Shawn Huang on Immigration (Amendment) Bill

There is an urgent need to address the pressing global immigration challenges posed by false and stolen identities, exacerbated by the increased use of technology to evade immigration and customs control, said MP Shawn Huang. It is paramount that Singapore recognises the challenges, acknowledges the evolution of technology used for such activities and emphasises the urgency of staying ahead of emerging threats, he added. Speaking in Parliament on Monday (Sep 18), he stressed the need to harness innovation and technology to enhance Singapore’s immigration and border management systems. Singapore must remain vigilant and proactive in its efforts to combat these threats, he said. Mr Huang said as technology continues to advance, so too are the methods employed by criminals. Therefore, Singapore must progress in tandem, he said. Mr Huang said embracing technology, digitalisation and innovation is “our best defence” against false and stolen identities. At the same time, Singaporeans must re-prioritise privacy and personal rights as the authorities employ technology to bolster security. Robust data protection measures and transparent practices will ensure that citizens' rights are safeguarded, he added. Mr Huang also sought clarifications on the Bill. He wanted to know what cybersecurity measures will be taken to enhance the integrity and security of the data, given the increased data collection and usage. He also wanted to know how Singapore detects system malfunctions where border entry approvals were wrongly granted.