Security Measures and Alternative Means for Checking Students' PSEA Balances

11 Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Education (a) why can the balance of the Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) only be checked by calling a 24-hour hotline; (b) whether such a system poses data privacy and security concerns since any person can check the PSEA funds balance of any other person as long as they have the other person’s NRIC number; and (c) whether the Ministry will build an online system with Singpass authentication for PSEA holders to check their balances and, if not, why not.

Mr Chan Chun Sing: The Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) phone enquiry system allows account holders a convenient way to check their account balance. Besides the hotline, statements are sent to account holders annually in March and also in the following month after any transaction.

The phone enquiry system does not allow callers to perform any transaction. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Education (MOE) is currently enhancing the system to require Singpass authentication. MOE will also include PSEA functions as part of a planned IT system.