SINGAPORE – Teachers will still be able to access the Internet from schools next year when the ban on public servants’ web access takes effect.
A spokesman from the Ministry of Education (MOE) told AsiaOne: “Teachers currently work on a separate network that will not be connected to the Government Enterprise Network. All teachers continue to have access to teaching and learning resources on the Internet from their computers.”
The Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) announced on Wednesday (June 8) that all computers used officially by public servants in Singapore will be cut off from the Internet from May next year to enhance security.
According to The Straits Times, a memo was sent out to all government agencies, ministries and statutory boards here about the Internet blockade.
However, teachers were later reassured that they will not be affected.
Others were not so lucky. When IDA’s announcement on the Internet ban for public servants first broke on Wednesday morning, there were concerns on how work systems would be affected.
Talk about a “mid-week crisis”. Netizens all over Singapore – public servant or not – protested against the impending “firewall”.
Online site, SGAG and blogger Mr Brown, posted several memes on social media, calling the measure a “backward” move.
Opposition politician Chee Soon Juan also questioned how IDA’s announcement was in line with Singapore’s transition to become a Smart Nation.
The Business Times reported on May 24 this year that the Government will be calling for a projected $2.82 billion of infocomm technology (ICT) tenders across FY2016 to spearhead the Republic’s Smart Nation goals.
On top of extending Wi-Fi to more areas in government schools to support smart learning, the Government will also continue to invest in its cybersecurity efforts, with a bulk tender for IT security services to be called in this fiscal year, The Business Times added.
While the move is an unprecedented one in light of The Business Times’s report, IDA has stated in its announcement on Wednesday that the ban only affects terminals connected to the Government Enterprise Network.
The Straits Times reported: “Web surfing can be done only on the employees’ personal tablets or mobile phones as these devices do not have access to government e-mail systems. Dedicated Internet terminals have been issued to those who need them for work.”
debwong@sph.com.sg
