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In a strategic move towards fostering sustainability in the digital realm, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the Government Technology Agency (GovTech) of Singapore have announced an array of pioneering digital sustainability initiatives.
These initiatives, unveiled at the Singapore Computer Society Sustainable Tech Forum 2024 by Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information, Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State at the Ministry of Communications and Information & Ministry of Sustainability and Environment, are designed to transform the information and communications technology (ICT) sector into an eco-friendly powerhouse while leveraging digital technologies to propel broader economic green transformation.
OpenGov Asia shared Dr Janil Puthucheary’s address at the Sustainable Tech Forum 2024, orchestrated by the Singapore Computer Society, which revealed an inspiring vision for a future where digital innovation and sustainability seamlessly intertwine.
Against the backdrop of escalating environmental challenges, the significance of sustainable technological solutions has reached unprecedented heights. Sustainability, now a critical concern affecting everyone, is met with an opportune moment for digital technology to become a catalyst for innovation and environmental responsibility.
At the forefront of these initiatives is IMDA’s Green Computing Funding Initiative (GCFI), a groundbreaking $30 million initiative aimed at co-developing innovative solutions for the ICT industry. With a clear commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045, GCFI focuses on optimising software design and function for energy efficiency.
This initiative encourages collaboration between Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and industry players to address challenges related to green computing. Researchers and industry experts are invited to submit proposals, marking a pivotal step in creating low-carbon digital solutions.
IMDA extends an invitation to industry partners, including major players and the Singapore Institute of Technology, to participate in green software trials. These will focus on the development and measurement of the impact of carbon reduction techniques in real-world applications.
The trials aim to provide valuable data and insights for creating industry guidelines on green software. This forward-thinking move positions Singapore as a leader in the nascent and growing space of green software.
Recognising the significant environmental impact of data centres, IMDA is actively working on greening these facilities, responsible for a considerable portion of ICT sector emissions. The world’s first Standard for Tropical Data Centers, launched in June 2023, is currently undergoing trials in collaboration with industry partners.
IMDA’s commitment extends beyond greening the ICT sector; it actively promotes the use of ICT for green purposes. Under the Advanced Digital Solutions (ADS) programme, nine digital solutions for sustainability have been identified. T
hese solutions, focusing on resource optimisation and carbon management, empower businesses to achieve productivity gains, cost savings, and reduced emissions. The ADS programme provides grant support of up to 70% for the adoption of these digital solutions, promoting widespread implementation.
GovTech is playing a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainability of Singapore’s digital transformation. Initiatives such as adopting digital signatures, implementing digital workplace solutions, and consolidating government data centres are part of the comprehensive strategy to reduce the government’s digital carbon footprint.
The unveiling of these initiatives represents a significant leap forward in Singapore’s commitment to sustainability, aligning with the ambitious Singapore Green Plan 2030. By actively involving industry, academia, and the government, Singapore is poised to become a global leader in green ICT, setting a precedent for other nations to follow suit.
Singapore’s plans establish it as a global leader in sustainable ICT practices and responsible data centre management. The nation is confidently advancing towards a sustainable digital landscape, inviting partners to contribute and benefit from transformative efforts. Singapore is not just greening the ICT sector but also shaping the future of sustainable digital ecosystems.
