Yaacob Ibrahim
Singapore
“Our museums can do more to have spaces that touch on the subject of precolonial history and to give people access to the archeological finds. At the same time, acknowledging how that history has impinged on our own history and the myriad strands of diversity of ideas, lifestyle, food, religions that have come together to enrich our own ex…”
“For instance, SingPost invested in a $45-million mail sorting machine that has automated 95% of the mail sorting process. To make it easier for its postmen to deliver mail, SingPost has also introduced more delivery vehicles, such as three-wheel scooters and customised mail delivery trolleys.”
“With cyber threats growing globally, this Bill is timely to empower CSA to safeguard essential services from disruptions by cyberattacks, prevent and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents, and to establish a licensing framework to improve the credibility of cybersecurity services in Singapore. Sir, I beg to move.”
“Our postal rates continue to be among the lowest among economies, such as the United States, Hong Kong and Norway. For parcel delivery, which does not require a licence from IMDA, it is fully open and competitive, and many local and international players provide services in Singapore today.”
“Factually aims to clarify widespread or common misperceptions of Government policy or incorrect assertions on matters of public concern that can harm Singapore's social fabric. Over the years, the site has addressed inaccurate assertions about various matters, such as housing, the economy and finance.”
“The amendment ensures that IMDA's regulatory framework for the deployment of telecoms cables stays relevant as copper cables are increasingly being phased out and replaced by optical fibre cables.”
The complete record
Every one of 236 lines we hold for Yaacob Ibrahim, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 5.
“These obligations include furnishing primarily technical information relating to CII (clause 10); complying with codes of practice and standards of performance (clause 11); complying with written directions (clause 12); informing the Commissioner of the change in the ownership of CII (clause 13); reporting cybersecurity incidents in respect of CII (clause 14); conducting cybersecurity audits and risk assessments of CII (clause 15); and finally, participating in cybersecurity exercises (clause 16). No action under the Bill will be taken against CII owners for cybersecurity breaches so long as they comply with their obligations thereunder. Non-compliance with CII-related obligations under Part 3 of the Bill will be an offence. The maximum penalty is $100,000, or two years’ imprisonment, or both. CII owners who disagree with particular decisions of the Commissioner, such as the CII designation, may appeal to the Minister. This is provided for in clause 17. To strengthen CSA’s ability to prevent and respond effectively to cybersecurity threats and incidents, Part 4 of the Bill empowers the Commissioner to investigate cybersecurity threats and incidents. These powers in clauses 19 and 20 are calibrated according to the severity of the cybersecurity threat or incident and measures required for response. The Commissioner may authorise incident response officers to exercise these investigation powers. In addition, the Minister has powers to require cybersecurity measures under clause 23 for the purpose of countering serious and imminent threats. The key intent is to provide for powers to respond to cybersecurity threats or incidents affecting CII.”
“This is because such officers understand the unique contexts and complexities of their sectors and will be best placed to advise the Commissioner on the necessary requirements so as to strike a balance between their sectors’ operational needs and national cybersecurity considerations. Clause 7 allows the Commissioner to designate as a CII, any computer or computer system that is necessary for the continuous delivery of an essential service set out in the First Schedule, and the loss or compromise of the computer or computer systems will have a debilitating effect on the availability of the essential service. This clause also requires the Commissioner to inform the CII owner how he can submit representations against the designation. CSA has worked closely with sector regulators to identify the list of essential services as set out in the First Schedule. An essential service is defined in clause 2 as any service essential to the national security, defence, foreign relations, economy, public health, public safety or public order of Singapore. New essential services may be added from time to time to the First Schedule by the Minister exercising powers under the Bill if necessary. The Bill will require CII owners to comply with statutory obligations to ensure the cybersecurity of their CII. All owners of CII, whether from the public or private sector, will be subjected to the same statutory obligations under the Bill.”
“We also consulted industry associations, cybersecurity professionals, sector regulators, potential key CII stakeholders and the general public. In response to requests for more time to provide feedback, we extended our public consultation to six weeks. Respondents were generally supportive of the Bill. They shared the Government’s concerns on cybersecurity threats and the impact of cyberattacks on Singapore. Respondents also provided useful feedback that allowed us to identify aspects of the Bill that could be refined when drafting the Bill, including simplifying the licensing framework. I would like to thank all respondents for their feedback and suggestions. Sir, allow me now to go through the key proposals of the Bill. Clause 4 of the Bill allows the Minister-in-charge of Cybersecurity to appoint a Commissioner of Cybersecurity to administer the Bill. This appointment will be held by the Chief Executive of CSA. Today, CSA works with sector regulators to coordinate cybersecurity efforts to protect CII within their respective sectors. The sectors have varying levels of cybersecurity readiness, and sector regulators have varying legislative powers to regulate CII within their sectors on cybersecurity matters. The Cybersecurity Bill will provide CSA with the necessary powers to proactively protect our CII and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents. Clause 4 allows the Minister to appoint Assistant Commissioners (ACs) to assist the Commissioner to oversee and enforce cybersecurity requirements on the CII owners. The intention is to appoint senior officers from sector regulators as ACs to perform this role in respect of CII in their respective sectors.”
“The Bill has three key objectives: (a) to strengthen the protection of CII against cyberattacks; (b) to authorise the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) to prevent and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents; and (c) to establish a licensing framework for cybersecurity service providers. Parts 3 and 4 of the Bill set out a framework for CSA to request for cybersecurity information on CII and during investigations of cybersecurity threats and incidents. The Bill protects such information by requiring specified persons who obtain it when performing their functions or discharging their duties to keep it confidential, and by specifying the circumstances where it can be disclosed. The Cybersecurity Bill does not provide powers to prosecute cybercriminals. CMCA and other relevant legislation will continue to govern the investigation and the prosecution of cybercrime perpetrators and the detection and apprehension of such offenders. The Bill is intended to apply concurrently with other laws and regulations enacted in Singapore, including existing sectoral laws. In formulating this Bill, the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) and CSA studied cybersecurity legislation which other countries, such as Germany, Estonia, the United States (US), Thailand and Vietnam, have implemented or are considering. These laws cover areas, such as imposing obligations on CII owners to protect their CII, requiring cybersecurity audits to be conducted, making the reporting of cybersecurity incidents mandatory, encouraging companies to share cybersecurity information with the Government, prevention of cybersecurity attacks and, finally, industry regulations. Our Bill is in line with these international developments.”
