Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has launched a series of initiatives to accelerate the so-called ‘digital economy’. IMDA and the National Research Foundation (NRF) plan to invest SGD 40 million to build a 5G Innovation ecosystem. This will support 5G technology trials for enterprise use-cases; the creation of new open testbeds; as well as R&D in 5G, including cybersecurity services. IMDA plans to initially explore clusters such as maritime operations; urban mobility; smart estates; Industry 4.0, consumer applications and government applications.
According to IMDA, industry partnerships are already underway. A technology call by IMDA and PSA have been awarded to mobile operators Singtel and M1, to explore the use of 5G technology for the Maritime industry. This technology call aims to explore to explore 5G capabilities, and how it could potentially address PSA’s connectivity needs to enhance port productivity. Trials will be conducted at the PSA Living Lab in Pasir Panjang Terminal startimg with the third quarter, and will last for 18 months.
A*STAR, JTC and Singtel have signed a memorandum of understanding to deploy 5G at A*STAR’s Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC) in Jurong Innovation District, to integrate 5G with IoT and AI, to enable businesses to develop manufacturing services.
IMDA has also announced it is working with government agencies and industry partners to develop the Smart Estates ecosystem and enable Singapore developers, Singapore-based technology companies and Built Environment service providers to innovate in Singapore.
IMDA has awarded SGD 1.5 million for eight projects for the Smart Estates Call for Innovation Solutions (CFIS) with Ascendas-Singbridge and JTC. These projects include the use of 3D Digital Twin technology, and a cloud-based platform to enable quick searches for assets through a visual tour.
IMDA has also launched a public consultation to seek views on its review of the Electronic Transactions Act (ETA). The review is expected to enable more transactions under the ETA, including property transactions, wills, and Lasting Powers of Attorney; and provide certainty on the use of new technologies such as DLT, Smart Contracts and Biometrics; as well as update its Certification Authority framework.
IMDA also launched the second round of public consultations on 5G mobile services and networks in May. The IMDA seeks comments on the appropriate regulatory frameworks and policies for 5G. IMDA plans to use the feedback received in this second round to guide Singapore’s 5G network rollout by 2020, as well as identify new 5G applications and services to be developed for Singapore.
