Smart Nation isn’t all about technology, but how well S’pore uses it

The commentary “Inclusivity the key to success of cashless drive” (Aug 31) provides a good history of Singapore’s journey to become a cashless society and the challenges to be encountered in our latest drive.

With determination and resources, these challenges can be managed, and Singapore will be on the way to achieving the vision of a cashless society.

While electronic payment and e-identification are important, we should approach these in the context of the narrative that a smart nation is not measured against how advanced the technologies are, but how well a society uses them.

In short, technologies are useful if they can solve problems on the ground and address our existential challenges, for example our status as the regional aviation, transshipment, educational, medical and financial centre.

Today, threats to these hubs are growing as billions are poured into infrastructure-building in our neighbouring countries, especially under the Belt and Road Initiative.

To prepare for this, the public sector is upgrading our port, airport and other infrastructure while deploying technology to improve customer service and productivity, such as robotic cleaners and self-service counters.

Corporations in the private sector also sense the urgency and are digitalising in a big way to stay ahead of the competition, especially in the banking, transport and telecommunications industries. Together, these initiatives can help add to our competitiveness.

But not only should this smartness be displayed in key facilities or cyberspace in the form of e-payments, it must also be experienced personally on the ground. For example, traffic crossings with the ability to adjust waiting times in response to road conditions, or to alert pedestrians to an oncoming vehicle, can be installed.

In the environmental area, dustbins that could reposition or empty themselves can be used. Robotic cleaners can be used to maintain cleanliness of the streets and canals round the clock.

In business, technology can facilitate workforce optimisation and transaction processes, track customer relationships or rank leads. In employment, our Jobs Bank portal can be more intelligent and integrated with the work permit system.

In this way, jobseekers and employers can be alerted to job openings and potential candidates while permit applications are being entered.

There are many potential areas where technology can be applied to solve problems. If implemented properly, such technologies have the potential to position Singapore as a smart, green and efficient nation and to benefit businesses and the population.

This is critical because our citizens, not the technologies, are at the heart of this Smart Nation vision.