Further investments in building infrastructure, frontier capabilities and supporting tech enterprises announced
SINGAPORE – 12 May, 2017: The third Smart Nation Innovations Week concluded on 4 May 2017. Participants had a glimpse into the possibilities offered by the convergence of networks, data and information and communication technologies. The pillar events - Tech Saturday (Upsized!), innovfest unbound, arise, convergence, futurenow and fintech360 – welcomed more than 22,000 local and international guests from 52 countries.
“We are entering into a different era today, where our world of mainframes and desktops is making way for cloud and the digital economy. Singapore needs to innovate and enhance our growth strategy, to overcome our physical limitations and bring good jobs and opportunities to all Singaporeans in the digital age. No Singaporean will be left behind,” said Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information, during his speech at innovfest unbound’s opening ceremony.
Announcements to boost digital infrastructure, frontier technology capabilities and small and medium enterprises were also made during the week, furthering Singapore’s charge towards a successful future enabled by technology.
Speakers at innovfest unbound included local business owners like Min-Liang Tan, CEO and Co-Founder of Razer and international leaders in the technology space like David Hanson, Founder and CEO of Hanson Robotics Limited. There were also insightful keynote speeches from senior executives at Bayer AG, Facebook and Tencent that sparked discussions on the future impact of technology across various sectors.
Tech Saturday (Upsized!), 29-30 April
Wireless@SG gets enhanced!
Tech Saturday (Upsized!) featured the new look and feel of Wireless@SG. Singapore’s largest free Wi-Fi service has undergone enhancements to offer a new login experience and greater connectivity. Wireless@SG now extends automatic login to non-SIM devices, a move which will eliminate the need for usernames and passwords. Wireless@SG also welcomed broadband service provider MyRepublic to its pool of operators offering the free Wi-Fi service. MyRepublic is the fifth addition to the group comprising M1, SingTel, StarHub and Y5ZONE.
innovfest unbound, 3-4 May
At innovfest unbound, organized by NUS Enterprise and unbound in partnership with IMDA, Minister for Communications and Information, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim announced the following:
- The establishment of AI.SG
AI.SG will be driven by a government-wide partnership comprising the National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore, Smart Nation and Digital Government Office, Economic Development Board, Infocomm Media Development Authority, SGInnovate and the Integrated Health Information Systems. The new programme will boost Singapore’s Artificial Intelligence capabilities and play a part in powering the nation’s future economy, especially in sectors like finance, healthcare and city management solutions.
- The new Singapore Data Science Consortium
NRF, in collaboration with the National University of Singapore, the Nanyang Technological University, the Singapore Management University and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, will set up the Singapore Data Science Consortium, a national partnership that will deepen Singapore’s existing strengths in data science and analytics.
- Accreditation@IMDA partners with DBS, OCBC and UOB
Through the signing of individual Memorandum of Intents (MOIs) with the three leading local banks, IMDA-accredited companies will be provided with increased access to innovative projects to build their track record in the banking sector and scale internationally. The local banks will gain access to innovative high-growth Infocomm Media (ICM) companies that specialize in IoT, analytics and Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity. Currently, the banks are in various stages of discussions and deployments with accredited companies such as V-Key and DC Frontiers. To-date, Accreditation@IMDA has helped IMDA-accredited companies generate over S$70 million worth of government contract opportunities, and out of which more than 88 government projects have been won.
- SMEs Go Digital
IMDA has pre-approved close to 50 digital solutions for SMEs. One of the pre-approved digital solutions, Graffiti Garage’s NEUTO Technology: Smart Hydrogen Dry Cleaning System and another pathfinder solution, Asahi Security Technologies’ 3D IoT Platform for Smart Buildings under the SMEs Go Digital programme were also showcased at innovfest unbound. The showcases showed how IMDA and the private sector are working together to offer digital solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to embrace innovation and seize opportunities for growth in the digital economy.
The Smart Nation Innovations Week is spearheaded by IMDA. For more information on the line-up of events that made up the Smart Nation Innovations Week 2017, visit www.sniweek.com.
Related Resources
Annex A: Tech Saturday (Upsized!) Factsheet
Annex B: Wireless@SG Press Release (386.67KB)
Annex C: innovfest unbound Factsheet (405.03KB)
Annex D: AI.SG Press Release (248.05KB)
Annex E: Singapore Data Science Consortium Press Release (195.52KB)
Annex F: Accreditation@IMDA Factsheet (386.23KB)
Annex G: SMEs Go Digital Factsheet (388.17KB)
ISSUED BY THE INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Infocomm Media Development Authority
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) will develop a vibrant, world-class infocomm media sector that drives the economy, connects people, bonds communities and powers Singapore's Smart Nation vision. IMDA does this by developing talent, strengthening business capabilities, and enhancing Singapore's ICT and media infrastructure. IMDA also regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a pro-business environment. IMDA also enhances Singapore’s data protection regime through the Personal Data Protection Commission. For more news and information, visit www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on Facebook IMDAsg and Twitter @IMDAsg.
About Smart Nation
Singapore strives to be a Smart Nation, in which our people are empowered by technology to lead meaningful and fulfilled lives. By harnessing the power of networks, data and info-comm technologies, we endeavour to improve living, create economic opportunity and build a closer community. We have the conducive environment to experiment, prototype and deploy innovative solutions that can be shared with other global cities. It is an exciting journey, and we want your ideas to help us realise our vision. For more information, please visit www.smartnation.sg.
For media clarifications, please contact:
Regina GOH (Ms)
Manager, Communications & Marketing, IMDA
DID: 6211 1295; HP: 9839 5913
Email: regina_goh@imda.gov.sg
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