“There is an urgent need for the Government to be more actively involved with the CII owners in defending against cyberattacks. We have identified CII in 11 sectors: Energy; Water; Banking and Finance; Healthcare; Transport which includes Land, Maritime, and Aviation; Infocomm, Media and Security and Emergency Services, and Government. Even with efforts to protect CII, we cannot expect to detect and foil every cyberattack. This is why it is also necessary to investigate cybersecurity threats and incidents, and to mitigate the consequences of successful attacks. Currently, section 15A of the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act (CMCA) empowers the Minister for Home Affairs to issue a certificate to authorise or direct a person or an entity to take measures to comply with requirements necessary to prevent, detect or counter a threat to any class of computers or computer services, if the Minister is satisfied that it is necessary to do so for the purpose of preventing, detecting or countering any threat to the national security, essential services, defence or foreign relations of Singapore. However, CMCA, which mainly deals with cybercrimes, such as the unauthorised access of computer material, does not provide a regulatory framework for the routine and proactive protection of CII. Therefore, the Cybersecurity Bill seeks to establish a legal framework for the oversight and maintenance of national cybersecurity in Singapore, with an emphasis on the proactive protection of CII against cyberattacks.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, “That the Bill be now read a Second time.” Digitalisation has opened up new possibilities to enhance our modern lives, but they have also exposed us to cybersecurity threats. In recent years, we have not only seen an increasing number of cyberattacks worldwide, but also a wider range of targets, including individuals, large organisations like Equifax, and Government agencies. Singapore remains an attractive target to attackers because of our high dependence on Internet-based transactions. In 2017 alone, we saw attacks against our Government agencies, universities, financial institutions, both large and small enterprises, and individuals who had their computers locked by ransomware. Protection against cyberattacks needs to start with organisations and individuals taking responsibility for the cybersecurity of their own computer systems. However, it is also important for us to work collectively, especially in protecting our essential services, against cyberattacks. As we have seen in other countries, such cyberattacks can have a debilitating impact on the economy and society: (a) last year, the United Kingdom's (UK’s) National Health Service (NHS) had to cancel at least 6,900 appointments due to the WannaCry ransomware attack; (b) in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev, the power grids were hacked twice by cyberattackers in 2015 and 2016, leading to power disruptions that affected over 200,000 citizens during winter; and (c) in 2015, a massive cyberattack that reportedly intended to destroy important national communication channels took the French television (TV) network, TV5Monde, off the air for several hours. Computer systems directly involved in the provision of essential services are termed Critical Information Infrastructure (CII).”
“And third, while we have a population that is technology-savvy, it is an entirely different matter, whether we have the ability discern truth from falsehood. A Government poll in May 2017 showed that one in four Singaporeans frequently come across online news that was not fully accurate. Two in three of them were unable to recognise some or all of the falsities. And one in four admitted to sharing news that they later found was fake. Sir, efforts to tackle this problem are already on the way. Organisations, such as the Media Literary Council and Government agencies like the NLB, have developed programmes and resources to raise public standards of media literacy. While public education remains our first line of defence, it is not enough. Mechanisms need to be put in place to respond swiftly to these falsehoods. So, we need an inclusive approach to address these issues holistically, involving not only the public sector, but the private and people sectors too. And we need a broader national conversation about this issue so everyone has a shared understanding of the threat and a sense of ownership about the solution. Hence, Sir, I fully support this Motion to convene a Select Committee on online falsehood. This will allow us to consult widely and tap on the collective wisdom of the community and stakeholders. Sir, we look forward to hearing its deliberations and suggestions, so that we can keep Singapore a sovereign, cohesive and united society together. 2.53 pm”
“Technology is agnostic. It is the people and actors abusing technology to spread online falsehoods that are the problem. And indeed, technology has improved our lives in many ways, and while technology can be used to divide societies, so too can it be used to bring people together, such as by connecting communities across the world, or mobilising volunteers during crises. That said, as technology continues to push the frontiers of reality, it will be easier to create false information and damage societies. So, for instance, in 2016, Professors at Stanford University and the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg demonstrated how technologies can record a video of people tin real-time, effectively manipulating their expressions to reflect the message the perpetrators want to convey. Adobe launched a new product in 2016 called "Photoshop for Audio", which allows users to feed about 10 to 20 minutes of someone's voice into an application. The user then type any words he or she wants to say, which will be expressed in the same exact voice. The resultant voice sounds virtually indistinguishable from the real and does not sound computer-generated at all. This can be used to impersonate anyone, even Heads of States. Singapore is especially vulnerable to this for several reasons. First, we are a small and multi-racial society that can be easily overwhelmed by a larger adversary, taking advantage of our societal fault-lines. Second, Singapore has one of the highest smartphone penetration rates in the world at almost 150%. People can easily access the Internet and social media on their smartphones anytime and anywhere, and hence, are more susceptible to the spread of online falsehoods.”
“Take, for example, the example of the now defunct, The Real Singaporean or TRS website, which my Ministry shut down in May 2015. TRS published doctored articles which sensational headlines as clickbait to increase traffic to its website so as to inflate its readership and earn more advertising dollars. In February 2015, TRS published a false article on a Filipino family complaining about the noise from a Thaipusam procession involving Indian Singaporeans. Such an incident never happened. The article was deliberately fabricated and falsely attributed the incident to innocent parties to fuel anti-foreigner sentiments. It went viral and created tensions between our local Indian community and the Filipinos living in Singapore. Fortunately, we acted swiftly to prevent TRS from doing further harm. The two editors of the TRS were convicted in court for sedition and the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) cancelled the Class Licence of the TRS website. Sir, recent events worldwide also show that foreign countries can also use online falsehoods to undermine confidence and trust in national institutions and the electoral process. It was estimated that 126 million Americans were exposed to 80,000 pieces of Russian-linked content targeted to influence the outcome of the 2016 US Presidential Elections. In the United Kingdom (UK), foreign Twitter accounts posted four tweets in the month leading up to the UK Referendum, such as how millions of Turkish people will move to the UK, if the UK voted to remain in the European Union (EU). Such falsehoods aimed to influence voters and the outcomes of elections. These outcomes in some cases changed the course of the countries, like what Brexit appears to have done. But let me clarify that we are not against technology.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise to speak in support of the Motion. Sir, let me state from the outset that the issue goes beyond tackling online falsehoods per se. More fundamentally, it is about maintaining our sovereignty, as well as the multi-racial nature of our society, by ensuring that those who wish to do us harm by peddling falsehoods online do not succeed. As we have seen in other countries, deliberate campaigns to proliferate falsehoods online have caused panic and confusion, worsened societal fault-lines and eroded trust in public institutions. If unchecked, they may result in grave consequences for the country's social and political discourse. Let us not forget that Singapore has fallen victim to foreign interference through falsehood and misinformation before. Mr Shanmugam just spoke about the Singapore Herald's misinformation and campaign in the early-1970s. In the same period, the Eastern Sun was exposed by the Government for receiving HKD$8 million from a communist intelligence agency from Hong Kong. The funds were provided on the condition that they would not post the People's Republic of China on major issues and publish news items of the communists' choice. The newspaper eventually folded in 1971. So, we were fortunate to nip this in the bud early enough, so that this campaign did not sink our young nation back in the day. But today, such orchestrated campaigns can wreck even more harm. In the Internet age, falsehoods can go viral in seconds. Digital content can be easily manipulated to make it more provocative and stir emotions more easily. Anyone can publish or share falsehoods online, even from halfway around the world. And the net result is that online falsehoods can destabilise societies far more easily than ever before.”
