Harnessing ICTs for Efficient and Innovative Development in Smart Nation Singapore
Region
Southeast Asia
Values of Worthwhile Development
Well-Being
Agency and Empowerment Environmental Sustainability
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 4
SDG 7
SDG 11
Keywords
E-Government
Smart Nation
ICTs
Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 4: Quality Education – One of the ways the case study introduces Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is by highlighting and building on previous ICT development efforts within the education sector, leading to new learning opportunities.
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The case study provides findings related to how ICT development has promoted and supported the adoption of clean technologies and energy for citizens in developing countries.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – This SDG is the case study’s primary focus, which revolves around how ICTs can impact cities and communities in developing smart nations.
Description
This case study examines why the implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is considered a necessary initiative for empowering citizens and overcoming resource constraints, some of the main aspects of a Smart Nation. This study builds upon Singapore’s Smart Nation Initiative program, a strategic plan designed to harness ICTs to address social, political, and economic challenges, including urbanization, population density, and energy sustainability. Leveraging technology to enhance overall quality of life, create opportunities, and foster stronger communities, the program aims to automate and streamline processes, improve well-being, and boost global competitiveness. The Singaporean government launched multiple projects under this initiative to transform into a Smart Nation, intending to make information in common processes more accessible for citizens and strengthen the government-citizen relationship. The significance of this case study lies in its potential to offer insights applicable to other nations seeking to improve citizen well-being and government efficiency. The impacts of implementing smart technology in Singapore have been substantial, with increased accessibility to resources, improved economic and social conditions, and 99% digitization of E-Government services leading to greater citizen and business satisfaction and enhanced accessibility to these services.
Lessons Learned
A lesson learned is the importance of integrating technology to enhance well-being. In many regions, implementing ICTs made services and processes more sustainable, accessible, and efficient. Especially with Singapore’s Smart City initiative program, it was demonstrated that a comprehensive approach towards technology integration can positively impact the well-being of individuals and help achieve broader developmental goals.
Case Study Evaluation using Project Evaluation Tool
Adequate
An average score of 3.7 across the 3 values of worthwhile development
Well-Being
The project reveals that ICT implementation in areas like Singapore has improved citizens’ quality of life by enhancing healthcare applications, urban e-services, and addressing resource constraints, leading to increased well-being and satisfaction.
Agency and Empowerment
The project focuses on empowering citizens through the distribution of e-government services, demonstrating how this can strengthen the relationship between citizens and their government.
Environmental Sustainability
This project did not directly improve environmental sustainability, but did bring in information on the impact of implementing eco-friendly technologies to address carbon emissions, and the promotion of sustainable practices.