Singapore’s Digital Economy forges ahead: 5G innovation, Smart Estates and progressive legislation
SINGAPORE – 27 JUNE 2019: The Infocomm Media Development Authority (“IMDA”) launched a series of initiatives to accelerate Singapore’s journey to become a leading Digital Economy. The initiatives were announced by Minister for Communications and Information, Mr S Iswaran, at Innovfest Unbound, which returns for its fifth and largest-ever edition as the anchor event of the Smart Nation Innovations Week.
S$40m to support 5G innovation
IMDA and the National Research Foundation (“NRF”) have set aside S$40 million to build an open and inclusive 5G Innovation ecosystem. This will support:
- 5G technology trials for enterprise use-cases;
- Creating a series of new open testbeds;
- R&D in 5G, for example cybersecurity
As a start, IMDA will explore clusters such as maritime operations; urban mobility; smart estates; Industry 4.0, consumer applications and government applications. These clusters have been identified based on their potential for export globally reinforcing Singapore’s goal to be a global front-runner in impactful 5G use-cases.
Industry partnerships are already underway. A technology call by IMDA and PSA have been awarded to two mobile network operators, Singtel and M1, to explore the use of 5G technology for the Maritime industry. This technology call aims to explore 5G capabilities, and how it could potentially address PSA’s connectivity needs to enhance port productivity. Trials will be conducted at the PSA Living Lab in Pasir Panjang Terminal from 3Q 2019, and will last for 18 months.
Another partnership, to accelerate Singapore’s Industry 4.0 transformation, is also underway. A*STAR, JTC and Singtel have signed a memorandum of understanding to deploy 5G at A*STAR’s Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (“ARTC”) in Jurong Innovation District, to integrate 5G with technologies such as Internet-of-Things and Artificial Intelligence, enabling businesses to develop next-generation manufacturing solutions.
Driving Digital Transformation for Singapore’s Smart Estates
IMDA is also working closely with government agencies and industry partners to develop the Smart Estates ecosystem and enable Singapore developers, Singapore-based technology companies and Built Environment service providers to innovate in Singapore and seize greater market opportunities in the region.
IMDA has awarded S$1.5 million for eight projects for the Smart Estates Call for Innovation Solutions (“CFIS”) with Ascendas-Singbridge and JTC. Such projects include innovative use of 3D Digital Twin technology, and a cloud-based platform to enable quick searches for assets through a visual tour.
To further develop the Smart Estates ecosystem, IMDA has launched a new CFIS together with the Housing Development Board and Frasers Property Singapore.
Progressive legislation to facilitate electronic transactions and catalyse innovation
New technologies such as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and Smart Contacts are opening up new ways of transacting today.
The Electronic Transactions Act (ETA) provides legal certainty to electronic transactions in Singapore, which facilitates the digitalisation of transactions. IMDA has launched a public consultation to seek views on the review of the ETA. This will ensure the ETA continues to be progressive, facilitate innovation in the Digital Economy, strengthen Singapore’s position as a hub for electronic transactions, and support Digital Government efforts.
The ETA review will:
- Include more electronics transactions under the ambit of the ETA, including property transactions, Bills of Lading, Electronic Transferable Records and Lasting Powers of Attorney; and
- Provide certainty on the use of new technologies such as DLT, Smart Contracts and Biometrics; and
- Update the Certification Authority framework to ensure currency with latest international standards.
Mr Tan Kiat How, Chief Executive of IMDA, said: “As we enter a digital-as-usual age, it is even more imperative for all segments of society to continue their urgent efforts to digitalise to be relevant and competitive. IMDA’s new multi-pronged, collaborative initiatives announced today addressing infrastructure, legislation and other challenges, will further complement our existing efforts to accelerate Singapore’s transformation to an advanced Digital Economy, and I encourage all organisations to participate in these programmes.”
Related Resources
Annex A: 5G Innovation Factsheet (766.45KB)
Annex B: Smart Estates Factsheet (556.56KB)
Annex C: ETA Factsheet (278.85KB)
ISSUED BY THE INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
About About Smart Nation Innovations Week
Organized by Ministry of Communications and Information (“MCI”) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (“IMDA”), Smart Nation Innovations (“SNI”) Week 2019, held from 24 June to 28 June 2019, will welcome more than 15,000 local and international guests to congregate in Singapore to share and learn about the intersections of economy, society and government across the world, look into the future impact of technology and promote thought leadership from both the Eastern and Western countries throughout South-east Asia. The SNI Week constituent events include the week’s flagship Smart Nation Summit (“SNS”), Straits Digital Exchange (“SDE”), Digital Government Exchange (“DGX”) and Innovfest Unbound.
About Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation with infocomm media. To do this, IMDA will develop a dynamic digital economy and a cohesive digital society, driven by an exceptional infocomm media (ICM) ecosystem – by developing talent, strengthening business capabilities, and enhancing Singapore's ICM infrastructure. IMDA also regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a pro-business environment, and 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.
For media clarifications:
(Mr) Adrian Chan
Senior Manager, Communications and Marketing
Infocomm Media Development Authority
DID: (65) 6211 1510
Email: Adrian_KM_CHAN@imda.gov.sg
.webp)