Latest news with #SingPass
AsiaOne
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Little red dot, big bold ideas: 60 Singapore innovations shaping our future, Lifestyle News
When it comes to embracing new tech, our Little Red Dot isn't just keeping up with the future — we're zooming ahead. Case in point: Punggol's set to roll out self-driving buses later this year, just one of many home-grown innovations shaping the way we live, work, and play. To commemorate Singapore's milestone 60th birthday, here are 60 Singapore innovations that are making the future feel a little closer to home. Tech & Digital Innovations 1. Creative Sound Blaster (1989) Michael Jackson at the Creative Booth in Las Vegas. PHOTO: FACEBOOK/@Creative Singapore Designed by Singapore's Creative Technology, the Sound Blaster became the de facto standard for consumer audio on computers — even Michael Jackson was impressed! 2. DBS internet banking first in the region (1997) In 1997, DBS became the first bank in the region to offer full internet banking, years before mobile apps were even a thing. It let users check balances and transfer money from the comfort of home. 3. Thumbdrive (2000) Invented by Trek 2000 founder Henn Tan, the ThumbDrive revolutionised data storage by making floppy disks obsolete. With its compact design and USB plug-and-play convenience, it quickly became a global must-have. 4. SingPass (2003) SingPass started in 2003 as a simple Government login system, but it's now our digital key to 2,000+ Government services from taxes to CPF. 5. Wireless@SG (2006) Launched in December 2006, Wireless@SG set up free Wi-Fi across public spaces such as train stations, libraries, and malls, long before everyone carried smartphones. 6. X-mini (2007) Everyone had (or knew someone who had) an X-mini. The tiny, thumping speaker perfect for camps, chalets, or noisy MRT rides. You could even daisy-chain them together for DIY surround sound. 7. Carousell (2012) Started in a school hall in 2012, Carousell became the go-to app for second-hand everything from sneakers to sofas. It helped declutter homes and launched countless side hustles. 8. Secretlab Gaming Chair (2015) Designed in Singapore for serious gamers, Secretlab chairs boast plush cushions, elite astronaut‑approved designs, and even collabs with Marvel and Batman. They ship worldwide and dominate esports arenas from Southeast Asia to Seoul. 9. Popsical (2016) Popsical took the big, clunky karaoke system and shrank it into a palm-sized party starter. It was founded in Singapore by three karaoke enthusiasts. 10. PayNow (2017) Introduced on July 10, 2017, PayNow lets us send and receive money instantly using just a phone number or NRIC. 11. SGQR (2018) Launched in 2018, SGQR unified the messy world of digital payments by combining multiple QR payment systems into one. Now hawker stalls don't need to plaster 10 different codes, just one neat SGQR. Paying for kopi has never been so high-tech. 12. SimplyGo (2019) SimplyGo lets you tap in and out of public transport using a credit or debit card, no need for top-ups or separate fare cards. Introduced in 2019, it made commuting, well, just tap and go lor. 13. TraceTogether app and token (2020) Launched in 2020, the TraceTogether app and token helped Singapore track and contain Covid-19 through Bluetooth contact tracing. It was one of the first national-scale systems of its kind. 14. Digital banks (2022) Digital banks like Trust and GXS operate entirely online — no physical branches, just apps and easy access. They're designed for the digital-first generation who'd rather tap than queue. 15. Digital-only birth certificates (2022) In 2022, Singapore stopped issuing physical birth certs. Newborns now get their documentation 100 per cent digital. 16. Remote-controlled grass-cutting robots (2023) NParks uses robots made by Singapore company Weston Robot that can mow huge lawns on their own (okay, with a little human remote-controlled help lah). 17. Wok A.I. (2024) Ever seen a robot cook Hokkien mee? "Wok-A.I." at Margaret Drive uses robotic arms and sensors to stir up noodles like a pro. Healthcare & Biomedical 18. Biopolis (2003) Singapore's Biopolis opened on Oct 29, 2003 as a high-tech biomedical research hub for scientists, startups, and global companies. It was a bold bet to anchor Singapore's status as a science and innovation hotspot. 19. Project Wolbachia (2016) Started in 2016, Project Wolbachia involves releasing male mosquitoes infected with special bacteria to stop dengue-carrying Aedes mozzies from breeding — basically, a mozzie birth-0control programme. 