website, are prominently included on their platforms.”
“Under the third thrust of this Masterplan, CSA aims to enhance cybersecurity awareness and increase the adoption of appropriate cybersecurity measures amongst enterprises and organisations. To this end, CSA is rolling out toolkits that enterprises and organisations can use as a ready resource for cybersecurity education. To enhance cybersecurity adoption, enterprises and organisations can leverage on Security-as-a-Service solutions, which will be made available to companies under Enterprise Singapore’s Productivity Solutions Grants and IMDA’s SMEs Go Digital Programme. While the Government will take the lead to drive efforts toward a safer cyberspace, everyone has an important role to play. Businesses must safeguard their systems by building up their cybersecurity capabilities and putting in place digital risk management measures. To avoid falling prey to scams, businesses are also advised to adopt measures such as verifying any request for payment instructions or bank account details. Together, we can build a safer and more secure cyberspace.”
“Cyber attempts to scam and hack are chargeable offences under the Computer Misuse Act or other relevant laws. Between 2015 and 2020, the Police received about 1,900 reports of cyber attempts made to scam non-natural persons such as companies and organisations. Over the same period, the Police also received more than 8,000 reports on unauthorised attempts to access computer material. The Police however does not specifically track whether these attempts are targeted at companies. Besides relying on our regulations and enforcement efforts, it is also important to increase cybercrime awareness in the private sector through structured engagement, and to establish key partnerships to achieve operational effectiveness in combating cybercrime. To this end, the Police set up a public-private industry platform – the Alliance of Public PrivAte Cybercrime sTakeholders (APPACT) comprising technology giants such as Facebook and Google, telecommunications companies, web hosting companies, banks, e-commerce platforms and fintech companies. The Government is also committed to supporting enterprises and organisations in mitigating the cybersecurity risks that come with digitalisation. To raise the national cybersecurity posture in Singapore, the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) launched the Safer Cyberspace Masterplan last year, which aims to raise the general level of cybersecurity in Singapore for individual users, communities, enterprises, and organisations. The Masterplan comprises three thrusts: one, securing our core digital infrastructure; two, safeguarding our cyberspace activities; and three, empowering our population.”
“This way, their contacts could take the necessary precautions, such as not clicking on messages or posts which may contain malware or phishing links. To keep their online accounts secure, users are strongly encouraged to practise good cyber hygiene at all times. For example, they should set strong passwords, use a unique password for each account, and activate two-factor authentication. The Government is committed to working with all stakeholders to protect our citizens in the digital space, and will continue to review our laws and other measures to do so.”
“Mitigating cybersecurity and data security risks on social media platforms is the collective responsibility of the Government, social media companies and individual users. Users, including companies, may file a report to the Police if their social media accounts have been hacked. Depending on the facts and circumstances of the case, the Police may commence investigation if an offence is disclosed under the Computer Misuse Act or other relevant laws. For significant data breaches, the Government has introduced further safeguards under the recently amended Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). If the exfiltration of personal data arising from the hacking of social media accounts results in significant harm to the users, the organisation responsible for this platform must notify both the Personal Data Protection Commission and affected individuals. In addition, the PDPA requires all organisations, including social media companies, to appoint a Data Protection Officer whose role includes responding to public enquires and complaints. The major social media platforms also provide a channel for users to report to them suspected hacking incidents. Actions that could be taken by the platforms include removing suspicious messages from hacked accounts and assisting affected users in recovering their accounts. In addition, these platforms have mechanisms to notify users of unusual attempts to log into their accounts. All social media platforms should consider putting in place such measures, if they have not already done so. Users of social media platforms should also take steps to protect themselves. They should immediately change their password and notify their contacts, if they realise or suspect that their accounts have been hacked.”
“All of us – the Government, companies and the community – have a role and responsibility to create a safer internet culture. Collectively, these efforts help to nurture a discerning and vigilant community of netizens, which strengthens society’s defence against evolving threats on emerging social media platforms. MCI and our agencies will continue working with our partners to this end.”
“The Government is committed to ensuring that our citizens are equipped to use social media and the Internet responsibly and safely, particularly given the constant creation of new platforms like Tik-Tok and OnlyFans. These digital literacy and cyber wellness efforts are undertaken by various Government ministries, often in partnership with stakeholders in the people and private sectors. My Ministry launched the Digital Media and Information Literacy Framework in July 2019, to provide a common frame for programme owners to deepen Singaporeans’ understanding of the benefits and risks of digital technology. The framework is updated periodically to incorporate emerging trends in the digital space. The Ministry of Education’s updated Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) curriculum equips students with skills to recognise cyber risks, discern negative influences and inappropriate websites, as well as manage excessive use of social media. Schools engage parents in sensitising children to be literate users of the digital space. In addition to MOE’s efforts, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) is working with agencies including MCI, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and MOE, and companies to promote youth mental wellbeing on social media platforms. The Media Literacy Council (MLC) is a key partner of Government agencies in mitigating online risks. Its 2020 Better Internet Campaign focused on safeguarding youths from online harms and risks, and encouraged online users to exercise sound judgment about content they encounter online. The MLC also worked with technology companies on social campaigns to educate youths on online safety and responsibility, as well as workshops on digital parenting skills.”
