This parliamentary session addressed critical issues spanning child protection, online safety, corporate governance, financial crime prevention, and government procurement practices. The session was marked by extended question time and substantive debates on protecting vulnerable populations while maintaining Singapore’s position as a trusted business hub.
1. Online Harms Bill: A Decisive Step for Victim Protection
Overview
Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo introduced landmark legislation to combat online harms, representing one of the most significant digital safety initiatives in recent years.
Key Problems Identified
Prevalence and Impact:
- At least two in five survivors of online harms experience severe consequences including depression and self-harm
- Women and girls are disproportionately affected, though men and boys also suffer in silence
- The issue has been raised by MPs since 2014, including Ms Tin Pei Ling
Current System Failures:
- Victims face complex and expensive court processes
- Existing channels are daunting and inaccessible
- Difficulty obtaining restitution due to challenges identifying perpetrators
- Lack of quick takedown mechanisms for harmful content
Proposed Solutions
New Government Agency:
- Establishment of a dedicated agency to provide victims with timely redress
- Focus on accessibility and effectiveness
Covered Offenses:
- Non-consensual distribution of intimate photos
- Child abuse material
- Doxxing (publishing private information)
Legislative Approach: The bill builds on previous amendments while acknowledging that technology’s impact has evolved, requiring more comprehensive measures beyond piecemeal updates.
Significance
Mrs Teo characterized this as “a decisive step” demonstrating the Government’s clear commitment to tackling online harms, moving from reactive measures to proactive victim-centered legislation.
2. Child Protection Reform: Lessons from the Megan Khung Tragedy
Background Context
The death of Megan Khung prompted urgent parliamentary scrutiny of Singapore’s child protection systems, leading to extensive questioning that resulted in a rare extension of question time to ensure full coverage.
Major Concerns Raised by MPs
Independent Oversight (Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Chua Chu Kang GRC):
- Called for clear independence and separation between report monitoring and service delivery
- Argued this could uplift standards, quality, and public trust
- Questioned current accountability mechanisms
Auditing and Quality Control:
- Mr Jackson Lam (Nee Soon GRC): Requested independent auditing of child protective agencies’ records
- Focus on ensuring systematic documentation and review processes
- Need for standardized protocols across the sector
Workforce Development (WP NCMP Andre Low):
- Raised concerns about supply of social work professionals
- Asked about whole-of-government approach to increase talent pipeline
- Ms Hany Soh (Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC): Questioned how to continue drawing talent to the sector
Parental Involvement (Ms Hany Soh):
- Asked when Megan’s father was informed of the situation
- Questioned whether both parents should be mandatorily involved regardless of marital status
- Noted that Megan’s parents were divorced, potentially complicating coordination
Government Response (Minister Lee)
Protocols in Place:
- Audit work is standardized across the sector
- Some MP suggestions will be adopted
Parental Engagement:
- When children enter child protection management, agencies make best efforts to engage both biological parents
- Safety planning includes both parents where feasible
- Acknowledgment that divorce situations require careful navigation
New Initiative Announced
Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) announced establishment of a new social services coordination center to better identify child abuse cases and prevent future tragedies.
Broader Implications
This discussion reflects Singapore’s approach to learning from failures in child protection, with emphasis on:
- Systemic improvements rather than isolated responses
- Multi-agency coordination
- Balancing family preservation with child safety
- Professional workforce development
3. Corporate and Accounting Laws Amendment: Strengthening Singapore’s Business Framework
Legislative Overview
Second Minister for Finance Indranee Rajah presented the Corporate and Accounting Laws (Amendment) Bill, first introduced in October 2025, as part of regular regulatory review by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
Five Key Objectives
1. Tightening Rules Against Corporate Misuse
Current Law: Under the Companies Act 1967, the Registrar of Companies may refuse registration of companies likely to be used for:
- Unlawful purposes
- Purposes prejudicial to public peace, welfare, or good order
- Activities contravening national security or interests
Gap Identified: The law doesn’t explicitly require courts or the registrar to deny applications for restoration of companies struck off for these reasons.