20. Telehealth (2017) Singapore's telehealth platforms started in 2017 but really became essential during Covid when seeing a doctor meant logging in, not queueing. Consultations, prescriptions, MCs, all done from your bed. 21. Singapore's first robot-assisted bypass surgery (2018) Singapore performed its first robot-assisted coronary artery bypass surgery in 2018 using the Da Vinci system. The robot allows for smaller incisions, more precision, and faster recovery for patients. 22. Singapore Eye Lesion Analyser Plus (SELENA+) (2019) Developed in Singapore, the Singapore Eye Lesion Analyser Plus (SELENA+) uses AI to detect diabetic eye diseases from retina photos in seconds. It helps GPs identify eye issues without sending patients to a specialist. 23. First Covid-19 ART kit made in Singapore (2023) The first Antigen Rapid Test kit for Covid-19 developed in Singapore got fast-tracked approval and was among the first home-use kits in Southeast Asia. Local diagnostics and reagents company Cellbae made testing more accessible, empowering people to take quicker health action without doctor visits. 24. Wearable AI wound monitoring patch (2023) NUS and A*STAR scientist develop wearable wound monitoring patch, powered by AI Researchers from NUS and A*STAR created a flexible sensor patch that monitors wounds in real-time - like inflammation, pH, and temperature - and alerts doctors instantly. 25. Changi General Hospital introduces 3 robots to augment care team (2023) CGH deployed three friendly robots in its Emergency Department to transport items, guide patients, and reduce nurses' workload. They even bow and say "excuse me" as they pass. Transport & Mobility 26. MRT (1987) The iconic Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system began operations on 7 Nov 1987, transforming local travel from stuffy buses to speedy underground rides. Since then, it's become the backbone of Singapore's public transport, carrying millions daily. 27. SCATS/GLIDE traffic system (1988) Singapore adopted Sydney's Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (SCATS) and renamed it Green Link Determining (GLIDE) in 1988 to manage traffic lights based on real-time traffic flow. No more stuck at red lights when there's no car in sight. 28. ERP and Cashcard (1998) Back in 1998, Singapore got ahead of the curve with the world's first Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) and CashCard system. The ERP toll gantries dynamically adjust driving charges during peak hours, helping reduce traffic congestion. 29. App (2011) LTA's app gives real-time updates on bus and train timings, parking lot availability, and road alerts. You don't have to wait long-long at the bus stop. 30. A*STAR's self-driving vehicle (2015) In Jul 2015, A*STAR rolled out Singapore's first autonomous vehicle approved for public road trials at one-north. This driverless ride, packed with sensors and AI smarts, paved the way for future mobility tech. 31. Passportless clearance (2024) In 2024, Changi Airport rolled out full passport-free clearance using face and iris scans. Since then, we can just walk through like a boss - no more fumbling with documents. 32. Driverless buses (2026) From mid-2026, Singapore will begin rolling out fully autonomous buses along key routes in Marina Bay, Shenton Way, and one-north. Equipped with LiDAR sensors and AI brains, these buses aim to make public transport smoother and safer. Jurong Floating Wetlands. | IMAGE: NICHOLAS YONG Sustainability & Green Tech 33. Jurong Lake and Sengkang floating wetlands (2011) These man-made floating wetlands are anchored in places like Jurong Lake and Sengkang to clean water, cool the surroundings, and attract wildlife. They act like natural filters and habitats for birds and dragonflies. 34. Sky Greens (2012) Sky Greens opened the world's first commercial vertical farm on Oct 24, 2012 — growing leafy greens in rotating towers using just a trickle of water. It saves land, energy, and makes "urban farming" look futuristic. 35. Eco-link@BKE (2013) Completed in 2013, the Eco-Link@BKE is a 62m-long bridge for wildlife to cross between Bukit Timah and the Central Catchment. It lets animals move safely above expressway traffic — basically a green corridor in the sky. Finally, a way for pangolins to get right of way! 36. Airbitat Smart Coolers (2017) You've probably seen Airbitat's coolers quietly blasting cold, humid-free air at the National Day Parade, the Singapore Zoo, or Sentosa. Unlike fans or air-cons, these energy-efficient machines cool you down without drying you out. 37. Huber's Butchery - first supermarket in the world to sell cultivated meat (2022) Huber's Butchery made history as the first supermarket globally to serve and sell cultivated meat — meat grown in labs through a partnership with Good Meat under the US-based food tech firm Eat Just. 38. Smart Water Meters for HDBs (2022) The first 300,000 smart water meters were installed from early 2022 to digitalise the water system. Users can monitor water usage and leaks. It's free to install in your home! 39. SIA and Scoot to use sustainable aviation fuel (2023) Singapore Airlines and Scoot became the first carriers at Changi Airport to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel produced at Neste's Singapore refinery. This fuel reduces carbon emissions up to 80 per cent — a major win for greener skies. 