“Mr Speaker, I believe I have substantively covered the points that Members have raised. I would like to thank them once again for their insightful comments. In conclusion, since the ETA was last amended in 2010, we have made significant strides in our digitalisation journey, bringing significant benefits to businesses and citizens. However, the landscape is ever-changing and we need to be agile to adopt new technologies and to respond to changing circumstances. This Bill is an important step for the digitalisation of our trade sector. It ensures that our laws continue to facilitate businesses’ use of new technologies while ensuring that we remain interoperable with the global trade economy, reinforcing Singapore’s status as a maritime and financial hub. Today’s Bill largely addresses the trade sector. But there are many other sectors that can benefit greatly from digitalisation. The Government will progressively review these other sectors, focused and guided by the benefits they bring to our people and businesses the safeguards that are necessary to preserve trust and, ultimately, to secure Singapore's competitive position in the global digital economy. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. [(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)] [(proc text) Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. (proc text)] [(proc text) The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. – [Mr S Iswaran]. (proc text)] [(proc text) Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. (proc text)]”
“My colleagues and I at MCI accord utmost importance to digital inclusivity. That is why the ETA does not, for a start, mandate the use of electronic documents or the electronic medium for transactions. Instead, the ETA enables electronic transactions as an additional option and provides a clear legal framework to recognise and support these transactions. As such, it does not remove individuals’ option to receive communications and to transact through non-electronic means. Similarly, businesses are free to weigh the costs and benefits and decide for themselves if they wish to invest in adopting ETR solutions. The new section 16D specifically provides that both contracting parties must consent to the use of ETRs. Currently, section 5 of the ETA already provides for party autonomy and makes clear that the use of electronic forms of documents or instruments is not compulsory. So, again, at the business level, there is flexibility. While providing the flexibility of options to businesses and individuals is important, we need to also ensure that Singaporeans keep pace with technology, not just for economic reasons or for the sake of technology in itself, but to enhance their quality of life and to fully derive the benefits that can be realised through the use of technology. Hence, we have taken additional steps to ensure that companies and individuals have the knowledge and skills to embrace digitalisation. I can give you a long list but it would suffice to illustrate with one or two, for example, the Digital Resilience Bonus which was aimed at the retail and food services sector, and our more recent SG Digital Office Community Hubs which ensure that we reach out to segments of Singaporeans who may require more support in their digitalisation journey.”
“In general, with all the domains and the specific documents and concerns, the Ministries will undertake consultation with stakeholders and ensure that even as we seek to realise the benefits of digitalisation, appropriate safeguards are put in place to foster the trust that is pivotal to the success of these moves. As we step up our digitalisation efforts, it is also understandable that there will naturally be concerns about new types of risks and fraud in going digital. This is by no means unique to the digital domain. We know that fraud and other risks exist even in the physical domain. Transferable documents or instruments, such as bills of lading, are largely for commercial use. I have already covered in quite some detail the legal and technological safeguards which will protect businesses and strengthen trust in the use of ETRs. These apply to safeguards for individuals as well. We do recognise that documents or instruments are used differently, depending on the specific context and use cases, which means safeguards will need to be calibrated or tailored to the situation as well. MCI, IMDA and sector agencies are, therefore, adopting a phased approach, where items from the Exclusion List will be removed only when the relevant supporting legislative and regulatory frameworks and corresponding safeguards are in place. This approach will, first, provide clarity to businesses and individuals on requirements needed to use such documents electronically and, second, ensure adequate safeguards are put in place to protect the vulnerable and less digitally-savvy. I agree with Ms Joan Pereira on the importance of ensuring that our less digitally comfortable citizens do not inadvertently experience greater inconvenience as we step up our digitalisation efforts.”
“To Mr Zhulkarnain's specific point, we do not have a specific estimated time of arrival for the Electronic Transactions Act's Exclusion List to be reduced or removed completely. But as a general move as part of the Government's larger effort, we are seeking to remove as many of these exclusions as possible by 2023. The progressive removal of items from the Exclusion List will send a strong signal that Singapore remains committed to be a leading digital economy and a secure and trusted hub for e-commerce and other forms of electronic transactions. It will also reinforce the Government’s wider digitalisation effort and facilitate the achievement of the Digital Government Blueprint to provide end-to-end digital options for most Government services. For example, MSF’s forthcoming Mental Capacity (Amendment) Bill will introduce, amongst other things, a framework to enable and safeguard the creation and registration of electronic lasting powers of attorney, or LPAs. Currently, only hard copies of LPAs are accepted. Excluding the mandatory three-week waiting period, as some Members have observed, digitalising LPAs could cut the time needed to register LPAs from an average of three weeks to about eight working days. I thank Mr Louis Ng, Ms Joan Pereira, Mr Don Wee and Mr Yip Hon Weng for their suggestions and queries relating to the upcoming plans to digitalise LPAs. MSF, as the domain Ministry, will partner other Government agencies and community touchpoints to assist those who are less digitally-savvy. MSF will also engage the relevant professional groups to ensure effective implementation of the electronic LPA.”
