Internet-enabled scams and AI pose challenges, Shanmugam tells MHA scholars

In a recent speech, Senior Minister K. Shanmugam warned about the increasing threat of internet-enabled scams and artificial intelligence (AI) at the Singapore Police Force (SPF) Scholarship and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Scholarships Award Ceremony. Although scam cases and losses decreased in 2025 compared to previous years, Shanmugam emphasized that technology's rapid evolution presents new challenges.

He highlighted AI as a particularly potent threat, noting that scammers now leverage deepfakes and misinformation to deceive victims. Shanmugam, who is also the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, spoke to parents, teachers, and scholars at the event, held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

The Minister addressed the 40 recipients of the MHA scholarships, stressing the importance of moral judgment, experience, empathy, and courage in their work. He explained that the scholarship schemes remain crucial for the Home Team to attract and develop the best minds, with a strong emphasis on leadership and public service commitment.

Nathanael Alexander Kusuma, 19, an HTX scholarship recipient, shared his interest in cybersecurity, which was sparked by falling victim to a phishing scam in secondary school. He aspires to safeguard internet users' data. Meanwhile, Raynen Ngoh, 20, an SPF scholar, expressed his motivation to join the police force after witnessing the impact of officers on vulnerable individuals during his national service.

Despite the challenges posed by AI and internet-enabled crimes, Shanmugam assured that Singapore's strong legal framework, including laws like the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act and Foreign Influence (Countermeasures) Act, enables the government to effectively combat such threats.