40. Tengah centralised cooling (2024) Tengah, Singapore's newest HDB town, became the first township to ditch traditional air-con units for a centralised cooling system that's more energy-efficient and climate-friendly. Cool town, literally. 41. Floating solar systems by PUB (2024) PUB's floating solar installations, like the ones at Tengeh and Bedok Reservoirs, harness the sun's energy while preserving land space. These solar farms help power our grid with green energy and reduce water evaporation. Smart Nation & Infrastructure 42. CPF (1955) The Central Provident Fund (CPF) was introduced in 1955 to help Singaporeans save for retirement, housing, and healthcare. It's a compulsory savings scheme, but ask any Singaporean and they'll say, "It's complicated lah ." Still, it's one of the pillars of our financial safety net. 43. NEWater (2003) Launched in 2003, NEWater is ultra-clean recycled water that's been treated using advanced membrane tech and UV disinfection — so pure it can be used in electronics factories and for drinking. 44. PolCam (2012) Introduced in 2012, PolCam (Police Camera) has quietly become a cornerstone of Singapore's neighbourhood safety. To date, there are more than 90,000 PolCams in public areas around the Lion City, and they have helped solve over 7,500 crime cases. 45. Smart HDB Town framework (2014) HDB's Smart Town Framework, introduced in 2014, aims to create more liveable, efficient towns with tech such as smart lighting, pneumatic waste systems, and real-time data dashboards. 46. SkillsFuture (2015) Launched in 2015, SkillsFuture gives Singaporeans credits to upskill or try something new, from coding to cocktail-making. 47. Punggol Digital District (2025) The Punggol Digital District is Singapore's very own Silicon Valley. It'll house tech companies, a smart university campus, and AI-integrated everything. Defence & Security 48. SAR 21 (1999) The Singapore Assault Rifle 21 (SAR 21) is our home-grown standard-issue weapon for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) troops, designed for better ergonomics and accuracy. It's compact, reliable, and even has a built-in scope. 49. Underground ammunition storage facility (2008) In 2008, Singapore opened one of the world's first large-scale underground ammo storage facilities, hidden deep beneath a hill. It frees up precious land and keeps things super secure. 50. Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) (2009) The Terrex ICV rolled out in 2009 as a high-tech, all-terrain vehicle for SAF soldiers. It's armoured, amphibious, and comes with high-end battlefield systems. 51. SPYDER Air Defence System (2011) Singapore's SPYDER (Surface-to-air PYthon-5 and DERby) ground-based air defence system can detect and shoot down aerial threats like drones or missiles in seconds. It's basically our island's real-life missile shield - fast, precise, and always on guard. 52. Singapore Navy's Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) (2015) The Republic of Singapore Navy launched its first LMV on 3 Jul 2015, designed for flexibility and speed in coastal defence. Thanks to automation, it needs a smaller crew. 53. SAF Smart Camp (2018) SAF Smart Camp is transforming military life with tech-powered upgrades - from mobile apps for admin and training info, to smart cookhouses, automated equipment access, and AR-assisted workshops for greater convenience and efficiency. 54. Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicle (2019) The Hunter is Singapore's first fully digital armoured vehicle, packed with sensors and touchscreen controls. It also comes with modern comforts like air-conditioning, something that wasn't standard in its predecessors. Now, that's cool! 55. RSAF to acquire eight F-35A jets (2024) With plans to acquire 8 F-35A jets, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is complementing the previously announced purchase of 12 F-35Bs, replacing ageing F-16s. These stealth fighters come with cutting-edge tech. 56. Formation of Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) (2022) In 2022, Singapore formed the DIS as the fourth arm of the SAF, focusing on cyber defence, data ops, and digital warfare. 57. Two new Commands in DIS (2025) To boost its capabilities, DIS established two new commands: the Defence Cyber Command (DCCOM) and SAF C4 & Digitalisation Command (SAFC4DC), to defend Singapore from increasingly frequent and sophisticated cyber threats happening globally. 