“IMDA established the Data Innovation Programme Office (DIPO) on 1 April 2017 to champion this effort. DIPO has made encouraging progress. For instance, it is working with the industry to scope problem statements through industry-led Data Collaboratives. These Data Collaboratives are essentially partnerships among businesses where the businesses identify a common business problem and share data with one another to solve those problems. IMDA is finalising the implementation details and will announce these when we are ready. Finally, Sir, we are reviewing our regulations on data sharing. There appears to be a misconception amongst businesses that the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) prohibits the sharing of personal data. This is inaccurate. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the Guide to Data Sharing that PDPC released on 27 July this year. This Guide seeks to provide clarity to businesses on how they can share personal data within and between organisations. The Guide also introduced a regulatory sandbox for personal data that exempts businesses from certain obligations under the Personal Data Protection Act under specific circumstances.”
“Sir, data science and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can help companies use raw data to make better business decisions. Unfortunately, many local companies are not taking advantage of this potential. A study done by the Committee on the Future Economy showed that about a third of businesses have not adopted data analytics and about 80% have not adopted AI. Many of these businesses said that they lacked awareness and the expertise to harness data science and AI or were concerned about breaching data protection regulations. Sir, the Government is addressing these barriers to adoption. First, we are making it easier for our small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to deploy such solutions. The Info-communications Media Development Authority's (IMDA's) SMEs Go Digital programme gives SMEs access to proven digital solutions to grow their businesses. These solutions come embedded with capabilities, such as data analytics, cybersecurity and data protection. Over time, IMDA intends to raise the standards of these solutions with new technological capabilities, such as AI. Several SMEs have successfully taken advantage of these solutions. Let me share with Members one example. Poh Kim, a video retailer, has deployed Ishikawa's video analytics solution to analyse its customer traffic, so as to optimise its operations and improve its marketing efforts. These have helped Poh Kim to increase its revenue by 10%. So, I encourage Members to check out our #SMETowkay series showcasing SMEs, including Poh Kim Video, which have benefited from going digital. SMEs can contact their nearest SME Centres for advice on their digital needs. Second, Sir, we are bringing companies together to realise the value of sharing data.”
“Broadband Internet services are offered by multiple operators over multiple networks. These include the Nationwide Broadband Network, mobile networks and operators' own fixed-line networks. This diversity reduces the risks due to reliance on a single set of infrastructure and makes our domestic broadband Internet connectivity more resilient. My Ministry and IMDA regularly review and put in place measures to enhance the resilience of our broadband Internet services. One key measure is the Telecom Service Resiliency Code, which was last updated recently in 2016. It aims to ensure that operators of key telecommunication infrastructure invest in and enhance the resilience of their networks against service disruptions. Other measures include IMDA's requirements for key fixed and mobile operators to conduct regular audits on their network designs, operational processes, business continuity planning and associated infrastructure and facilities. We will work closely with the industry to ensure that these regulations remain appropriate, effective and up to date. Sir, in conclusion, my Ministry and IMDA recognise the importance of ensuring that our domestic and international Internet connectivity is diverse and robust. This is all the more critical as we strive to become a Smart Nation and Digital Economy. We will continuously monitor and review our policies and regulations to achieve this goal.”
“Mr Speaker, I thank Dr Tan Wu Meng for his question. He has raised an issue that is important to both my Ministry and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), which is the resilience of our international and domestic Internet connectivity. Sir, let me start with Singapore's international Internet connectivity. Singapore is a major Asia Pacific hub for submarine cables. We currently have 19 cable systems that connect us directly to more than 33 countries. We have multiple direct connections to key hubs, such as China, Europe, Japan and the United States, which enhance the resilience of our international Internet connectivity. We have benefited from this resilience. The recent episode where our Internet links remained intact, despite damage to submarine cables caused by typhoons in Hong Kong and Macau in end-August 2017, is a good case in point. The fact that we had sufficient diversity and redundancy in international Internet connectivity enabled us to reroute traffic through undamaged cables. In contrast, Internet connections in a number of countries in the Asia Pacific were disrupted. Nonetheless, Sir, it is important that we continue to find ways to improve the redundancy and diversity of our international Internet connectivity. We will continue encouraging new submarine cables to land in Singapore, especially if they will provide Singapore with alternative connectivity routes to key hubs. To do so, IMDA will work with relevant Government agencies and submarine cable operators to incentivise the landing of submarine cables, ensure sufficient landing resources, protect submarine cables from damage in our busy shipping lanes, and route cables to avoid disaster-prone areas. Let me now turn to our domestic broadband Internet connectivity.”
“IMDA will continue to work closely with all parties involved to ensure that the number of such cable cut incidents is minimised.”
“Mdm Speaker, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) takes a serious view of any service disruptions to public telecommunications services. IMDA has put in place strict regulatory requirements to prevent such disruptions and ensure quick service recovery when disruptions occur. Based on reports made to IMDA under its Outage Reporting Code, 26 Internet disruptions lasting more than three hours have been reported since 2013. Of these, 14 were caused by cable cuts. Madam, the cable cut incident on 11 April 2017 affected about 3,800 subscribers. Services were progressively restored over 28 hours. This incident was caused by construction works undertaken by several contractors involved in a Housing and Development Board (HDB) project in the Jurong area. IMDA's investigation is ongoing. Thus, it would be premature to share any conclusions or lessons learnt at this time. Investigations into past cable cut incidents revealed that most incidents occurred because contractors did not follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs). These contractors were also not careful and failed to exercise due diligence when undertaking earthworks. So, to overcome these problems, IMDA has been carrying out regular dialogue sessions with relevant Government agencies and their contractors on preventive measures. IMDA has also circulated "Dos and Don'ts" in multiple languages at worksites to alert workers on the need to exercise due care and caution when carrying out earthworks. Madam, cable cut incidents impose significant costs on operators, consumers and businesses. I am told that the telecommunications companies' (telcos') repair costs alone can sometimes exceed half a million dollars. These costs exclude those incurred by consumers and businesses.”
“Our postal rates continue to be among the lowest among economies, such as the United States, Hong Kong and Norway. For parcel delivery, which does not require a licence from IMDA, it is fully open and competitive, and many local and international players provide services in Singapore today. As such, SingPost has every commercial incentive to improve its services. The rationale behind our decision to liberalise the postal market still remains relevant today, and we have no reason to believe that deprivatisation will necessarily result in better outcomes and service quality for the postal sector in general. Mdm Speaker, I would like to assure the House that IMDA will continue to safeguard consumer interests and ensure that SingPost provides reliable and quality postal services for Singapore.”
