Security is priority for a smart nation
Use Singapore as test bed for new technology. That was the invitation Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister-in-charge of the Smart Nation Initiative, gave to the packed room of 550 travel professionals and technology entrepreneurs attending the opening of WIT 2015 yesterday.
Referring to Singapore as an ideal launch pad for technology, the minister added, “If it takes off with the sophisticated and experienced Singaporeans, it will likely work with anyone in the world,” said Dr Balakrishnan.
Statistics from the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore reveal a high rate of mobile penetration, with over 75% of Singapore residents on 3G. Earlier this year, Deloitte released a survey that put Singaporeans on the top of a global league for mobile phone usage, with nine out of 10 respondents having access to a smartphone.
“We may not be Silicon valley,” a government site reads, “but Singapore has built a good ecosystem that embodies a thriving entrepreneurial culture even as we encourage experimentation.”
One particular area that interests him as Singapore’s newly minted Minister for Foreign Affairs is security. One of the biggest challenges, he said, is to retain the ease of modern travel whilst preserving security in the midst of threats of terrorism. Therefore, ideas or products that can guarantee freedom of movement while mitigating risk would be most welcome, he pointed out.
(From left to right) Irene Chua, group publisher, Travel Weekly Asia; Robert G. Sullivan, president of the travel group, Northstar Travel Media; Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs & Minister-in-charge of Smart Nation Initiative; Yeoh Siew Hoon, founder WIT, Tom Kemp, chairman and chief executive officer, Northstar Travel Media, Alicia Evanko, senior vice president, events and tradeshows, Northstar Travel Media
Singapore has set its sights on becoming the world’s first ‘smart nation’, an initiative that emphasizes a people-centric approach to technology and innovation.
In his keynote speech, Dr Balakrishnan stressed that the Smart Nation initiative is not so much about technology but more about improving the quality of life for Singapore residents, enhancing the experience of travel, and creating jobs and business opportunities.
Behind the jargon is a concerted effort by the country to invest in high technology infrastructure and implement policies that span the breadth of life in Singapore: from transport, to travel, to housing.
The minister also highlighted one vital element that ensures the island state remains at the forefront of travel: a liberal aviation policy.
Liberalising air travel, said Dr Balakrishnan, is key to ensuring the country’s competitiveness. “Millions of passengers flow through Changi (Airport) every year,” he said. “We intend to be a major travel hub for decades to come.”
The minister added the government “continues to push for liberalised air travel. We believe the interests of the surrounding industry trumps the interest of state-run airlines.”
Summing up its approach, he said, “Open it up, create choice.”
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