58. Maritime Security Unmanned Surface Vessel (2025) The RSN's first autonomous maritime patrol vessel began patrols in January this year, boosting surveillance and operational response to Singapore's maritime security system. These vessels also allow the RSN to remotely and safely conduct potentially risky missions at sea. Architecture & Landmarks 59. SkyPark Infinity Pool (2011) Perched atop Marina Bay Sands, the SkyPark infinity pool opened in 2011 and became an instant icon. It's the world's largest rooftop infinity pool, with killer views of the city skyline. 60. The Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi (2019) The Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport is the tallest indoor waterfall in the world, standing at a jaw-dropping 40m. Surrounded by lush greenery, it's part shopping mall, part rainforest, and part tourist magnet. [[nid:718812]] This article was first published in .
Straits Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Goodbye fraudsters? Dating app Coffee Meets Bagel rolls out identity verification
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The verification process involves retrieval of a user's NRIC, date of birth, marital status and gender. SINGAPORE - Dating app Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) has rolled out identity verification for its users in Singapore using government records to counter rising online scams and hidden marriages. Verified users will have the option to filter out unverified profiles from July 15 in what is a world first for CMB, The Straits Times has learnt. Users first authenticate themselves through SingPass, which is integrated with the CMB app. The one-time verification process will involve the CMB app retrieving users' NRIC or FIN number, date of birth, marital status and gender from government records. Confirming the move, CMB's head of trust and safety Rachel Tee said the platform is acting on feedback from its users to root out fake profiles. On June 9, it rolled out the verification feature using Singpass and MyInfo, a national digital vault containing citizens' personal data. 'We have since verified over 70 per cent of our user base in Singapore in a month and we continue to encourage more users to verify their profiles,' she added. User feedback came from a survey CMB conducted in June 2025 with 972 users aged 18 and above. It found that three in four users in Singapore had encountered a fake profile, catfisher or scammer, pointing to widespread concerns about trust in digital dating. A catfisher is someone who creates a false or misleading persona to build romantic relationships. The top concerns identified by users polled were fake profiles, scams and hidden relationships. The majority of people polled wanted more robust verification measures for identity (81 per cent) and marital status (65 per cent). 'By offering government-backed verification, we are able to significantly reduce the number of scam profiles that require manual moderation,' said Ms Tee. This will then free up resources within CMB to respond to user reports of harassment, inappropriate messages or offline misconduct, she said. Through identification, CMB will also be able to work closely with law enforcement to take action against bad actors. In April, 0.29 per cent of CMB's users complained about scammers and fake accounts on its platform, among other problems, but this has dropped to 0.21 per cent in June after it started to verify users' identity, she said. CMB did not disclose the size of its user base. It is also not known how many users complained last year. Although users who are married will not receive a verified badge, their accounts will still show up on the pages of people who had not opted to view only verified accounts. 'We understand that navigating marital status can be deeply personal and sometimes complicated. For example, a person may be undergoing separation or divorce which may span a few years,' said Ms Tee. Four other major dating platforms - Bumble, Hinge, Tinder and OkCupid - also rolled out some form of identity verification in recent years , but the measure has remained optional. For instance, Bumble started letting Singapore users verify their identities by uploading government-issued IDs on the week of June 10. The same feature has been rolled out in at least 11 other countries like Australia, Canada and France since March 2025. A Bumble spokesman said that the launch of its ID verification is part of the company's commitment to build a safe online space for people to find love. It uses an Estonia-headquartered third party identity verification service Veriff, to match a user's selfie with the picture on the uploaded ID card. The data is retaine d for up to 72 hours. Hinge, Tinder and OkCupid' s way of verifying users involve letting them upload their recorded video selfies along with their profile pictures. Many dating app users support CMB's move, but some said it could be excessive. A 21 year-old national serviceman who only wants to be known as Martin said that he had friends whose pictures were used without their knowledge on dating apps. 