ECDA will use AI to improve review of CCTV footage during probes

Artificial intelligence (AI) will be used by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) to improve the way CCTV footage is reviewed during investigations into suspected misconduct at preschools, said Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli on Nov 6.

- Shermaine Ang

He was responding in a written parliamentary reply to Mr Ng Shi Xuan (Sembawang GRC), who had asked if the Ministry of Social and Family Development will consider using AI to detect wrongdoing in CCTV recordings and mandate tamper-proof recording systems to prevent unauthorised deletions.

CCTV cameras were made mandatory in all preschools and government-funded early intervention centres from July 2024. Mr Masagos said that ECDA is working with video analytics providers to develop AI solutions that can detect safety hazards and potential misconduct in preschools.

These could potentially be adopted under the agency’s Early Childhood Industry Digital Plan, which provides funding to help preschools implement digital technology to boost productivity, support educators and improve services.