DBS, IMDA launch digital-inclusivity movement

THE DBS Foundation and the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) launched their two-year digital-inclusivity campaign last Saturday (Jan 14) with 12 digital literacy workshops for senior citizens.

This joint effort is in support of the national Digital for Life (DfL) movement, which aims to close digital-literacy gaps between different age, income and ability groups, and drive digital inclusivity in Singapore. Saturday’s activities were the first set in a series of 800 workshops to be held by 2024. (*see amendment note)

The hour-long workshops, which were facilitated by volunteers from DBS and the IMDA’s SG Digital Office, covered digital payment topics. Some 250 senior citizens received guidance on making cashless payments and spotting scams on digital platforms. 

The DBS Foundation has donated S$1 million, inclusive of dollar-for-dollar matching by the government, to the DfL Fund, to support projects that enhance digital awareness, learning and adoption among the elderly, youths, hawkers and individuals with special needs. They plan to reach 100,000 beneficiaries through the DfL movement, the bank added.

Douglas Goh, director of the SG Digital Office, said: “We encourage more companies to step forward to support the movement to have the abled support the less-abled in our community.”

Monica Datta, head of the community impact chapter at DBS Foundation, described a digitally-inclusive Singapore as one “where no one is left behind”.

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She said: “We’re committed to paving the way for a more equitable society, where the underserved are well-equipped to face the future with confidence and resilience....

“This includes being armed with the necessary digital know-how and skills, especially as technology continues to evolve and pervade more aspects of our daily lives.”

The DfL is the latest of DBS’ initiatives and partnerships to “bolster digital readiness in Singapore”, the bank said.

*Amendment note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the initiative was launched in November.