Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative, launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI), is a whole-of-nation effort to create a thriving digital future for all. The vision is to build better, meaningful and fulfilled lives for Singaporeans through seamless technology integration.
Over the years, digital technologies have become central to how people live, work and play, offering new opportunities while also presenting challenges to individual well-being and social harmony. In 2024, Smart Nation 2.0 was introduced, shifting the focus from building capabilities to using technology more effectively to transform Singapore’s future.
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong highlighted the importance of embracing rapid iteration and bold innovation, learning from setbacks and continuously adapting approaches to drive progress in the nation’s Smart Nation journey.
Smart Nation 2.0 is guided by three core goals: Trust, Growth and Community. These goals shape how technology is applied to enhance citizens’ lives and reflect feedback gathered from the public through surveys and research.
The initiative’s strategies are designed to evolve alongside technological advancements, with close consultation with citizens and businesses ensuring that Singapore remains responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities.
Singapore’s journey toward a Smart Nation has been marked by several key milestones. From the installation of the first mainframe computer at the Central Provident Fund Board in 1963 to the establishment of the National Computer Board in 1981, Singapore steadily built its digital foundations.
Initiatives such as the nationwide broadband network Singapore ONE, the Infocomm 21 Master Plan and the launch of Singpass further strengthened digital infrastructure and accessibility.
The Smart Nation vision formally began in 2014 with the creation of the Smart Nation Programme Office, followed by GovTech in 2016 and the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office in 2017. Innovations like PayNow, the National AI Strategies and the formation of the Ministry of Digital and Information in 2023 have advanced digital adoption nationwide.
Singapore’s progress has been reflected in global recognition and measurable achievements. The country consistently ranks highly in the IMD Smart City Index, IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, WIPO Global Innovation Index and Global Startup Ecosystem Index.
Singapore was also named Smart City of 2018 at the Smart City Expo World Congress for its clear strategy, nationwide digital initiatives and citizen-centric approach. Citizen and business satisfaction with digital services reached 83% in 2023, reflecting the impact and effectiveness of Singapore’s Smart Nation initiatives.
Digital adoption is widespread: 99% of government transactions can be completed online, 99% of households have internet access and 95% of SMEs have adopted at least one digital technology across nine key categories.
In a forward-looking move, Singapore has planned an upgrade of its Nationwide Broadband Network (NBN) to the 10G era, with SG$100 million invested by IMDA. By 2028, this upgraded NBN will deliver ultra-fast, reliable connectivity to over half a million households.
The enhanced network will support advanced technologies such as AI, immersive digital experiences and autonomous devices. Building on past digital infrastructure achievements, this initiative underscores Singapore’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of the global digital economy.
Singapore has launched its Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 (RIE2030) Plan, committing SG$37 billion over five years to advance AI, semiconductors, health and Smart Nation technologies. It deepens research capabilities, strengthens talent, drives high-impact innovation and advances the nation’s long-term economic and strategic priorities.
The plan introduces Flagships and Grand Challenges to drive sector-focused innovation, talent development and international collaboration, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a global research and innovation hub.
With these future-focused efforts, Singapore is strengthening accessibility, inclusivity and competitiveness to ensure the nation remains a global leader in digital transformation while creating meaningful opportunities for all.
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Dieser Artikel ist neu veröffentlicht von / This article is republished from: Open Gov Asia, 25.12.2025
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