Singapore plans to build high-tech “smart” nation

Global Business

Singapore may a small nation, but it has always been a pioneer in urbanization. As its population has grown larger and older, the country is seeking its next growth momentum through innovation and technology. CCTV America’s Miro Lu reported this story from Singapore.

A 3D model of Singapore has given users more than just a virtual stroll. It contains detailed information about Singapore’s physical landscape and structures. When a user hovers over a particular building, all sorts of data, including its building materials, energy consumption, and even the number of parking lots are available.

The Virtual Singapore project cost 73 million Singapore dollars, or $58 million. When completed, it will be a 3D platform that can be used by public, private, and research sectors. The team behind the project said it is unprecedented to build such a data-rich 3D model on a national scale. Singapore is the first country in the world to create a national project like this and the city-state has vowed to become a “smart” nation.

“So the idea is by bringing all these community together, we can build great services and capabilities for citizens. We have aging population and we have urban density, which are challenges shared by many different countries. Smart Nation is one way we intend to work on those challenges,” Steve Leonard, executive deputy chairman at Infocomm development authority of Singapore said.

The key areas Singapore has focused on are transportation and health care. Apart from a number of applications that have been launched to help citizens to better navigate their journeys on the road, autonomous vehicles are also on the agenda.

The Singapore government has allocated $10 million this year to build these learning labs. The labs are anticipated to include 3D printers and laser cutters that allow creators to build prototypes, test-bed ideas, and speed up the development of their innovation.

With over a quarter of its population over the age of 65 in 2020, Singapore is also eagerly looking into alternatives to better serve its citizens’ health care needs.