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Straits Times
3 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
Why this grandma embraces tech and now teaches others to do the same
Hospital executive and active volunteer Rahimah Salimin introduces fellow seniors to useful apps that can help with everyday tasks. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA BRANDED CONTENT 'I must learn, otherwise I will miss out': Why this grandma embraces tech and now teaches others to do the same This active volunteer, who is far from retirement mode, chooses to spend her weekends meaningfully by sharing her practical IT knowledge with fellow seniors to help them better navigate everyday tasks Staying still does not suit Madam Rahimah Salimin who, despite being 70 years old, is still working full-time at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), where she provides clerical support to the emergency services department. On Saturdays, the grandmother of 20 – with another grandchild on the way – still chooses to be on the go. Watch to learn how Madam Rahimah Salimin spends her personal time meaningfully, making a difference to the lives of her fellow seniors. Not only does she volunteer with NTUC Club's engagement platform U Live, helping to guide and usher the seniors during events, she also advocates technology as a Smart Nation Ambassador (SNA) and visits seniors as a Silver Generation Ambassador (SGA). Madam Rahimah (bottom row, sixth from left) has been actively involved in NTUC U Live since 2015, often volunteering as an usher at events. PHOTO: COURTESY OF RAHIMAH SALIMIN 'Time is yours, you can manage it yourself,' she says, her voice light and cheerful. 'My own children are already so old and have their own families. There's nothing to do at home, so I can volunteer my time instead. Life is so short, and time is precious.' SGShare: How more S'poreans can help the vulnerable Singaporeans now have a new platform to help fellow Singaporeans in need. To mark SG60, Community Chest's regular giving programme, Share, has been rebranded as SGShare to rally more to give regularly and support critical social service programmes. Starting this year, donations will be matched by the Singapore Government under the SG Gives matching grant, with up to $250 million available. Every dollar donated will help vulnerable communities, offering them opportunities to pursue their goals regardless of background. Here is a simple illustration of how your SGShare contribution can go a long way. Madam Rahimah began her volunteer journey in 2015 with U Live before she was subsequently introduced to SNA and SGA in 2019 and 2020 respectively. One of Madam Rahimah's first tasks as an SNA was to be a guide for the Smart Nation Builder, a roving showcase of Smart Nation initiatives and digital government platforms, and for members of the public to provide their feedback. As a Smart Nation Ambassador, Madam Rahimah will volunteer at roadshows to encourage Singaporeans to embrace digital technology in their everyday lives. PHOTO: COURTESY OF RAHIMAH SALIMIN Armed with her own growing digital knowledge, Madam Rahimah also encourages the seniors she visits for her SGA work, sharing with them how apps such as those for home grocery delivery and transportation could make their lives much easier – and safer, in case they have a fall outside. Confessing that she initially did not even know how to navigate to a website on the computer, the digital training workshops and her 'thick skin' to seek help from the younger ones have helped improve her knowledge. 'When I realised that fellow seniors weren't digitally savvy, this motivated me to learn more, and then to share my knowledge with them. The issue is when you don't understand, and you don't learn, you might also get scammed easily,' she says. Madam Rahimah is now adept at using apps to order groceries online and also encourages other seniors to do the same. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA From booking a taxi to ordering food and shopping for groceries online, Madam Rahimah can now confidently do it all. 'Now that I'm older, it's more convenient to order groceries online,' she says. 'It can be tiring and challenging to carry bags of rice or sugar from the supermarket.' She also attends digital courses at work, with topics that include artificial intelligence and video conferencing like Zoom, and encourages her senior colleagues to do the same, even if they are reluctant. Through her interactions with other senior citizens, Madam Rahimah has formed new friendships and finds herself making deeper connections with many others in the community. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA 'I am not from the digital era but I know that, moving forward, Singapore will become more and more digital-focused. These changes are beyond my control, so I must learn, otherwise I will miss out,' she says. Being a volunteer has also helped her form deeper connections with her neighbours, who recognise her from the community roadshows, when she helped them with digital tech. She says with a laugh: 'They will say 'hi' to me at the market, and then we will go drink kopi together.' This SG60, be inspired by stories like Madam Rahimah's. Find your own way to give back – whether through teaching, learning, or connecting. Visit to support over 600 causes and help build a more caring Singapore. Celebrating SG60 with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Business Times
