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More Singaporeans confident in identifying scam calls and SMSes than they were a year ago

Jewel Stolarchuk
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More Singaporeans confident in identifying scam calls and SMSes than they were a year ago

SINGAPORE: A recent survey conducted by Toku Research, a cloud communications and customer experience software company, sheds light on the evolving landscape of scam awareness in Singapore. The study, based on responses from 1,000 local consumers, highlights a significant surge in confidence among respondents in identifying scam calls and text messages compared to the preceding year.

Three out of four respondents expressed increased confidence in recognizing scam calls and text messages over the past 12 months. This shift is attributed to heightened awareness campaigns and educational efforts by relevant agencies.

An overwhelming 91 per cent of respondents believe that government agencies are diligently working to alert the public about scams and providing education on identifying and avoiding them.

Since the implementation of Singapore’s text message sender identification system, 87 per cent of participants reported that it has become easier to distinguish between legitimate and potentially fraudulent text messages.

Despite their familiarity with digital technology, more than one-third of Millennials surveyed indicated a willingness to click on suspicious text messages, marking the highest proportion among all age groups. In contrast, only 13 per cent of respondents aged 45-54 and a mere 8 per cent of those aged 18-24 admitted to such behaviour.

The report underscores the paradox that increased confidence in identifying scams does not necessarily translate into a reduced risk of falling victim to deception. The revelation that a considerable portion of Millennials is willing to engage with suspicious text messages raises concerns about the effectiveness of current awareness campaigns among this demographic.

This surprising finding aligns with data released by the police in September, emphasizing that individuals aged 20 to 39 are most susceptible to scams, constituting more than half of the total victims. The generational divide in risk-taking behaviour may necessitate targeted educational initiatives to address specific vulnerabilities among different age groups.

As Singapore grapples with evolving cybersecurity challenges, the survey provides valuable insights for policymakers and anti-scam initiatives to tailor their approaches and better safeguard the public against digital threats.

How to Help Your Parents If They Don’t Have a Retirement Plan

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How to Help Your Parents If They Don’t Have a Retirement Plan

 

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Many Singaporeans think that their CPF savings are enough to tide them through retirement but the reality could not be further from the truth. Especially if your ageing parents are self-employed or homemakers who do not regularly contribute to their CPF Ordinary Account, chances are, they may not have a nest egg to ensure a comfortable retirement.

If your parents are not on top of their retirement planning, perhaps it is time for you to help them build up stronger reserves that allow them to feel more secure during their golden years.

Here are some methods to help your parents build sufficient funds in their CPF Retirement Account by the time they turn 55.

Related: 6 Retirement Planning Mistakes To Avoid

how much you need to retire
Source: Pexels

1. Assess How Much Your Parents Need To Retire in Singapore

Retirement planning requires an honest look at your parents’ current financial status, spending habits and long-term debts. Money talk can be a sensitive topic amongst family members but it is a process to ensure financial planning is done with realistic calculation of how much your parents truly need to retire in Singapore.

The assessment should take into consideration your parents’ savings, expenses, debts, loans, passive income, investments and insurance plans that are under their name. They also need to project what kind of lifestyle they prefer during retirement. If they want a few vacations a year, they will need a larger pool of retirement funds to support that lifestyle.

Related: What Is Retirement Like for You in Singapore?

top up parents CPF
Source: Unsplash

2. Top Up Your Parents’ CPF Accounts

It is worth doing a voluntary top up to your parents CPF accounts because the CPF Board offers much more generous interest rates than typical savings accounts that provide 0.05% per annum interest.

CPF Ordinary Account CPF Special Account and Medisave Account CPF Retirement Account
2.5% 4% 4%
* Source: CPF

Making cash top-ups to CPF Special or Retirement accounts can help your parents grow their retirement savings. Not only will they benefit from compounding interest and higher monthly payouts when they retire, they will also enjoy tax relief at the same time.

However, do take note that you can only top-up your parents’ CPF Retirement Account if they are 55 or above.

Related: Simple Ways To Grow Your CPF Interest

insurance coverage parents health
Source: Unsplash

3. Protect Your Parents with Relevant Insurance Coverage

It is easy to forecast predictable retirement expenses for your ageing parents but planning for unforeseen emergencies can be trickier. This is where choosing the right insurance coverage can protect your parents against financial losses that may arise from sudden medical complications and unexpected accidents.

While it is true that Singaporeans are covered by MediShield Life, there are many scenarios and illnesses that require an upgraded Integrated Shield Plan (IP). For a more comprehensive coverage you may also want to consider critical Illness policies, endowment policies and personal accident policies.

