

- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
Due to the disruption caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the government of Singapore has adopted a new standard for protecting the verification of globally interoperable health documents based on tamper-proof distributed ledger blockchain technology.
The Singapore Government has published HealthCerts – a set of digital open standards for issuing digital COVID-19 test results and vaccination certificates, in line with international standards and the Singapore Government’s requirements.
Beginning on the 10th March, travelers undergoing a pre-departure COVID-19 test at authorised clinics in Singapore would also receive their results in a digital certificate loaded into HealthCerts.
The blockchain framework used to digitally attest HealthCerts is powered by OpenAttestation, which is an open-source document notarisation framework that uses cryptographic hashes for independent verification. Once documents are issued and stored on the blockchain, they can be verified by any auditor making it possible for outside parties to trust the submission source.
The use of digital identity and other assets is overseen by the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group, a part of the Prime Minister’s Office, which oversees the deployment of this new technology. The digital certificate stores identity details (name, national identity number, DOB, etc.) and test details (type, status, date, medical institution details). The QR Code will be sent via email or presented under the SingPass Mobile app.
According to the HealthCerts webpage, for added assurance, Digital Certificates may be digitally notarised by the Government through Notarise to ease downstream verification by ensuring:
- Untampered content – Authenticate the veracity of the Digital Certificate against blockchain hash value
- Trusted provenance – Verify the legitimacy of Digital Certificate according to Singapore’s travel policy requirements and checks that the laboratory (or clinic) is authorised to issue Digital Certificates
- Rightful ownership – Strong identity assurance through SingPass to prevent impersonation
Verify provides an easy, reliable way to ensures digital certificates have not been tampered with and issued/ notarised by a recognised entity.
Supporting the opening of cross-border travel
To support the opening of cross-border travel, there is a need to verify travellers’ identities and their associated health status. Singapore has therefore designed HealthCerts with global interoperability in mind as an open standard. Entities can sign up to issue digital certificates compliant with the HealthCerts standard.
At the moment, AOKpass, Accredify. Collinson and Trybe.ID provide issuance service to clinics and labs such as Quest Laboratories, Gleneagles Hospital and Parkway Shenton Medical Group in Singapore and overseas countries.
As Verify is open-sourced, private companies or governments can develop their own versions of Verify, with their own list of recognised COVID labs or foreign authorities.
Private sector offerings: Affinidi provides document verification services for attesting document authenticity and validation to airlines and airports.
IATA conducts verification against the rules engine of other countries to determine if the test certificate meets the destination country requirements.
The government has said it is keen to work with partners to further the work in this space, which includes further enhancing interoperability, privacy, and verifiability for such certificates.


- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
Singapore’s Minister for Communications and Information, Josephine Teo, unveiled Singapore’s Digital Connectivity Blueprint (DCB), which establishes the orientation for Singapore’s digital connectivity’s next frontier.
Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) partnered with a cloud computing company to launch a Joint Innovation Centre (JIC), a first-of-its-kind in Southeast Asia and appointed 18 high-potential tech professionals as SG Digital Leaders under the SG Digital Leadership Accelerator.
The Blueprint was created in collaboration with the Advisory Panel on Digital Infrastructure, which is co-chaired by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information, and other industry partners. It outlines strategic priorities and moves into new frontiers to stay ahead of the curve.
Reports cited that Singapore will continue to invest ahead of demand and plan holistically for the whole digital infrastructure stack, including hard infrastructure, physical-digital infrastructure, and soft infrastructure, to guarantee that the digital infrastructure is future-ready.
The nation is committed to staying ahead of the competition by expanding digital connectivity to provide better lifestyles and new opportunities for people and businesses. Hence, Singapore will increase its focus on the following strategic priorities:
- Provide enough capacity for underwater cable landings to double in the next ten years.
- Within the next five years, build seamless end-to-end 10 Gbps domestic connectivity.
- Ensure digital infrastructure has world-class resilience and security.