“Mdm Speaker, SingPost operates a diverse business, offering domestic and international postal services, as well as logistics and e-commerce services. SingPost's Basic Mail Services are subjected to one of the most stringent Quality of Service standards in the world − SingPost must deliver 99% of local basic letters destined for the Central Business District (CBD), and 98% for those destined for non-CBD areas, by the next working day. Since 2014, SingPost has invested in new machines and enhanced its staff training programme to improve mail sorting and delivery of letters. SingPost has also engaged an independent third-party auditor to conduct regular audits on its service and standards. As a result of these measures, the incidents of feedback received by SingPost concerning mis-deliveries of local basic letters have dropped from 279 in 2013 to 50 in 2016. The Member also asked about the changes to SingPost's senior management team. Mdm Speaker, as a publicly-listed company, SingPost is responsible for putting together the best management team it needs to deliver on its commercial mission. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), as the regulator, focuses on ensuring that SingPost fulfils its obligations as a Public Postal Licensee with regard to meeting the postal needs of the public. The Member also asked whether my Ministry will consider deprivatising public postal services. Mdm Speaker, Singapore fully liberalised the postal market in 2007 to build an open economy, strengthen Singapore's position as a business hub, and catalyse growth. Regulatory frameworks, such as the postal Quality of service (QoS), ensure that the public postal system remains good and reliable. Today, four companies, including SingPost, have been licensed to deliver letters in Singapore.”
“Madam, I would like to thank Members for their kind comments. Mdm Chairman, with your permission, I would like to show a short video summarising the work of my Ministry over the past year.”
“Factually aims to clarify widespread or common misperceptions of Government policy or incorrect assertions on matters of public concern that can harm Singapore's social fabric. Over the years, the site has addressed inaccurate assertions about various matters, such as housing, the economy and finance. During the Zika outbreak, we allayed public misperceptions about the virus. This is part of the Government's efforts to ensure Singaporeans have access to accurate information on important matters. Factually, as its name suggests, concerns itself with facts, not opinions.”
“Madam, can I take Question Nos 13 and 14 together?”
“The amendment ensures that IMDA's regulatory framework for the deployment of telecoms cables stays relevant as copper cables are increasingly being phased out and replaced by optical fibre cables. Mdm Speaker, this Bill before the House today ensures that the TA can remain relevant and effective amidst a rapidly changing industry environment. IMDA is committed to working closely with the industry and various stakeholders to develop the necessary operational and implementation details relating to these proposed amendments. The telecommunications industry is a fast-paced one. My Ministry will continue to stay abreast of developments, both locally and internationally, to ensure that our legislative and regulatory frameworks continue to facilitate a conducive environment for businesses to grow and thrive and for consumers to benefit from competitive and high quality services. Mdm Speaker, I beg to move. [(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)] 12.58 pm”
“Nonetheless, before allocating radio frequencies for sharing, IMDA will continue to carefully consider and assess the impact and whether there will be potential for interference to existing users. Clause 12 amends section 26(1) to allow IMDA to issue or approve codes of practice or standards of performance authorising the collection, use or disclosure of personal data by telecoms licensees without end users' consent. This amendment is in line with exceptions already set out in the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and will be applicable for instances, such as Page: 21 network planning, maintenance, as well as for facilitating interconnection and interoperability between telecoms licensees. Aside from these purposes, the PDPA will continue to apply. My Ministry has also proposed a suite of enhancements to provide greater clarity to the sections of the TA relating to consolidations and corporate governance. Clause 14 will clarify the specific circumstances in which IMDA's directions with respect to consolidations have overriding effect. Clause 15 inserts a new section 32DA to empower IMDA to issue directions to enforce conditions of approval for mergers and acquisitions involving a designated telecoms licensee, business trust or designated trust. Clause 16 takes into account industry comments from the public consultation and clarifies the specific conditions that IMDA may impose for its approval of CEO or Board of Director appointments in designated telecoms licensees. Lastly, clause 20 will allow IMDA to issue regulations on the wiring of telecoms cables in access networks deployed by telecoms system licensees. Such regulations are currently limited to the public switched telephone networks belonging to public telecoms licensees which rely on copper cables.”
“Consumers, however, will have the flexibility to resolve their disputes through the ADR scheme, or through other avenues, such as the Courts or Small Claims Tribunal. IMDA is considering a suitable and independent operator for the ADR scheme and will consult relevant stakeholders on the details of the scheme after the legislative framework is in place. Mdm Speaker, my Ministry is also amending the TA to strengthen oversight of the telecom industry and provide greater clarity to the existing parts of the TA. Clause 2 will amend the current definition of "telecommunication service" to make explicit that this includes the leasing of telecom cables. Clauses 3, 4 and 5 will amend sections 5, 5A and 5B respectively to clarify IMDA's existing powers to levy fees and charges for licences, spectrum rights and satellite orbital slots. These amendments are to clarify IMDA's existing powers and are not intended to grant any new powers or impose any new obligations on regulated persons. Clauses 3, 5 and 6 will also make it clear that a licensee is not entitled to a refund of licence fees if its licence is suspended, cancelled, terminated or reduced in duration by IMDA or at the request of the licensee. Similarly, clause 18 will clarify that it is an offence for a telecom licensee whose licence has been suspended to establish, install, maintain or operate a telecoms system or service. Clause 7 inserts a new section to provide that where a person uses shared radio frequencies, that person must accept that interference may occur and that IMDA is not liable for any interference. This amendment is no different from the principles governing the sharing of radio frequencies already set out in IMDA's Telecommunications (Radio-communication) Regulations.”
“Although no concerns were raised in relation to these powers during the public consultation, I wish to assure the House that IMDA will be reasonable, prudent and Page: 20 circumspect in the application of these powers and that IMDA will take affected parties' concerns into account before making a decision. IMDA will also only narrowly apply these powers to specific contractual clauses that are inconsistent with the written notice or direction. In all other cases, these amendments to the TA will not affect the continuance of existing contracts, which should carry on until the expiry or termination. Mdm Speaker, IMDA will need to be empowered to establish an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme, for the resolution of disputes between specific telecom and media licensees and their subscribers. Given that IMDA's regulatory powers for the telecom and media sectors are contained in the TA and IMDA Act respectively, clauses 17 and 21 will make amendments to both, to give IMDA powers to establish an ADR framework, as well as the rules, procedures and operational mechanics of the ADR scheme. As I mentioned during the debate on the IMDA Bill in August this year, having telecom and media regulation in separate legislation is an interim measure and my Ministry remains committed to the longer term approach of developing a holistic framework for the infocomm media sector through streamlined rules and regulations. Mdm Speaker, in establishing a sector-specific ADR scheme, we are quite cognisant that service providers may be unwilling to participate in existing voluntary mediation schemes, such as those offered by the Consumers Association of Singapore. As such, participation in the ADR scheme will be made mandatory for service providers.”
