Staying safe online, support for firms and workers to use AI among ministries’ priorities
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More support will be given to individuals and households in accessing digital tools and services.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
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- Singapore will boost online safety against scams and cyberbullying and support AI adoption for companies and workers, according to MDDI.
- MinLaw aims to support victims of online harm, update legal processes, and introduce AI copyright guidelines to protect innovation and creators.
- The PMO strategy group focuses on strategic priorities: securing Singapore's place, transforming the economy, uniting citizens, and managing foreign worker flows.
AI generated
SINGAPORE – With rising scams, cyber bullying and increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks
They will also give companies and workers more support in adopting artificial intelligence as AI tools become more accessible, according to the Ministry of Digital Development and Information’s (MDDI) addendum to the President’s Address released on Sept 19.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, in setting out the Cabinet’s agenda during his speech on Sept 5
The Public Service Division and its Public Sector Science and Technology Policy and Plans Office as well as the Strategy Group under the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Law also released their addenda on Sept 19.
Here are some highlights:
Ministry of Digital Development and Information
More support will be given to individuals and households in accessing digital tools and services, said Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo. Her ministry will transform the libraries and archives to encourage reading and learning through offering physical and digital resources for all.
To promote healthier digital interactions for young people, MDDI will study interventions in other countries, build on measures for age-appropriate access, and encourage positive norms.
Public service media entities will continue to receive support to ensure their financial sustainability, strengthen their verification capabilities, improve the discoverability of their products, and boost their ability to share Singapore’s perspectives internationally.
Baseline cyber-security standards will be raised nationally, including by promoting stronger cyber hygiene practices for entities that handle sensitive data or critical systems.
MDDI will study new areas such as 6G, non-terrestrial networks and quantum to future-proof Singapore’s digital infrastructure and networks.
Ministry of Law (MinLaw)
MinLaw will study if there is a need for a new agency to better support victims of online harm with an appropriate framework for relief, said Minister for Law Edwin Tong.
As part of the efforts to make legal processes and court procedures easier to use, MinLaw is improving how civil judgments are enforced and will expand the Maintenance Enforcement Process to deter non-payment, among other things. It will expand outreach and support for civil legal aid and criminal defence aid.
International arbitration laws will be reviewed to keep Singapore competitive for dispute resolution.
New guidelines for using copyrighted works in AI development will be introduced, to support innovation and protect creators’ rights.
MinLaw will strengthen legal education, update training requirements and roll out a new skills framework to support the growth of legal professionals.
The Singapore Land Authority will develop a Digital Conveyancing Portal to digitalise property transactions and improve convenience, transparency and security for buyers, sellers, law firms, banks and real estate professionals.
Prime Minister’s Office: Public Service Division (PSD) and Public Sector Science and Technology Policy and Plans Office (S&TPPO)
The public service will continue to deliver sustainable, efficient and effective solutions for citizens and businesses, said Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing. Whole-of-government digital platforms such as GovWallet and YourBenefits will be scaled up to strengthen service delivery.
Science, technology and engineering capabilities and resources across agencies will be expanded and pooled to better address Singapore’s needs. S&TPPO will coordinate efforts to assess inter- dependencies in areas like power and transport, and to manage greenhouse gas emissions.
The PSD will provide public officers with more opportunities for attachments and secondments to the private and people sectors and international organisations, to broaden their skills and experience.
Prime Minister’s Office (Strategy Group)
The Strategy Group has developed a set of strategic priorities for Singapore, said Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who oversees the unit. They are: to secure Singapore’s place in a changed world; transform the economy; expand opportunities and strengthen assurances for all; unite Singaporeans; and forge stronger partnerships with individuals, communities and businesses to shape the future together.
To better anticipate future challenges and opportunities, and to develop strategies in response, the Strategy Group will sharpen foresight and sense-making.
More will be done to help parents better manage their work and family commitments as part of efforts to boost the fertility rate. The Government will work with employers and community partners to build a culture that values families.
The Government will carefully manage foreign worker and immigration flows and work with stakeholders to support new citizens in connecting with their local communities.
Singapore’s climate adaptation plans will be strengthened through boosting the country’s heat resilience plans and partnering neighbouring countries to tackle transboundary climate risks.