- Create a roadmap for the expansion of new Green Data Centres and push the sustainability envelope.
- Increase the use of the Singapore Digital Utility Stack to broaden the benefits of smooth digital transactions.
Also, Singapore will make movements in more fledgling and frontier areas to capitalise on future opportunities:
- Push for a Quantum-safe Singapore within the next ten years.
- Lay the groundwork for widespread autonomy.
- “Green software” to reduce heightened computing by establishing a nascent ecosystem for sustainable software.
- Use Low Earth Orbit satellite services to enable creative solutions in critical industries.
The Blueprint lays a solid foundation for Singapore to achieve better opportunities, stronger trust, and empowered communities.
In addition, Tan Kiat How, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information, met with the 18 Singaporeans designated as SG Digital Leaders from 16 companies. This is part of IMDA’s initiatives to develop Singaporean leaders in the ICT ecosystem for leadership roles in the digital economy.
The SG Digital Leaders are founders of high-growth tech start-ups, executives at large corporations (MNCs), and inventors creating world-changing technology. These executives come from a variety of backgrounds, lead regional teams, and have experience in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), data, software, and engineering.
The JIC will provide exclusive access to the latest tech showcases and demonstrations, innovation methodology for successful adoption and deployment, and workshops for design thinking, among other things, to inspire corporates and public sector organisations to accelerate industry innovation and support the growth of promising start-ups.
Modern digital infrastructure is critical to Singapore’s growth and prosperity. Businesses and consumers may access information and services more easily with improved connections, boosting innovation and economic competitiveness.
Process automation and digitalisation increase efficiency and production while decreasing expenses while smart city solutions improve resource management and overall quality of life. A well-developed digital infrastructure ecosystem attracts investments and encourages digital economy growth.
Data-driven decision-making gives policymakers more authority. Singapore’s emphasis on contemporary digital infrastructure positions it as a digital age global leader prepared for long-term growth and development.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) researchers have significantly contributed to developing and installing the magnet utilised in the portable scanner. This innovative magnet technology is undergoing trials as part of a collaborative project between the RRI and the University of Minnesota in the United States. The RRI researchers have been actively involved in designing, fabricating, and optimising the magnet system to ensure its compatibility with the portable scanner.
Through this collaborative research and development, the RRI team has successfully implemented cutting-edge magnet technology that offers enhanced portability without compromising the quality and accuracy of the scanning process. The portable scanner, equipped with an advanced magnet system, holds great promise for various applications, including medical diagnostics, on-site inspections, and field research.
A senior engineer at RRI, Ben Parkinson, expresses that the magnet’s small size is the key to making MRI scanners portable. Smaller scanners will also mean a more positive patient experience. “Traditional MRI scanners are large and stationary machines, but with advancements in magnet technology, it has become possible to develop smaller and more compact scanners,” he said.
According to Professor Michael Garwood, the study’s principal investigator from the University of Minnesota Medical School, the design of the magnet used in portable MRI scanners can make these scanners transportable to populations and environments virtually anywhere.
The portability of MRI scanners has significant implications for expanding access to medical imaging technology beyond traditional healthcare settings. It enables conducting diagnostic imaging in rural communities, disaster-stricken regions, mobile clinics, and other challenging environments.
Bringing MRI scanners to these populations and environments can improve healthcare outcomes by enabling timely and accurate diagnoses, guiding treatment decisions, and facilitating preventive care.
The RRI and the University of Minnesota collaboration exemplify the importance of cross-disciplinary partnerships and knowledge sharing in advancing research and innovation. This ongoing collaborative project with the University of Minnesota aims to validate further the portable scanner’s effectiveness and reliability in real-world scenarios. It is underway to assess the scanner’s performance, optimise its capabilities, and explore potential areas of improvement.
The accomplishments of the RRI researchers in developing and implementing the magnet for the portable scanner highlight their dedication to pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery and technological innovation. Their work is a testament to the potential of responsible research and innovation in driving transformative advancements that benefit society.