'Compulsory Singpass verification on dating apps could be an effective way to reduce fake accounts and prevent identity misuse,' he said. A 28 year-old public relations officer, who only wants to be known as Adeline, said: 'Simply knowing that the person you're speaking to is verified provides peace of mind and helps build trust from the very first interaction.' An aviation industry staff who only wants to be known as Ralph, 29, said that sharing highly sensitive information such as NRIC on a dating app seems excessive, and raises serious privacy and security concerns. 'The information could be exploited for identity theft, scams, or other malicious purposes. The risk simply outweighs the benefit in this case,' he said, noting that CMB could be hacked. Assuring its users, Ms Tee said that the company employs robust cybersecurity measures and partners with cloud computing service Amazon Web Services to ensure that all information is stored within a secure, encrypted infrastructure. Data collection and usage also strictly adheres to the requirements of the Personal Data Protection Act. 'We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill legitimate business purposes and to comply with applicable legal obligations,' said Ms Tee. Dr Chew Han Ei, senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, said that identity verification is crucial to build trust online. 'If CMB follows through, they'll be one of the first dating apps to use a government-based identity check. That protects users and frankly, it protects the company too,' he said.
Online Citizen
16-06-2025
- Online Citizen
Authorities prevent $149,000 loss in impersonation scam targeting 55-year-old woman
SINGAPORE: A 55-year-old woman in Singapore narrowly avoided losing $149,000 after falling victim to a scam involving fraudsters posing as government officials. The ruse began with a phone call in May 2025 claiming that her credit card had been misused. The caller, who identified himself as a bank officer, alleged that the woman's credit card had been used for unauthorised purchases in China, the police said in a news release on Tuesday (10 June). When she denied making any such transactions, the call was transferred to another scammer pretending to be a police officer. The fake officer told her she was under investigation for money laundering and threatened her with 60 days' detention if she did not cooperate. Fearing arrest, she followed their instructions and, on 24 May 2025, transferred more than $49,000 to a MariBank account. The scammers falsely assured her that the transfer would not affect her account balance. MariBank, a digital bank owned by Sea Limited, flagged the transaction as suspicious through its monitoring system and immediately alerted the Anti-Scam Centre (ASC). ASC officers quickly intervened, engaged with the victim, and successfully convinced her that she had been targeted by scammers. Swift action by ASC and MariBank led to the recovery of $49,000 and prevented further potential losses of about $100,000. The police urged the public to stay vigilant and adopt precautionary measures, such as enabling international call blocking on mobile devices, activating two-factor or multifactor authentication for online accounts, and using the 'Money Lock' feature on bank accounts to safeguard savings. Members of the public are also encouraged to verify suspicious claims with official sources, such as the ScamShield Helpline at 1799 or the website Personal details—including SingPass credentials, CPF information, internet banking details, and One-Time Passwords (OTPs)—should never be disclosed to unknown parties. Individuals should also closely monitor transaction alerts sent by their banks. Anyone who suspects they have fallen victim to a scam should contact their bank immediately to block unauthorised transactions and make a police report. Suspicious accounts or chat groups should also be reported to the authorities. According to the Singapore Police Force's Annual Scams and Cybercrime Brief 2024, there were 1,504 reported cases of government official impersonation scams last year, resulting in at least S$151.3 million in losses. Victims aged between 50 and 64 formed the largest group, accounting for 28.6 per cent of cases. Scammers primarily contacted victims via phone calls and WhatsApp messages. For more information or assistance, members of the public can visit or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
