Browsing Tag

Josephine Teo

47 posts

Singapore authorities clamp down on The Online Citizen Asia: Declares its online platforms as declared online locations under POFMA

Singapore’s Minister for Communications and Information declares The Online Citizen Asia’s (TOC) online platforms as Declared Online Locations under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act, warning visitors about TOC’s history of propagating falsehoods. This unprecedented declaration follows a series of POFMA correction directions issued by the Government amidst discussions surrounding scandals involving members of the People’s Action Party and the growing public distrust of the ruling party. The declaration’s validity will last two years, continuing until 21 July 2025.

SG government retains rights to terminate funding to SMT if serious wrongdoings are found, says Josephine Teo

Josephine Teo shares that the Singapore government is retaining the right to terminate funding to SPH Media Trust (SMT) if misconduct or serious wrongdoings are discovered. She also confirms the disbursement of the first funding tranche of the S$900million for SMT in March 2023. Ms Teo reiterated the government’s decision to continue funding SMT, stressed that trusted news media, enabled by quality journalism, is a public good that cannot be compromised.

Josephine Teo rejects Transformative Justice Collective’s application to cancel correction direction

Minister Josephine Teo has rejected an application by the Transformative Justice Collective (TJC) to cancel a correction direction issued to them under Singapore’s Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA). The correction direction was issued in response to TJC’s Facebook post regarding the execution of Tangaraju S/O Suppiah. The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the posts contained false statements about Tangaraju’s case. TJC has 14 days to file an application to the High Court to set aside the correction direction.

Josephine Teo issues POFMA directions issued on online posts made over three weeks ago

Correction Directions were issued by Mrs Josephine Teo, the Minister for Communications and Information and Second Minister for Home Affairs for online posts that were three weeks to one month old, pertaining to a Singaporean executed for drug smuggling.

Minister Josephine Teo reassures continued trust in Singapore media, despite SMT circulation scandal

Minister Josephine Teo assures that government funding for Singapore media will not jeopardize the trust between the media and the government, emphasizing the importance of credibility and audience engagement. She highlights the role of the media in nation-building and unity during challenging times. While acknowledging the disruption caused by online platforms, she emphasizes the need for media companies to undergo successful digital transformation and provide effective news provision. Minister Teo also reaffirms the government’s commitment to supporting local media and their efforts to provide high-quality and credible content. In February, Mrs. Teo confirmed the government’s commitment to funding SPH Media Trust (SMT) for local newsroom development, despite the revelation of inflated circulation data between September 2020 and March 2022.

The sameness of cabinet ministers cut from the same cloth, straight from the same assembly line

Augustine Low, a Singaporean commentator, discusses in his latest op-ed how the “degree of training” that Singapore’s leaders go through before moving up the ranks sets them apart from leaders of other countries. However, he points out that to get the full story, we have to ask what purpose this training serves and to what end. According to Low, there is a sameness about the ministers in the cabinet, making it difficult to tell one minister apart from another. They are all cut from the same cloth, straight from the same assembly line, making conformity and groupthink their trademark.

Majority of respondents in CNA poll support English test for citizenship, highlighting Josephine Teo’s disconnect with public opinion

A recent Channel News Asia poll found that 78% of Singapore-born citizens considered it important for new citizens to be able to communicate in English. This is in light of the proposal by the Leader of the Opposition Mr Pritam Singh at the Ministry of Home Affairs Committee of Supply debates for an English proficiency test for citizenship applicants to ensure better integration between new citizens and Singaporeans of all races and religions. Several netizens have criticized Minister Josephine Teo for dismissing the Leader of Opposition’s suggestion for an English test to be applied for new citizenship as a clear sign of disconnection between the Minister and ground sentiments on the issue.

Demand for AI talent will likely outpace supply for some time as Govt scales up effort to expand local pool

Singapore government is raising awareness of the value of artificial intelligence (AI) and potential across the wider economy and society as demand for AI talent will likely outpace supply, said Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo.

English test proposal for new citizens sparks debate in Singapore Parliament, along with calls to disclose origin data

In a parliamentary exchange during the Committee of Supply debates for the…

Josephine Teo: Decision to release report on SMT’s misrepresented circulation figures rests with its executive team and board

SINGAPORE — Minister for Communications and Information, Mrs Josephine Teo, has stated…