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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”) has set aside S$40 million to build an
open and inclusive 5G Innovation ecosystem. This will support:
1. 5G technology trials for enterprise use-cases;
2. Creating a series of new open testbeds;
3. 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
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:
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
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 the 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 queries, please contact:
(Mr) Adrian Chan
Senior Manager, Communications and Marketing
Infocomm Media Development Authority
DID: (65) 6211 1510
Email: Adrian_KM_CHAN@imda.gov.sg