TAKING HEART

Digital for Life movement in Singapore gets S$1m boost

Lindsay Wong

Published Sun, Nov 6, 2022 · 11:00 AM

THE national Digital for Life (DFL) movement will get a S$1 million boost to drive digital literacy within the community. The amount is contributed by DBS Foundation (DBSF), and is inclusive of the Singapore government’s dollar-for-dollar matching.

The sum will go towards the DFL fund, which provides grants to individuals and non-profit organisations for community-based digital inclusion projects and activities.

Other efforts include refreshing and co-developing the digital literacy curriculum with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), as well as utilising new communication channels and partner platforms to “accelerate digital adoption”, the bank said on Friday (Nov 4).

Additionally, at least 2,500 of the bank’s employees will be deployed to run some 800 workshops at DBS/POSB branches, which will cover topics including digital banking and payments, and how to spot and avoid scams. Community partners such as SG Digital Office will support these workshops.

“Through this holistic digital literacy programme, which combines DBS’ resources with whole-of-community efforts, we hope to motivate more people to come along with us on this journey towards becoming a more digitally inclusive society,” said Shee Tse Koon, DBS Singapore country head.

The latest DBSF effort is expected to help around 100,000 Singaporeans over the next two years, with the main beneficiaries being senior citizens, youths, hawkers and individuals with special needs.