“In our dense urban environment, mobile deployments need to be sited at suitably high locations, such as building rooftops and towers, to optimise coverage of each mobile antenna. Accordingly, it is usually optimal for mobile operators to deploy their infrastructure on rooftops to serve multiple buildings from one location. This is known as "spring-boarding". Given the advantages that spring-boarding confers, clauses 9 and 10 will empower IMDA to establish a framework to further regulate and facilitate the use of and access to buildings for spring-boarding. Following these amendments, IMDA will consult affected stakeholders on amendments to COPIF to allow spring-boarding and other related operational details. To provide end users with the freedom to access telecom services from the operator of their choice, clause 11 will prohibit building owners from entering into exclusive arrangements that have the effect of limiting end users' choice of telecoms service provider. Madam, I would like to assure the House that this amendment will not prevent building owners from having promotional tie-ups with operators that end users can benefit from. This amendment simply prevents a building owner from denying end users the right to choose their preferred operator. The amendment is also not intended to apply to data centres, central offices and telecom exchanges, as their customers lease space to locate their equipment and are not considered tenants or residents for the purpose of this provision. To ensure that clauses 9, 10 and 11 are effective, IMDA will be able to issue written notices and directions to licensees, developers, owners or occupiers of any land or building to achieve regulatory compliance.”
“The other proposal that we will not proceed with is requiring that all appeals to the Minister also be copied to the regulator. Such a requirement is an operational one and need not feature in primary legislation. Mdm Speaker, allow me to now go through the key amendments proposed. Mdm Speaker, for IMDA to facilitate the continued deployment of telecoms infrastructure, a few amendments will be needed. Today, IMDA's Code of Practice for Info-communication Facilities in Buildings, also known as the COPIF, requires building developers and owners to provide adequate space and facilities for the deployment of telecoms equipment in their buildings. However, IMDA has faced many practical challenges with building managers that have delayed timely deployments in the buildings they manage. To ensure COPIF's effectiveness, clause 2 will expressly clarify that parties who have control over the day-to-day management and operations of the building must also comply with COPIF. In practice, IMDA will continue to enforce COPIF requirements on the legal owner of the building in the first instance, before reaching out to building managers, such as the Management Corporations and Town Councils. In addition, under current rules, telecom licensees must provide sufficient notice when entering buildings to deploy their infrastructure. Clause 8 will provide greater certainty to building owners and occupiers on this notification and objection process. For example, before entering a building, licensees must first issue clear and accurate notifications to the building owner stating their intent and nature of the activities to be done, including whether they intend to use the space and facilities to serve any other building.”
“A dedicated, specialised and independent platform that can resolve these disputes in a fair and even-handed way will be needed. Lastly, my Ministry has noted instances where end users may not have the freedom to access telecoms services from their preferred operator. Madam, this should not be the case. It has been 16 years since the telecoms sector was fully liberalised. A key consideration for liberalisation was to allow end users more choice. To ensure that consumers and businesses can continue to reap the benefits of competition, any obstacles in the way of them exercising choice should be removed. Madam, my Ministry conducted a four-week public consultation in August this year to share these observations and consult on proposed solutions. Respondents generally supported our observations and suggested solutions. In light of this, we intend to amend the TA to effect most of these proposals, save for two. First, my Ministry has decided not to proceed with increasing the maximum composition amount for compoundable offences under the TA from $5,000 to $10,000. As we have experienced a recent spike in the number of cable-cut incidents around Singapore, we wanted to send a clear and strong deterrent signal to would-be cable-cut offenders that they must follow the prescribed procedures for isolating telecom cables before commencing earthworks. Given the seriousness of cable-cut incidents and their adverse impact on end users, we have assessed that a more effective and targeted deterrent approach would be to focus on actively prosecuting and seeking harsher criminal sentences for such offences. This effort is underscored by IMDA's recent prosecution of a Page: 19 case which has led to Court fines totalling $165,000 in 2015.”
“Mdm Speaker, I beg to move, that the Bill be now read a Second time. Madam, the Telecommunications Act, or TA for short, provides the broad legal framework for the regulation of Singapore's telecommunications sector. The TA provides the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) with various powers, including those to grant licences, issue directions and codes of practices, and promulgate service standards. Mdm Speaker, the TA must remain relevant and effective in regulating and providing for the development of our telecoms industry amidst rapid changes and recent developments. Since the last review in 2012, my Ministry has been keeping a close watch on how the industry has evolved, both locally and internationally, as well as the changing needs and demands of Singapore consumers. We have made three key observations. First, the reliance on telecom services by consumers and businesses, especially for mobile telephone services, has increased dramatically over the last few years. Total mobile data usage has more than doubled since 2012, due to increased smartphone penetration and the use of data-intensive applications, such as mobile video streaming. Hence, consumers and businesses have come to expect more reliable and better quality service standards. To meet these rising demands, IMDA must have the ability to facilitate the continued deployment of telecoms infrastructure. Second, consumer disputes have become more individualised in nature and usually relate to customer-specific contractual and billing issues. Given the individualised nature of these disputes, IMDA's existing frameworks for consumer protection will not be as effective.”
“To keep informed of latest cybersecurity threats and steps to take to mitigate these risks, companies can refer to regular advisories and alerts that are issued by the Singapore Computer Emergency Response Team (SingCERT). As shown by the recent incident, consumers also play an important role in building a safer cyberspace. Consumers should adopt good cyber hygiene to minimise the risk of falling prey to cybercriminals or unwittingly allow their Internet-connected devices, such as webcams and routers, to be used to launch cyberattacks against others. Each of us can take responsibility by taking steps, such as changing the default password on home equipment and wireless networks, and regularly applying software updates to our computers and mobile phones. Such measures are published regularly on SingCERT's website.”
“The ISPs are also required to engage IMDA-approved auditors to audit their compliance with the Code. To improve responses to cyber threats in the infocomm sector, the then-IDA also formed the Infocommunications Singapore Computer Emergency Response Team (ISG-CERT) last year. Its remit has since been expanded to include the media sector with the formation of IMDA. ISG-CERT shares information through the issuance of actionable intelligence and alerts to the telecommunications and media operators to enhance their readiness. ISG-CERT also coordinates sector-wide responses to cyberattacks. However, Madam, the cyber threat landscape facing our CIIs is rapidly evolving and attacks are becoming more sophisticated. Despite our best efforts, breaches cannot be eliminated entirely. It is important that we respond swiftly when attacked and bring services back to normalcy as soon as possible. We will also need to continually adapt our plans based on lessons learnt. While investigations are ongoing for the recent attack, IMDA, CSA and ISPs have not stood still. IMDA, through ISG-CERT, has issued advisories to local ISPs on measures to take to mitigate similar attacks, such as beefing up Domain Name Server capacity, and monitoring and placing limits, if needed, on traffic coming from identified network ports. Beyond the critical sectors, it is also important that companies, including small and medium enterprises, adopt good cyber security practices. Consumers expect that digital processes are secured and their private information is protected when transacting with companies. Businesses should, therefore, view cyber security as investments to improve their competitiveness, rather than just additional cost.”