Related: The Most Important Insurance Policies Every Young Adult Should Have

Different CPF Payout Schemes

If you have decided to make cash top-ups for your parents’ CPF account, you must also get familiar with how the funds will be paid during their retirement years. Unlike regular savings accounts with banks, CPF funds cannot be withdrawn at one shot. Part of the funds must be set aside in their CPF Retirement Account. Let’s go through how the CPF payout works.

When your parents reach 55 years old, a CPF Retirement Account will be created for them. Funds from their CPF Ordinary Account and CPF Special Account will then be transferred to this account.

The amount of funds in the CPF Retirement Account is based on the Retirement Sum of that year, which is adjusted annually by the CPF Board. The sum will be split into Basic Retirement Sum (BRS), Full Retirement Sum (FRS) and Enhanced Retirement Sum (ERS)

55th birthday in the year of Basic Retirement Sum (BRS) Full Retirement Sum (FRS) Enhanced Retirement Sum (ERS)
2023 S$99,400 S$198,800 S$298,200
2024 S$102,900 S$205,800 S$308,700
2025 S$106,500 S$213,000 S$319,500
2026 S$110,200 S$220,400 S$330,600
2027 S$114,100 S$228,200 S$342,300
* Source: CPF

Assuming your parents will reach 55 years old in 2023, the BRS is S$99,400 and the FRS is S$198,800. This means your parents will receive a monthly payout of S$870 and S$1,620 when they reach 65 years of age.

If your parents want higher payouts in retirement, you can top-up their CPF Retirement Accounts up to the current ERS, which is S$298,200.

Related: Guide to the CPF LIFE Scheme

make CPF contributions to parents
Source: Pexels

How To Make CPF Contributions for Your Parents

You can easily make a cash top-up to your parents CPF accounts via CPF Mobile app or my CPF Online Services. If you are topping up regularly, you can utilise PayNow or GIRO. Simply log in to your Singpass, then go to the CPF Website for step-by-step instructions.

The cash top-up can be of any amount and doing so will also entitle you to tax relief of up to S$8,000 in each calendar year. Another upside for topping up the accounts is that under the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme (MRSS), the Government will match every dollar of the cash top ups you made. This is up to S$600 per year, to a maximum of S$3,000 over five years.

Alternatively, you can top-up your parents’ CPF accounts using CPF transfer. To do this, you must first set aside the FRS for your own monthly payouts. For property owners (with a Singapore property which has a remaining lease which can last you to at least age 95), you can transfer an amount down to the BRS.

When in doubt, you can contact CPF via 1800-227-1188 (within Singapore) or +65-6227-1188 (from overseas). For face-to-face discussion with a CPF customer service officer, book an appointment via the CPF website.

Conclusion

Topping up your parents’ CPF accounts is just one way to help them plan for their retirement. If you prefer to help them save for their golden years, identifying a savings account with the best interest rates can work just fine too.

Savings accounts are a low-risk way to earn more with your money. Some accounts even allow consumers to earn up to 3.5% per annum. Refer to our Best Savings Accounts for a comprehensive list of savings accounts in Singapore now.

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Cover image source: Pexels

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Developer of Starbucks’ e-commerce platform fined S$10K over data breach

Obbana Rajah
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0
Developer of Starbucks’ e-commerce platform fined S$10K over data breach

SINGAPORE: The developer of an e-commerce platform owned by Starbucks Singapore has been fined over a data breach that affected more than 300,000 members of the coffee chain’s rewards membership programme. In its judgment released on Nov 10, the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) fined the developer S$10,000 and said that the developer, Ascentis, was first hired by Starbucks Singapore in 2014.

In 2020, Starbucks Singapore engaged Ascentis to develop, provide and render ongoing technical support for its e-commerce platform. Customers would be able to buy Starbucks products through the platform. Ascentis then engaged an overseas vendor – Kyanon Digital, a Vietnam-based company – to provide additional manpower and software development support. Ascentis said that it still maintained control and management over the project. However, Kyanon employees were given accounts on the e-commerce platform with full administrative privileges, including being able to export data from the platform.

In May 2022, a Kyanon employee named Peter left the company and handed over his account credentials to the remaining project team members via a shared Google Sheet. Sometime between Sept 10 and 13, 2022, a malicious actor used this account to gain access to the e-commerce platform.

