Category: Singapore

Protecting Seah Eu Chin’s Tomb in Toa Payoh

Seah Eu Chin was a prominent 19th-century pioneer leader whose burial place in Toa Payoh holds significant cultural and historical value for Singapore. In Parliament, I asked the government to assess the potential impact of development works like the North-South Corridor near the site and outline specific long-term preservation plans.

The Minister for National Development stated that North-South Corridor works will not affect Seah Eu Chin’s grave. He noted that agencies recognise its heritage value and are studying how to retain the site when planning future land use in the area.

This is the full question and answer in Parliament on 7 Oct 2026:

Impact of Nearby Developments on Tomb of Pioneer Seah Eu Chin at Toa Payoh and Measures for Long-term Protection and Preservation

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry has assessed the potential impact of nearby developments, including the construction of the North-South Corridor, on the tomb of pioneer Seah Eu Chin at Toa Payoh; and (b) what specific measures are being taken to ensure the long-term protection and preservation of the historical burial site.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: The North-South Corridor works will not affect the grave of Seah Eu Chin. The Government recognises the heritage value of the grave, and our agencies have been studying how it can be retained when developing land use plans for the area.

Singapore Civil Service Asset Declaration Rules

I raised a Parliamentary Question on whether public officials purchasing property based on non-public land-use information violates statutory duties or civil service rules. The query was sparked by a recent National Bureau of Economic Research working paper. I pressed the government to expand asset declaration requirements to cover immediate family members and co-habitants. I also asked if retrospective checks for anomalies would be conducted on past property transactions near unannounced infrastructure projects.

The Coordinating Minister for Public Services affirmed that public officers must never use non-public information for personal gain. He noted that doing so violates the Public Service Code of Conduct and may breach laws like the Official Secrets Act. The Minister explained that declarations currently cover spouses and financially dependent children. He added that authorities reviewed 191 officers involved in rail planning between 2007 and 2014, referring eight cases to the police for further examination.

Strict rules are essential to maintain public trust in our public service. Asset declarations should extend to all immediate family members and co-habitants to prevent loopholes, and routine retrospective checks must be conducted across all major land-use projects to deter any potential abuse of privileged information.

This was my full question in Parliament on 6 Oct 2026:

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether public officials’ purchasing property based on non-public land-use information constitutes a breach of statutory duties or civil service rules; (b) whether public officials’ asset declaration rules will be expanded to cover immediate family members and co-habitants; and (c) whether retrospective checks for anomalies will be conducted on past property transactions near unannounced infrastructure projects.

Watch my full exchange with the Minister of 6 Oct 2026:

Sources:

https://www.psd.gov.sg/newsroom/reply-to-pqs-on-government-s-response-to-academic-paper/

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/8-public-officers-referred-to-police-after-review-of-property-purchases-near-future-mrt-stations

Incentivising Smooth Bus Driving

Many public transport passengers have experienced bus journeys characterised by abrupt braking and rapid acceleration, even in the absence of emergency maneuvers or sudden road obstructions.

I raised a Parliamentary Question asking if the Ministry of Transport would require bus operators to display QR codes on all public buses for immediate public feedback on bus captains’ driving. I also suggested introducing tiered incentives to bus captains tied to telematics-derived smooth driving scores and commuter feedback.

The Minister for Transport replied that bus operators already have incentive frameworks rewarding safe driving using telematics data and feedback. He noted that commuters can give feedback through existing channels, with some operators already displaying QR codes.

While existing channels exist, displaying QR codes prominently across all buses makes it easier for commuters to report issues or praise good driving. Integrating telematics directly into driving incentives will ensure smoother, safer journeys for commuters.

This is the full Parliamentary exchange from 7 Oct 2026:

Improving Bus Captain Driving Standards Through Public Feedback and Telematics

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Transport whether the Ministry will consider requiring bus operators to (i) display QR codes on all public buses to enable immediate public feedback on driving performance of bus captains and (ii) introduce tiered incentives for bus captains tied to telematics-derived smooth driving scores and commuter feedback.