“Developing a device that requires seamless integration of mechanical and electromagnetic components would be a complex task. However, the team has achieved remarkable success, and I am thrilled to continue our partnership,” said Mr Parkinson.
Mr Parkinson is optimistic that in the future, portable scanners like these may empower communities in remote and resource-limited settings. They will have the potential to solve health inequities, facilitate research in understanding brain development and degeneration in diverse populations better, and enhance access to high-quality clinical care.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
Researchers from Singapore General Hospital (SGH), A*STAR’s Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), and Duke-NUS Medical School have used artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up the identification of vital biomarkers that can identify patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) at diagnosis who will not respond to standard therapy.
These patients may be eligible for a life-saving bone marrow transplant in the early stages of the illness with this favourable prognosis.
A genetic mutation that causes a tyrosine kinase enzyme to turn on permanently causes CML, a specific type of blood cancer. In the bone marrow, a blood stem cell experiences a mutation that transforms it into an aggressive leukaemic cell that eventually takes over the creation of healthy blood.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), which turn off the tyrosine kinase that the genetic mutation switched on as a result, are the standard treatment for CML. But not everyone reacts the same way to these medications. Some individuals respond very well to the point that their life expectancy would be regarded as typical, at the other end of the range.
Besides, some individuals do not respond at all, and their sickness develops into a severe condition known as a blast crisis that is resistant to all sorts of conventional therapy.
Finding out if a patient is resistant to TKI therapy earlier could make the difference between survival or early death because the only cure for blast crisis is a bone marrow transplant, which would be most successful when carried out during the early stages of the disease.
“Our work indicates that it will be possible to detect patients destined to undergo blast crisis when they first see their haematologist,” said the study’s senior author and associate professor, Ong Sin Tiong of Duke-NUS’ Cancer & Stem Cell Biology (CSCB) Programme.
He added this may save lives since bone marrow transplants for these patients are most effective during the early stages of CML.
Researchers made an “atlas” of cells by taking samples of bone marrow from six healthy people and 23 people with CML before they were treated. The map let them see the different types of cells in each sample and how many of each type there were. Researchers did RNA sequencing on a single cell and used machine-learning methods to figure out which genes and molecular processes were on and off in each cell.
The work found eight statistically important things about the bone marrow cells before treatment. These things were linked to either sensitivity to treatment with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor or strong resistance to it.
Patients were more likely to react well to treatment if their bone marrow samples showed a stronger tendency toward premature red blood cells and a certain type of “natural killer cell” that kills tumours. As the number of these cells in the bone marrow changed, so did the way the patient responded to treatment.
The study could lead to drug targets that could help people with chronic myeloid leukaemia avoid or delay treatment resistance and blast crisis.
Associate Professor Charles Chuah from Duke-NUS’s CSCB Programme, who is also a Senior Consultant at the Department of Haematology at SGH and National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), cited that the results of treating chronic myeloid leukaemia have gotten much better over the years and that patients now have many options. Knowing which treatment works best for each patient will improve these results even more, and they are excited about the chance of doing so.
The team hopes to use the results to make a test that can be used regularly in hospitals to predict how well a treatment will work.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has led an international research team that has made a significant breakthrough in the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). They have successfully created an advanced model that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and genetic data to forecast an individual’s susceptibility to AD even before symptoms manifest.
This pioneering study opens up new possibilities for using deep learning techniques in predicting disease risks and unravelling the underlying molecular mechanisms. It has the potential to revolutionise the diagnosis, interventions, and clinical research related to AD and other prevalent conditions like cardiovascular diseases.
In a collaborative effort, the President of HKUST, and the Chair Professor and Director of HKUST’s Big Data Institute, along with their research team, delved into the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning models, to predict the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using genetic information.
This study stands as one of the earliest instances of deep learning models being applied to assess AD polygenic risks in both European-descent and Chinese populations. The results demonstrated that these deep learning models outperformed other models in accurately identifying patients with AD and categorizing individuals into distinct groups based on their disease risks linked to various biological processes. This research showcases the promising role of AI in advancing the understanding and prediction of AD, benefiting both populations of European and Chinese descent.