The breach came to light in September last year after the personal data of 332,774 Starbucks Singapore customers was sold on a dark web forum. Information such as contact details and account membership information such as names, physical addresses, email addresses, telephone numbers and birth dates were put up for sale. The data collected from those who signed up for the My Starbucks Rewards loyalty programme was stored on a cloud database.

The PDPC said that it recognised that Ascentis cooperated with investigations, took prompt remedial actions, did not previously breach the Personal Data Protection Act, and voluntarily accepted responsibility for the incident. It also added that it was satisfied the data breach could not be directly attributed to Starbucks Singapore since internal lapses by Ascentis had caused the breach.

In October last year, the maximum amount a company can be fined for a data breach was increased to either 10 per cent of its annual turnover in Singapore or S$1 million, whichever is higher. Previously, organisations that violated the Personal Data Protection Act faced a financial penalty of up to S$1 million.

Last year, about 330,000 Singaporean Starbucks customers’ data were found to have been breached and put up for sale on an online forum since Sept 10. The affected customers received an e-mail from the coffee chain about a data breach that compromised their personal information, including their names, home addresses, and e-mail addresses.

A spokesman for Starbucks Singapore said the coffee chain was made aware of the data breach only on Sept 13, adding that the customers affected were those who had accounts and had previously made a transaction via its app or online store.

The Independent Singapore has reached out to Starbucks Singapore for comment and clarification. /TISG

5 Singapore rules when dating or marrying a foreigner

Mary Alavanza
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0
5 Singapore rules when dating or marrying a foreigner

SINGAPORE: In the age of global connectivity, relationships often transcend borders. However, a Singaporean man recently took to social media to share some Singapore rules when dating a foreigner holding work permits in the city-state. He stated, “If you are dating a partner who is holding a work permit in Singapore, here’s 5 things you must know in 60 seconds.”

Here are five key points he shared in a 60-second rundown:

  1. If you intend to marry a WP partner, you must first seek approval from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
  2. Generally, female WP holders are not allowed to get pregnant, unless they are already married to a citizen or PR with approval from M.O.M.
  3. Unless one of you is a Singapore citizen, a baby born in Singapore will not be awarded Singapore citizenship.
  4. Malaysians are eligible to rent the entire HDB unit, construction, marine, and manufacturing sectors, (non-Malaysians) WPs are only allowed to rent rooms in a HDB unless they are Malaysians.
  5. WP holders are not eligible to apply for PR (only S Pass & E Pass can apply PR) or apply dependent passes for their family members, they are also not allowed to set up a company, be a director, or be a company’s shareholder.

Take note
byu/Curiouschibai insingaporehappenings

 

The Ministry of Manpower work permit conditions, the regulations outlined in the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (Chapter 91A), and HDB eligibility conditions underscore the legal framework surrounding relationships involving foreign workers.

The Act specifies that foreign employees must seek prior approval from the Ministry of Manpower before entering into marriage with a Singapore citizen or PR. As stated in the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, Chapter 19A, Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Passes) Regulations 2012, Part IV, on conduct, “The foreign employee shall not go through any form of marriage or apply to marry under any law, religion, custom or usage with a Singapore citizen or permanent resident in or outside Singapore, without the prior approval of the Controller, while the foreign employee holds a work permit, and also after the foreign employee’s work permit has expired or has been cancelled or revoked.”

Female foreign employees are also prohibited from pregnancy during and after the validity of their work permit, except under specific circumstances.

According to HDB guidelines, eligibility to rent a flat is limited to Singapore citizens, PRs, and non-citizens legally residing in Singapore with certain pass types. Malaysians in specific sectors have unique rental privileges.

Moreover, experts in immigration law, such as Epica Immigration, emphasise that work permit holders do not meet the criteria for PR status but can still apply with sponsorship from a Singaporean citizen or PR, including a spouse or parents.

Corporate Services further clarifies that work pass holders can bring legally married spouses and unmarried children under 21 to Singapore with a Dependent Pass, subject to income criteria.

As Singapore continues to attract a diverse workforce, understanding these regulations becomes crucial for those navigating cross-border relationships. It is recommended for individuals involved in such relationships to stay informed and seek professional advice to ensure compliance with local laws. /TISG

IMF Managing Director calls SG a ‘beacon of innovation’ where ‘fintech flourishes’

Anna Maria Romero
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0
IMF Managing Director calls SG a ‘beacon of innovation’ where ‘fintech flourishes’

SINGAPORE: The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Ms Kristalina Georgieva, said there is no better place to look into the future of fintech than in Singapore, “a place where fintech flourishes.” Fintech—short for financial technology—encompasses the innovations in finance brought about by technology and the new financial instruments, services or intermediaries that result.

