SG launches Smart Nation 2.0: Here's everything you need to know

The Singapore government has launched Smart Nation 2.0, a refreshed version of Smart Nation 1.0 set in 2014. 

Smart Nation 2.0 features refreshed strategies to keep pace, stay abreast of the latest developments in technology and strive to do better. This is particularly with the recent breakthroughs in Generative AI (Gen AI) following the release of ChatGTPT and new AI systems which will revolutionise and transform industries.

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"All these mean that technology will have an even bigger impact on our lives. There will be tremendous opportunities ahead. But also new uncertainties and challenges to overcome," said Singapore prime minister Lawrence Wong in speech at the launch of Smart Nation 2.0. 

"For our next phase, or Smart Nation 2.0, we aim to sharpen our focus and use technology more effectively to transform our future and shape our nation together," added Wong. 

Under Smart Nation 2.0, the Singapore government are striving to meet three goals: growth, community and trust. 

Growth 

The first goal, growth, aims to empower Singapore people and businesses to use technology to push limits and realise full potential. As such, the government will be investing in new AI capabilities. 

The government will also foster more collaborations between AI research and scientists in areas such as biomedical science and medical sciences. 

In addition, the government will launch a new 'AI for Science' programme to encourage interdisciplinary collaborations and research. It will also be engaging SMEs and helping them to use AI tools to streamline administrative and financial processes. 

A new "Smart National Fellowship" will also be launched by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Minister of Digital Development and Information (MDDI). The fellowship will educate educators on the latest trends and issues in the digital space. 

Community 

To overcome risks that technology poses, the government will be emphasising cyber wellness in schools, increasing awareness of healthy screen habits among families, and encouraging more screen-free activities for children.

In doing so, the government will be developing a new code of practice for app stores. It will require app distribution services to have age assurance measures to protect children from downloading inappropriate apps.

Trust

Earlier this year, the Singapore government updated the cybersecurity act to regulate a wider set of systems. As such, it will introduce a new digital infrastructure act next year to mitigate risks such as cyber-attacks, fires or cooling system failures of data centres. The new act will also improve the nation's security and resilience. 

In tandem, the government will be introducing measures to block scam calls, and to filter and report suspicious messages through partnerships with banks and telcos to implement countermeasures to protect Singaporeans from scams.

In addition to scams, other online harms such as sexual harassment and cyberbullying will be met with enhanced laws to punish perpetrators and protect vulnerable victims. 

On top of that, the government will be introducing a new legislation and measures to provide stronger assurance to victims. This includes the setting up of a dedicated agency to support victims of online harms. 

In his speech, Wong said that "not everything we try will succeed." Some efforts may fall short of the desired results and when that happens, the government must have the courage and integrity to acknowledge the failure, learn from it, and quickly pivot to a new approach, stated Wong.

"Ultimately, Smart Nation is a call to all Singaporeans. To join our hands and hearts to take our nation forward. Over the last decade, we have made great strides. In the next 10 years, we can reach even greater heights," said Wong.

"Let us work together to build a better home for all – a Singapore brimming with exciting opportunities, where we can support one another in realising our dreams, and where each of us can become the best version of ourselves. Together, let us bring this vision to life and turn our collective hopes into reality," he added. 

AI and tackling scams have been a big area of concern for the Singapore government as of late. Earlier in January, it was announced that Singapore will be developing new tools to better detect deepfakes and to counter misinformation. The tools will be designed under a new SG$20 million initiative to build a safer internet, titled "Building an inclusive and safe digital society". 

Minister for communications and information Josephine Teo revealed the initiative in Parliament on 10 January, in which she shared her concerns surrounding deepfakes, scams and other online risks. 

Teo also added that Singapore has a need to grow new capabilities to keep pace with scammers and online risks. This is especially so given the concern over the misuse of deep fakes to create compelling pictures such as a recent ad featuring the likeness of Singapore leaders' to promote crypto scams. 

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