Currently, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnosis heavily relies on clinical assessments involving cognitive tests and brain imaging. However, by the time symptoms become evident, it is often too late for optimal intervention. Hence, early prediction of AD risk holds great potential for improving diagnosis and intervention strategies.
The integration of the advanced deep learning model with genetic testing allows for the estimation of an individual’s lifetime risk of developing AD with an impressive accuracy rate exceeding 70%. This approach presents a promising avenue for identifying individuals at high risk of AD at an earlier stage, enabling timely interventions and enhancing the development of effective strategies to combat the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a hereditary condition influenced by genomic variations. These genetic variants are present from birth and remain consistent throughout an individual’s life. Analysing an individual’s DNA information can provide valuable insights into their predisposition to AD, facilitating early intervention and timely management of the disease. While FDA-approved genetic testing for the APOE-ε4 genetic variant can provide an estimate of AD risk, it may not be sufficient to identify high-risk individuals due to the contribution of multiple genetic factors to the disease.
Therefore, it is crucial to develop tests that integrate information from multiple AD risk genes to accurately assess an individual’s relative risk of developing AD over their lifetime. This comprehensive approach enables a more precise determination of AD risk and enhances our ability to identify individuals who may require targeted interventions and monitoring.
The President of HKUST stated that the study showcases the effectiveness of deep learning techniques in genetic research and predicting the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This significant breakthrough is expected to expedite large-scale screening and staging of AD risk within the population.
In addition to risk prediction, the approach enables the categorization of individuals based on their disease risk and offers valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the development and advancement of AD. The transformative potential of these findings will help advance the understanding and management of Alzheimer’s disease.
The Chair Professor and Director of HKUST’s Big Data Institute expressed how this study exemplifies the remarkable benefits of applying AI in the realm of biological sciences, particularly in biomedical and disease-related research. By employing a neural network, they successfully captured the complex relationships present in high-dimensional genomic data, resulting in enhanced accuracy in predicting Alzheimer’s disease risk.
Additionally, using AI-driven data analysis without human supervision, the research team successfully categorized individuals at risk into distinct subgroups, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of the disease. This study highlights the elegant, efficient, and effective nature of AI in addressing interdisciplinary challenges. The Chair Professor firmly believes that AI will play a crucial role in various healthcare domains in the near future.
The study was a collaborative effort involving researchers from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, University College London, and clinicians from local Hong Kong hospitals, including Prince of Wales Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The findings of the study have been recently published in Communications Medicine, highlighting their significance in the scientific community. The research team is currently working on further refining the developed model with the ultimate goal of integrating it into standard screening procedures.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
Partnerships between the public and private sectors to provide AI-based healthcare solutions harness the experience and resources of both sectors, enabling collaboration and knowledge-sharing. This collaboration allows for the development of novel technology and solutions to solve complicated healthcare concerns more effectively.
A Taiwanese venture that creates breakthrough medical software has created an upper respiratory tract evaluation software that is powered by medical artificial intelligence (AI). This product is being utilised as an obstructive sleep apnea treatment evaluation programme that can quickly confirm obstructive sleep apnea sites and identify their aetiology, emphasising its utility as a diagnosis reference software for physicians.
Aside from obstructive sleep apnea, rapid upper respiratory tract assessment can be performed to evaluate orthognathic and laryngeal procedures, as well as pediatric sleep breathing patterns. In 2022, the team cooperated with Taichung Veterans General Hospital, a government-owned hospital in central Taiwan, published their clinical trial results in a reputable journal, and employed the software in conjunction with cardiovascular and geriatric health examinations.
Changes in electrocardiography (ECG) signals related to blood glucose, according to a developer of intuitive tools, employed continuous ECG as the basic algorithm to construct a non-invasive continuous blood glucose monitoring system.