“In other words, it must be sealed and delivered. We understand that deeds are also commonly witnessed in practice. Such formalities are safeguards developed over time to provide a measure of reliability and security. It is necessary to consider whether and what safeguards are needed if, in fact, we want to migrate these deeds to the electronic domain, in other words, to digitalise them. And this is an area of work that MinLaw and other relevant Ministries are studying. I want to now address the issues pertaining to consumers’ quality of experience related to electronic transactions. I have shared how the Bill will enable the use of ETRs, such as electronic bills of lading, to reduce the cost of shipping, streamline workflows, resulting in a more efficient global logistics network. While the direct benefits of the amendments primarily impact businesses, individuals could ultimately enjoy lower prices of goods as a result of the reductions in transaction costs associated with faster documentation processing, transportation and trade financing. Ms Tin Pei Ling and Mr Zhulkarnain asked about our future plans to digitalise other transactions. Looking ahead, the Government is studying the feasibility of progressively removing the remaining documents and instruments from the Exclusion List, and we will be guided by the benefits that will accrue to citizens, if they are made available in electronic form whilst keeping a keen eye on the safeguards that are necessary. When an item is feasible for digitalisation, the Government will work towards the implementation of the necessary legislative and regulatory frameworks and corresponding safeguards.”
“We must all do our part to acquire the skills to protect our digital resources from cybersecurity risks. The Government is committed to the security and resilience of Singapore's cyberspace and to protect our critical information infrastructure. Businesses on that part must create a cyber secure environment for their business and customers. CSA launched the Safer Cyberspace Masterplan, which lays out the detailed steps that organisations can take to protect themselves from cyber risks. As they introduce ETR solutions, business owners should review their cyber risk assessments because the digital footprint grows in tandem and they must implement proactive measures to protect their businesses. Mr Don Wee asked for clarifications with regard to the circumstances in which electronic signatures may be used and Ms Janet Ang provided suggestions to facilitate use of electronic signatures. Essentially, the ETA today allows electronic signatures to be used in place of physical signatures, but this does not cover matters under the Exclusion List, including transferable documents or instruments. With the new section 16G, it is now possible to rely on the ETA to legally recognise electronic signatures for transferable documents or instruments. For Excluded Matters, it may still be possible to use electronic signatures in circumstances permitted under the Common Law. And I would advise parties to consult their lawyers for guidance on this. Mr Louis Ng spoke about signing deeds electronically. Currently, the formalities for executing a deed depend on whether there are requirements prescribed in the legislation governing the subject matter of the deed. Where the legislation is silent, then a deed must be executed according to the principles established at common law.”
“So, our objective is not so much about picking platforms or picking technologies but it is about ensuring that our system remains open, interoperable, allowing for the fact that technology may evolve over time and therefore, we need dexterity in our system that allows that compatibility across current and new technologies, and indeed, current technologies that may be co-existing. Ms Joan Pereira and Ms Tin Pei Ling asked about the issue of the sufficiency of safeguards for ETRs and digital transactions, and how the Government will ensure the integrity and authenticity of these newer forms of electronic transferable documents or instruments. There are legal safeguards in place for the creation and use of ETRs. As I mentioned before, the new sections 16F to 16I set out specific requirements that an electronic record must meet in order to be recognised under the ETA as being a functional equivalent of a paper transferable document or instrument. Mr Don Wee will be glad to know that these provisions collectively serve to prevent the unauthorised replication of an ETR by an ETR management system. The new section 16O which sets out a general reliability standard for the assessment of the reliable methods used to give effect to the requirements in new Part IIA, also includes factors, such as the "assurance of data integrity" and "the security of hardware and software". In terms of technological safeguards, there have been significant advancements which enable us to transact in an even more secure and seamless manner. Distributed ledger technology, smart contracts and biometrics are just some examples of the rapidly evolving areas. These technologies, along with transparent electronic audit trails, will help prevent the tampering of data by third parties.”
“This is a good starting point for tech firms in the business of providing products or services around ETRs, while enabling them to be interoperable without additional cost. Businesses of all sizes throughout the entire value chain involved in cross-border trade, stand to benefit from TradeTrust, as electronic trade documents, including ETRs can be transferred in a seamless and secure manner. Additionally, IMDA partners Trade Associations and Chambers have been reaching out to SMEs through webinars and industry events to help SMEs better understand the benefits of digitalisation as well as the different Government support that is available. IMDA's SME Digital Tech Hub provides specialist digital technology advisory to SMEs that have advanced digital needs, such as data analytics and cybersecurity. Assoc Prof Jamus Lim asked how this syncs with the broader effort by MTI in terms of promoting the adoption of such technologies by SMEs. Broadly speaking, we have a digitalisation effort which all Government agencies, in particular, our economic agencies are working on. This is an effort that we undertake in partnership with industry partners, Trade Associations and Chambers and international partners, in the manner I have just described. In doing this, our objective is to not just pursue technology for the sake of technology, but to ensure that it is assessed through the eyes of industry to ensure that there is value. Because, as we have all agreed, that is the ultimate objective that it derives benefit and it is a means to an end.”