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
The next growth engine
AS FAR as nation states go, Singapore is relatively young at 60 years old but has achieved a lot in a short timeframe. It has emerged as a regional leader in business, financial services, shipping, air transportation and logistics, developing these advancements within a generation. As the Republic celebrates its diamond jubilee this year, it is worth having a look at how Singapore proactively leveraged technology to drive its growth and leadership, and how it can continue to do so, especially with the advent of rapid improvements to artificial intelligence (AI). Singapore's transformation into a digital leader began decades ago with strategic economic planning. Following independence in 1965, the government prioritised industrialisation by focusing on creating a conducive business environment and building a manufacturing base for global export markets, leveraging the country's strategic location as a free port. However, Singapore's visionary leaders recognised early on that the country faced strategic limitations in terms of its small land area and labour force. They therefore prioritised investing in technology, education and workforce development. This shift paved the way for transitioning into a high-value economy, fuelled by greater value manufacturing, services, finance and innovation. By the late 1990s, Singapore had repositioned itself as a financial and business hub, supported by world-class telecommunications and logistics, as well as a pro-business environment. These pillars are now enabling the country to take the lead in digital transformation, particularly in AI. A smart nation built for AI Singapore's digital economy began to emerge in the early 2000s, but it advanced significantly with the Smart Nation initiative in 2014. This strategy – framed as a whole-of-nation transformation – was focused on the integration of digital technologies into transport, healthcare, urban planning and public services. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up High-speed broadband, nationwide 5G, and advanced cloud infrastructure were all developed as public goods to enable faster growth. These efforts laid the groundwork for practical AI deployment across sectors. Singapore's more recent AI aspirations are centred around its 2023 National AI Strategy 2.0. This more recent strategy seeks to position the country as a global leader in AI by focusing on five critical areas: innovation, talent, infrastructure, governance and partnerships. It also provides guidelines for ethical use, ensuring that AI deployment benefits society at large. The government has committed plenty of funding to support AI research and development, and nurture a 15,000-strong AI talent pool. This includes new degree programmes, research fellowships and technical certifications that are relevant to industry needs. Solving AI's structural weaknesses Despite its potential, AI poses well-known risks, and Singapore has been upfront about confronting them head-on. Distorted and gap-filling outputs from AI models are one critical concern – especially in sectors where accuracy is paramount. These false outputs often stem from poor data quality or gaps in training sets. In Singapore, regulators and developers are encouraged to implement strict data governance protocols, such as structured validation, augmentation from many different sources, and human review during the training phase. Bias in AI is another issue, particularly in high-stakes use cases such as hiring, credit scoring and healthcare diagnostics. Models trained on historical data can replicate – and even amplify – existing inequalities. To address this, Singapore encourages inclusive data practices, the use of bias-detection algorithms, and the involvement of multidisciplinary review boards to assure fairness before models go live. Transparency is therefore central to the trust needed to ensure AI accuracy. Many advanced models, especially large language models, operate like black boxes. This minimises accountability. Singapore encourages explainable AI (XAI) – tools and frameworks that provide clarity on how and why an AI system made a decision. XAI is increasingly being embedded into regulatory requirements, particularly in industries such as finance and healthcare. These principles – transparency, fairness, and accuracy – are critical to building AI that society can trust. Singapore recognises the importance of trust as a core pillar of its digital strategy. The Personal Data Protection Act guarantees high standards for data handling and consent, fostering business confidence and enabling data flows with major economies. The Republic is also advancing international cooperation through frameworks such as the Asean Guide on AI Governance and Ethics, promoting cross-border trust and ethical norms. Singapore's path forward As Singapore advances, AI can play a role in developing systems that can scale responsibly and provide concrete advantages throughout the economy. As automation improves over time, agentic AI is gaining attention for its ability to function independently. Unlike conventional AI, these systems can diagnose issues, resolve problems and adapt based on real-time data. Singapore's robust IT infrastructure and governance framework provide a strong foundation for deploying such technologies, especially in mission-critical fields such as cybersecurity and smart infrastructure. In tandem, the country is making sustained efforts