WP co-opts 4 rookie MPs into CEC, NCMP Eileen Chong to head youth wing
Sengkang GRC newcomer Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik has been appointed deputy organising secretary, while Aljunied GRC rookie Kenneth Tiong has been appointed deputy treasurer, the party said in a statement on Jun 18.
NCMP Eileen Chong will be the new president of the party's youth wing, while fellow NCMP Andre Low is now the deputy head of its media team, it added.
Chong will take the post from Sengkang MP Jamus Lim. In its statement, the WP expressed its appreciation to Dr Lim for his contributions to the youth wing's development.
These appointments followed a CEC meeting on Jun 17, the statement added.
There are no other changes in appointments to the other CEC members, who will continue to be led by secretary-general Pritam Singh and chair Sylvia Lim, it said.
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They were elected at the Cadre Members' Conference of the Party almost a year ago, on Jun 30, 2024.
It added: 'The Workers' Party is confident that our new CEC members will play a vital role, as we continue to serve Singaporeans and working for Singapore.'
All four are political newcomers who stood for election for the first time under the WP banner at the 2025 General Election on May 3.
They are four of five rookie MPs who will form part of the largest WP contingent of 12 in Parliament when it reopens on Sep 5.
The party's fifth first-time MP Aljunied representative Fadli Fawzi was already on the CEC as deputy organising secretary. THE STRAITS TIMES
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AsiaOne
2 days ago
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Critical infrastructure in Singapore under attack by cyber espionage group: Shanmugam, Singapore News
SINGAPORE - The authorities are dealing with an ongoing attack on Singapore's critical information infrastructure by a state-sponsored cyber espionage group, UNC3886. Naming the nation's attacker for the first time on Friday (July 18), Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam said that Singapore is facing serious threats from state-linked advanced persistent threat (APT) actors. These are well-resourced attackers that use sophisticated techniques to evade detection. They lurk in networks to spy over the long term, to steal sensitive information or disrupt essential services, among other objectives. "UNC3886 poses a serious threat to us, and has the potential to undermine our national security," said Mr Shanmugam at the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore's (CSA) 10th anniversary dinner at Sands Expo and Convention Centre. "Even as we speak, UNC3886 is attacking our critical infrastructure right now." Mr Shanmugam, who is also Home Affairs Minister, did not disclose UNC3886's sponsors, but experts have said that the group is linked to China. Cyber-security firm Mandiant first detected the Chinese espionage group in 2022. UNC3886 is said to have targeted prominent strategic organisations - including those in the defence, technology and telecommunication sectors - on a global scale. APT hackers like UNC3886 gain unauthorised access into networks by employing techniques such as custom malware and tools available on the victim's system to evade detection. Zero-day exploits, which are unpatched vulnerabilities, are also typically used to gain entry to networks. Mr Shanmugam said CSA and relevant agencies are actively dealing with the attack, and are working with relevant critical information infrastructure owners. Describing UNC3886 as highly sophisticated and persistent in victim networks, he said: "The intent of this threat actor in attacking Singapore is quite clear. They are going after high-value, strategic targets - vital infrastructure that delivers our essential services. "If it succeeds, it can conduct espionage, and it can cause major disruption to Singapore and Singaporeans." Mr Shanmugam said the number of suspected APT attacks in Singapore has increased more than fourfold from 2021 to 2024. Illustrating how APTs seriously threaten national security, Mr Shanmugam said a cyber attack on Singapore's power system could disrupt its electricity supply, which could have a knock-on effect on other essential services such as healthcare or transport. "There are also economic implications. Our banks, airport and industries would not be able to operate. Our economy can be substantially affected," he said. Attacks on Singapore's telco systems and payment systems can have very serious consequences too, he added. He said attacks on the nation's systems and infrastructure will impact how it does business, with Singapore having to relook its vendors and supply chains. Trust and confidence in Singapore as a whole can also be affected, he added. "Businesses may shy away if they are unsure about our systems - whether the systems are clean, resilient, safe," he said. Mr Shanmugam cited APT attacks in Ukraine that caused a power outage. He also cited a cyber attack on a South Korean telecommunications company in April 2025 that exposed the SIM data of nearly 27 million users and caused widespread concern in the country. "Singapore has