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Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has launched a series of initiatives to accelerate the country's journey to become a leading digital economy.
The first of these initiatives is an S$40 million investment to support 5G innovation, led by the IMDA and the National Research Foundation (NRF).
This cash injection will support 5G technology trials for enterprise use-cases, creating a series of new open testbeds, and research and development around 5G technology, with a specific focus on cyber security.
Firstly, 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, such as the technology call by IMDA and Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) that awarded 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 aimed at accelerating Singapore’s Industry 4.0 transformation, is also underway.
Specifically, A*STAR, JTC and Singtel have signed an agreement to deploy 5G at A*STAR’s Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (“ARTC”) in Jurong Innovation District.
This project will integrate 5G with technologies such as Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, enabling businesses to develop next-generation manufacturing solutions.
Smart Estates
IMDA is also working closely with government agencies and industry partners to develop the Smart Estates ecosystem and enable local developers, 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.
New technologies such as distributed ledger technology (DLT) and electronic transferable records (ETR) are opening up new ways of transacting.
IMDA has launched a public consultation to seek views on its review of the electronic transactions act (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 firstly enable more transactions under the ETA, including property transactions, wills, and lasting powers of attorney; and provide certainty on the use of new technologies such as DLT, smart contracts and biometrics; and update its certification authority framework.
“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,” said Tan Kiat How, chief executive of IMDA.
“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."