to close the digital skills gap. SkillsFuture provides a national framework for lifelong learning, offering credits and subsidies for citizens to pursue AI-related courses. More than just classroom training, the initiative also supports on-the-job learning and industry-recognised certifications. TechSkills Accelerator works closely with employers to co-develop workforce strategies. These include company-led training schemes as well as tech immersion and placement programmes, which are designed for real-world job roles. These initiatives are part of a broader move to ensure that AI growth does not widen inequality. Instead, they strengthen economic mobility and national resilience, giving every citizen a pathway to participate in the digital economy – whether through mid-career conversion or enhanced technical specialisation. The investment landscape reflects growing global confidence in the Republic's ability to be a global AI leader. Today, Singapore is home to more than 1,100 AI startups, many of which specialise in deep tech, medtech and enterprise software. It also hosts over 150 AI-focused research and development teams, including those from Google, Nvidia and Alibaba. OpenAI's new office opening is another signal of increasing interest in Singapore from players all around the world. To scale this ecosystem, the government is backing AI Centres of Excellence, working with more than 100 firms to embed the technology across logistics, manufacturing, finance and professional services. These collaborations aim to increase AI adoption, improve productivity and create new job categories. With its world-class intellectual property protection and transparent regulations, Singapore offers a highly competitive base for AI-driven growth across South-east Asia. Singapore is building an AI ecosystem grounded in trust, talent and technology. Its mix of strong regulations, workforce readiness and infrastructure makes it a strategic AI hub, not just in Asia, but globally. As the country looks ahead to its next 60 years, AI is poised to play a major role in its continued economic leadership and distinctiveness in the region. The writer is regional director at ManageEngine
Khaleej Times
31-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
AI-powered cyber security for the region is a must for smooth digital transformation
The Middle East is undergoing one of the most ambitious digital transformations the world has seen. National strategies such as Saudi Vision 2030, the UAE's Digital Economy Strategy, and Qatar's Smart Nation framework are setting bold targets for a connected, intelligent future. These plans are already reshaping key sectors including energy, transport, healthcare, and manufacturing. Technologies like 5G, AI, and IoT are central to this shift, but their rapid adoption is bringing a critical challenge to the surface. With every new layer of connectivity comes a growing cybersecurity risk. The region now finds itself at a decisive moment: how can it scale digital innovation while ensuring the security and resilience of the networks that support it? Hyperconnectivity brings new levels of risk By the end of the decade, over one billion IoT devices are expected to be deployed across the GCC. While this will unlock new efficiencies and services, it will also multiply the points of vulnerability. Already, 15% of organisations in the region have experienced data breaches costing over $100,000. The threat landscape itself is evolving. Cybercriminals are using AI to generate new malware, automate large-scale attacks, and even create convincing deepfake phishing campaigns. These tactics can easily bypass legacy security systems. Despite this, the region is demonstrating encouraging levels of cloud readiness. Only 24% of regional businesses feel unprepared for cloud-related threats, compared to 34% globally. This reflects a growing understanding of the importance of building resilience into cloud-native systems. But as risks evolve, so must the defenses. Predictive threat detection and real-time response will be key to navigating what comes next. Intelligent networks and cyber resilience To secure the future, Middle Eastern enterprises must embrace networks capable of defending themselves. This means embedding intelligence, automation, and continuous verification directly into the fabric of network infrastructure. AI is already proving its value in 5G security. A strong example is the generative AI assistant within NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome, built on Microsoft Azure OpenAI GPT, which demonstrates how large language models can enhance threat detection and accelerate informed decision-making during cyber incidents. Yet identifying threats is only the first step. True cyber resilience demands more. It requires a shift to Zero Trust models, where every user, device, and application interaction is continuously authenticated to eliminate assumptions of trust. It also calls for automated incident response systems that can take decisive action in real time, dramatically reducing human error and accelerating resolution. Just as importantly, networks must harness real-time analytics to detect and mitigate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. These intelligent capabilities are no longer theoretical, they are being deployed across the region today. With the right tools in place, telecom operators and enterprises are beginning to move from reactive defense to proactive protection, where threats