Page 36 - Implementing ITU-T International Standards to Shape Smart Sustainable Cities: The Case of Singapore

Implementing ITU-T International Standards to Shape Smart Sustainable Cities –
The Case of Singapore

 Digital Participation Initiative: This initiative consists of a series of programmes designed
to encourage digital participation amongst Singaporeans by equipping them with
computational thinking and making skills that enable them to engage meaningfully in a
digitised lifestyle and allow them to seize the benefits and opportunities afforded by
digital technologies.
 Better Internet Campaign: This is an annual campaign that seeks to raise awareness and
educate online users on safe, civil and responsible online conduct.
 Citizen Connect Centres (CCCs): This is a network 27 of centres island-wide aimed at
citizens who do not have a computer or internet access and need help to transact
electronically with the government. It offers free access to the internet, with staff on-
hand to help citizens and residents access the eCitizen Portal and perform online
transactions.

3.5. Quality of life

The fifth dimension of ITU SSC KPIs measures and provides guidance on how to improve quality
of life across education, health and safety.
Singapore acknowledges that a smart city requires citizens who have the ICT skills to build and
use the smart city’s functionalities. To make sure that citizens may fully benefit from the smart
city tools, and use them, Singapore has created multiple initiatives, including a digital skills
upgrading programme under the national SkillsFuture movement.
SkillsFuture can be described as a national movement that provides residents with the
opportunity to hone their skills and realize their potential throughout their life. This movement
is expected to enhance the skills, passion and contributions of every individual towards the next
phase of development of an advanced economy and inclusive society. The city-state has
partnered with educators such as the General Assembly to help equip people with workplace-
ready ICT skills at all levels of education. Another of these initiatives is the Smart Nation
Fellowship Programme, which invites experienced data scientists and engineers in Singapore or
overseas to work with the government on short-term projects and create innovative solutions
to solve national challenges.
SkillsFuture ensures a healthy channel for ICT skills and programmes including MyResponder
and Elderly Patient Monitoring, which enable faster response times for health-care services.
Designated websites also allow Singaporeans to access medical information in real time for
themselves and their families.

Figure 6 – NLB mobile application

As important as a digitally literate citizenry is a dedication to ensure that
future generations are enabled to participate fully in the new digital
economy. A key measure of this are KPIs that relate to the use of ICTs
within schools, which is fully implemented within all Singaporean schools.
To further enhance education and literacy, Singaporeans can connect with
library resources from their mobile devices. The NLB mobile application
enables users to borrow library books or eBooks, save titles, browse and
reserve spaces in library programmes, explore curated recommendations,
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share their favourite books and make payments online.

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Smart Nation Singapore, 2016.

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