Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong unveiled Singapore’s refreshed strategy for its Smart Nation initiative, marking a new chapter in the country’s technological journey. Speaking at the launch of Smart Nation 2.0 in early October, Wong highlighted the country’s achievements under the first phase of the initiative, while outlining new goals to further harness technology for growth, community, and trust.
Launched in 2014, Smart Nation 1.0 aimed to position Singapore as one of the world’s leading digital economies by leveraging technology to improve citizens’ lives and enhance the efficiency of government services. Over the past decade, Singapore has made significant progress toward this vision. The adoption of cashless payments has become widespread, with fewer people relying on cash or checks. In addition, nearly all government services have transitioned online, making tasks like filing taxes, booking HDB flats, and accessing health services more convenient than ever before.
Wong credited the success of Smart Nation 1.0 to the collective efforts of government, businesses, and citizens alike. He expressed gratitude to former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who laid the groundwork for the initiative, as well as the citizens and businesses that embraced digital tools and helped create the foundations of a digital Singapore.
Looking ahead, Wong emphasized that technology has evolved dramatically since the inception of Smart Nation 1.0. “Technology is advancing rapidly, and our operating environment is ever-changing. So we have to keep pace, stay abreast of the latest developments, and continually strive to do better,” Wong said, citing the rise of generative AI as one of the most significant technological changes of the past decade.
Wong noted that AI will play a central role in shaping Singapore’s future, but also acknowledged the challenges and uncertainties that come with rapid technological advancement. He stressed the need for Singapore to sharpen its focus in the next phase of its Smart Nation journey by leveraging technology to create opportunities for growth, build stronger communities, and foster trust in digital systems.
Wong outlined three key goals for Smart Nation 2.0. The first pillar, “Growth,” focuses on empowering people and businesses to use technology to unlock new opportunities. Singapore will invest heavily in AI research and development, with the aim of positioning the country as a global leader in AI innovation. To support this goal, Singapore will launch a new “AI for Science” program, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration between AI researchers and scientists in other fields.
At the same time, Wong highlighted the importance of ensuring that all Singaporeans benefit from new technologies. The government will work with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them adopt AI tools that improve productivity. Furthermore, students will be given greater opportunities for hands-on learning with AI technologies to prepare them for the future.
The second pillar, “Community,” focuses on using technology to strengthen social bonds. Wong stressed the importance of addressing the potential negative impacts of technology, such as social isolation and the spread of misinformation. The government is taking steps to promote cyber wellness in schools and improve online safety for young users. Wong also called for citizens to use technology to build stronger communities, citing initiatives like the “Build for Good” program, which supports citizens in developing digital solutions to societal challenges.
The third pillar, “Trust,” emphasizes the need to ensure that digital systems and services are secure, reliable, and resilient. Wong announced plans to introduce new legislation to bolster cybersecurity and protect citizens from online harms, such as scams and cyberbullying. The government will also set up a dedicated agency to provide support for victims of online harm.
Concluding his speech, Wong called on Singaporeans to join hands in building a smarter, more connected nation. “Smart Nation is a call to all Singaporeans. To join our hands and hearts to take our nation forward,” he said. He urged the public to embrace innovation and collaboration to ensure Singapore continues to thrive in the digital age.
Need Help?
If you have questions or concerns about Singapore’s AI proposals and guidelines, or any global guidelines, regulations and laws, don’t hesitate to reach out to BABL AI. Their Audit Experts can offer valuable insight, and ensure you’re informed and compliant.
