“Audit Report Highlights Overpayments and Control Gaps Across Singapore Public Agencies “

Singapore’s Auditor-General’s Office (AGO) has raised concerns about procurement and contract management in several public agencies in its latest audit report, revealing issues such as potential overpayments and weak internal controls. The report, released on July 17, focused on audits across ministries, statutory boards, and government-owned companies.

Among the agencies flagged were the National Parks Board (NParks), Ministry of Education (MOE), Building and Construction Authority (BCA), and Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) for lapses in procurement and contract oversight. NParks was noted for a potential overpayment of $1.9 million to contractors due to errors in valuations and payments for incomplete work, while MOE faced possible overpayments of $317,000 for school construction projects where work wasn’t fully completed.

Revenue management lapses were also observed in Sport Singapore, with issues such as misuse of ActiveSG memberships and improper admission to public facilities, which the AGO warned could lead to revenue losses. Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) was flagged for delays in billing, while the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) was cited for inconsistencies in inventory management across its warehouses.

In a thematic audit focusing on parenthood support measures, the AGO reviewed schemes administered by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). While core controls were found effective, some irregularities were noted, including system errors affecting preschool subsidy eligibility assessments and unusual withdrawals from Child Development Accounts.

The report, presented to Parliament, emphasized the need for public sector entities to strengthen internal controls, particularly in contract management, grant administration, and financial collection processes to ensure transparency and prevent financial losses.