“So, this will be another part of our effort to promote the adoption of this Model Law thereby realising the network benefits that many Members have mentioned. Mr Zhulkarnain asked about our efforts to encourage industry to adopt ETR solutions. Apart from legal reforms, Singapore is actively working with our industry and international partners to develop the digital trade eco-system. One such example is IMDA's TradeTrust, a digital utility that comprises globally accepted standards and frameworks that connects Governments and businesses to a neutral and public blockchain. In doing so, it enables interoperability across digital platforms so that electronic trade documents can be exchanged in a trusted fashion while ensuring document authenticity, proof of provenance and transfers of title for ETRs. We have made good progress in the development of TradeTrust since the signing of our partnership with the International Chamber of Commerce and 17 major corporations, such as MasterCard, PSA International and Standard Chartered at Davos last year. Our collaboration with the Port of Rotterdam culminated in the successful technical Proof of Concept where transfers of title for electronic bills of lading were achieved between two standalone solutions on the TradeTrust framework. This goes to the point that Mr Louis Ng raised about how we are promoting the use of such technology. I would like to thank Assoc Prof Jamus Lim and Ms Janet Ang for their suggestions to support SMEs to digitalise. We agree fully. And I think it is important to note that the SMEs will stand to benefit from TradeTrust. In fact, in some ways, perhaps even more so, and not just large organisations. The TradeTrust software is distributed for free under open source licensing terms.”
“Mr Louis Ng asked about how the amendments will ensure that Singapore continues to be interoperable with the global trade eco-system, especially when many countries have yet to adopt the use of ETRs widely. Sir, the MLETR is an internationally harmonised legal framework for adoption by all countries. Its text was formulated at the UNCITRAL Working Group meetings, attended by delegates who represented the views and interests of countries from all over the world. As a Model Law, the MLETR text provides a suggested framework for lawmakers in national Governments to consider adopting as part of their domestic legislation. In the long run, as countries move forward to adopt the MLETR, these amendments will naturally confer a certain degree of international harmonisation with other jurisdictions. But not every country will be ready to enact the Model Law in the near future. Hence, the new sections 16M and 16N contain substantive provisions that enable the change of medium from an ETR to a physical transferable document or instrument, and vice versa. This enables parties to decide to use an ETR with the assurance that the ETR can be converted to a physical transferable document or instrument at some later stage in the life cycle, and can be converted back to an ETR, if needed. We have also been working on Digital Economy Agreements, which is really a digital analogue of Free Trade Agreements. And through these agreements, we hope to foster the global adoption of the Model Law, and encourage the global trade industry to use ETRs with confidence via a common legal framework. Members will recall that we have signed two such Digital Economy Agreements, one with Australia, and one with Chile and New Zealand. We are in discussion others as well.”
“Beyond replacing paper documents with electronic transferrable records or ETRs, businesses that wish to unlock the full potential of digital solutions will have to invest resources into reviewing their existing operations, IT and digital infrastructures and systems and their business processes. As Members have noted, today's predominantly paper-based trading environment does incur in inefficiencies and delays because the time required to process paper documents may far exceed, in some instances, that needed to physically move the goods. To give some sense of proportion, according to research done by Maersk and IBM, and as highlighted by Mr Don Wee, the cost of processing trade documents could cost as much as 20% of the physical transportation cost of a shipment of goods, which is quite staggering if you think about it. So, ETRs, such as electronic bills of lading can yield significant savings cost savings across the entire cost value chain. Although Ms Janet Ang highlighted, there may be a transition period when businesses have to work with both electronic and paper-based bills of lading, because their business partners may not be ready to adopt electronic bills of lading, the overall long-term benefits and competitive advantages remain compelling. Ultimately, individual businesses must weigh the costs and benefits for themselves. The proposed amendments to the ETA do not mandate the use of ETRs but they are an important enabler that confer greater certainty to the business environment. The new section 16D provides that both parties must consent to the use of the ETR and, therefore, businesses are free to choose.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to begin by thanking all Members who have spoken on the Bill and for their support of this Bill. It has been my experience any laws, policies and programmes on digitalisation never fail to elicit very wide-ranging views and suggestions, all given and with the best of intentions. I hope Members will understand if I confine my response to the issues that are germane to this particular Bill and some of the immediate adjacencies. And I also like to assure them that some of the other areas will be looked into by the respective agencies. I want to start by agreeing fully with all Members the fact that digitalisation and indeed this Bill, are all but enablers. They are means to an end. And ultimately, it is how these enablers help to improve the lives of our citizens and opportunities for our businesses. That is the ultimate lens through which we should be looking at this and many of the other initiatives. And in that spirit, I want to thank Members for their various questions and comments on the key issues that this Bill seeks to address. In particular, if I were to condense it, the views fall into two broad themes, namely: what are we doing to ensure that businesses digitalise in a sustainable and effective manner; and secondly, what are we doing to enhance and protect consumers' quality of experience related to electronic transactions? Let me endeavour to address each in turn. First, on sustainable digitalisation for businesses. Some Members have asked about the cost impact to businesses arising from the proposed amendments.”