are anticipated and neutralized before they cause harm. A commitment to secure transformation Governments across the GCC are taking serious steps to strengthen national cybersecurity posture. The UAE's Cybersecurity Strategy is embedding AI into the country's digital infrastructure. Saudi Arabia's National Cybersecurity Authority is developing frameworks for critical infrastructure protection. Qatar is fostering collaboration between public and private sectors to strengthen cloud resilience. Together, these efforts signal that the region is ready not just to adapt to cyber threats, but to lead in shaping global standards. To do so, the next phase of investment must focus on scalable cloud-native security, AI-powered threat detection, and unified threat response platforms. Building a secure hyperconnected future As digital transformation accelerates, Nokia continues to support the region's cybersecurity goals through innovations that are specifically designed for telecom and enterprise environments. Our AI-driven threat detection platforms are significantly reducing the time it takes to identify and neutralise threats. Advanced solutions such as NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome use generative AI to proactively hunt threats, while our endpoint detection tools monitor the telecom infrastructure in real time. Our collaboration with hyperscalers and cloud providers, such as Microsoft, is enabling integrated, real-time threat visibility across multi-cloud and telecom ecosystems. Trust through autonomous security The Middle East's digital ambitions are bold and achievable, but they rest on a single foundational requirement: trust. As digital economies depend on interconnected networks, intelligent, autonomous security is not a luxury. It is essential. At Nokia, security forms the foundation of our Sense, Think, and Act framework. Built into every network layer, from physical infrastructure to cloud-based applications, our solutions shift from reactive defense to proactive protection. Advanced threat detection, robust encryption, and rigorous authentication at each network layer enable secure, autonomous operations. By embedding AI-driven resilience directly into networks, communication service providers can move towards proactive, self-healing systems that are secure by design. For the GCC, this presents an opportunity to lead the way in establishing secure, scalable, and sustainable digital infrastructure.
Business Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Singapore has digital foundation for an AI-ready e-commerce sector
ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) – and more recently, generative AI – is changing the way businesses grow, engage customers, and operate. In the retail sector alone, AI is projected to generate between S$400 billion and S$660 billion in annual value globally, transforming everything from product discovery to customer service. Singapore has laid a strong foundation to lead in this AI-driven future. With strong digital infrastructure, a forward-thinking Smart Nation strategy, and robust policy support, the groundwork for AI adoption is already in place. Core sectors such as logistics and retail – both critical to e-commerce – are beginning to see the benefits of this transformation. Yet, there appears to be a disconnect between Singapore's readiness and actual implementation within the e-commerce industry. Despite substantial advantages, online sellers in Singapore remain surprisingly modest in their AI implementation, which signals a strategic vulnerability in this rapidly evolving digital economy. Sellers believe in AI, but adoption is lagging Our latest Lazada research highlights this perception-action gap clearly: while 93 per cent of Singapore sellers believe that AI can improve productivity and lower costs, actual implementation tells a different story. Sellers claim an average of 48 per cent AI adoption rate – but in practice, that figure is closer to 38 per cent. This gap stems from a practical challenge: many sellers are interested in using AI but do not know how to get started. Barriers such as implementation costs, limited technical expertise, and the complexity of integrating AI into daily operations make adoption difficult. However, the most critical gap is not due to a lack of technology or tools available but in operational enablement – the ability to connect technological potential to address different business challenges, which small businesses experience most acutely. While Singapore offers numerous support mechanisms through grants and platform tools, these resources only address part of the challenge. Practical enablement remains essential to help businesses move from potential to action – a strategic and critical shift as consumer expectations continue to rise. