STATEMENT BY MR YE YONGFENG, DELEGATE TO THE 71ST SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 16, ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES FOR DEVELOPMENT, SECOND COMMITTEE, 13 OCTOBER 2016

Thank you, Mr Chairman.

1        Singapore aligns itself with the statements made by Thailand on behalf of the Group of 77 and China; the Maldives on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island Developing States (AOSIS); and Brunei Darussalam on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).  I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for the report on this agenda item.

Mr Chairman,

2        Advancements in science, technology and innovation are forcing us to move beyond our comfort zones and changing the way we live, work, consume and create.  Rapid digitalisation of industries is creating a digital economy, which is redefining the rules of competition globally.  

3        Increasing digitalisation brings with it serious challenges.  These include the disruption of existing business models; job displacement from automation; cyber threats and attacks which threaten to disrupt our networks, and digital exclusion, where those with less access to technology risk being left behind.  However, the digital economy will also create many new jobs and opportunities for businesses and individuals.  Studies show that the digital economy could contribute US$2 trillion of additional economic output by 2020.  Leveraging the digital economy will thus be essential to achieving sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Mr Chairman,

4        The Singapore Government announced the Committee on the Future Economy (CFE) in October 2015 to develop economic strategies for Singapore to be a vibrant and resilient economy with sustainable growth that creates value and opportunities for all.  The CFE is expected to complete its work by end of this year, but allow me to elaborate on three areas where we can leverage on the digital economy to do development better.

5        First, we need to support businesses to adopt new technologies and transform business models to enhance competitiveness at home and abroad.  In Singapore, the government introduced the Automation Support Package this year, which will help companies adopt robotic solutions that improve their productivity and processes.  Such measures can encourage businesses to embrace new technologies which they would otherwise shun, and thereby lift overall productivity levels.  

6        Second, governments can and should do more to support their people to seize new and exciting job opportunities.  This requires collaboration with other stakeholders to develop digital talent. In Singapore, the government recognises the value of life-long learning and has launched “SkillsFuture” to help Singaporeans pursue their fields of strength at all stages of their lives by up-skilling and re-skilling, including workplace-ready ICT skills.  The TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) programme, launched this year under SkillsFuture, helps fresh and mid-career ICT professionals to develop core ICT skills and business sector-specific skills.  We also continue to invest in our youth, through programmes such as Code@SG, which introduces coding and computational thinking to more students in schools.

7        Third, we need to gather and use data more effectively to improve the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the provision of public services.   Geospatial technologies can help governments and users solve social, economic and environmental challenges.  For example, Singapore has developed an integrated map system – called OneMap Singapore – for government agencies to deliver location-based services and information to the public.  It is also used by the private sector and the community to create other value-added services.  The Land Transport Authority in Singapore currently uses data analytics to improve the commuting experience by analysing commuter travel patterns and identifying commuter hotspots to manage bus fleets.  We also use geospatial technologies and data to monitor and control flooding, provide healthcare outreach and patient services, and improve municipal services.  We are thus better able to respond to the needs of our citizens.   

Mr Chairman,

8        Even as Singapore positions itself to adapt to the future economy, we are committed to helping other developing countries do the same, by providing relevant technical assistance through the Singapore Cooperation Programme. 

Mr Chairman,

9        The global economy will increasingly be defined by digital flows and technologies.  We must be ready to respond and adapt, and to seize new opportunities, if we are to achieve the sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth required for sustainable development.  Stronger collaboration between all stakeholders – businesses, workers, governments and others – will be key to our future success.  Singapore stands ready to do our part.

10        I thank you, Mr Chairman.  

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