Ms Georgieva made her remarks at the eighth Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) 2023, scheduled this week from Nov 14 to 17, where she was one of the main speakers. The others are Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnan and World Bank President Mr Ajay Banga.

This year’s theme is “AI for good. AI for good?” with the festival looking into the promise and pitfalls of Artificial Intelligence. Like her predecessor, former IMF head Christine Lagarde did at SFF 2018, Ms Georgieva spoke on central bank digital currencies, or CBDCs.

She said many countries are looking into CBDCs and are “developing regulation to guide digital money developments.” She added that “the public sector should keep preparing to deploy CBDCs and related payment platforms in the future… These platforms should be designed from the start to facilitate cross-border payments, including with CBDCs.”

Ms Georgieva also challenged fintech leaders and developers present, asking if they would “spend the resources onboarding merchants so they accept CBDCs? Will you make it easy for CBDCs to be integrated into financial services and messaging apps so people can pay each other from any environment?”

She made the case for countries to continue exploring CBDCs, saying that AI could help amplify some of its benefits. For instance, by providing speedy and accurate credit scoring, AI can improve financial inclusion. For individuals who have low financial literacy, AI can give personalized support.

With careful management, AI can even help protect personal privacy and data security and prevent “embedded biases so we don’t perpetuate inequality but aim to reduce it,” she said.

Ms Georgieva also announced the launch of a CBDC Handbook, now available on the IMF website, which aims to CBDCs for policymakers worldwide to help them sail ahead.

“Again, like CBDCs, we don’t need to decide today whether cross-border platforms are desirable. It’s about keeping the option open, building capacity, and setting the design contours to support the integration and stability of the international monetary system. If not, we may actually end up fragmenting it,” she added.

Read also: President Tharman: AI will help ease talent shortage  /TISD

Marina Bay to welcome 2024 with 12-minute fireworks display

Jewel Stolarchuk
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0
Marina Bay to welcome 2024 with 12-minute fireworks display

SINGAPORE: Singapore is gearing up for its grandest New Year countdown celebration yet, as the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2024 promises a dazzling spectacle of colour-changing fireworks and an array of exciting activities. Set against the iconic Marina Bay skyline, this year’s countdown will feature a mesmerizing fireworks display, choreographed to unfold across three chapters.

Produced by the team behind STAR ISLAND, last year’s acclaimed fireworks musical, the display will kick off with a tribute to the challenges and triumphs of the past year. The fireworks will then transition into a celebration of new beginnings, culminating in a 12-minute grand finale that symbolizes Singaporeans’ unyielding spirit.

Audiences can expect an immersive experience with artisanal fireworks that change colour as they burst into rings of different colours, complemented by specially curated music played through speakers around the Bay. The central location of the fireworks launch will provide more spectators with a captivating viewing experience from all angles.

That’s not all. Throughout December, the Marina Bay area will come alive with festive cheer and spirit, offering a myriad of exciting programs and activities.

One key highlight is “Brightening Lives,” a captivating series of light projection shows presented by the Urban Redevelopment Authority in partnership with The Majurity Trust. These light projections, displayed on iconic landmarks like The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, the Merlion, and the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands, depict stories of hope and empowerment created by talented students from local educational institutions.

Adrenaline junkies, meanwhile, can experience the thrill of TurboCharged, a new immersive go-kart arena in the heart of the city.

From Dec 14 to 31, participants can enjoy action-packed races against the Marina Bay skyline and find scenic spots on the rooftop deck to watch the fireworks.

The Bayfront Event Space will also host “Ice Magic: Winter Wonderland,” Asia’s largest touring pop-up winter playground, from Dec 9, 2023, to Jan 21, 2024. This attraction includes a taller, longer snow slope, a dual-lane ice slide, family-friendly rides, majestic ice sculptures, and more.

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay will also present “Come Together,” a series of free performances throughout December, showcasing fast-rising musicians from Singapore.

The events will culminate at The Promontory with Mediacorp’s annual countdown concert, “Let’s Celebrate 2024,” which is themed “Hit Parade.” The concert, featuring a diverse lineup of home-grown and international acts, will offer live DJ segments, delectable food and beverages, and carnival games with attractive prizes.

Mediacorp will broadcast the countdown concert on mewatch, Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel, and Channel 5 from 10:00 pm on Dec 31, 2023.