Mr Jeffrey Siow: Each bus operator already has its own incentive framework to reward safe driving practices among bus captains. These incentive frameworks take into consideration commuter feedback as well as telematics data on harsh braking and acceleration, among other factors.

Commuters are also already able to provide immediate feedback on safety concerns through multiple existing channels, both directly to bus operators and via the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Some operators already display QR codes that commuters can use to provide feedback on their journeys, and we will continue to encourage operators to find ways to solicit timely feedback to improve their services.

Evaluating Peak Hour Bus Capacity

My residents living along Bedok Reservoir Road and Upper Serangoon Crescent have raised concerns regarding public bus availability, citing long waiting times, limited service options and difficulty boarding buses during peak hours.

I raised a Parliamentary Question on how passenger capacity and loading data for public bus routes are evaluated during peak morning travel windows. I asked whether data collection accounts for commuters who cannot board crowded buses and whether critical micro-windows are evaluated separately from hourly averages.

The Minister for Transport shared that loading data is measured via farecard data against bus capacity. He said that for routes with high loading over the heaviest 30-minute window, the authorities conduct on-site surveys and review commuter feedback to identify unable-to-board situations before making service adjustments.

This is the full question and answer in Parliament on 7 Oct 2026:

Evaluating Public Bus Passenger Capacity, Boarding Demand and Peak-hour Performance Metrics

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Transport (a) how are passenger capacity and loading data for public bus routes evaluated during peak morning travel windows; (b) whether data collection accounts for unserved commuters who are unable to board because buses arrive at capacity; and (c) whether peak hour performance reviews evaluate critical micro-windows separately from broader hourly averages.

Mr Jeffrey Siow: Loading data for buses is measured by farecard data against the capacity of the buses deployed. For routes with high peak hour loading over the heaviest 30-minute window, the Land Transport Authority will work with the respective operators to monitor bus stops along the route for unable-to-board situations using on-site surveys and commuter feedback. When frequent unable-to-board situations are observed, service adjustments will be made.

Outreach to Isolated Informal Caregivers

I raised a Parliamentary Question asking if proactive outreach mechanisms exist to identify isolated informal caregivers of senior citizens who are not connected to healthcare networks. I also asked whether dedicated caregiver touchpoints will be set up in every estate alongside a centralised national caregiver registry.

The Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health explained that caregiver support is accessible through touchpoints like AIC Links and community agencies. Caregiver Support Touchpoints will be introduced from 2027 at five aged care service centres and three Enabling Services Hubs to proactively identify needs and connect caregivers to support.

Expanding physical touchpoints is a positive step forward. Many informal family caregivers face financial stress from medical costs, severe physical and emotional exhaustion, and difficulty balancing care duties with work. We need systematic community outreach and registry mechanisms to ensure every informal caregiver receives timely assistance before experiencing burnout.

This is the full Parliamentary Question and the answer on 7 Oct 2026:

Outreach to Identify Isolated Informal Caregivers of Senior Citizens

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what proactive outreach mechanisms exist to identify isolated informal caregivers of senior citizens not connected to healthcare networks; and (b) given that Active Ageing Centres focus primarily on senior care recipients, whether the Ministry will set up dedicated caregiver touchpoints in every estate and establish a centralised national caregiver registry to systematically connect those caring for seniors to support services.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Our approach for strong caregiver support is to make the support easily accessible for caregivers, through various touchpoints, such as AIC Links, Community Care Organisations, and Social Service Agencies. From 2027, we will introduce Caregiver Support Touchpoints (CSTs) to further improve access. We welcome other community organisations to complement our work by conducting appropriate outreach to caregivers, to connect them to the CSTs.

The first CSTs will be set up at five aged care service centres and three Enabling Services Hubs starting next year. These sites were chosen around places where care recipients are served to make it easier for caregivers to get help. The CSTs will proactively identify caregivers’ needs, explain the types of support available, and connect them to appropriate support, including respite services, training and financial support.