“Madam, given Singapore's heavy reliance on digital technologies, cyberattacks can significantly disrupt the smooth running of essential services, such as finance, telecommunications and transportation. The Government takes these cyber threats seriously. We formed the Cybersecurity Agency of Singapore (CSA) last year and the Prime Minister launched Singapore's Cybersecurity Strategy last month. The recent attack that affected Internet access for some users is a timely reminder that these threats are real and everyone has a part to play to secure our cyberspace. Eleven critical sectors that provide essential services have been identified and CSA works closely with Government agencies and operators in these sectors to strengthen the cyber resilience of their Critical Information Infrastructure (CII). For example, through the Readiness Maturity Index (RMI) programme, CSA engages sector leads and operators to review the current level of preparedness, identify areas of improvement and take steps to beef up their defences. CSA also conducts regular exercises to validate and test the readiness of these plans. CSA works closely with the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA), as the sector lead for the infocomm sector. CSA and IMDA place strong emphasis on the cyber resilience of our telecommunications infrastructure as it is a crucial enabler for other sectors. Besides aligning with national level plans, IMDA requires Internet service providers (ISPs) to comply with the Secure and Resilient Internet Infrastructure Code of Practice as part of their licence conditions. This Code requires ISPs to put in place various controls related to prevention, detection and response to cyber-attacks across telecommunications networks.”
“Madam, the executors of the estate of the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew filed a Court application to seek the High Court's interpretation of an interview agreement between the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew and the Government concerning the custody and use of the transcripts of certain oral history interviews given by the late Mr Lee to the Government. Madam, the Court released its judgment on 28 September 2016. The facts and the Court's interpretation are all set out there. It can be freely accessed from the Supreme Court website. The executors have since filed a notice of appeal against the decision of the High Court. Madam, as this matter is now pending before the Court of Appeal, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.”
“Parts 9 to 11 of the Bill relate to the administration within GovTech that provides for offences under the Bill, the transfer of undertakings and personnel of IDA to GovTech, and saving and transitional arrangements. Finally, Part 12 of the Bill provides for the consequential amendments to other Acts to insert references to GovTech in place of IDA. Sir, with the faster rate of technological disruptions, there is a growing imperative for a dedicated agency to drive excellence in Government technology, ICT systems and digital service delivery. The formation of GovTech enables the Government to deepen its capabilities in ICT and related engineering fields and attract engineering talent into these areas. GovTech will play a critical role in the digital transformation of the Government, which is a key plank in our Smart Nation vision. GovTech will allow the Government to deepen our technical capabilities and enable us to remain agile and responsive to leverage technology in making a difference to the lives of our citizens and businesses. Sir, I beg to move. Page: 135 [(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]”
“An example is restructured hospitals, which, although not part of the public sector, are nonetheless an essential part in the delivery of public healthcare. The intent is certainly not to take over the running of IT systems of such public entities. However, if the info-comms or related engineering systems or service of a public entity is at significant risk or has been significantly compromised, or if it is in the public interest to do so, it would be sub-optimal if GovTech, with its capabilities, is unable to assist in any way. Hence, the Bill provides that under certain specified conditions, GovTech may develop and recommend directives, codes, standards or guidelines, as well as to provide advice on security, mitigation or recovery measures. The Bill contains clear conditions and safeguards under which GovTech can assist public entities. Firstly, GovTech can only advise a public entity upon request from the "Responsible Minister", which is the Minister responsible for the sector or agency that includes the public entity, or the authority that regulates that public entity. Once a request is made, the Minister for Communications and Information will assess and may direct GovTech to establish the necessary arrangements with the public entity. GovTech will have to seek the public entity's agreement on the scope of the governance measures and the manner in which GovTech's measures and standards will be applicable. This arrangement must also be approved by the "Responsible Minister", who remains accountable for the public entity's execution of the necessary actions and compliance to GovTech's recommendations.”
“I will now highlight the key clauses in the Bill itself. Parts 1 and 2 of the Bill provide for the key definitions used in the Bill and to establish GovTech. Part 2 also spells out GovTech's functions and powers. These include new functions which were not contained in the IDA Act but which will be essential for GovTech's expanded role, such as to ensure the security and reliability of ICT and related engineering systems and services in the public sector, as well as to promote competencies and professional standards. Page: 134 Parts 3 to 6 relate to the formation of GovTech's Board, the decision-making procedures, personnel and financial matters. Part 7 of the Bill empowers GovTech with the statutory mandate and powers to ensure the security and reliability of ICT systems and services, and to level up technology standards across the public sector. GovTech will be able to develop, implement and monitor the agencies' compliance with directives, codes, standards or guidelines. It can carry out audits and report on agencies' non-compliance, including the power to require access to information or premises. If authorised by the Minister, GovTech can direct agencies to implement security, mitigation or recovery measures that it considers necessary from a security or reliability standpoint, including the deployment of resources and personnel. After this Bill is passed, GovTech will provide agencies with administrative details on how these powers will be implemented. Part 8 empowers GovTech to extend its governance measures and standards beyond the public sector to non-Government bodies providing essential public sector-related functions. These are called "public entities" in the Bill.”
“I would like to assure Members that stronger governance by GovTech on standards and policies, particularly those governing security, will not inhibit innovation. Rather, they allow agencies to innovate with the confidence that they are building their systems on the foundation of robust security and resilience. To do all of the above well, GovTech will need to sustain deep technical capabilities in ICT and software development, as well as to build new ones. These capabilities extend beyond the ICT domain, and include related engineering fields, such as the Internet of Things, or fields which have become essential to the delivery of digital experiences, such as design. GovTech will set up Capability Centres to focus on developing technical specialists in these fields. Examples include application development, data science, Government ICT infrastructure, geospatial technology, cybersecurity and sensors, and the Internet of Things. GovTech will recruit ICT professionals, both fresh out of school and mid-career professionals. There are already programmes, such as the Technology Associates Programme (TAP) and the Smart Nation Fellowship Programme, to attract talent to work at GovTech. GovTech will also foster an organisational culture of experimentation, inclusivity and learning that empowers our people to be bold about how they can make a positive difference. Sir, the GovTech Bill provides for the establishment and constitution of GovTech and outlines its main functions, duties and powers. GovTech will primarily work within the public sector. In anticipation of future developments in technology, including in the fields of cyber-physical systems and the Internet of Things, GovTech's remit in the Bill goes beyond ICT to include "related engineering" areas.”
