Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong at the launch of Smart Nation 2.0
In 2014, Singapore set an ambitious goal of becoming a Smart Nation, with the vision to transform Singapore into a leading technology hub where technology is deeply integrated into our daily lives, enhancing productivity and efficiency. As Singapore celebrates its decade of progress in this vision, the result has been evident, and many milestones have been made along the way. 10 years have gone by, and the government has introduced Smart Nation 2.0 to stay ahead of technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
A Decade of Progress
When Smart Nation 1.0 was introduced, it was to guide Singapore to ride the wave of technology across different sectors, from finance to healthcare. What used to seem unattainable has become integrated into our everyday lives. From making cashless payments to having a digital Identification card (ID).
It was reported that Singapore has the highest adoption rate of cashless payments at 97%, A common e-payment service, PayNow was introduced in 2017, enhancing the payment process for both merchants and buyers in Singapore, and it has since expanded to Malaysia, India, and Thailand, enabling users to promptly transfer money in these countries.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a clear test of Singapore’s digital adaptivity. In a short period of time, the government successfully employed and implemented contact tracing applications such as TraceTogether and SafeEntry, which helped to reduce possible exposures from patients, showcasing the resilience and responsiveness of the Singapore government.
The Next Phase
For the launch of the Smart Nation initiative 2.0, the government will be focusing on 3 main goals: Trust, Growth, and Community. These goals reflect on the feedback that was gathered over the years and will serve as a guide for Singapore to enhance citizen’s lives with technology.
Trust: The rise of online activities has led to an increase in malicious attacks online. Singapore aims to better detect and combat such attacks by adopting new technologies and improving operations. Singapore has since invested S$50 million to build the Centre for Advanced Technologies in Online Safety (CATOS), hiring researchers and companies to build a safer internet space.
Growth: Smart Nation 2.0 emphasises AI and digital transformation across businesses to step on technology and unlock their fullest potential. S$120 million will be invested to boost AI capabilities, particularly in biomedical and material science. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are also encouraged to adopt AI to improve work productivity. The government will provide aid to support the integration of AI. Smart Nation Educator Fellowship will be launched in 2025, to hone the skills of educators before passing down the knowledge to their students.
Community: Singapore is committed to ensuring all citizens benefit from digital advancements, promoting inclusivity, and bridging any social divide. Programs such as DigitalAccess@Home provide lower-income households broadband and tablets/laptops at a subsidised rate to support their daily lifestyle needs. Additionally, Mobile Access for Seniors provides lower-income seniors with subsidised mobile and mobile plans so that they can continue staying updated and ease their accessibility with their mobile.
A Refreshed Vision
The Smart Nation 2.0 vision reflects an ongoing commitment to harnessing digital technologies to transform Singapore that can benefit all its citizens, establishing it as a global leader in digital infrastructure. By embracing new opportunities and recognising the challenges ahead, Singapore aims to stay committed to addressing evolving needs and concerns.
By remaining committed to developing a digital society that is inclusive, secure, and future-ready will not only drive economic growth but also foster a sense of cohesive society and resilience, allowing citizens to thrive together in this digital environment.
Additionally, businesses can incorporate digital solutions to optimise their workflow and access real-time updates. SMEs looking to benefit from adopting smart solutions can benefit from government grants. By embracing these solutions, it will not only align with Smart Nation 2.0 but also improve efficiency and contribute to the thriving digital economy in Singapore.
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Image Source: Smart Nation
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