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Singapore MP Calls for Sustainable Funding of Public Media Amid AI Misinformation Threat
During the Budget 2026 debate yesterday, Kebun Baru MP Henry Kwek urged the Singapore government to provide adequate and sustainable funding for public media organizations, describing them as critical safeguards against the rising tide of AI-generated misinformation.
In his parliamentary address, Kwek emphasized that public service media serves as both Singapore’s “truth infrastructure” and “trust infrastructure,” specifically mentioning publications like The Straits Times, Zaobao, CNA, and Business Times as essential information sources for citizens.
“In the age of AI-generated disinformation, [public service media] stand between our people and manipulated information space,” Kwek stated. “I urge the government to make sure they are adequately and sustainably funded.”
The MP argued that proper funding would help ensure media professionals see a compelling future in the industry, reinforcing these institutions as sources of trust and key components of Singapore’s soft power on the global stage.
Kwek’s comments come at a critical moment when AI technologies are increasingly being weaponized to create and spread misinformation. Recent reports have uncovered hundreds of AI-generated, Chinese-language YouTube videos targeting Singapore and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as part of a coordinated disinformation campaign.
According to CNA’s investigation, nearly 70% of these videos directly attacked Wong, propagating fabricated claims about his leadership being under threat and alleged political infighting within the government. The videos pushed false narratives, including conspiracy theories claiming Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong was plotting to replace Wong and warnings of an imminent economic collapse in Singapore.
These claims contradict official data showing Singapore’s port handled a record 44.66 million containers in 2025 and maintains its position as the world’s second-busiest container port. Investigators found evidence of coordinated activity across at least 10 channels, including accounts created minutes apart and videos uploaded simultaneously using identical scripts and visuals. Some videos even featured an AI-generated likeness of the late investor Charlie Munger.
Beyond advocating for media funding, Kwek highlighted several areas where Singapore could accelerate its adaptation to an “AI-charged world.” He proposed co-developing Singapore’s own AI-centric development stack with major tech companies like Google and Microsoft, as well as mandating AI-centric development methods in government IT contracts to speed up AI adoption among Singaporeans.
Drawing a parallel to the construction industry’s adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM), Kwek noted: “When the Singapore government becomes the driver of demand, industry follows.”
The MP also called for innovation grants to be extended to tech-capable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not just larger companies. Additionally, he suggested that SMEs requiring support in adopting AI should receive active assistance from the government with onboarding processes.
“In the AI-centric world, where AI agents transact and AI systems make decisions, trust becomes the precious commodity in digital economy,” Kwek emphasized.
The debate over media funding and AI regulation in Singapore reflects broader global concerns about misinformation in the digital age. Several recent initiatives in the country have already addressed digital trust, with government officials previously stating that laws alone are insufficient to combat deepfakes and misinformation.
As AI technologies continue to advance, Kwek’s call for sustainable media funding represents one approach to preserving information integrity in an increasingly complex digital landscape, where the line between genuine and artificially generated content grows increasingly blurred.
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20 Comments
While AI can be a powerful tool, its misuse to spread disinformation is a serious concern. Adequate funding for public media outlets that uphold journalistic integrity is a necessary safeguard.
I share your view. Public media must be empowered to counter the growing threat of AI-driven misinformation campaigns. Reliable information is the foundation of an informed society.
Ensuring the long-term sustainability of public media is critical in the face of AI-generated disinformation. These institutions serve as a bulwark against the spread of manipulated information and must be adequately funded.
Well said. Public media outlets are essential for maintaining an informed citizenry and preserving the integrity of information. Their role in Singapore’s information security cannot be overstated.
In the age of AI-generated disinformation, the importance of well-funded public media cannot be overstated. These institutions serve as a critical safeguard for the integrity of information and public trust.
Absolutely. Sustainable funding for public media is an investment in Singapore’s information security and the resilience of its democratic institutions.
Ensuring adequate funding for public media is crucial in the face of growing AI-driven disinformation. These trusted sources play a vital role in safeguarding the integrity of information and maintaining public trust.
Agreed. Public media outlets serve as a bulwark against the spread of manipulated information. Their sustainable funding should be a top priority.
Protecting public media from the threat of AI-driven disinformation should be a top priority for policymakers. Adequate and stable funding will help these institutions fulfill their role as trusted sources of information.
Well said. Investing in public media is an investment in the health of Singapore’s information ecosystem and the resilience of its democracy.
The minister’s call for sustainable funding of public media is timely and prudent. These institutions play a crucial role in maintaining public trust and preserving the integrity of information in the digital age.
I agree. Public media outlets serve as a critical bulwark against the spread of manipulated information. Their long-term viability must be ensured.
The minister’s call for adequate public media funding is a timely and necessary response to the growing threat of AI-driven disinformation. These trusted sources play a vital role in upholding the truth and must be protected.
I agree. Sustainable funding for public media is an investment in the health of Singapore’s information ecosystem and the resilience of its democratic institutions.
The minister’s recognition of the vital role played by public media in the fight against AI misinformation is commendable. Ensuring their financial sustainability is a prudent and necessary step.
I agree. Public media outlets are essential for maintaining an informed citizenry and countering the spread of manipulated information. Their funding should be a policy priority.
The minister’s call for adequate public media funding is a timely and necessary response to the growing threat of AI-driven disinformation. These trusted sources play a vital role in upholding the truth.
Agreed. Protecting the financial viability of public media should be a key priority for policymakers. It’s an investment in the health of Singapore’s information ecosystem.
It’s encouraging to see policymakers recognizing the importance of public media in the battle against AI-generated misinformation. Protecting these institutions should be a key part of Singapore’s broader information security strategy.
Absolutely. Strong public media is essential for a well-informed citizenry and a resilient democracy. This is a wise investment in Singapore’s future.