The most important support for caregivers is to strengthen the broader care ecosystem so that caregivers receive help and respite from caring for their loved ones. Through initiatives such as Age Well SG and the recommendations of the Taskforce on Assurance for Families with People with Disabilities, we are anchoring care in the community, and making care services more accessible and affordable.

More Frequent Service for Bus 228

I raised a question in Parliament about intervals for Bus 228 after I made multiple appeals to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on behalf of my residents regarding the frequency of this service. Residents in Bedok Reservoir often face overcrowded buses and miss arrivals altogether due to packed vehicles. I asked whether LTA would review public bus standards to reduce the scheduled intervals during school dismissal hours. I specifically asked if intervals for Bus Service 228 between 1.15 pm and 2.15 pm could be reduced to match morning and evening peak hour frequencies.

The Minister replied that service intervals are based on ridership, resources and commuter feedback, adding that the authorities will monitor demand and adjust frequency if required.

While monitoring is helpful, standard off peak schedules fail to address the heavy localised crowding created during school dismissal hours. Deploying higher frequency buses during these peak student travel periods would greatly improve commuting conditions for our community. 

How have bus arrival times on Service 228 affected your daily travel during afternoon hours?

This is the full question and answer from 8 Sep 2026:

Improving Intervals Between Public Bus Arrivals During Weekday School Dismissal Hours

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether the Land Transport Authority will review public bus service standards to include specific maximum scheduled intervals during weekday school dismissal hours; and (b) whether intervals for Bus Service 228 between 1.15 pm and 2.15 pm can be reduced from the current 12 to 13 minutes to match morning and evening peak hour levels.

Mr Jeffrey Siow: Bus service intervals, including during weekday school dismissal hours, are determined based on ridership, resources and commuter feedback. This allows us to serve commuters based on actual travel patterns. We will continue to monitor the ridership and capacity on Service 228 between 1.15pm and 2.15pm and adjust the frequency of the service if required.

Source: Singapore Parliament Reports (Hansard)

Data Security and Safety Steps After LiteLLM Supply Chain Attack

Software supply chain vulnerabilities require vigilant oversight and swift response to safeguard critical systems. In Parliament, I asked the government about data compromised in the LiteLLM open-source AI software supply chain attack, the remedial actions taken to secure exposed accounts, and measures to prevent future occurrences. Malicious code inserted through compromised login credentials could have far-reaching security risks across public and commercial sectors if left unchecked.

The Minister for Digital Development and Information explained that GovTech used scanning and detection tools to identify affected agencies promptly. The breach affected only one user account supporting a small number of agencies, and those involved changed exposed login details and checked system records. The Minister confirmed there is no evidence that any government data, including personal data, was stolen or compromised, while SingCERT issued an advisory for commercial entities.

This is the full question and answer in Parliament on 10 Sep 2026:

Government and Commercial Data Compromised in LiteLLM Supply Chain Attack and Measures to Prevent Recurrence

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) what types of data owned by the Government or commercial entities in Singapore were compromised in the AI supply chain attack on LiteLLM; (b) what remedial actions were taken to safeguard any personal and Government data lost; and (c) what is being done to prevent a recurrence.

Mrs Josephine Teo: LiteLLM is widely used open-source AI software. Hackers compromised it by using login details stolen in an earlier breach to add malicious code to software updates.

GovTech used scanning and detection tools to identify the affected Government agencies and informed them quickly. The attack was confirmed to have compromised only one user account, which supported a small number of agencies. The affected agencies changed any login details that might have been exposed and checked their system records for signs of unauthorised activity. There is no evidence that any Government data, including personal data held by the Government, was stolen or compromised.

The Government does not have a complete picture of how the incident affected commercial entities. Each company should check its own systems, fix any problems, and make any required reports. SingCERT has published an advisory on the incident and can provide cybersecurity guidance and help where needed.

Attacks on software supply chains are an ongoing threat. The risks cannot be removed completely. However, the Government will keep reviewing and improving how it prevents, detects, and responds to such attacks, so that similar incidents are less likely and cause less harm.

