Singapore tech industry trade association SGTech announced on Wednesday the launch of Smart Nation Colab, a year-long industry engagement program, designed to rally technology, digital solutions providers, and consultants, from SMEs and large enterprises, to collaborate in the development of holistic Smart Nation solutions.

Senior Minister of State for National Development and Communications and Information Tan Kiat How was present when the initiative was announced at Wednesday’s Industry event ‘Forward Together: The Singapore Way” organized by SGTech’s Smart Nation Chapter (SNC).

With digitalization key to accelerating the transformation of the built environment sector, the recent government-led Smart Nation initiatives reinforce the need to build a Digital Economy, encouraging businesses to integrate technology and solutions such as data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) into existing work processes and systems.

SGTech recognized the importance to rally companies, especially supporting our SMEs, to become active participants of tech ecosystems. At the launch, SGTech made an open invitation to all participants to join the Smart Nation Colab. To date, 16 companies (as listed in Annex 1) have already joined, committing to contribute and foster business collaborations.

In the first year of this initial run, participants in the Smart Nation Colab commit to attending quarterly working sessions (as listed in Annex 2). Companies may expect to share market knowledge, gain valuable insights as well as build relationships with business leaders and stakeholders, leveraging this program to further expand their network and businesses.

Mr. Andy Sim, Transformation Director, Government Strategic Business Group of NCS, said: “SGTech’s Smart Nation Colab welcomes any companies that can contribute to the success of building a smart city. This industry-driven initiative is open to all, to come together, to harness the power of diversity and collaboration.”

SMS Tan Kiat How said: “As Singapore continues on its Smart Nation journey, the Government is committed to helping businesses transform through significant investments in digital enablers and in encouraging the adoption of digital tools and solutions. We cannot do this alone, and I am heartened to see SGTech initiating the Smart Nation Colab to collaborate, discover, and enable partners to join us in our push for a Smart Nation. Partnerships of this nature collectively encourage innovation in the sector and help us shape the digital future of our nation.”

Mr Anthony Ong, SGTech Smart Nation Chapter Chair, shared: “The SGTech Smart Nation Chapter is proud to be able to share with the industry, this Smart Nation Colab initiative. With this initiative, we hope to raise awareness to both problem statements’ owners and solution providers through ‘CDE’ – Collaborate, Discover, Enable. SGTech SNC stands ready to advocate, enable and facilitate any opportunity and discussion for our members. I would like to thank NCS for supporting this event.”

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