Thinking of Singapore, a lot of things come to mind. The Dubai of Southeast Asia, tall skyscrapers, a luxurious lifestyle, top-notch medical system, and the MRT.
But all of these are tied up with years of planning and evolution. Singapore has been working on its Smart City Evolution since 2014, and travelers and locals get to witness the results in real life.
Incorporating innovation, cutting-edge technology, and forward-thinking, Singapore has worked its way up to the top of its league. The city-state has been a global pioneer in integrating technology into everyday life, from intelligent transport systems to smart energy grids and digital government services.
Today, we are going to look into Singapore’s Smart City evolution, what it has done so far, and what it is planning to do next.
How Singapore Transformed Into a Futuristic Smart City
As we all know, Singapore is an island city country. With water surrounding it by most of its coasts, the country has transformed into a futuristic smart city. This is done with careful planning and urban innovation, so much so that they have become global leaders in technological adoption, sustainable urban development, and enhanced quality of life.
To know all of that, we have to go back to how Singapore put down its foundation.
The Foundation, Vision, and Planning
Photo Credit: www.smartnation.gov.sg
Smart Nation Initiative 2014
Singapore’s smart city evolution started with the Smart Nation Initiative in 2014. It was backed up by utilizing technology in all sectors of the country. In return, the country promised a bitter quality of life, a boost in economic productivity, and a digitally connected and data-driven society.
This, in return, created sectors like IoT (Internet of Things), AI, and big data that fueled the country’s economy. At the same time, all public services and urban development were bonded by the tech-driven solution. One step closer to a future that Singapore likes to say, a tech-savvy nation.
Government Role
In all of the initiatives that are taken to create a smarter city and country, the Singapore government plays the most important role. With its forward-thinking approach and funding for all technological improvements, the government has always been on the side of evolution.
Institutions like the GovTech are driving digital transformation in public sectors and taking initiatives like the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group (SNDGG). This ensures the city is under a smart constitution and development plan all the way to its development goals.
Moreover, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) is another project the government handles public investment and partnership in smart city innovation. With all of these departments and organizations working side by side, the country is standing on a solid ground of improvement towards its goal.
Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)
Urban development on an island country is always difficult. That is why Singapore has the Urband Redevelopment Authority (URA) working on its landscaping development.
Focused on modernization but still keeping the green spaces and historical sites in place, the URA works simultaneously with its planning. They incorporate adaptive smart technologies to optimize land use, improve transportation networks, and a well-planned public housing system.
One of the most important things that URA does is look into future needs and blend in modern technology in all parts of the city. Intelligent buildings, smart grid systems, and urban mobility solutions are some of the efficient developments that everyone can experience at the moment.
Pillars of Singapore’s Smart City Evolution
Digital Infrastructure
Digital infrastructure is always the backbone of a country. Singapore has prioritized the expansion of its 5G networks throughout the country. This enables high-speed data transmission, which in return puts autonomous vehicles, AI-based services, and IoT applications to work.
Additionally, the high-speed network gives the private sector the ability to enable their business worldwide. In return, more business operations and connections are coming towards the country, opening up branches and even moving in.
Internet of Things (IoT)
If technology is the main thing that is in development, we cannot leave out the IoT development in Singapore. It is used in homes, offices, and security systems nationwide.
Even in public transportation, IoT sensors are in place to monitor buses and trains to keep the schedule and effectiveness at the top level.
The public sector also uses IoT to manage waste and smart bins and optimize waste management work routes by sending them real-time data. This cuts down on the carbon footprint of everyday gas emissions.
Data-Driven Governance
Data-driven governance also plays a crucial role in Singapore’s smart evolution. With big data and AI, the government keeps everything in order. Traffic management, predictive analytics in healthcare, and public safety are all regulated by this system.
This not only cuts down on time but also keeps everything organized in a shorter timeframe. Moreover, data sharing allows various government sectors to work closely together to provide people with seamless and efficient services.
Cybersecurity
With the digital infrastructure taking over all sectors of the country, data security is an important aspect to consider. The government didn’t back down one bit in establishing state-of-the-art cybersecurity policies after working with global tech farms.
This fortified their digital defenses like no other. The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore ensures that the country’s cyber network stays secure. At the same time, they are constantly monitoring the digital ecosystem and safeguarding against potential threats.
Smart Mobility and Transportation
Photo Credit: tripadvisor
Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous vehicles used to be a thought of the future a few years back. Singapore has its AVs roaming around today for its smart city plan. They are testing self-driving cars and buses in a controlled environment.