This non-invasive continuous blood glucose monitoring device has undergone clinical trials at Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital’s Division of Nephrology, and more clinical trials will be done at multiple global sites in the future.
An AI companion diagnostic and screening tool for osteoporosis, sarcopenia, leukaemia, cervical cancer, human papillomavirus infection, bladder cancer, and breast cancer has been developed by a medical solutions firm dedicated to women’s health. Taiwan, Singapore, and Vietnam have all accepted most of these instruments.
Likewise, the medical solutions provider presents world-class smart laboratory solutions such as Data-analysis AI workstations, front-end automatic nucleic acid extraction systems, test reagent kits, and information storage systems.
The primary concentration of an interactive technology corporation is the development of rehabilitation service systems and articulation training platforms. Its Smart Health Promotion Service System combines software and hardware, and it is an innovative and effective smart rehabilitation system that employs the world’s first smart knee guard for detecting surface electromyography (sEMG) signals in conjunction with a retro and interactive somatosensory game.
According to reports, even though shared investments in global digital health increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, enthusiasm in various disciplines has begun to wane since the end of the pandemic.
A substantial quantity of capital has flowed to AI-related startups as the use of AI in the healthcare industry has increased. Statistic reports indicate that AI is most used to: improve workflow and coordination between medical staff; predict hospitalisation or mortality rates; aid in diagnosis; or develop chatbots that respond to symptom-related questions and provide diagnostic confirmation and consultation for patients.
Cardiovascular medicine has surpassed oncology as the most popular discipline for digital health applications in the Asia-Pacific region over the past five years. Chatbots and “digital pharmacies” are the two areas with the most potential for future expansion. About 86% of pharmacy proprietors believe that improving the patient experience is the key to future differentiation from other pharmacies.
Public-private partnerships encourage shared risks and rewards. By pooling resources and expertise, both sectors can share the risks associated with research, development, and implementation of AI-based healthcare solutions. Additionally, successful outcomes can be mutually beneficial, with opportunities for commercialisation, market growth, and economic development.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
The prospective economic, social, and technological benefits of transforming Singapore into an open and trustworthy global artificial intelligence (AI) hub are substantial. It can place the nation at the vanguard of AI innovation and enable it to shape the future of this transformative technology.
The Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) and a major technology firm announced their intention to work together to strengthen Singapore’s AI national vision and strategy. This strategic partnership may support the adoption and development of innovative, responsible, and inclusive AI technologies to maximise opportunities arising in Singapore and the region.
Director of the Digital Economy Office at MCI, Andrea Phua, stated that they welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the tech giant as they develop their plans to support the growth of the digital economy and realise the benefits that AI brings to individuals and businesses in a safe and responsible manner.
Singapore’s technology ecosystem has access to next-generation AI infrastructure, industry-leading GPU hardware, the Vertex AI platform, and AI-managed services and tools to implement AI at scale.
The partnership will seek to::
- Accelerate the development of home-grown AI technologies: A marketplace for developers and businesses to access the best of AI solutions and foundation models, allowing them to build conversational AI, enterprise search, and other capabilities;
- Build a sustainable pipeline of talent for the future AI economy: Skill-building initiatives to strengthen AI capabilities and competencies, including possible assistance for eligible startups to leverage an open AI ecosystem;
- Supercharge the adoption of cloud AI technologies in Singapore: Development of incubators and accelerators that encourage developers, entrepreneurs, and companies to innovate with generative AI (Gen AI) technologies; and
- Root Singapore’s AI progress in Responsible AI: Possible collaboration in AI governance and Responsible AI principles implementation.
By becoming a global AI centre, Singapore can attract world-class talent, researchers, and businesses. This promotes collaboration and the exchange of knowledge, resulting in innovation and the creation of cutting-edge AI technologies.
Several industries, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and manufacturing, will be transformed by AI. By positioning itself as a global AI hub, Singapore can attract investments, foster local startups, and generate high-paying employment, thereby fostering economic growth and prosperity.
