Page 15 - Connecting the Future How Connectivity and AI Unlock New Potential

Connecting the Future: How Connectivity and AI Unlock New Potential

path to multiple data centers and clouds with a single network, saving close to 60% of costs with
a modern network architecture delivering higher speeds. 35

1�2�9 Digital Public Infrastructure

Another foundational element for AI’s success is the development of strong digital public infrastruc-
ture (DPI), which ensures reliable connectivity and secure and efficient data exchanges. In addition
to the physical components, elements like digital identities play an increasing role in advancing
connectivity. DPI encompasses the digitalization of public and private services on a common infra-
structure, from government functions to personal finance. While physical components comprise
most networking infrastructure, application speed and performance also rely heavily on software.
In an increasingly interconnected society dependent on the Internet, DPI facilitates individual online
user needs for identification/ authentication, payments, and data exchanges. 36

Cisco’s Investment in Singapore’s Public Safety Technologies
37

In 2024, Cisco signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Home Team
Science and Technology Agency (HTX) of Singapore to pilot next-generation technolo-
gies that enhance homeland security operations. The partnership supports Singapore’s
broader Smart Nation and digital security goals by testing and deploying 5G, edge
computing, and AI solutions across key public safety scenarios. The public-private part-
nership is grounded in Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program and focuses
on three areas:
1� Next-Generation Incident Response: Leveraging 5G and edge AI to enable real-time
decision-making in emergency environments, including through rapid data analysis
and remote support.
2� Enhanced Mobile Operations: Exploring mobile 5G connectivity to support HTX field
teams with high-speed, secure communications.
3� Smart Facilities Management: Piloting AI and IoT-powered infrastructure for predictive
maintenance and real-time operational awareness in homeland security facilities.

Governments bear the primary responsibility for crafting and implementing effective DPI, whose
success hinges on both technical and policy design. Leveraging private sector experience, govern-
ments should employ software that is secure, interoperable, open, and accessible. Simultaneously,
policymakers should build trust with potential users by employing clear public oversight mecha-
nisms while providing sufficient data and privacy protections. Concerns of government overreach
have handicapped some DPI efforts, and effective DPI cases like that in Estonia are those built
upon transparency and privacy. 38

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