New initiatives to enhance use of technology for a Smart Nation

SINGAPORE — With an eye to becoming a Smart Nation, several new initiatives and apps are being developed to enhance the use of technology in life, work and play in the Republic.

One such initiative is the Infocomm Development Authority’s Smart Nation Platform (SNP), which enables citizens, businesses and government agencies to leverage technology in a Smart Nation. This will involve improving connectivity, such as by building more infrastructure for better access to fibre optics and deploying a system to better collect real-time data to serve citizens.

The first phase of the SNP is expected to be available by next year.

Other apps exhibited yesterday at the Smart Nation Booth at ITE College Central, where the National Day Rally was held, included the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) MyTransport.SG mobile, which provides users with information on bus arrivals, available car parks and traffic conditions on roads. With the LTA’s new business intelligence platform — Planning for Land Transport Network (PLANET) — commuters can also enjoy a better travel experience.

The Housing and Development Board’s Smart Elderly Monitoring and Alert System will allow for non-intrusive, regular monitoring of elderly who live alone, so caregivers can better respond during emergencies.

Patients using tele-rehabilitation, a National University of Singapore and National University Health System initiative, will be able to perform supervised rehabilitation exercises from home. This potentially alleviates stress and inconvenience suffered by caregivers and patients who would otherwise have to travel to rehab centres.

Through myENV, a mobile app developed by the National Environment Agency, users can access key types of environmental information, such as rainfall and Pollutant Standards Index levels, in real time. Users can also quickly access environmental guidelines, such as advice on construction noise, as well as provide immediate feedback on environmental issues such as littering.

Additionally, the police showcased its Police Camera (PolCam) project and its revamped Neighbourhood Police Post (NPP). PolCam collects video footage to assist in investigative work, while the revamped NPPs will give citizens round-the-clock access to automated police services and allow police officers to be redeployed from desk-bound duties in a more strategic and targeted way. LOUISA TANG