STATEMENT BY MS RACHEL CHEN, DELEGATE TO THE 73RD SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, ON AGENDA ITEM 17: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, SECOND COMMITTEE, 19 OCTOBER 2018

Thank you, Madam Chair.

1            Singapore aligns itself with the statements made by Egypt on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, and the Maldives on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

Madam Chair,

2            Digital technology has immense potential to change our lives for the better. We have progressed from widespread mobile internet connectivity to big data analytics, Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things. The way we live, work, play and learn is becoming ever more convenient and connected as a result of digital technologies.

3            Singapore believes that these new and emerging technologies pave the way to a better future for everyone. Our vision of Singapore as a Smart Nation is one in which “people will be more empowered to live meaningful and fulfilled lives, enabled seamlessly by technology, offering exciting opportunities for all.” To attain this vision, Singapore is building a digital government, growing the digital economy, and, most importantly, forging a cohesive and inclusive digital society.

4            First, building a digital government. To harness the power of technology, we invest in our digital government infrastructure. Singapore released our Digital Government Blueprint in 2018, outlining the use of technology in facilitating the delivery of Government services.  For example, we have a Moments of Life initiative that aims to deliver in one application all the government services, schemes and information that Singaporeans need at each phase of life. We have started with families – today, parents with children aged 6 and below can use a one-stop application to register births, search for preschools using geo-location technology, and access their children’s medical records. Such initiatives do not just facilitate workflows, but also address Singaporeans’ needs and improve their quality of life.

5            Second, growing the digital economy. To build a Smart Nation, we also invest in businesses and ideas. Under a national ICT Industry Transformation Roadmap, the Singapore Government introduced the SMEs Go Digital programme to help Small and Medium Enterprises (or SMEs) build digital capabilities.  Around 1,000 SMEs have benefitted from this initiative since its launch in 2017. Singapore also has a SkillsFuture programme that promotes lifelong learning, upskilling and reskilling for all, especially those at risk of being displaced from technological change. Under this banner, the TechSkills Accelerator programme (or TeSA) aims specifically to develop tech professionals with core ICT skills. Over 39,000 training places have been taken up or committed in this initiative since its launch in 2016. By recognising and building talent with such programmes, we can enable the entire ecosystem to thrive and grow in a sustainable way.

6            Thirdly, and most importantly, forging a digital society. Every nation is facing the challenge of a new divide – the divide between the digital haves and have-nots. To ensure that nobody is left behind, we have to invest in our people. Singapore wants to ensure that our people have the access, literacy skills, and confidence to use digital technologies in everyday life. That is why we launched our Digital Readiness Blueprint in 2018, with recommendations from businesses, community leaders and the Government. We will partner businesses to develop more programmes for digital inclusion. We will also encourage ground-up initiatives and grassroots programmes. Singapore’s digital inclusion programmes also include the provision of subsidised broadband access to low-income households, assistive technology support for people with disabilities, and public education programmes to build information and media literacy for all. It is our hope that every Singaporean will be empowered to seize the benefits and opportunities of technology to improve their quality of life.

Madam Chair,

7            Societies anxious about technological change will no doubt point to job displacements, an increasing incidence of cyber threats, and social upheaval caused by algorithms. But history has proven that we are by no means unequipped to handle the challenges of technology, and can in fact turn them into opportunities. As long as we believe in our ability to use technology for good, I have no doubt that we can achieve sustainable and inclusive growth. Singapore stands ready to do its part in our collective effort to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

8            I thank you.

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