Personal Data Collection at REACH's Public Events

12 Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister for Communications and Information (a) what is the rationale for collecting the NRIC number, phone number, address and occupation of every participant at REACH's public forums; (b) how is this information used; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider doing away with this onerous registration process to encourage participation at its events.

Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: The feedback unit Reaching Everyone for Active Citizenry @ Home (REACH) organises public forums to engage Singaporeans on various national issues. Like organisers of other conferences, REACH collects participants' National Registration Identity Card numbers to verify the identity of the attendee and facilitate the registration process. REACH also collects contact details, such as phone numbers and email addresses, to maintain communications with the participants before and after the forums. REACH does likewise with those who write or email in.