With the Land and Transport Authority collaborating with tech firms and research centers, the AVs are getting a push onto the streets soon. The Centre of Excellence for Testing and Research of AVs at Nanyang Technological University is breaking ground on it. Though in an early stage, Singapore aims to reduce traffic accidents, improve traffic and accessibility at the same time
Smart Traffic Systems
Managing traffic is always a problem for every country. Singapore optimizes its traffic by implementing AI and data analytics. This gives them an upper hand in monitoring the traffic in real-time and optimizing the flow.
Systems like Green Link Determining (GLIDE) work behind the scenes to adjust the traffic lights based on the road conditions. This cuts down on the waiting time and vehicle emissions.
Moreover, AI-powered surveillance and smart cameras help with congested roads, reroute traffic, and improve emergency response teams’ work.
Public Transport Innovations
Public transport has also got an upgrade. As one of the most efficient transport systems in Singapore, this transport has an e-payment system and real-time tracking apps. Services like EZ link card and mobile payment platforms like SimplyGo make payments easy and, most of all, cashless.
Tracking can also be done by MyTransport.SG or SG Buses. These update the accurate location of each bus and its schedules. So travelers can have a smoother journey with ease of mind.
Anyone can experience Singapore’s renowned public transport while visiting the country with a Tourist Card. It comes with free rides and everything. Visiting Singapore is also easy for any country. The Singapore eVisa can be applied online without any hassle anywhere in the world. Also, the fun part is that the eVisa is delivered to your email.
Sustainable Urban Development
Green Buildings
Nature and greenery to a sustainable environment. Singapore is committed to keeping its air clean by lowering carbon emissions and including green buildings in its new constructions.
The Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) Green Mark scheme includes an eco-friendly design before the building is even constructed. Focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, and environmental quality, the BCA has set a standard for new green building construction.
Up until now, Oasia Hotel Downtown and Marina One are some of the new green building designs that tourists and locals can witness. With its vertical gardens, solar panels, and other design improvements, it promotes energy saving and enhances the city’s green infrastructure.
Smart Energy Management
The smart evolution doesn’t stop with the green building initiative but also goes on to improve energy management. The Singapore Power Group is deploying smart grids that will allow the efficient distribution of energy and monitor consumption at the same time.
Moreover, Singapore aims to increase its adoption of solar energy. Projects like floating solar farms, solar panel-mounted buildings, and a quadrupling of its solar capacity by 2025 are in the works.
Water Management
Singapore is known for its clean and clear waterways. This is due to the desalination plants and NEWater technology put in play, recycling wastewater into drinkable water.
The Public Utilities Board has also implemented a smart water grid with IoT sensors to monitor water quality in different areas and detect any damage and leaks. A rainwater collection and recycling system is also in place for water reservation and distribution.
Enhancing Quality of Life through Technology
Smart Healthcare
Singapore’s healthcare system is one of the top-ranking in the world. Its telemedicine platform allows patients to consult doctors from anywhere, anytime, while wearable trackers keep their information up to date.
Hospitals also use different AI-driven diagnostic tools to improve accuracy. Medical equipment has also been developed to make operations more efficient and less time-consuming, which is why Singapore is one of the top healthcare hubs in Asia.
Aging Population Solutions
There is a huge elderly population in Singapore. With their needs in mind, Singapore has introduced robotic assistance in homes for their daily ask and medical needs. Smart home sensors can detect any health emergency and falls, alerting caregivers right away.
Families living apart can check on their loved ones anytime and stay updated with the Smart Elderly Monitoring and Alert System. This gives them an ease of mind.
Education and Skills Development
Education is always a key to creating an intelligent next generation. Singapore has implemented an AI-powered learning system as well as E-learning platforms to provide a personalized learning experience. This gives each student to learn at their own pace and style whenever they want.
Other initiatives like SkillsFuture are in place to equip citizens with different skills, such as digital literacy and other fields of work, to join the Singapore workforce.
Conclusion
Up until now, coming from planning in 2014, Singapore has come a long way in turning its island nation into a smart city. Driven by technology, sustainable urban development and planning, and integrating digital infrastructure, the country is one of the most modern cities in Asia, more so in the whole world.
From smart mobility solutions to data-driven governance and public sectors, Singapore is a global leader and a role model for other countries that are thinking about urban forward technological advancement. Any traveler visiting can experience all of these just by setting off their airplane or ship. We encourage you to experience all the Smart City Evolution that Singapore has taken so far, and also let us know what you liked and disliked.