$200 & $100 ActiveSG vouchers for you
The government is making it really difficult for us to stay inactive. Their latest attack involves giving all Singapore citizens and permanent residents up to S$200 in ActiveSG vouchers. Are you really going to waste it all? This latest promotion has been launched in conjunction with SG60. To claim your ActiveSG vouchers, go to the MyActiveSG+ platform between 2 Jun and 31 Dec 2025. You will need to use SingPass to access the website. If you are a new user, create an account and receive S$200 in ActiveSG vouchers. If you are an existing user, you will receive S$100 in ActiveSG vouchers simply by logging in. Your balance appears at the top left of the screen. If you are an existing user with unused ActiveSG credits, the validity of those credits will be extended to 31 Dec 2026. After this, unused credits can be rolled over to 2027 if you complete just 1 transaction (a successful booking of a program or facility, even if free) in 2026. Your ActiveSG vouchers translate 1-to-1 to ActiveSG credits. These credits can be used to: Hire sports facilities such as badminton courts Gain entry to swimming pools and gyms Attend fitness classes listed on the MyActiveSG+ website, such as ActiveSG Academies, Clubs, school holiday programs, KpopX Fitness, Zumba and Active Health programs Please note that the credits from your ActiveSG vouchers cannot be used to book Dual Use Scheme (DUS) facilities. Children below 15 cannot have a SingPass account but they will receive the ActiveSG vouchers if they are citizens or PRs. Children who are foreigners may still be allocated ActiveSG credits. As their parent or guardian, submit a request at this link. To make use of their ActiveSG credits, parents will have to link their child's account to their own under Linked accounts in the Menu. You can then use their credits through your account to sign them up for programmes and buy passes. You can find more information on their Facebook and Instagram pages, and on their website. 10 best gyms in Singapore: Stop dreaming it, start looking it The post $200 & $100 ActiveSG vouchers for you appeared first on
International Business Times
29-05-2025
- International Business Times
9 People Arrested, S$1.9M Seized in Police Operation Targeting Scam Activities in Singapore
Officers from the Singapore Police Force's Anti-Scam Command (ASC) and Police Land Divisions' Scam Strike Teams, along with cooperating local banks, carried out an island-wide operation between April 15, 2025, and May 13, 2025, focusing on investment scams, employment scams, and impersonation scams involving government officials. Working together with local banks, ASC officials confiscated over S$1.9 million in alleged scam proceeds and frozen over 400 bank accounts throughout the operation. At the same time, members of the Police Land Divisions' Scam Strike Teams conducted raids throughout Singapore to find people who might have given their bank accounts to scammers for money laundering purposes. A total number of 33 people are under investigation, and seven males and two women, ages 18 to 33, were taken into custody. The police also shut down over 900 online enablers and terminated over 806 phone lines used in the scams by working closely with key industry players, including social media companies, messaging platforms, and telecommunications companies (for telco line reporting). Forty-two people are thought to have been involved in over 200 scam cases, primarily including investment scams, government official impersonation scams, and employment scams. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) said in a statement, "Investigations are ongoing into offences under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992, and Computer Misuse Act 1993." "The offence of assisting another to retain benefits from criminal conduct in certain circumstances under Section 55A(1) of the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992 carries an imprisonment term of up to three years, a fine of up to $50,000, or both. For first-time offenders the offence of unauthorized access to computer material under Section 3(1) of the Computer Misuse Act 1993 carries an imprisonment term of up to two years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both," added the statement. People who may be involved in scams are taken seriously by the police, and those who do so will face legal consequences. In order to avoid being an accomplice to criminal activities, members of the public are advised to reject requests by others to use their SingPass credentials, bank accounts or mobile lines as they will be held accountable for their misuse.