Improving Food Delivery in Condominiums

Parliamentary Question on guidelines for condominium delivery drop-off shelving to reduce waiting times and food waste.

Condominium food delivery arrangements need practical solutions to reduce friction for delivery workers and residents alike. In Parliament, I asked whether the Ministry will issue guidelines under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act encouraging Management Corporations Strata Titles (MCSTs) to install drop-off shelving. Providing designated shelving when residents are temporarily unreachable helps avoid food waste, cuts down waiting times for delivery personnel, and improves convenience for home residents.

The Minister for National Development noted that MCSTs are empowered to manage their estates and decide on amenities such as drop-off shelves. He highlighted that MCSTs can refer to the Last-Mile Delivery Guide for Developments issued by the Land Transport Authority and the Urban Redevelopment Authority in September 2026, which has been circulated to management bodies.

Encouraging drop-off infrastructure is a sensible move to adapt our residential infrastructure to growing e-commerce and food delivery needs. While MCSTs hold decision-making powers, the government should actively promote these guidelines to ensure wider adoption across estates. Clearer drop-off points protect delivery workers’ earnings and prevent unnecessary wastage for residents.

This is the full Parliamentary Question and the answer on 10 Sep 2026:

Guidelines for Condominium Delivery Drop-off Shelving to Improve Resident Convenience, Minimise Delivery Waiting Time and Avoid Food Waste

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will issue guidelines under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act encouraging Management Corporations Strata Titles to provide delivery drop-off shelving when condominium residents are temporarily unreachable, in order to improve residents’ convenience, minimise delivery personnel’s waiting time and avoid food waste.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: Under the Building (Strata Management) Act, the Management Corporations Strata Title (MCSTs) are empowered to manage their estates, including making decisions on the provision of amenities such as delivery drop-off shelves. MCSTs can refer to the Last-Mile Delivery Guide for Developments issued by the Land Transport Authority and the Urban Redevelopment Authority on 1 September 2026. This guide is available online and has also been circulated to MCSTs.

Investigating Cybersecurity Incidents at ASPIRE 2A and Exanet

Parliamentary Question on cybersecurity incidents at NSCC ASPIRE 2A and A*STAR Exanet, data exfiltration findings, and hardening measures.

Transparency on cybersecurity breaches affecting vital research infrastructure is essential for public trust and institutional accountability. In Parliament, I asked whether full investigation reports on recent cybersecurity incidents at National Supercomputing Centre’s ASPIRE 2A and A*STAR’s Exanet network would be publicly released. I also inquired about specific recovery, validation and hardening measures taken, and whether any data was exfiltrated.

The Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) stated that external forensic investigations found no evidence of data compromise or exfiltration in either incident. The Minister explained that detailed investigation reports will not be made public to avoid aiding malicious actors, and outlined measures including device rebuilding, access control tightening and enhanced threat simulations.

This is the full question and answer in Parliament on 8 Sep 2026:

Release of Investigation Reports into Cybersecurity Incidents Affecting ASPIRE 2A and A*STAR Exanet Network and Data Recovery Measures Taken

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) (a) whether full investigation reports on the recent cybersecurity incidents affecting National Supercomputing Centre Singapore’s ASPIRE 2A and A*STAR’s Exanet network will be publicly released; (b) what specific recovery, validation and hardening measures were taken; and (c) whether any data was exfiltrated and, if so, what data was compromised.

Dr Tan See Leng: Following the cybersecurity incidents affecting the National Supercomputing Centre Singapore (NSCC)’s ASPIRE 2A system on 22 May 2026 and A*STAR’s Exanet network on 24 July 2026, the affected systems were promptly isolated, and investigations were immediately conducted to establish the nature, extent and impact of the incidents.

External forensic specialists were also engaged to investigate and establish the root cause in each case. Detailed investigations found no evidence of data compromise or exfiltration in either incident. The detailed investigation reports will not be publicly released, as doing so could provide information useful to malicious actors.

The affected ASPIRE 2A system and computing devices in the Exanet network were rebuilt, scanned for any residual elements of the attack, inspected and cleared for use before being returned to service. Additional security measures, including tighter enforcement of access controls and enhancement of endpoint protection, were immediately implemented to strengthen safeguards against unauthorised access.