Proposed Amendment: Make clear that such companies cannot be restored, closing this loophole permanently.
2. Safeguarding Shareholder Interests
Enhanced protections for minority shareholders and improved corporate governance mechanisms.
3. Strengthening Regulatory Framework
Updating powers and procedures for more effective oversight of companies.
4. Reducing Regulatory Burden
Streamlining compliance requirements for legitimate businesses while maintaining necessary safeguards.
5. Enhancing Public Accountant Regime
Improved regulatory oversight of accounting professionals.
Strategic Rationale
Ms Indranee emphasized: “Amendments in this Bill are part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our corporate governance and regulatory framework, reinforcing our position as an efficient and trusted business hub.”
Parliamentary Debate
Mr Edward Chia (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC) and Mr Lee Hong Chuang (Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC) spoke on the Bill, which passed without amendment.
4. Financial Crime Prevention: The Family Office Debate
Context: Money Laundering and Family Offices
This discussion emerged from Singapore’s largest-ever money laundering case and concerns about exploitation of the family office regime by criminal networks.
The Chen Zhi Case
Background:
- Cambodian businessman Chen Zhi and his company Prince Group were under police investigation
- Subsequently charged by US authorities
- Two single family offices (SFOs) linked to Chen and associates were granted tax incentives
Government Action:
- Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) identified the connected SFOs
- Tax incentives were seized
- Demonstrates proactive enforcement
Key Question by WP MP Kenneth Tiong (Aljunied GRC)
Asked whether individuals sanctioned by the US for transnational criminal activities or convicted in Singapore’s money laundering case had operated tax-exempt family offices locally.
Minister Chee Hong Tat’s Comprehensive Response
Scale Perspective:
- Single family offices involved in money laundering and convicted represent less than 1% of total SFOs
- Singapore had already been conducting probes before US charges
Singapore’s Competitive Position:
- Already has more stringent due diligence standards for high-net-worth clients compared to other financial centers
- Risk of over-regulation deterring legitimate investors
Risk Philosophy – “The Fly Analogy”: Using a Chinese saying, Minister Chee presented Singapore’s approach:
“Some flies may enter when we open the windows. The solution is not to shut the windows and block out sunlight and fresh air. What matters is that we act swiftly to deal with the flies that enter, while also letting in sunlight and fresh air.”
Core Principles:
- Risk-proportionate approach, not zero-risk
- Swift action against wrongdoing when detected
- Balance between security and economic competitiveness
- Protecting legitimate jobs and investment
Parliamentary Exchange
Mr Tiong’s Follow-up: “I think there are a lot of flies in the house.”
His Recommendation:
- Work on assumption that illicit money has already penetrated Singapore
- Mandate enhanced due diligence on client relationships across all regulated financial sectors
- More proactive rather than reactive stance
Policy Implications
This debate captures Singapore’s ongoing tension between:
- Maintaining reputation as clean financial center
- Remaining attractive to legitimate high-net-worth individuals
- Avoiding overly burdensome regulations that harm competitiveness
- Swift enforcement when problems are detected
5. Government Procurement Fairness: Protecting SMEs
Catalyst: SUSS Campus Tender Controversy
September 25 Incident: Singapore Institute of Architects criticized Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) for unfair tender clauses for new Rochor campus:
- Unlimited design changes post-award with no additional fees
- Unlimited liability
- Undermined sustainability of architecture practice
Mr Ang Wei Neng’s Three Problematic Clauses
1. Unlimited Liability Regardless of Contract Value
- Can “even make SMEs bankrupt”
- Disproportionate risk for small firms
- Similar to controversial SUSS clause
2. Limited Milestone Payments
- Bulk payment only at project end
- Creates cash flow problems for SMEs
- Increases financial risk
3. Unlimited Changes to Design Requirements
- No additional compensation for scope changes
- Unpredictable workload and costs
- Undermines project planning
Second Minister Indranee Rajah’s Response
Existing Safeguards:
- Government agencies required to conduct procurement fairly
- Ministry of Finance (MOF) provides standard templates reflecting industry norms
- Templates developed in consultation with key sector agencies
Recent Improvements (November 2024):
- Option added to limit consultants’ contractual liabilities
- Will become mandatory from December 2025
- Agencies must pay for additional services not covered by contract
- Guidelines provided for more frequent payment milestones
SUSS Clarification:
- As autonomous university, SUSS is independent corporate entity, not government agency
- Has autonomy over operational matters and own policies
- “Much broader leeway” to set own terms
- However, still expected to adhere to fundamental procurement principles: value for money, transparency, open and fair competition
Commitment: “Government agencies are expected to be fair to suppliers in all their contracts facilitated by standard contract templates, and the ministry will continue to work with industry to make it easier to do business with the Government.”
