PM Lawrence Wong at the Launch of Smart Nation 2.0

Summary

In this speech, the speaker reflects on Singapore's journey towards becoming a Smart Nation, highlighting progress made since 2014 in using technology to improve citizens' lives. From cashless payments to digital government services, advancements have made life more convenient. Looking forward, Smart Nation 2.0 focuses on growth, community, and trust, emphasizing AI innovation, preparing students for future technologies, and fostering responsible tech use. The speaker underscores the importance of collaboration, security, and resilience in building a digital future. Ultimately, the goal is to create a more connected, innovative, and trustworthy society, paving the way for a prosperous, digitally empowered Singapore.

Takeaways

• 😀 The vision of Singapore's Smart Nation initiative is to improve citizens' lives through technology, aiming to make Singapore one of the leading cities globally.
• 😀 The first Smart Nation plan, launched in 2014, focused on harnessing technology systematically to transform government, economy, and society.
• 😀 Significant progress has been made, with many everyday activities becoming more convenient, such as cashless payments and online government services.
• 😀 During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital infrastructure played a crucial role in enabling business continuity, online learning, and effective contact tracing.
• 😀 Singapore's first Smart District, the Bongol Digital District, represents a physical manifestation of the collaboration between government agencies, research institutes, and businesses.
• 😀 The next phase, Smart Nation 2.0, will focus on leveraging technology more effectively to drive growth, build stronger communities, and increase trust.
• 😀 Growth in Smart Nation 2.0 is about empowering people and businesses through AI, fostering innovation, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration between research sectors like biomed and material science.
• 😀 Emphasis on digital literacy and AI proficiency for students, providing opportunities for hands-on exploration with emerging technologies and enhancing the curriculum with AI knowledge.
• 😀 Community-building through technology is important, using responsible digital tools to connect people and foster collaboration, while also addressing online harms like cyberbullying and scams.
• 😀 To maintain trust in digital systems, Singapore is focusing on robust cybersecurity, resilience, and legislative measures to address online harms such as scams, sexual harassment, and the spread of misinformation.
• 😀 The Smart Nation initiative calls on all Singaporeans to collaborate and embrace technological advancements, ensuring that the nation continues to evolve and improve in the coming decade.

Q & A

What was Singapore's ambition in 2014 regarding technology?

In 2014, Singapore aimed to become a 'Smart Nation,' where technology would be used to improve citizens' lives and make the city one of the leading places in the world for people to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.

How has technology improved Singapore's daily life since 2014?

Since 2014, many activities in Singapore have become more convenient, such as cashless payments, online banking, and the digitalization of government services like passport services, parking, and health services. Technology also helped maintain operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What role did the Bongo Digital District play in Singapore's Smart Nation initiative?

The Bongo Digital District is a physical manifestation of Singapore's Smart Nation plans, where companies, research institutes, and government agencies collaborate in areas like cybersecurity, AI, and robotics. It represents a successful partnership between businesses and government agencies.

How has Singapore been preparing its citizens for the digital future?

Singapore has encouraged its citizens, including seniors, to learn new digital skills, and there have been initiatives to foster technical literacy among students. These include training teachers and providing opportunities for students to explore AI and other emerging technologies.

What is the focus of Smart Nation 2.0?

Smart Nation 2.0 focuses on empowering people and businesses to use technology effectively, driving growth, building communities, and strengthening trust through innovative uses of AI and other technologies.

What measures are being introduced to foster growth in Smart Nation 2.0?

In Smart Nation 2.0, there will be increased investments in AI R&D, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations in sectors like biomedical science and material science. The government will also support AI ecosystem growth and ensure that AI is harnessed across industries to enhance productivity.

How does Singapore aim to prepare its children for future technological challenges?

Singapore plans to provide more deliberate exposure to AI and emerging technologies for students, ensuring that all children, regardless of background, can develop basic proficiency in these fields. Educators will also be trained to guide students in understanding AI and its applications.

What is the role of community in Smart Nation 2.0?

Community is a central goal of Smart Nation 2.0, with technology being used to foster collaboration, connect people, and strengthen communities. There is an emphasis on using technology responsibly to reduce issues like isolation, mental health problems, and misinformation.

How is Singapore tackling online harms like scams and cyberbullying?

Singapore has implemented measures to block scam calls and suspicious messages, working with industry partners like banks and telecom companies. The government is also strengthening laws to protect victims of online harms like cyberbullying and sexual harassment, including developing new legislation for quicker and more effective relief for victims.

What is the 'Build for Good' program in Singapore?

The 'Build for Good' program supports citizens in designing digital solutions to solve societal problems. For example, Audrey K, a nurse, helped create Remedy SG, a platform for redistributing wasted medication, which is now operational in three clinics.