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Consumer expectations – the driving forces of AI adoption South-east Asian consumers today are not passively waiting for businesses to catch up, they are seeking enhanced digital experiences. In fact, across South-east Asia, 83 per cent of shoppers are already willing to pay more for AI-enhanced experiences – such as personalised recommendations, faster response times, or more intuitive interfaces. As these expectations solidify, sellers that are enabled by AI will gain a competitive advantage or be rewarded over time with customer choice and loyalty. As e-commerce sellers across South-east Asia grapple with how to adopt AI meaningfully, it is worth looking at markets that have already made that leap. One of the most instructive examples is China, a market that just a decade ago faced many of the same structural and operational challenges that are now common in South-east Asia. Both regions share a platform-based e-commerce model, mobile-first consumer behaviours, and a high concentration of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) navigating digitalisation with limited technological resources. What catalysed China's transition from basic digital storefronts to AI-powered e-commerce was not merely technological availability and scale, but strategic implementation approaches. Platforms such as Taobao and Tmall recognised that sellers needed operational pathways to AI adoption, which came through in phased tool roll-outs and guided platform-integrated capabilities that allowed sellers to implement AI incrementally across their operations. This approach of meeting businesses at their level of readiness rather than expecting them to bridge the technical gap independently offers a valuable lesson. With a strong infrastructure already in place, Singapore is well-positioned to enable the next wave of AI adoption, especially among SMEs that form the backbone of the digital economy. Creating a collaborative blueprint in the eCommerce ecosystem Singapore has already laid the groundwork for addressing this implementation challenge. Initiatives such as SMEs Go Digital provide crucial funding access and pre-approved solutions that significantly reduce adoption barriers. Complementary efforts such as SkillsFuture's TechSkills Accelerator demonstrate recognition that technical upskilling must extend beyond IT specialists to encompass entrepreneurs and business leaders who drive adoption decisions. To make real progress, we need to go beyond just tools and policies. Success in AI adoption will depend on closing the knowledge and adoption gap to ensure that sellers across the region can grow sustainably and competitively. This requires continued collaboration across platforms, policymakers, and industry associations, each playing a distinct role in enabling progress, to make tools simpler, training more practical, and resources easier to navigate. In my role, I have seen firsthand how structured guidance and practical support – from intuitive AI tools to integrated training support – can make adoption easier for sellers of all sizes. Sellers, too, have an important role to play. AI adoption doesn't require dramatic or overnight transformation, but small, steady steps: trying out available tools, seeking out training opportunities, and investing in small but continuous efforts to build internal AI capabilities. Upskilling does not have to happen all at once. Even incremental steps, such as automating routine tasks or experimenting with AI-powered product tagging, can lead to lasting change. The convergence of stakeholder efforts will be the crucial link between Singapore's world-class digital infrastructure and seller-level AI implementation. Today, AI is no longer a distant ambition. It is fast becoming the cornerstone of e-commerce. Sellers who integrate AI to improve how they operate and serve customers will be the ones to lead the next wave of growth, and those who enable them – through intuitive tools, relevant training, and accessible support – will be the architects of a more competitive, inclusive, and resilient digital economy in South-east Asia. The writer is chief technology officer of Lazada Group
Straits Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Forum: Ensure reliable mobile connectivity in buildings and basements
I n today's digital age, reliable mobile connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. While Singapore boasts excellent telecommunications infrastructure, many buildings and underground spaces such as basements, carparks and even some above-ground condominium units still suffer from weak or non-existent mobile signals. This not only inconveniences subscribers but also poses safety risks in emergencies. Currently, mobile operators are required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority to provide coverage of at least 85 per cent within buildings, including first-level basement carparks. With more new buildings having environmental decks and more basement levels for parking cars, this requirement seems grossly inadequate. Last-mile deliveries have become more important to daily life. With the Tripartite Workgroup for Last-Mile Deliveries aiming to enhance the safety of platform workers and minimise the inconvenience that delivery pickups and drop-offs may cause others, more buildings are situa ting their drop-off and pickup points in basements, and there is greater need for adequate telco signal provision. Telecoms providers and building owners must collaborate to improve in-building coverage, ensuring seamless connectivity for all users. Enhanced signal penetration in basements and high-rise buildings will not only improve service quality but also support Singapore's Smart Nation vision, where constant connectivity is vital for work, safety and daily life. I urge the authorities and service providers to prioritise this issue, ensuring that all subscribers – whether in a mixed development shopping mall, residential basement or high-floor residential tower – receive the reliable service they deserve. Dennis Tan President MCST Association of Singapore More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
