Digital Society

Building a Safe and Inclusive Digital Society

The Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) aims to build a safe and inclusive society where Singaporeans are empowered and equipped with skills to harness opportunities and benefit from digital developments.

MDDI works with its agencies, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and National Library Board (NLB), to oversee and drive programmes and initiatives to ensure that Singaporeans, especially vulnerable segments, are equipped with:

Digital Access: internet connectivity and digital devices needed for participation in digital society
Digital Literacy and Skills, and have the confidence, and motivation to use technology in their daily lives.

MDDI also recognises that a “digital-first", but not "digital-only” approach is important to ensure that no one is left behind and everyone can participate in the increasingly digital society, regardless of their digital ability.

Digital Readiness Blueprint

The Digital Readiness Blueprint, published in 2018, sets out recommendations for building Digital Readiness in Singaporeans, guided by four strategic thrusts:

1: Expand and Enhance Digital Access for Inclusivity

2: Infuse Digital Literacy into National Consciousness

3: Empower Community and Businesses to Drive Widespread Adoption of Technology

4: Promote Digital Inclusion by Design

Singapore Digital Society Report

The inaugural Singapore Digital Society (SGDS) report was published on 4 November 2023, and assesses the state of Singapore’s digital society across three dimensions – digital access, digital skills for daily life, and attitudes towards adopting digital technologies. The report found that over the past few years, Singapore has made good progress as a digital society.

People-Private-Public (3P) Approach to Build a Digitally Inclusive Society

To galvanise people, private, and public sectors (3P) partnerships and help Singaporeans enrich their lives by embracing digital as a lifelong pursuit, the Digital for Life (DfL) movement was launched in 2021 as a national movement with the President as its Patron. Under the movement, the DfL Fund was also set up to support digital inclusion initiatives by charities and other community groups. The movement calls for organisations and individuals to champion projects and activities that promote (1) Digital Technology and Inclusion and (2) Digital Literacy and Wellness.

Get Connected

Digital Access Schemes

Digital access support is provided to vulnerable segments through Digital Access Schemes by IMDA.

The DigitalAccess@Home scheme provides subsidised broadband and laptops/tablets to lower-income households to support their lifestyle needs, including work and social activities.
The Mobile Access for Seniors (MAS) scheme provides subsidised smartphones and mobile data plans for seniors who want to go digital but cannot afford to do so.

Free Internet Access in Public Spaces

Wireless@SG by IMDA provides free Wi-Fi access in public spaces, in collaboration with venue owners and service providers.

All library members may enjoy free access to NLB eResources at the Multimedia Stations in the libraries (except library@chinatown and library@orchard).

Technology Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities

Tech Able, an initiative by SG Enable and SPD, is an integrated assistive technology space at the Enabling Village. It features a technology exhibition for persons with disabilities and provides them with assistive device assessment services. Persons with disabilities can find out about devices that will help them in their employment or daily activities.

Provision of Non-digital Alternatives

Government initiatives to equip citizens with digital access and skills are complemented with efforts to support citizens who may still be unwilling and/or unable to transact digitally.

Many Government agencies currently provide in-person and contact centre services, to assist those who may have difficulty transacting online.

The Public Service has also set up ServiceSG Centres at various heartland locations, to serve as first-stop physical service touchpoints where officers can guide citizens through digital transactions and offer integrated services across different public agencies for citizens.

Learn and Explore

Digital Skills for Life

Digital Skills for Life (DSL) is a framework covering five key digital competencies, namely, (i) Set up and use smart devices, (ii) Explore information online, (iii) Communicate online, (iv) Transact Online and (v) Be safe, smart and kind online. The framework aims to equip all Singaporeans with essential digital knowledge and skills to conduct daily online tasks, navigate the digital space and safeguard against digital risks.

Seniors Go Digital

SG Digital Office’s Seniors Go Digital programme provides basic digital training to seniors, such as e-communications, government digital services and e-payment. The curriculum comprises 1-to-1 and small group lessons at the SG Digital Community Hubs and Learning Journeys to guide seniors in real world applications of digital skills.

Media Literacy Council

The Media Literacy Council (MLC) seeks to provide expert advice and thought leadership on issues pertaining to digital literacy and wellness and its emerging areas. With community partners, it also co-develops digital literacy and wellness resources and supports initiatives under the national Digital for Life movement.

SG Cyber Safe Seniors / Students Programme

The SG Cyber Safe Seniors Programme and SG Cyber Safe Students Programme are led by CSA in collaboration with IMDA and SPF. These programmes aim to raise seniors’ and students' awareness of cybersecurity and encourage adoption of good cyber hygiene practices.

Cyber Wellness Education

Cyber Wellness in MOE’s Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) curriculum focuses on the well-being of students as they navigate cyberspace. The CCE curriculum aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to harness the power of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for positive purposes, maintain a positive presence in cyberspace and be safe and responsible users of ICT.

Code For Fun

The Code for Fun Enrichment Programme (offered jointly by MOE and IMDA) aims to increase primary and secondary school students’ exposure to coding and computational thinking. Students learn computational thinking, coding concepts and emerging technology through engaging hands-on experiences, robotic kits and/or microcontrollers.

Lifelong Learning and Discovering at NLB

NLB aims to empower and elevate every segment of society to learn and discover continuously to be ready for the future.

S.U.R.E. Programme

The Source, Understand, Research, Evaluate (S.U.R.E) programme by the National Library Board promotes the importance of information searching and discernment to the general public. S.U.R.E. distils key information literacy concepts into four simple steps to help us verify the information we receive.

MakeIT at Libraries

MakeIT at Libraries offers library users a dedicated innovation space with tools, equipment, and hardware kits that enable individuals to Learn, Tinker, and Create in both digital and traditional fabrication.

LearnX Digital: Digital Learning in the Libraries

LearnX Digital is NLB’s suite of digital readiness programmes and curated resources for citizens of all ages. Hear from experts through curated talks, practise hands-on skills in guided environments, and build motivation and confidence in navigating emerging technology through showcases such as ExperienceIT.