been attacked as well. We are a relevant country geopolitically. We are a digital and data hub that connects the world," he said. "People want to get into our systems, to both influence us and threaten us." He highlighted some attacks from APT actors in Singapore that have been made public, but where the culprits were not named due to national security reasons. These include an incident in 2014 when the authorities detected a security breach in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' technology systems. Steps were taken to isolate the affected devices, and the networks were strengthened following the discovery. In what was the first sophisticated attack against universities here, NUS and NTU discovered intrusions in their networks in 2017. No classified data or student personal data was stolen. But the attackers were believed to have targeted the two institutions to steal government and research data. The universities were involved in government-linked projects for the defence, foreign affairs and transport sectors. Then in 2018, Singapore experienced its worst data breach involving the personal particulars of 1.5 million patients, including then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The attacker in the SingHealth breach was said to be persistent in its efforts to penetrate the network, bypass the security measures, and illegally access and exfiltrate data. The attacker is believed to have lurked in the healthcare group's network for at least nine months. Its mission: to access SingHealth's electronic medical records system, which is critical information infrastructure in Singapore. The unauthorised transfer of sensitive data took place in 2018. Most recently in 2024, about 2,700 devices in Singapore were discovered to have been infected after CSA took part in a cyber operation against a global botnet. APT hackers behind the botnet exploited poor cyber hygiene practices to infect devices, including baby monitors and internet routers. No critical information infrastructure was affected by the attack. Mr Shanmugam said Singapore has been and continues to be attacked by cyber threat actors. He cited a survey which showed that nearly 80 per cent of organisations in Singapore have experienced some form of cyber attack. At the event on July 18, CSA chief executive David Koh noted that cyberspace is contested, and that the agency is on the front line of this dynamic domain. "We will continue to be agile, to adapt to emerging threats, and to demonstrate our collective will and commitment to secure Singapore's cyberspace," he added. This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
AsiaOne
2 days ago
- AsiaOne
Critical infrastructure in Singapore under attack by cyber espionage group: Shanmugam
SINGAPORE - The authorities are dealing with an ongoing attack on Singapore's critical information infrastructure by a state-sponsored cyber espionage group, UNC3886. Naming the nation's attacker for the first time on Friday (July 18), Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam said that Singapore is facing serious threats from state-linked advanced persistent threat (APT) actors. These are well-resourced attackers that use sophisticated techniques to evade detection. They lurk in networks to spy over the long term, to steal sensitive information or disrupt essential services, among other objectives. "UNC3886 poses a serious threat to us, and has the potential to undermine our national security," said Mr Shanmugam at the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore's (CSA) 10th anniversary dinner at Sands Expo and Convention Centre. "Even as we speak, UNC3886 is attacking our critical infrastructure right now." Mr Shanmugam, who is also Home Affairs Minister, did not disclose UNC3886's sponsors, but experts have said that the group is linked to China. Cyber-security firm Mandiant first detected the Chinese espionage group in 2022. UNC3886 is said to have targeted prominent strategic organisations - including those in the defence, technology and telecommunication sectors - on a global scale. APT hackers like UNC3886 gain unauthorised access into networks by employing techniques such as custom malware and tools available on the victim's system to evade detection. Zero-day exploits, which are unpatched vulnerabilities, are also typically used to gain entry to networks. Mr Shanmugam said CSA and relevant agencies are actively dealing with the attack, and are working with relevant critical information infrastructure owners. Describing UNC3886 as highly sophisticated and persistent in victim networks, he said: "The intent of this threat actor in attacking Singapore is quite clear. They are going after high-value, strategic targets - vital infrastructure that delivers our essential services. "If it succeeds, it can conduct espionage, and it can cause major disruption to Singapore and Singaporeans." Mr Shanmugam said the number of suspected APT attacks in Singapore has increased more than fourfold from 2021 to 2024. Illustrating how APTs seriously threaten national security, Mr Shanmugam said a cyber attack on Singapore's power system could disrupt its electricity supply, which could have a