“Instead of the Government developing all services for citizens, GovTech aims to build platforms that facilitate greater co-creation with citizens and Page: 133 businesses, and engender a culture of crowd-sourcing. We believe that there are many other innovative apps waiting to be co-created that will benefit the public. As a leading competency centre of ICT and related engineering capability within the Government, GovTech will be well-placed to support Singapore's Smart Nation vision. GovTech will take the lead to put in place the underlying public sector infrastructure needed to operate a Smart Nation. One example is providing the infrastructure and data analytics backbone to support sensors deployed by public sector agencies. GovTech will ensure that the deployment of such sensors by the public sector is well-coordinated and optimised. It will also promote the sharing of sensors and sensor data among agencies to maximise their usefulness. Another example is an effort with the Singapore Land Authority and National Research Foundation (NRF) to develop a Virtual 3D geospatial rendering of Singapore to aid in urban planning and operations. It is also critical that GovTech ensures the reliability and security of our ICT systems across the public sector. It will put in place strong technical standards, clear governing policies and robust security measures for a resilient ICT infrastructure. This will apply across all public sector agencies. Given the interconnectedness of our ICT applications and networks, the strength of the entire system depends on the weakest link. Therefore, where necessary, GovTech will be actively involved in the governance of public sector ICT systems, regardless of whether they are managed directly by GovTech or by their own in-house IT teams.”
“GovTech will work with agencies to try new things, test ideas, commission proof of concepts, and take calculated risks. At the same time, GovTech will further build on the core of its work to develop and maintain systems, as well as to ensure that the Government's ICT systems remain reliable, secure and are safe against cyber threats. Sir, let me now elaborate on GovTech's role. GovTech will drive the Government's delivery of the next generation of citizen-centric, anticipatory and secure digital services to individuals, businesses and public sector employees. When developing these services, GovTech will implement industry best practices, such as agile development, emphasis on user interface design and the use of data analytics. It will also spur the public sector to design digital services that are responsive to citizens' needs and provide a better experience when interacting with the Government. We can look forward to more services, such as the recently launched MyInfo, which removes the need for citizens to repeatedly provide the same personal data when transacting with different Government agencies, or the Business Grants Portal which allows small and medium enterprises (SMEs) a one-stop platform to look for relevant financial assistance. GovTech will also encourage citizen participation in co-creating applications that can benefit the public. It will do so by making data and other tools, such as Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), open and publicly available. An example is the Beeline app that brings together private bus operators and commuters with common transport routes and uses EZ-link data to assess demand for suggested routes.”
“Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Sir, I have described in the Second Reading of the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) Bill, the context behind the restructuring of Infocomm Authority of Singapore (IDA) and the Media Development Authority (MDA). The other part of this restructuring process is the formation of a dedicated organisation focused on info-communications technology (ICT) and related engineering, called the Government Technology Agency, or GovTech for short. This Bill provides for the formation of GovTech. We are creating GovTech from the strong foundation that IDA and its predecessor, the National Computer Board (NCB), have built. GovTech has vast experience in managing enterprise information technology (IT) systems for the public sector and implementing service-wide e-services, such as Singpass, OneInbox and the OneService mobile app. Today, it directly manages the IT departments of about two-thirds of all Government agencies and handles other critical systems for the rest of the public sector. We have done well so far. Nine out of 10 Singaporeans are satisfied with the overall quality of Government e-services, and Singapore is regularly ranked amongst the best digital governments in the world. However, we cannot rest on our laurels. Technological advances are constantly disrupting our operating environment and the public's expectations of Government services are rising. At the same time, technological advances in ICT and related engineering create new opportunities for the Government to deliver innovative and impactful digital services to citizens and businesses. GovTech will play an important role in driving the digital transformation of the public sector, with citizens at the centre.”
“These provisions were ported over from the MDA Act and are essential to give IMDA the legislative powers to intervene in competition-related matters that have an impact on the industry and consumers, including mergers and consolidations that involve media companies, and potential abuse of market powers by dominant media companies. Part 8 of the Bill sets out the administration and enforcement powers of IMDA. These apply to offences under the IMDA Bill and do not replace the enforcement powers that are in IMDA's subject-specific legislation, like the Telecommunications Act and the Broadcasting Act. Parts 9 and 10 contain provisions that transfer the relevant undertakings and personnel to IMDA, to repeal the IDA and MDA Acts and provide for saving and transitional arrangements. Finally, Part 11 of the Bill makes consequential and related amendments to other Acts, including to incorporate PDPC into IMDA, as I earlier mentioned. Sir, as a single infocomm media authority, IMDA will have many opportunities before it to reshape and strategise industry development so as to bring greater value. I am confident that IMDA will build on the successes of IDA and MDA to create a vibrant and dynamic infocomm-media hub and discover new economic opportunities for Singapore and our people. Sir, I beg to move. [(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]”
“Many of the solutions to enhance personal data protection, hence, leverage on infocomm media technologies. The Commission, under IMDA, will continue to ensure that all private sector companies comply with the PDPA. As companies make more use of data to improve their offerings, IMDA will also ensure that our personal data regulations and policies promote public trust and confidence in our companies. As a converged regulator, IMDA will now have the opportunity to improve consumer protection policies across the infocomm media sector. Moving forward, IMDA will study how such consumer protection policies can be further developed. Page: 113 Sir, having explained the rationale for the Bill and the roles that IMDA will play, I will now describe the main elements of the Bill. The Bill comprises 11 Parts. Parts 1 and 2 of the Bill provide for the key concepts used in the Bill and to establish the IMDA. Part 2 also sets out IMDA's functions and powers, which are drawn from the existing provisions in the IDA and MDA Acts. These cover industry development and regulatory functions that IDA and MDA currently play in the infocomm and media sectors. IMDA will not have any additional functions and powers beyond what IDA and MDA currently have. Any difference in the exact wordings of the clauses is to simplify the language. The substance and meaning of the provisions remain unchanged. Parts 3 to 6 are on matters regarding IMDA's Board members, their decision-making procedures, IMDA's own employees and its financial provisions. Sir, as I mentioned earlier, Part 7 of the Bill empowers IMDA to regulate competition matters in the media sector.”
“With the formation of IMDA, subject-specific legislation for the telecommunications, media and postal sectors will continue and will be implemented by IMDA. For expediency, the market competition provisions in the MDA Act will be carried forward into Part 7 of the IMDA Bill as an interim measure. The longer-term plan is for IMDA to develop a holistic approach to regulation and competition management for the infocomm media sector through streamlined rules and regulations. This will make it easier for businesses to grow. On the content regulation front, MDA currently enforces sector-specific Acts such as the Broadcasting Act and Films Act. Moving forward, IMDA will take over these subject-specific legislation and continue to ensure that content guidelines reflect community standards. With convergence, the same content can be carried over traditional as well as non-traditional media platforms. It is, hence, important for IMDA, as a converged regulator, to keep pace with technological developments that change the way media content is delivered and consumed and ensure that such content is consistent with our community norms and values. IMDA will also oversee the personal data protection regulation. Today, the Personal Data Protection Act, or PDPA for short is enforced by the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC). When IMDA is formed, the Commission will be a unit under IMDA to enforce data protection regulation in the private sector. The synergies between infocomm media and personal data protection have led to our decision to site the Commission within IMDA. For example, companies often set up websites that collect, process and provide access to personal data of their customers.”
