PM's articulation of priority areas will keep smart nation journey focused

BEING "smart", either as a city or a nation, is the new technology buzzword.

Singapore, as an early technology adopter, announced more than a year ago its intention to become a Smart Nation. One year on, Singapore's vision of what being "smart" means is falling into place. Speaking last week at the launch of the 2015 Founders Forum (FF) Smart Nation Singapore event, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the Republic had three priority areas in its smart nation vision. The first is to help older Singaporeans to "age in place" and live meaningful and fulfilling lives. Singapore has an ageing population, and technology can help the elderly to live independently in their own communities with their own support networks.

The second priority is to look for breakthrough solutions in mobility and transportation since it is not possible to keep on building new roads given Singapore's land constraints. The PM noted that technology had to be used to make existing transport systems more efficient while improving the commuting experience.