“Consistent with the MLETR the amendments introduced by the Bill abide by the principle of technology neutrality, which means that legislation should not impose the use of, or otherwise favour, any specific technology. In other words, the provisions are intended to accommodate the use of different technologies, such as traditional registries, tokens and distributed ledgers. Sir, in summary, the amendments to the ETA will reinforce Singapore's position as a world leader for electronic transactions and strengthen our status as a maritime and trade hub by being one of the first countries to enact a legislative framework based on the MLETR for the creation and use of ETRs. Coupled with our close partnerships with sectoral agencies like MPA, Customs, MAS and the industry to develop the eco-system for ETRs, and efforts to promote global adoption of the MLETR through various digital economy agreements, these amendments will further enhance Singapore's position as a global digital economy and bring opportunities and benefits to our businesses and our people. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. [(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)] 2.01 pm”
“Moving forward, as more countries incorporate the MLETR into their domestic law, it will greatly promote cross-border transactions and Singapore's early adoption of the Model Law will strengthen our position as a global commercial hub. Given the tangible benefits to global trade, we will continue to work with our international partners to promote the adoption of the MLETR through our free trade agreements and digital economy agreements. In this bid to promote cross-border transactions, the new section 16P will facilitate the cross-border use of ETRs by supporting the principle of non-discrimination against the foreign origin or use of an ETR. It provides that an ETR is not to be denied legal effect solely on the ground that it was issued or used outside Singapore. The question that then arises is what happens if a cross-border trade involves jurisdictions which do not yet support the use of ETRs. Recognising that not every country would have enacted the MLETR, the new sections 16M and 16N contain substantive provisions that enable the change of medium from a physical transferable document or instrument, to an ETR and vice versa. A change of medium in accordance with the provisions of the Bill does not affect the rights and obligations of the parties. This provides parties with the confidence to use ETRs which are typically transferred multiple times, knowing that a subsequent transferee can choose to convert an ETR to a physical form. Finally, regardless of changes in the technology related to electronic transactions, our laws must continue to be relevant in the long run.”
“With these amendments, Singapore will be one of the first countries to enact a legislative framework for ETRs based on the MLETR, the Model Law, giving a competitive edge to our key industries like shipping, and reinforcing our status as a leading maritime and trade hub. Sir, while the ETA gives electronically concluded contracts the same status as written contracts through a set of legal provisions, it does not apply to certain types of legal instruments or contracts as listed in the First Schedule of the Act, also known as the Exclusion List, as these were assessed to be not ready for the electronic medium at the time. With the adoption of the MLETR in the new part 2A of the amended ETA, clause 8 of the Bill will remove item 2 relating to transferable documents or instruments from the Exclusion List. The Government is studying the feasibility of removing the remaining items from the Exclusion List bearing in mind the benefits that could accrue to our citizens and businesses. These items will be removed from the Exclusion List when the necessary legislative and regulatory frameworks and corresponding safeguards have been put in place. Let me now move on to how the proposed amendments will help ensure the international harmonisation and technology neutrality of our laws. The MLETR is an internationally harmonised legal framework developed by UNCITRAL, the core legal body of the UN in international trade law, as a uniform model law recommended for adoption by all jurisdictions. The Model Law facilitates the cross-border use of ETRs, especially when adopted broadly by countries.”
“First, the electronic record must contain the information required to be contained in the paper transferable document or instrument. Second, a reliable method is used to identify that electronic record as the authoritative electronic record constituting the ETR. Third, that reliable method renders that electronic record capable of being subject to control from the time it is created until it ceases to have any effect or validity. Fourth, that reliable method must retain the integrity of the electronic record. Today, these give effect to the singularity requirement which requires reliable identification of the ETR that entitles the holder to request performance of the obligation indicated in it and avoids multiple claims. Section 16I provides that the legal requirement for the possession of a transferable document or instrument is met with respect to an ETR if a reliable method is used to establish exclusive control of the ETR by a person, and to identify that person as the person in control. Where this requirement is met, the person in control of an ETR will be in the same legal position as the person in possession of an equivalent paper-based transferable document or instrument. The new section 16O also sets out a general standard to assess the reliability of each of the methods referred to in the functional equivalence provisions I listed earlier. In the event of a dispute, it is for the Court to assess the reliability of the method in question, taking into account the non-exhaustive list of relevant circumstances set out the same section.”
“Existing commercial electronic bill of lading solutions from the providers such as Bolero and S-docks, as well as newer digital utilities such as IMDA's TradeTrust have demonstrated that stakeholders can use electronic bills of lading with trust through the use of title registries, blockchain and advanced encryption standards and firewalls. These technologies help to reliably establish the control of the singular electronic bill of lading while ensuring document veracity. Indeed, the industry itself is confident of the use of these technologies as evinced by the International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs, providing an equal level of marine liability cover for both paper bills of lading and carriage of cargo under certain electronic bills of lading systems. With such technological solutions available today, it is timely to provide the enabling legal infrastructure through this Bill to allow the creation and use of ETRs under the law in a trusted and secure manner. Let me know address the key provisions of the Bill. The new 16F to 16I set out specific requirements that an electronic record must meet in order to be recognised under the ETA as the electronic functional equivalent of a paper transferable document or instrument. The functional equivalence rules apply to writing, signature, transferable document, or instrument and possession. The new sections 16J to 16L set out further functional equivalence rules for requirements relating to the use of ETRs. Specifically, section 16H provides that an electronic record is the electronic functional equivalent of a paper-based transferable document or instrument if several specific requirements are met.”