“Students can use the sensors to capture data and upload Page: 112 them onto an online platform for data exchange and sharing. IMDA will also work with industries to explore ways to bring virtual reality and augmented reality technologies into the classrooms. Sir, while the formation of IMDA is prompted by the rapid convergence of the infocomm and media sectors, there are areas which IMDA will oversee where convergence may not feature so prominently, such as our postal services, and the registration and coordination of satellite orbital slots. These remain important areas of work. For example, as the Postal Authority, IMDA will continue to ensure the smooth operation of postal services in Singapore and that it continues to innovate to meet changing consumer needs. Regulatory certainty and clarity are highly critical in a converging sector. As we move to a connected and digital world, we need to grow trust between businesses and consumers. Regulatory frameworks must, hence, be sufficiently robust and holistic to ensure that our policy objectives are met in this new converged environment and avoid having regulatory lacunas with regards to convergent services. At the same time, we need to enable fair competition and further the interests of businesses and consumers and, most importantly, Singapore. This is important as we move to a more connected and digital world. Today, IDA's regulatory powers for the telecommunications and postal sector are spelt out in the subject-matter legislations, namely, the Telecommunications Act and the Postal Services Act. However, MDA's regulatory powers to manage market competition for the media sector are contained in the MDA Act.”
“IMDA will also build on the initiatives and programmes that IDA and MDA currently have for students and professionals, to help them build and strengthen the core infocomm media skills that they need to seize opportunities and compete both locally and internationally. IMDA will also enhance support for our infocomm media companies. For example, IMDA will have three innovation facilities under its wing, inherited from IDA and MDA. These are the IDA Labs, the Games Solution Centre, and Creators' Space. The new IMDA team will be studying how best to bring these facilities together as an integrated network that will better support the ideas and aspirations of companies in the converged infocomm media space, such as tech and online content creators. In particular, SMEs and startups will be able to leverage these facilities for prototyping and content creation, and bring their innovative products, services and content to fruition. This opens up interesting opportunities for collaboration and learning. For example, a film animation company may be interested to venture into product merchandising. It can use the IDA Labs facilities to learn more about coding, and tinker around with robotics to prototype "toys" that can be launched in conjunction with their films. Conversely, an IDA Labs tech startup can leverage the Creators' Space to work with a community of online content creators to develop a compelling narrative for a crowd-funding campaign. IMDA will also encourage greater sectoral innovation and transformation using infocomm media technologies in order to benefit Singaporeans and create greater economic and social value for our companies. For example, IDA has introduced the "Internet of Things" to some schools to enable authentic, inquiry-based learning.”
“IMDA will build on the successes of IDA and MDA and help develop Singapore as a future-ready infocomm media hub. Consumers will also be a key focus for IMDA, ensuring that they continue enjoying a variety of infocomm media services at good service standards and competitive prices. I have reminded the staff of IMDA that, ultimately, what they do to harness the power of infocomm media must have a positive impact on the lives of Singaporeans. The Bill before this House will legally establish IMDA. After the creation of IMDA, I expect to put forward more specific legislative proposals to bring about a converged perspective on consumer protection, infocomm media regulations and industry development efforts. On the industry development front, IMDA will help Singapore harness the opportunities in the converged infocomm media landscape by equipping Singaporeans with the skills to thrive in a digital future and driving our economy through promoting digital connectivity and creativity. The Infocomm Media 2025 Plan which I launched last year sets out broad directions to guide the development of the infocomm media sector. Having a single agency implement the plan will provide greater clarity to industry partners and deliver more impactful outcomes. For example, one of IMDA's priorities will be to build a future-ready Singaporean Core for infocomm media. As a converged organisation, IMDA will be better poised to address the talent needs, and develop professional skills for the infocomm media sector. It will do this by building interest and cultivating talents from young and introducing our students and young adults to the exciting world of infocomm media.”
“In addition, MDA has put in place co-regulation and content classification frameworks to uphold our community norms, while helping Singaporeans make more informed decisions about the media content they wish to consume. Sir, the pace of technological change has significantly increased in recent years. More and more disruptive technologies and new business models that are enabled by infocomm media technologies have sprouted up. Rapid convergence between Singapore's infocomm and media sectors has been seen in recent years, blurring the traditional divide between these previously distinct industries. Our traditional media, telecommunications companies (telcos) and technology (tech) companies have expanded into content creation and new media businesses and vice versa. For example, our media broadcasters have developed online platforms that can stream content around the world and are partnering overseas players to bring in fresh content for our viewers. Several, like StarHub, are even developing their own content, through the Public Service Broadcast (PSB) Contestable Funds Scheme. With convergence, the delivery of content and services is no longer restricted to traditional platforms. We can see this in the mobile market where there are mobile handsets capable of receiving video and television broadcast streams. Thus, content developers now have the opportunity to sell their content to a larger spectrum of service providers. Page: 111 My Ministry has been closely monitoring these trends. We have begun to bring IDA and MDA's industry plans closer together through the development of Infocomm Media 2025, which was launched last year. The process has confirmed our view that the time is right to set up a converged infocomm media developer and regulator.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Let me, first, explain the context behind this Bill. In January this year, I announced that we will restructure the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) into two new organisations ‒ the Info-communications Media Development Authority, or IMDA for short, and the Government Technology Agency, or GovTech for short. Both IDA and MDA have contributed significantly to the development of Singapore's infocomm and media sectors since their formation in 1999 and 2003 respectively. As the infocomm regulator and developer, IDA has contributed significantly to Singapore's position as a dynamic, competitive and innovative global infocomm capital. IDA fully liberalised Singapore's telecommunications market in 2000, two years ahead of schedule, and ensured that we are the only country in the world that has nationwide fibre in our homes and businesses. That is why Singapore is consistently ranked among the world's top in telecommunications infrastructure, thus giving our consumers and businesses access to competitively priced, high-speed connections. IDA has also fostered a vibrant infocomm startup community and a growing pool of successful infocomm small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and enterprises that have flown the Singapore flag high around the world. MDA has also been instrumental in growing Singapore's media sector through the implementation of the Media21 Master Plan and the Singapore Media Fusion Plan. It has actively promoted the creation of high-quality local content for public service broadcasting, and nurtured generations of filmmakers, directors, games developers and writers with its scholarships.”
“Madam, can I take Question Nos 17 and 18 together?”
“Madam, I thank Members for their thoughtful comments and suggestions. Madam, with your permission, I would like to show a short video on the efforts of my Ministry to connect people to opportunities, community and the Government, with the help and support of trustworthy infrastructure and technology.”