- Funding for mature workers to enter tech sector
The Government will support companies to hire and train mid-career professionals for tech-related jobs, regardless of their information and communications technology background.
Minister for Communications and Information S Iswaran announced this during his ministry’s Committee of Supply and introduced a new training programme which will be co-funded by the Government, the TechSKills Accelerator (TeSA) Mid-Career Advance programme.
- Combating scam calls
Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Janil Puthucheary said that the Infocomm media Development Authority (IMDA) will require all telecommunication companies in Singapore to include the plus sign + for all international calls in April.
This measure is part of efforts to protect members of public from scam calls, and combat spoof calls from overseas. Domestic calls will not display the prefix.
The Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) will be working closely with other agencies and the newly-formed Inter Ministry Committee on Scams which was announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs yesterday.
- Amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA)
Dr Putucheary also shared that PDPA is being reviewed to “support data-driven innovation as well as strengthen organisations’ accountability and consumer trust.”
He added that the key proposed amendments include
- Obligating organisations to notify affected individuals and the PDPC (Personal Data Protection Commission) of significant data breaches
- Strengthening PDPC’s enforcement powers
- Instilling accountability practices like risk assessments for organisations
- New programmes in the cybersecurity sector
A new SG Cyber Talent initiative aims to reach out to at least 20,000 individuals in the next three years and build a pipeline of cybersecurity professionals to support Singapore’s ambition to be a cybersecurity hub.
The Cyber Security Agency will also spearhead two programmes to nurture talented individuals in the cybersecurity industry.
- Revamping libraries
Senior Minister of State for MCI, Ms Sim Ann announced that the National Library Board will revamp eight more libraries, from now till 2026. The libraries that will be revamped include the Central Public library, Choa Chu Kang Public Library, Queenstown Public Libray and Marine Parade Public Library.
A new library, the Punggol Regional Library will open late next year and it will offer customised services and calming zones for users with disabilities and children with special needs.
Mr Iswaran also said, “Our libraries epitomise the spirit of the SG Together movement, bringing our people, volunteers and partners together in a supportive learning environment.”
Photo from Minister S Iswaran’s Facebook