Broader Significance
This discussion highlights:
- Government’s recognition of SME vulnerabilities
- Balance between protecting public interests and fair contractor treatment
- Ongoing refinement of procurement practices
- Distinction between government agencies and autonomous entities
6. Other Notable Matters
Health Information Bill Introduced
Tabled to facilitate collection, disclosure, and use of health information for maintaining and improving physical and mental health and well-being.
Background:
- First announced in 2022
- Originally scheduled for first half of 2024 but delayed
- Key to Singapore’s shift toward prevention-based healthcare model
Provisions:
- Healthcare providers can collect selected health data
- Sharing of health and administrative data between providers for specific purposes
- Enables coordinated care and preventive interventions
Other Bills Introduced
- Public Sector (Governance) (Amendment) Bill
- National Council of Social Service (Amendment) Bill
Parliamentary Conduct Issue
Incident: During discussion on money laundering, WP MP Kenneth Tiong commented “stupid question” to Minister Chee Hong Tat.
Speaker’s Response: Speaker Seah Kian Peng expressed disappointment, calling the comment “insulting” and inconsistent with parliamentary decorum.
Significance: Reflects ongoing emphasis on maintaining respectful discourse even during robust policy debates.
Analysis and Themes
1. Victim-Centered Governance
Both the Online Harms Bill and child protection reforms demonstrate a shift toward centering policies around those most affected, rather than primarily institutional or procedural concerns.
2. Risk-Proportionate Regulation
The family office debate exemplifies Singapore’s characteristic approach: neither unregulated nor excessively cautious, but calibrated to balance multiple objectives.
3. Learning from Failures
The Megan Khung tragedy prompted not defensive responses but genuine examination of systemic gaps and commitment to improvement.
4. Balancing Competitiveness and Fairness
Whether in financial services or government procurement, policymakers grapple with maintaining Singapore’s business-friendly environment while ensuring fairness and preventing abuse.
5. Technology’s Evolving Challenge
From online harms to health information systems, Parliament confronts how technological change requires legislative adaptation beyond incremental tweaks.
6. Whole-of-Government Coordination
Multiple discussions emphasized cross-agency collaboration, from child protection to financial crime prevention to healthcare transformation.
Conclusion
This parliamentary session demonstrated Singapore’s approach to governance: responding to immediate crises (Megan Khung, online harms) while advancing longer-term institutional reforms (corporate law, health information, procurement fairness). The debates reflected sophisticated understanding that simple solutions rarely exist—instead requiring careful calibration of competing values: protection versus freedom, security versus competitiveness, accountability versus efficiency.
The extended question time on child protection and the substantive debates on other matters show Parliament functioning as intended: scrutinizing executive action, proposing alternatives, and demanding accountability while generally supporting necessary reforms. The passage of bills without amendment suggests broad consensus on the direction of policy, even as MPs pushed for enhancements and clarifications.
Looking forward, implementation will be crucial. The success of the Online Harms Bill depends on the effectiveness of the new agency. Child protection reform requires not just new coordination centers but sustained commitment to workforce development and inter-agency collaboration. Financial crime prevention must prove it can indeed “swiftly deal with flies” while keeping windows open. And procurement reforms must translate from policy to practice across all government entities.
These parliamentary proceedings reflect a government and legislature grappling seriously with complex policy challenges, willing to learn from mistakes, and committed to evidence-based, proportionate responses that serve Singapore’s diverse stakeholders.