“While this contractual approach benefits the parties to such a contractual framework, it does not affect third parties that are not part of the framework. Clause 6 of the Bill addresses this gap by enabling the creation and use of an electronic bill of lading that is legally equivalent to a paper bill of lading which will be legally effective beyond parties to such a contractual framework. One commercial advantage in using an electronic bill of lading enabled by clause 6 is that a trade financing bank can obtain collateral security over the electronic bill of lading which is legally equivalent to a paper bill of lading. This may allow the bank to obtain a regulatory capital relief in respect of its trade finance exposure and to pass some of the benefits to its clients in the form of lower fees. The Digital Container Shipping Association estimates that about US$4 billion would be saved annually if just half of today's container shipping lines adopt electronic bills of lading. Ultimately, end consumers tend to benefit from the lower costs of legal documentation, transportation and trade financing. As with any digital technology, we need appropriate safeguards to ensure the transactions can be executed with confidence. The technological and legal challenges of establishing what constitutes an original document and its possession in an electronic environment are key impediments to the use of electronic versions of transferable documents or instruments. Technological advancements have made it possible to meet these requirements and to prevent the unauthorised duplication of an original document with strong safeguards.”
“Often financing is involved and the bill of lading will pass through many parties from the seller to his export bank, then to the buyer's import bank, and eventually to the buyer who may even sell the cargo to a sub-buyer while its cargo is enroute. The final buyer will have to produce the bill of lading to take delivery of the cargo at the port. Sometimes, goods arrive at their port of destination before the documents have been processed. In such instances, there will be additional costs to either hold the cargo or to secure a letter indemnifying the carrier for delivering the goods without a bill of lading. Fraud is a real risk because paper bills of lading can be forged. Significant resources are therefore required to process paper documents and verify their authenticity. This means considerable time and costs are attributed not only to the actual transportation of the goods, but also to the administrative cost of cargo holding and document processing. With electronic bills of lading, the transmission of documents will be instantaneous and time spent on verification and rectifying areas will be reduced. With digital authentication technologies such as digital signatures, centralised ledgers or blockchain, electronic bills of lading also improve security against forgeries. Commercially available technology solutions for an electronic bill of lading based on contractual frameworks already offer many of these benefits for shippers today. For example, last year, Singapore-based Ocean Network Express announced that it had used an electronic bill of lading using the S-docks system in a successful shipment of synthetic rubber from Russia to China.”
“It aims to facilitate faster and more secure transactions while enhancing businesses' and citizens' trust in digitalisation. Sir, the proposed amendments are guided by two main considerations. First, to meet the digitalisation needs of citizens and businesses while introducing adequate safeguards; and second, to ensure that the international harmonisation and technology neutrality of our laws relating to electronic transactions. Clause 6 of the Bill introduces a new part 2A to adopt the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records, or MLETR, with certain modifications. The Model Law enables the creation and use, domestically and internationally, of electronic forms of transferable documents or instruments, otherwise known as Electronic Transferable Records, or ETRs. Transferable documents or instruments entitle the rightful holder to claim the performance of the obligation indicated, such as the delivery of goods or payment of money, and to transfer the right to performance by transferring the document or instrument. These transferable documents are instruments are used extensively in international trade in industries such as shipping, logistics and finance. Let me illustrate how an electronic bill of lading can enable faster transactions, lower costs, and importantly, foster greater trust among businesses. A bill of lading is used in maritime trade as a transport document and as a document of title over goods in transit. The seller will engage a carrier to deliver the cargo and will in turn receive a bill of lading from the carrier. The seller will generally only release the bill of lading to the buyer on payment and the buyer can only collect the goods from the ship by producing the bill of lading.”
“Mr Speaker, I beg to move, “That the Bill be now read a Second time”. Sir, the Electronic Transactions Act or ETA, was first enacted in 1998. Recognising the growing importance of electronic transactions, especially e-commerce, Singapore was the first country to adopt the Model Law on Electronic Commerce of 1996 or the MLEC, by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law or UNCITRAL. The ETA has also facilitated the Government’s use of electronic documents in its engagements with businesses and citizens. The ETA was repealed and re-enacted in 2010 to adopt the United Nations Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts or the ECC. The ECC provisions were updated for application to Internet technologies and to harmonise international laws on electronic transactions. Today, electronic transactions and e-commerce underpin the global economy. In 2018, the value of global e-commerce was estimated at US$26 trillion, equivalent to 30% of the global GDP that year. The COVID-19 pandemic has given further boost to global retail e-commerce, which grew by 37% in the first half of 2020, more than double the rate in 2019. The digital economy is key to the next phase of Singapore’s growth, and our efforts to emerge stronger from the pandemic. Our strategies include enhancing our digital infrastructure and frameworks, strengthening our citizens’ and businesses’ digital capabilities, and collaboration with international partners. This Bill will ensure that our legal and regulatory infrastructure keeps pace with international trade law and the latest technological developments so that Singapore remains globally competitive. The Bill was drafted after extensive consultations with stakeholders over several years.”
