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Singapore’s Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Lawrence Wong, unveiled Smart Nation 2.0, the country’s refreshed vision for fostering a society that thrives in the digital era. This initiative emphasises three primary goals: Trust, Growth, and Community. These objectives are designed to enhance citizens’ lives while adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of digital trends and technological advancements.
Initially introduced by former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in 2014, the Smart Nation initiative aimed to enhance the quality of life for Singaporeans through technology. Over the past decade, significant investments have been made in the digital economy, society, governance, and security. These efforts have improved various aspects of daily life, from healthcare and education to infrastructure, laying a solid foundation for Smart Nation 2.0.
As digital technologies become increasingly embedded in daily life, the government acknowledges both the potential benefits and challenges that accompany them. The refreshed vision aims to address emerging issues, such as threats to social cohesion and individual well-being while maximising opportunities for citizens. Smart Nation 2.0 is guided by three core goals:
Trust
To foster a reliable digital environment, the government aims to enhance the security and resilience of digital infrastructure, combat harmful online activities, and expand trusted digital spaces. Recent enhancements to the Cybersecurity Act and the planned introduction of a Digital Infrastructure Act in 2025 are key steps towards achieving these objectives. A new agency focused on online safety will also be established to protect victims of online harms such as cyberbullying and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
Growth
The initiative seeks to empower workers and businesses to adapt and thrive in the digital economy. Key strategies include powering the digital economy, supporting enterprises and workers, and preparing future generations for a digital landscape. This includes the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy 2.0 and the introduction of educational programmes aimed at enhancing digital proficiency among students.
Community
Smart Nation 2.0 emphasises the importance of inclusivity and social unity. The government is committed to ensuring that technology benefits all segments of society, deepening community ties and enhancing partnerships between the government and citizens. Outreach efforts will be strengthened to help more citizens build confidence in their digital skills, and innovative initiatives will leverage technology to foster cultural connections.
A Whole-of-Nation Movement
As Singapore progresses into this new digital era, the government will continually refine its strategies in consultation with citizens and businesses. The goals of Trust, Growth, and Community will guide these efforts, fostering a whole-of-nation movement in which every stakeholder contributes to building a thriving digital future for all Singaporeans.
Singapore’s National AI Strategy (NAIS 2.0) includes a S$120 million investment in the “AI for Science” initiative by the National Research Foundation (NRF) to boost research productivity in fields like advanced materials and biomedical sciences. This initiative fosters collaboration between AI researchers and scientific experts, providing access to datasets and resources, while also promoting partnerships with international researchers.
The Ministry of Digital Development and Information and the Ministry of Law are launching a new agency and legislation to support victims of online harms, such as cyberbullying, in response to a survey revealing that 38% of respondents experienced online harm.
Additionally, the Smart Nation Educator Fellowship will commence in 2025 to enhance digital proficiency among educators, and the “AI for Fun” modules will provide students with hands-on experiences in artificial intelligence and coding, aiming to foster digital literacy and responsible technology use.
Smart Nation 2.0 not only represents a strategic framework for Singapore’s digital transformation but also embodies a collective commitment to ensuring that every individual can thrive in an increasingly digital world.
