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Singapore and Chinese companies seize digital opportunities at Smart China Expo 2023

  • Singapore and Chongqing co-organise Smart China Expo for the fourth consecutive year since 2020, driving digital synergy and business prospects
  • 15 MoUs signed between Singapore and Chongqing businesses at International Digital Cooperation Forum
  • Singapore-Chongqing Guidebook being developed for businesses looking to expand in Western China, set to launch in December 2023

SINGAPORE – 04 SEP 2023

Singapore Pavilion officially opens at the Smart China Expo 2023 in Chongqing

Singapore Pavilion officially opens at the Smart China Expo 2023 in Chongqing, marking Singapore's sixth consecutive year of participation1.

Singapore returns for the sixth consecutive year at the annual Smart China Expo (SCE) held in Chongqing, China from 4 to 6 September 2023. This year also marks Singapore’s fourth year as co-organiser of the event since 2020. This year’s SCE marks the first full-scale, in-person experience after three years of virtual and hybrid setups. This annual event in Chongqing serves as a platform for Singapore and Chinese Information and Communications Technology (ICT) companies to collaborate and seize opportunities in the digital economies in Western China and Southeast Asia.

Singapore’s continued participation builds on the strong partnership with Chongqing under the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity launched in 2015, under which Information and Communications Technology is one of the four priority areas of collaboration2. Led by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), more than 15 Singapore companies are participating in this year’s SCE.

Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Communications and Information & Ministry of National Development, Mr Tan Kiat How, reaffirmed Singapore and Chongqing’s deep ties in his remarks at SCE’s opening ceremony today.

Singapore is honoured to continue to be a co-organiser of the Smart China Expo. This event not only fosters collaboration between Singapore and Chongqing, but also connects us with other partners and regions.

Mr Tan Kiat How

Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Communications and Information & Ministry of National Development

Strengthening Singapore-Chongqing partnerships in the digital future

15 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed at the International Digital Cooperation (IDC) Forum that was held as part of SCE to promote cross-border digital collaborations in a range of sectors including manufacturing, logistics and trade. These MOUs reflect the shared commitment between Chongqing and Singapore to foster collaboration and innovation between companies from both regions.

With the increasing importance of cross-border data flows in facilitating the growth of the digital economy, the IDC plays a key role in supporting the projects outlined in the MOUs and promoting greater connectivity between people and businesses in Singapore and Chongqing.

Our digital partnership with China, especially Chongqing, is a testament to our shared commitment to shaping a world that is interconnected and inclusive.

Mr Ang Wee Keong

Assistant Chief Executive, International Group, IMDA.

As part of the ongoing efforts to foster innovative collaborations, two proposals have been granted the Joint Innovation Development Fund (JIDF). Launched in 2019, the JIDF is an RMB$40 million initiative by IMDA, Enterprise Singapore, and the Chongqing Big Data Application Development Bureau (CQBDB) that aims to support pioneering projects that would benefit the industry and economy for both Singapore and Chongqing.

One of these projects focuses on new energy battery management by Singapore engineering consultancy firm, Outlast Technologies Pte Ltd and Chongqing University. By harnessing the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence algorithms, the project aims to improve the safety and reliability of lithium-ion battery modules, and thereby mitigate potential property losses and harm to individuals.

Another project supported by the JIDF involves creating an intelligent auxiliary diagnosis software for digestive tract diseases by Singapore distributor Unison Collaborative Pte Ltd and Chongqing Jinshan Technology Group. Using 5G technology, it aims to improve the early detection of digestive tract cancer, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment for patients.

Launch of the China – Singapore Information and Communication Sector Market Access Guidebook to empower Singapore companies into Western China

SGTech, in collaboration with China's Technology Service Market in Chongqing (TSMC) and the CQBDB, also introduced its plans to launch the first China – Singapore Information and Communication Sector Market Access Guidebook at the IDC Forum today. It will serve as a comprehensive market guidebook to equip Singaporean companies with a holistic understanding of the Western China market landscape.

This guidebook will provide valuable insights into the Chinese market, including market readiness and competition analyses to identify market trends, gaps and opportunities. It will delve into regulations, covering areas like cross-border data protection and standard compliance. The guidebook is currently in development and slated for release in December 2023.

LAST UPDATED: 26 JUL 2024

Issued by the Infocomm Media Development Authority

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 LinkedIn (@IMDA), Facebook (@IMDAsg) and Instagram (@IMDAsg).

About SGTech

SGTech is the leading trade association for Singapore's tech industry. Representing over 1,000 member companies ranging from top multinational corporations, large local enterprises, vibrant small and medium-sized enterprises, and innovative start-ups, it is the largest community in Singapore where companies converge to advocate for change and drive what enables tech innovation and accelerate tech adoption to spur greater sustainability in the sector. SGTech's mission is to catalyse a thriving ecosystem that powers Singapore as a global tech powerhouse.

For media clarifications, please contact:

Melanie Ng
(Communications & Marketing)
IMDA
Email: media@imda.gov.sg

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