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From bringing students on virtual excursions and training junior doctors to respond to emergency cases using virtual reality (VR) technology, to rolling out “smart” cleaning and surveillance robots in shopping malls: These are some of the ideas the new Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) has on the drawing board.

The goal: Drive a digital transformation to power Singapore’s economy.

The IMDA is the result of a merger — announced earlier — between the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) and the Media Development Authority (MDA).

Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim, who launched the new statutory board on Friday (Sept 30), said it will help local companies, especially start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises, to seize opportunities in the digital economy.

Citing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s National Day Rally speech, which referred to the digital disruption as the “biggest economic change” that the Republic must adapt to, Dr Yaacob said: “I know this is challenging for companies and workers. But Singapore is well-placed to thrive in this digital economy ... IMDA will not confine its efforts to the infocomm and media sector, but work on every sector which can benefit from using infocomm and media better.”

For instance, Social Studies classes in schools could entail virtual excursions to historical and cultural sites around the island. VR technology could also be used to train junior doctors to respond to critical situations.

The IMDA’s Enhanced iSprint scheme will also support malls in their use of smart technologies to automate tasks such as cleaning, landscaping and security. Ways to reduce truck delivery times to malls is one idea. CapitaLand is involved in such a project, where logistics companies can book timeslots for deliveries using a queue management system, to cut waiting time by up to 70 per cent.

To streamline support for budding companies, grants will also be reviewed.

The IMDA, which also cover the regulatory functions of the IDA, MDA and the Personal Data Protection Commission, will also streamline regulations and ensure that they keep pace with the digital age. It plans to facilitate more “regulatory sandboxes” where rules are relaxed to allow experimentation with new technologies and concepts.

The IMDA also wants to built a digitally inclusive society by improving digital literacy and access.

There will be a new programme that will teach basic Internet surfing skills to the elderly, lower-income and the less mobile.

Beneficiaries will also learn how to use tablets and mobile applications for social networking and e-government services. Those who have difficulties moving around can request for training sessions to be conducted in their homes.

Three social service organisations — TOUCH Community Services, Chinese Development Assistance Council and the Lions Befrienders Service Association — will run the programme, which is funded by the Care & Share Movement.

The IMDA is also working with non-profit organisations to improve healthcare at homes and in the community using technology.

The Good Life Co-operative Ltd, for instance, is developing a health monitoring kiosk where a resident can take his weight, blood pressure readings and other vital signs.

SATA CommHealth will issue devices to 60 patients in the Chai Chee area that will allow tele-monitoring of their vital signs like blood pressure, pulse rate and blood glucose level. If successful, this will also be used by clinicians at SATA’s six clinics around Singapore.

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Autor(en)/Author(s): Kelly Ng

Quelle/Source: TODAYonline, 30.09.2016

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