NSCC and A*STAR conduct regular reviews of their cybersecurity protocols to ensure these remain robust and current, and have accelerated their cybersecurity initiatives which had commenced prior to the incidents, such as enhancing cybersecurity threat simulation through more sophisticated red-teaming. Lessons learnt from these incidents have also been applied across our research infrastructure.

Protecting Children and Young Persons from Major Sexual Crimes

Singapore must maintain zero tolerance for sexual crimes against children while strengthening preventive and monitoring frameworks. In Parliament, I asked whether statutory penalties for major sexual offences against minors would be reviewed, given recent rises in reported cases. I also urged the government to evaluate chemical castration and a sex offender register as additional deterrents. Deterrence must remain uncompromising to protect our most vulnerable young residents from irreparable harm.

The Minister for Home Affairs highlighted heavy statutory penalties, including mandatory imprisonment and caning, and cited the recent commencement of the Sentence for Enhanced Public Protection. The Minister stated that evidence on chemical castration remains inconclusive, while a non-public criminal record system is currently shared with selected agencies for screening.

Stiffer penalties send a clear signal, but we must continuously enhance our protective mechanisms. Expanding screening mechanisms to cover more roles involving children, including voluntary checks in unregulated sectors, will provide essential safeguards. We must ensure our legal and administrative measures evolve faster than potential threats to minors.

This is the full Parliamentary Question and the answer on 8 Sep 2026:

Review of Statutory Penalties and Additional Deterrence Measures for Major Sexual Offences Against Children and Young Persons

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether statutory penalties for major sexual offences against children and young persons, such as rape, penetrative sexual assault and outrage of modesty, will be reviewed in view of recent increases in reported cases; and (b) whether the Ministry has evaluated pharmacological anti-androgen treatments and a sex offender register as additional measures to increase deterrence and reduce recidivism.

Mr K Shanmugam: The Government takes a serious view of sexual crimes and imposes stiff penalties, in particular when the victims are minors. Rape, or penetrative sexual assault, involving a minor under the age of 14 without consent is punishable with a mandatory imprisonment term of not less than eight years and up to 20 years, with minimum 12 strokes of the cane. Outrage of modesty against a minor under the age of 14 is punishable with up to five years’ imprisonment, fine and caning. If the minor was hurt or restrained during the commission of the offence, there will be a mandatory minimum imprisonment term of three years, which may extend up to 10 years, and mandatory caning. These are heavy penalties, which send a strong signal to deter such offences.

Over the years, we have introduced several legislative amendments. These include introducing a new offence of exploitative sexual penetration of minors between 16 and below 18 in 2019, increasing the maximum imprisonment term for outrage of modesty in 2021, and more recently, commencing the Sentence for Enhanced Public Protection (SEPP) on 31 July 2026.

The SEPP deals with offenders who have committed serious violent or sexual offences, including rape and sexual penetration of minors, and who pose a substantial risk of reoffending. Under the SEPP regime, an offender will be detained for a minimum term of between five and 20 years, as determined by the court. An updated risk assessment will be conducted by a psychiatrist, and the offender will only be released if the Minister for Home Affairs assesses him or her to no longer pose a threat to the public.

We remain open to considering measures including pharmacological anti-androgen treatments, also known as chemical castrations, if it is clear that such measures are effective in bringing down crime rates. So far, the evidence is not conclusive on that.

The Member also asked about introducing a sex offender register. Today, the Police maintains a non-public record of persons convicted of serious offences, including sexual offences. The Police share these records with selected agencies, including the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), when screening individuals applying to roles involving sustained contact with children and young persons. This approach balances the need to safeguard our children and the rehabilitation and reintegration efforts of ex-offenders.

To further strengthen safeguards for children, the Government has been considering the possible expansion of the scope of screening to cover more types of roles involving contact with children and young persons, including whether to introduce voluntary screening for unregulated sectors. We will share more details when ready.