Urban System Studies Technology and the City Foundation for a Smart Nation

Lacking land and natural resources, the Singapore
government has consistently turned to information and communications technologies (ICT) and innovation to transform Singapore into a highly liveable city. Starting with early computerisation efforts in the 1960s, the government launched a succession of national ICT masterplans and e-government masterplans. These guided the use of ICT to enhance Singapore’s international competitiveness, upgrade the workforce, attract knowledge-intensive activities, and improve public sector service standards. The application of ICT has also helped to shape the physical environment and development of the city-state, enhancing integrated planning and development in Singapore. Various ICT systems, data
hubs and digital tools have been developed to support
the work of the public sector in areas ranging from urban planning, land management, housing, transport, to municipal services. With the launch of the Smart Nation vision in 2014, many initiatives have been carried out by the public sector in collaboration with various stakeholders—the private sector, civil society and citizens. The digital revolution continues to influence the way we live, work, play and learn. This Urban Systems Study charts Singapore’s experience in developing and leveraging ICT in its development journey over the past five decades.