Separation of Church and State: A ‘misnomer’, says Mike Johnson

Gemma Iso
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Separation of Church and State: A ‘misnomer’, says Mike Johnson

Church

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, declared the long-standing concept of the separation of church and state as a “misnomer.”

Johnson argued that the traditional understanding of this fundamental principle was a “misunderstanding” and aimed to shift the narrative surrounding the intentions of the country’s founders.

Separation of Church and State

Speaking with Squawk Box, Johnson asserted, “The separation of church and state is a misnomer. People misunderstand it. Of course, it comes from a phrase that was in a letter that Jefferson wrote. It’s not in the constitution.”

Johnson referred to Thomas Jefferson’s 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptist Association of Connecticut, suggesting that the founding fathers intended to prevent government interference with religion rather than the commonly accepted interpretation. Jefferson’s letter explicitly emphasizes a robust separation of church and state, enshrined in the establishment clause of the First Amendment.

Religion and Governance

This latest statement from Johnson aligns with his persistent efforts to integrate Christianity into American politics. Dubbed by The New York Times as the first Christian nationalist in the powerful position of Speaker of the House, Johnson’s views have stirred controversy and raised concerns about the intersection of religion and governance.

In a CNBC interview, Johnson was questioned about the sight of him praying on the House floor shortly after assuming the role of speaker. Unapologetic about his religious convictions, he told Fox News that his worldview could be summed up by picking up a Bible off the shelf and reading it.

Johnson’s perspective frames the United States not as a democracy but as a “biblical” republic, a sentiment he expressed in a 2016 interview.

As Johnson continues to shape the political landscape, the nation grapples with the implications of his Christian nationalist ideology on the principles that have long defined the American system.

Read More News

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Cover Photo: YouTube

The post Separation of Church and State: A ‘misnomer’, says Mike Johnson appeared first on The Independent News.

Luxury apartments in Singapore and other major cities see rent surge

Obbana Rajah
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Luxury apartments in Singapore and other major cities see rent surge

SINGAPORE: Rent for luxury apartments in some of the world’s biggest cities see a sudden upward trend, likely caused by limited supply and buyers looking to acquire after the pandemic.

Prime residential rents, defined as the top 5 per cent of the market, rose 7.9 per cent year over year on average in the 12 months till September, according to real estate company Knight Frank, which tracks 10 global cities. In Singapore, prime rents were up 14.5 per cent compared to last year, while the gain was 11.2 per cent in London. Singapore was, however, behind only Sydney among the 10 cities that Knight Frank tracked in terms of annual rental changes.

Despite the increase, signs point to a downward trend just around the corner. In the third quarter of the year, rent on prime properties in Singapore dropped 1.7 per cent, according to Knight Frank. The company said it also sees the rate of increases slowing globally in the coming months as tenants reach their affordability limits.

Christine Li, head of research, Asia-Pacific at Knight Frank, said, “The higher rental rates are currently undergoing a normalisation phase against the backdrop of slower economic growth”. About 9,000 private residential units were completed in the third quarter, the highest new supply tally in a quarter since the second quarter of 2016, Li said. For the whole of 2023, about 20,400 private residential units are expected to be completed, the highest annual completion since 2017, she added. /TISG

Singapore launches cross-border QR payment linkage with Malaysia, Indonesia

Mary Alavanza
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0
Singapore launches cross-border QR payment linkage with Malaysia, Indonesia

SINGAPORE: In a significant stride towards fostering economic connectivity and digital integration, Singapore and Indonesia unveiled a cross-border QR code payment linkage on Friday, Nov 17, as reported by Channel News Asia. The initiative enables customers of participating financial institutions in both countries to conduct retail transactions seamlessly by scanning QR codes. This collaborative effort by Bank Indonesia (BI) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) marks a notable milestone in promoting the integration of the digital economy and financial ecosystem.

In a separate development, MAS and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) announced the launch of a real-time payment systems linkage between Singapore’s PayNow and Malaysia’s DuitNow. This enables instant, secure, and cost-effective person-to-person funds transfers and remittances. Users can now make cross-border funds transfers using mobile numbers and virtual payment addresses, with participating financial institutions allowing transfers of up to S$1,000 or RM3,000 daily.

MAS Managing Director Ravi Menon and his Malaysian and Indonesian counterparts launched the links at the Singapore Fintech Festival.

The central banks expressed the importance of the initiative, stating, “This cross-border QR payment linkage is a significant milestone in the efforts by BI and MAS to promote greater integration of the digital economy and financial ecosystem, as well as to boost economic connectivity between Indonesia and Singapore.”

