Chan Chun Sing on new app to manage students’ device use after Mobile Guardian breach

The Ministry of Education (MOE) requires its IT service providers to keep their systems and data safe. Following the recent cybersecurity incident involving Mobile Guardian’s Device Management Application (DMA), MOE has decided to cease its use in all personal learning devices (PLDs). It has also taken legal action against the relevant contractors. MOE is currently studying options for an alternative DMA solution for iPad and Chromebook PLDs and will work towards rolling out the new DMA solution by the new school year in January. Until the new DMA solution is in place, schools have instituted additional processes to ensure PLDs are used safely and responsibly during school hours. Education Minister Chan Chun Sing gave this update in reply to MPs’ questions in Parliament on Tuesday (Sep 10). He said while the recent spate of incidents was highly unfortunate, it must not deter Singapore from delivering education through technology as it enriches students’ learning experiences. “We must learn to embrace EdTech in our teaching and learning so that our students grow up to be digitally savvy, able to navigate digital environments and take on the opportunities and challenges of the future,” he said.