knock-on effect on other essential services such as healthcare or transport. "There are also economic implications. Our banks, airport and industries would not be able to operate. Our economy can be substantially affected," he said. Attacks on Singapore's telco systems and payment systems can have very serious consequences too, he added. He said attacks on the nation's systems and infrastructure will impact how it does business, with Singapore having to relook its vendors and supply chains. Trust and confidence in Singapore as a whole can also be affected, he added. "Businesses may shy away if they are unsure about our systems - whether the systems are clean, resilient, safe," he said. Mr Shanmugam cited APT attacks in Ukraine that caused a power outage. He also cited a cyber attack on a South Korean telecommunications company in April 2025 that exposed the SIM data of nearly 27 million users and caused widespread concern in the country. "Singapore has been attacked as well. We are a relevant country geopolitically. We are a digital and data hub that connects the world," he said. "People want to get into our systems, to both influence us and threaten us." He highlighted some attacks from APT actors in Singapore that have been made public, but where the culprits were not named due to national security reasons. These include an incident in 2014 when the authorities detected a security breach in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' technology systems. Steps were taken to isolate the affected devices, and the networks were strengthened following the discovery. In what was the first sophisticated attack against universities here, NUS and NTU discovered intrusions in their networks in 2017. No classified data or student personal data was stolen. But the attackers were believed to have targeted the two institutions to steal government and research data. The universities were involved in government-linked projects for the defence, foreign affairs and transport sectors. Then in 2018, Singapore experienced its worst data breach involving the personal particulars of 1.5 million patients, including then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The attacker in the SingHealth breach was said to be persistent in its efforts to penetrate the network, bypass the security measures, and illegally access and exfiltrate data. The attacker is believed to have lurked in the healthcare group's network for at least nine months. Its mission: to access SingHealth's electronic medical records system, which is critical information infrastructure in Singapore. The unauthorised transfer of sensitive data took place in 2018. Most recently in 2024, about 2,700 devices in Singapore were discovered to have been infected after CSA took part in a cyber operation against a global botnet. APT hackers behind the botnet exploited poor cyber hygiene practices to infect devices, including baby monitors and internet routers. No critical information infrastructure was affected by the attack. Mr Shanmugam said Singapore has been and continues to be attacked by cyber threat actors. He cited a survey which showed that nearly 80 per cent of organisations in Singapore have experienced some form of cyber attack. At the event on July 18, CSA chief executive David Koh noted that cyberspace is contested, and that the agency is on the front line of this dynamic domain. "We will continue to be agile, to adapt to emerging threats, and to demonstrate our collective will and commitment to secure Singapore's cyberspace," he added. This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Straits Times
Mindef, SAF units among those dealing with attack on S'pore's critical information infrastructure
Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing (in black shirt) observing a weapon refresher for servicemen during a mobilisation exercise at Selarang Camp on July 19. SINGAPORE - Select units from the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) are part of a whole-of-government effort to deal with an ongoing cyberattack on Singapore's critical information infrastructure , said Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing on July 19. Mr Chan, who was visiting Selarang Camp in Loyang to observe a mobilisation exercise involving more than 2,000 reservist soldiers, noted that the cyberattack is an example of the emerging threats that the military has to handle. While he did not give specifics about which units are involved, the Digital and Intelligence Service established in October 2022 is the SAF service responsible for securing Singapore's cyber domain. In particular, the Defence Cyber Command , which was launched in March, is the unit tasked with defending Mindef and SAF against cyber threats. Separately, Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam said on July 19 that the Government decided to name the state-sponsored espionage group behind the ongoing cyberattack because 'Singaporeans ought to know where (it) was from'. Mr Shanmugam, however, would not to be drawn into a discussion about links between the group known as UNC3886 and China . 