Lecture Notes: Singapore's Smart Nation Vision

Introduction

• Transformation Journey: Singapore evolved from a British colonial trading port to a first-world economy in over 50 years.
• Current Vision: Transitioning into the world's first smart nation under the mandate of Prime Minister Lee Lung.

Singapore: A Thriving Metropolis

• Over 5.5 million residents in one of the densest cities globally.
• Economic powerhouse with a thriving port.
• Faces urban challenges despite economic success.

Becoming a Smart Nation

• Key Objective: Utilize data systems to solve urban issues.
• Challenges: Ensure technology benefits all societal levels.
• Civic Hacking: Community-driven solutions can have significant impacts.

Virtual Singapore

• Investment: $52 million in Virtual Singapore, a digital twin of the physical city.
• Uses: Disaster planning, urban development, integrating technologies like automated cars.

Data Systems and Public Services

• Public Portal: data.gov.sg provides solutions to improve life quality.
• Practical Initiatives: e.g., freeing up hospital beds.

Collaboration with Private Sectors

• Example: Japanese company Fujitsu working on transport data for apps rewarding off-peak travel.
• City Monitoring: Software for smart surveillance with recognition technologies.

Infrastructure and Education

• High mobile penetration and internet access.
• Strong institutions in STEM fields.

Planning and Development

• Responsive City vs. Smart City:
  • Emphasizes bottom-up planning and community engagement.
  • Singapore as a "responsive city" involves citizens directly.

Urban Developments: Tangga Forest Town

• Smart Features: Integrated environmental modeling, energy-efficient lighting.
• Goals: Enhance livability, reduce urban heat.

Future Cities Laboratory

• Collaboration: With Swiss University ETH Zurich.
• Virtual Reality Planning: "Bike to the Future" for public engagement in urban planning.
• Augmented Drawing: Integration of data for holistic urban design.

Education and Technology

• Training for Future: Emphasis on coding, computational thinking, problem-solving.
• Immersive Learning: Using virtual reality for practical skills training.

Conclusion

• Smart Nation Concept: Encompasses the entire population, not just city centers.
• Global Influence: Singapore as a living lab, knowledge export for global smart city development.