“The Hansard remains the official record of all parliamentary proceedings, and is available permanently, including online. The video footage of parliamentary proceedings is archived online for six months on the CNA website. Similarly, video footage that is live-streamed on the Ministry of Communications and Information's YouTube channel will also remain available for six months.”
“The live-streaming of parliamentary proceedings commences with the sitting on 4 January 2021. The live-stream is publicly accessible on the Ministry of Communications and Information's YouTube channel.”
“Those found guilty of recklessly or intentionally disclosing the data without authorisation, misusing the data for gain, or re-identifying anonymised data without authorisation may be subject to a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or to both. To support private sector organisations in complying with their data protection obligations, the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) has published guides specifically to help IT managers, architects and developers to build data protection measures into software and applications at the onset. These include the "Data Protection by Design for ICT Systems" and the "People Centric Approach to Notice, Consent and Disclosure", which were co-created with start-ups and real-world business examples. The PDPC will continue to help organisations build data protection capabilities through training programmes and resources such as guidelines, tools, and templates. Individuals also have an important role to play in protecting themselves against mobile cybersecurity threats and data misuse by only downloading applications from the official Play Store and App Store and reviewing security permissions required by applications. Individuals should have the option to receive communications and to transact through channels other than an application. The Government is studying the matter and will actively address these concerns in partnership with the private and people sectors, and update regulations where necessary.”
“The Government has put in place measures to strengthen consumer protection and support individuals to participate in the Digital Economy as more services move online, and regularly reviews its policies. Mobile applications launched by the Government adhere to secure coding standards in the Government Instruction Manual. The applications also go through strict and robust cybersecurity processes and validation, including security penetration testing to identify and rectify vulnerabilities. Selected applications with high user traffic are also placed on the Government Bug Bounty Programme, where they will be subject to security penetration testing by external researchers in the cybersecurity community and industry. While the Government does not directly regulate the development of applications launched by the private sector, applications developed by organisations in Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) sectors such as banking and finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and transport, need to abide by sectoral and corporate guidelines on cybersecurity processes and measures. The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) actively supports and partners CII owners and sector leads to build up their capabilities to adhere to these guidelines. Public sector and private sector organisations are also required to abide by data protection requirements prescribed under the Public Sector (Governance) Act (PSGA) and the Government Instruction Manual for the former; and the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) for the latter. Both the PSGA and the PDPA hold individuals accountable for the egregious mishandling of personal data.”
“This is why the SDO has set up 55 SG Digital community hubs at community centres (CCs) and libraries island-wide to provide in-person support for seniors to pick up digital skills for communication, access government digital services and make e-payments. Seniors can also seek such support at selected CCs through PA’s Tech Connect initiative, or visit Integrated Public Service Centres to obtain help with Government services. Government communications to seniors are also made available in the four official languages. To widen our reach, we also feature government announcements on Digital Display Panels in HDB lifts and lift landings. As digitalisation is here to stay, the Government will work with private and community service providers to help seniors, and others who are digitally less savvy, navigate the transition and foster an inclusive digital future for all.”
“It is imperative to enable our seniors to participate meaningfully and safely in an increasingly digitalised world. The SG Digital Office (SDO) is at the forefront of our efforts to help seniors go online confidently, and protect themselves against threats and scams. During the engagement sessions with Digital Ambassadors, seniors are educated about cyber risks and threats, and how to keep themselves safe. For example, seniors are advised not to disclose One-Time-Passwords to anyone when using digital banking services, and to use strong passwords for their online accounts. These tips and advisories were developed jointly with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Media Literacy Council. We will also continue to work with relevant agencies to identify new topics as the online ecosystem evolves. SDO’s efforts are complemented by SPF, the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and CSA’s public education initiatives to raise awareness of online scams. The Police work with Residents’ Committees and grassroots volunteers to alert residents, including senior citizens, about scams over WhatsApp and at community events. In August 2020, NCPC launched their latest anti-scam public education campaign, 'Spot the Signs. Stop the Crimes.', which focuses on sharing real-life examples of scams to educate the public, including the elderly, on how to spot the tell-tale signs of various scams. CSA also recently ran a series of webinars jointly with IMDA and SPF to provide seniors with tips to guard against online scams. We recognise that some seniors may still find it challenging to go digital, and may need physical touchpoints or counters to support them with their daily needs.”
“In addition to technical solutions, SDO and NETS are stepping up efforts to educate stallholders and raise their awareness of online scams and how they can be prevented. Customers must also ensure good practices are being followed including, for instance, by reminding stallholders to check the payment notifications. We all have a part to play in this effort and encourage members of the public to stay vigilant and report suspected scams and fraudulent transactions promptly to the Police.”
