Singapore has invested nearly $30m (S$40m) in 5G research and development (R&D) initiatives to prepare for a 5G rollout in 2020.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), part of the Ministry of Communications and Information, and the National Research Foundation has provided the funding to create new 5G testbeds and boost collaborative opportunities with sectors, including maritime operations, manufacturing, urban mobility, estate developers and cybersecurity.
Anil Puthucheary, senior minister at the Ministry of Communications and Information and Ministry of Transport, said that the initiatives will accelerate Singapore’s journey to become a leading digital economy and will lead to increased opportunities for greater investment, trade and employment across all countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The IMDA and PSA, one of the world’s largest port operators, has partnered with mobile network operators Singtel and M1 to test the use of 5G in the maritime industry to increase productivity. The PSA will hold trials at its Living Lab in Pasir Panjang Terminal at the end of 2019 for a period of 18 months, according to IMDA.
State-owned organisations A*STAR, a science and technology research centre, and JTC, a real estate company, have collaborated with Singtel to bring 5G capabilities to the manufacturing industry. A*STAR has signed an agreement with JTC and Singtel to create a 5G pilot network at its Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre to explore how advanced technologies can increase efficiency and develop manufacturing solutions in areas of production, logistics, and autonomous vehicles.
“There is a notable infrastructure gap in ASEAN. Addressing this infrastructure gap will lead to increased opportunities for greater investment, trade and employment for all the ASEAN countries. This is part of the significance of the EU-Asia Connectivity Strategy to utilise the established institutions and frameworks in EU to promote sustainable infrastructure development in ASEAN,” said Puthucheary.
Mr Tan Kiat How, chief executive at IMDA, said: “As we enter a digital-as-usual age, it is even more imperative for all segments of society to continue their urgent efforts to digitalise to be relevant and competitive. IMDA’s new multi-pronged, collaborative initiatives ...will further complement our existing efforts to accelerate Singapore’s transformation.”
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