Singapore reveals details of new cyber security bill

On 21 January, while outlining plans for the coming five years, the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) announced a host of new cyber-related measures. Among these is a cyber security bill, which will give greater powers to the new Cyber Security Agency to protect national systems (such as the energy sector) from cyber threats. Expenditure on cyber security is set to rise to approximately 8% of the government’s overall IT budget. Furthermore, plans are in place to increase the country’s pool of cyber security talent and manpower. Alongside this, the government will be seeking greater international co-operation on cyber security issues.

* The Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) and the Media Development Authority (MDA) to merge in April to form the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA). The move was announced earlier this week.

* New Government Technology Organisation (GTO) in the second half of this year to lead the Government's digitisation efforts

* Aim to complete nationwide transition to digital broadcasting from analogue broadcast by end-2017

* Build up the design sector and launch Design 2025, a long-term plan to make Singapore a hub for design

Build new skills for the future

* Help Singaporeans acquire skills, such as coding, computational and design thinking, that will be increasingly important in the future

* Continue to support start-ups and entrepreneurship in the infocomm, media and design sectors

Enable a secure Smart Nation

* Roll out the Smart Nation Platform, a network infrastructure of sensors, to build a Smart Nation and facilitate greater sharing of data

* Continue to ensure low-income families and senior citizens enjoy the benefits of Internet connectivity

* Develop a national cyber security strategy to strengthen Singapore's information infrastructure, with priority given to critical sectors like energy, transport and health

* Introduce a Cyber Security Bill to give the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore greater powers

* Grow cyber security talent and manpower, and seek international cooperation on cyber security

Make history accessible, reading habitual

* Develop a Constitutional Gallery, to be housed in the National Gallery Singapore, to showcase key constitutional documents and promote the appreciation of Singapore's history and heritage

*Start a National Reading Movement

Engage Singaporeans

* Review television channels Okto and Channel U to provide more choices for young audiences

* Introduce subtitling progressively for live broadcast programmes to be more inclusive

* Continue to engage Singaporeans on government policies, especially in the digital space and social media