Singapore has the potential to become a centre for AI education and talent development. By providing high-quality training programmes, seminars, and research opportunities, the nation can produce a workforce with AI expertise. This can satisfy the increasing demand for AI professionals and alleviate the talent shortage in this field.
Singapore, as a global AI centre, can serve as a testing ground for AI-based solutions and applications. The nation’s well-developed infrastructure, supportive regulatory environment, and diverse population make it an ideal location for the deployment and development of AI technologies. This enables businesses to validate their products, gain real-world insights, and iterate their solutions.
Through initiatives such as the Model AI Governance Framework, Singapore has demonstrated a commitment to ethics and trust in AI. Singapore can influence and define international standards for responsible AI development and deployment if it continues to develop as a global AI hub. This contributes to the development of AI technologies that respect privacy, impartiality, and transparency.
Singapore, as an open and trusted global AI centre, has the potential to become a regional leader in AI. This can entice regional enterprises and organisations to cooperate with Singaporean partners, resulting in a thriving Southeast Asian AI ecosystem. Singapore’s AI leadership may also assist drive regional initiatives, boost information sharing, and improve the region’s overall capabilities.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry launched the Jobs Transformation Map (JTM) for Retail as a guiding resource to help retail companies plan and ensure that their workforce is equipped with the necessary skill sets to meet evolving business needs.
Following the release of the Retail Industry Transformation Map (ITM) 2025 in October last year, Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and Workforce Singapore (WSG) collaborated with the Ministry of Manpower to create the JTM, which was supported by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG).
Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), in collaboration with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), has been designated as a programme partner for the Jobs Skills Integrator for Retail (JSIT-R).
The JSIT-R is a dedicated intermediary that offers retailers end-to-end solutions for workforce transformation, staff training, and job matching services. When engaging with retailers, the JSIT-R will consult the JTM.
Retail trade associations and chambers (TACs) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SNEF and NTUC to demonstrate their support for the JSIT-R and the implementation of the JTM. TACs are committed to reaching out to and collaborating with over 1,100 member companies and other retailers to accelerate employment transformation for their workforce of about 94,000 employees.
To ensure that the Retail sector can continue to attract and retain talent while also creating quality jobs, a study was conducted to identify future industry trends as well as anticipate how future job roles and required skill sets must change to create new opportunities and meet evolving business needs.
Four major trends and opportunities have been identified:
- Shifts in consumer needs as a result of changes in lifestyle, preferences, and awareness;
- Emergence of new retail models (e.g., omnichannel, customer-centric retail experience, and innovative business model) that enable enhanced brand and shopping experiences;
- Using data analytics and improvements in retail technology to increase productivity and efficiency;
- Create a resilient and agile supply chain to improve inventory management and enable more fulfilling alternatives in an increasingly complicated and turbulent supply chain environment.
The JTM analysis highlighted existing work roles that are likely to change somewhat or significantly, such as sales associates and store managers. Changes such as new technology and shifting consumer needs will transform these jobs.
A fundamental recommendation in the JTM report for adapting to these trends and technology improvements is to transform the workforce through human capital development programmes that include training, job redesign, and skills-based career progression pathways.
Such efforts would allow employees to focus on more value-added work and plan their evolution, which would help the growth of businesses.
Some emerging job roles include Sustainability Specialist, Product Innovator, Customer Experience Manager, Customer Intelligence Analyst, Omni-channel Manager, Digital Marketer, Digital Transformation Manager, UI/UX Designer and Full Stack Developer.
Further, retailers can stay competitive in a continuously changing industry by utilising data analytics and developments in retail technology. It helps them to provide personalised experiences, optimise operations, and boost customer satisfaction, resulting in higher profitability and long-term success.
The utilisation of data analytics and improvements in retail technology is critical for merchants looking to increase productivity and efficiency. Retailers can obtain important insights into customer behaviour, preferences, and market trends by leveraging the power of data analytics.
This data enables them to make data-driven decisions, improve inventory management, personalise marketing efforts, and improve overall operational efficiency.