To execute payments, customers can use their existing mobile banking applications to scan QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) or NETS QR codes in Indonesia and Singapore, respectively. This streamlined process enhances payment convenience, benefiting micro and small businesses seeking to tap into new customer bases across borders.

Highlighting the impact on tourism post-pandemic, BI and MAS noted the increased number of tourists between the two nations in the first half of the year, making the payment linkage beneficial for a significant number of travellers.

BI Governor Perry Warjiyo emphasized the positive outcomes of the linkage, stating that it “will promote faster, cheaper, more transparent, and more inclusive cross-border payments,” aligning with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ goal of enhancing regional payment connectivity.

Mr Menon added, “The QRIS-NETS QR payment linkage will promote cross-border e-commerce activities and tourism spending across Singapore and Indonesia by individuals and small businesses.”

The financial institutions involved in Singapore for the Indonesia linkage include OCBC and UOB, with DBS expected to join later, while Indonesia boasts participation from Bank Central Asia, Bank Mega, Bank Rakyat Indonesia, and several others.

The participating institutions from Singapore for the Malaysia linkage include Liquid Group, Maybank Singapore, OCBC, and UOB, while CIMB, Maybank, and TNG Digital represent Malaysia, with DBS and Hong Leong Bank set to join later.

According to MAS and BNM, this linkage is crucial in enhancing cross-border payments’ cost, speed, access, and transparency. In 2022, S$2.3 billion in person-to-person and remittance transactions occurred between Singapore and Malaysia.

MAS Managing Director Ravi Menon highlighted the significance of the linkage, stating, “This linkage represents another step towards ASEAN’s vision for regional payments interconnectivity.”

Additionally, BI and MAS signed a letter of intent to establish a local currency settlement framework that will be operational by 2024. This framework aims to facilitate the settlement of cross-border payments, trade, and investments between Indonesia and Singapore in their respective local currencies, reducing exposure to exchange rate risks and costs for businesses. /TISG

Proposed changes to Muslim marriage laws will allow online solemnization

Mary Alavanza
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0
Proposed changes to Muslim marriage laws will allow online solemnization

SINGAPORE: Proposed changes to Muslim marriage laws in Singapore go digital as the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) aims to streamline processes and bring essential services online. The Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth (MCCY) has invited public feedback on the draft Administration of Muslim Law (Amendment) Bill until Nov 30, 2023.

The heart of these changes is facilitating a more convenient and efficient marriage solemnization process. Under the proposed amendments, Muslim couples will no longer need physical signatures from the solemniser and witnesses for their marriages. Instead, the introduction of digital Certificates of Marriage will mark a shift towards online documentation.

“The proposed amendments will facilitate the implementation of this new digital system, including the introduction of digital Certificates of Marriage that will no longer require the signatures of the Kadi/Naib Kadi (solemniser), parties and witnesses,” the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth explained.

This move is aligned with the broader strategy of digitizing marriage procedures, echoing similar steps taken in civil marriages. To better serve Muslim couples, the Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM) has already implemented the Our Marriage Journey system, providing e-services for Muslim marriage solemnisations.

Beyond the digitalization of marriage processes, the proposed amendments address broader aspects of Muslim legal administration. The amendments aim to empower the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) to create wakafs, ensuring sustainable funding for the future needs of the Muslim community.

The statement also stated: “The proposed amendments will empower Muis to create wakafs such as the Wakaf Masyarakat Singapura (WMS) with an expanded definition of a wakaf to include those whose donors are the collective Muslim community in Singapore rather than an individual or family.”

Additionally, the changes include defining Muslim religious schools more clearly and enabling Muis to better administer all such schools in Singapore, encompassing online and physical classes. This shift comes in response to challenges identified during the COVID-19 pandemic when unregistered online religious classes were conducted.

As Singapore embraces the digital age, these proposed changes aim to modernize the Administration of Muslim Law, ensuring that statutory Muslim institutions, such as Muis, the Syariah Court, and the Registry of Muslim Marriages, operate efficiently and effectively. Public feedback is welcomed until November 30, with MCCY committed to refining the amendments based on community input.

The Ministry’s released statement stated: “All comments received during the consultation will be reviewed and some provisions may be further refined based on feedback received during this consultation. We will publish a summary of the main comments received on the REACH website, together with our responses, after this consultation exercise closes. Please be assured that the identities of the respondents will not be disclosed in the summary.”/TISG

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