'As far as the Singapore Government is concerned, we can say we are confident that it is this particular organisation. Who they are linked to, and how they operate, is not something I want to go into,' he said on the sidelines of a community event in Chong Pang, where he is MP. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Bukit Panjang LRT disruption: Train service resumes after power fault affects 13-station line Asia Autogate glitch causes chaos at KLIA and Johor checkpoints, foreign passport holders affected Singapore A deadly cocktail: Easy access, lax attitudes driving Kpod scourge in S'pore Singapore 'I thought it was an April Fool's joke': Teen addicted to Kpods on news that friend died Singapore Who decides when you can't? A guide on planning for end-of-life care Singapore S'pore sees no baby boom in Year of the Dragon despite slight rise in births in 2024 Singapore New auto pet wash service in Buona Vista draws flak, but company stands by its safety Mr Shanmugan said the number of cyber incidents that are disclosed to the public are far smaller than the actual number of attacks, and the lack of disclosure is because of national security or public interest reasons. He added: 'This time round, our assessment was that we can disclose these details... We have confidence as to who the attacker was. So we thought that that is appropriate to disclose.' The ongoing attack on Singapore's critical infrastructure was made public by Mr Shanmugam during the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore's (CSA) 10th anniversary dinner on July 18. Describing UNC3886 as highly sophisticated and persistent, Mr Shanmugam said the group is going after high-value, strategic targets that deliver essential services to the country. 'If it succeeds, it can conduct espionage, and it can cause major disruption to Singapore and Singaporeans,' Mr Shanmugam added, noting that the number of suspected attacks here by similarly sophisticated threat actors has increased more than fourfold from 2021 to 2024. In social media posts on July 19, Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo made a similar point as to why the Government has decided to disclose the attack by UNC3886. 'Singaporeans should be aware about the ongoing threats we face in cyberspace, and there is never a perfect time to disclose such incidents,' Mrs Teo wrote. 'We always have to strike a fine balance between maintaining operational security and raising public awareness, especially while live operations are ongoing.' Mrs Teo said the CSA works tirelessly with partner agencies to shore up Singapore's cyber defences, but it cannot do so alone. 'The support of fellow Singaporeans — in knowing the dangers that confront us, and staying united, vigilant and resolute in the face of threats — will be key to securing a safe and resilient digital future,' she added. During his visit to Selarang Camp on July 19, Mr Chan was shown how a Smart Mobilisation system built into the OneNS mobile application has helped to speed things up for operationally ready national servicemen (NSmen). Mr Chan said: 'In the past, a typical NSman will require perhaps three to four hours from start to end. Today, I think if they are really fast, they can do it within one to two hours.' The Smart Mobilisation system was introduced in March 2024 for selected SAF units, and it will be extended to all units by the end of 2025. 'Of course, the SAF is never complacent. We will continuously refine our processes to see how we can make it more seamless,' the minister added. Mr Chan noted how past mobilisation exercises relied on manual processes, which meant NSmen had to queue up and wait their turn to get their equipment and readiness checked. With the new system, attendance can be clocked digitally, and NSmen can perform their checks in a more decentralised manner. Servicemen from the 9th Singapore Division having their attendance taken at each station via QR code during a mobilisation exercise at Selarang Camp on July 19. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM The system also gives commanders, like Captain (NS) Jeremy Ang, 46, real-time information about the status of the mobilisation exercise. 'It's made things a lot smoother... And for the men on the ground, it is faster in, faster out,' said the school principal, who serves as deputy operations officer at the 23rd Singapore Infantry Brigade. Captain (NS) Jeremy Ang said the system gives commanders real-time information about the status of the mobilisation exercise. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Mr Chan, who was appointed Defence Minister on May 23, said the most critical component of Singapore's defence is the fighting spirit of its men, and the SAF is looking at ways to continue to strengthen this spirit and the operational readiness of its troops. Pointing to new operational challenges on the horizon, Mr Chan said Mindef and the SAF are constantly looking at the lessons that can be learnt, including from conflicts in Europe and Middle East. 'Even before the threat emerges, we must be able to get our plans ready,' Mr Chan said. 'We don't necessarily have to show everyone what we have and what we do, but we must be quietly confident that we are able to handle the range of threats,' he added.