“Since the Hawkers Go Digital programme began in June 2020, more than 900,000 e-payment transactions have been processed each month. To date, the Singapore Police Force (SPF)’s Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) has not received any reports or complaints relating to fraudulent e-payment transactions from stallholders. However, we have noted news reports, where stallholders cited instances of dishonest customers using fraudulent screenshots or immediately cancelling their transactions after showing the pre-payment page to the stallholders. The SG Digital Office (SDO) and SPF take a serious view on this matter and will continue to monitor the overall situation closely. Any persons found to be involved in scams and frauds will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law. Depending on the facts of the case, scammers may be charged under one of the cheating-related provisions under Sections 415 to 420 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum imprisonment term of between three to ten years. SDO will also continue to work with NETS and participating payment schemes to further strengthen the security features and functions of their e-payment systems to safeguard against fraudulent transactions. Currently, stallholders can use the NETSBiz mobile application which has been installed on their devices to verify and track e-payments transactions in real-time. The App also has voice notifications in English and Mandarin when a transaction has been successfully processed. During onboarding by SDO’s Digital Ambassadors and NETS personnel, stallholders are taught how to use the NETS BizApp, including its payment verification features.”
“Mr Speaker, I thank the Member for his question. At this point, we do not have the provisions for sign language. However, the English stream on YouTube will have auto-captioning available. In other words, that which has the translations of the vernacular as well. So, that will be our starting position in terms of how we make it more accessible for those who may be hearing impaired.”
“Ultimately, it rests with all Members of this House, present and future, who must uphold the highest standards of conduct and decorum, as we engage in the cut and thrust of parliamentary debate.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I begin by wishing you and all Members of this House a happy and healthy new year. Sir, the live-streaming of Parliamentary proceedings commences today. As we speak, this Sitting is being streamed real-time on MCI’s YouTube channel, which is accessible to all. There will be two live-streams: one with English interpretation of speeches made in vernacular languages, and one without. As with current practice, the full video of each live-stream will remain on MCI’s YouTube channel for a period of six months after the end of the Sitting. All currently available avenues to access Parliamentary proceedings remain. These includes attendance in-person from the Strangers’ Gallery, online video clips uploaded within hours of the Sitting and the written records of the Hansard which are also available online. These arrangements already give us the full benefits of transparency, accountability and accessibility. With live-streaming, members of the public will now also be able to watch proceedings in real time, without having to be physically present in Parliament. As I explained in September last year, the Government has agreed to this in view of the global and technological trends which have made online streaming more feasible and enabled legislatures around the world to live-stream their proceedings. Even as we seek deeper engagement of our citizens through the live-streaming of Parliamentary proceedings, we must preserve the integrity and dignity of Parliament as a forum for serious debate on national issues. The Member has asked how concerns over the potential impact of live-streaming on the quality and tone of parliamentary debates can be mitigated.”
“The Hawkers Go Digital programme was launched on 8 June to encourage stallholders to adopt the unified e-payment solution. This initiative aims to reach out to 18,000 stallholders by June 2021. To encourage adoption, an e-payment bonus of up to $1,500 will be given to stallholders who have demonstrated sustained use of the e-payment solution. A bonus of $300 will be paid for each month that they have completed at least 20 transactions on the unified e-payment solution, for up to five months. Transactions must be completed by 31 May 2021. As of 23 October 2020, 8,100 stallholders are now offering the unified SGQR e-payment solution. A total of $4.8 million has since been disbursed to 5,400 stallholders under the Hawkers Go Digital programme.”
“Between January 2019 and September 2020, the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) has received approximately 73,000 complaints on unsolicited calls and text messages. Of these complaints, around 21,000 were related to unlicensed moneylending, and 19,000 were related to illegal betting or gambling opportunities. These complaints have been referred to the Singapore Police Force (SPF). The PDPC will continue to support the SPF in their efforts to tackle scams and other illegal activities.”
“The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) protects consumers' interests by prescribing baseline requirements that telecom operators should adhere to. These include requirements to accurately disclose subscription terms and conditions upfront to customers and provide avenues for customers to contest charges. The IMDA has also stepped in to prescribe service standards for specific telecom operators where necessary. Several telecom operators have implemented measures to meet the needs of their elderly customers. For example, some telecom operators have express queues for seniors at retail shops and processes for service providers to call customers back so they do not have to wait on the line for too long. They will also arrange for elderly customers to be served by officers who can speak the same language or dialect when receiving calls on their hotline, where possible. IMDA's Consumer Awareness and Satisfaction Survey conducted from January to March 2020 showed that consumers are generally satisfied with their telecom operators, and consumer satisfaction has improved in several areas such as telecom operators' customer care services. In addition to the measures by telecom operators, the IMDA organises programmes to help seniors learn to use mobile and digital technologies safely and meaningfully. IMDA's Seniors Go Digital programme has reached out to more than 36,000 seniors since it was launched in May 2020. About 80% of the seniors who received training continue to apply the digital skills they have picked up in their everyday lives. The IMDA will continue to monitor the public's feedback and work with telecom operators to better accommodate those who are less tech savvy, such as the elderly.”