Singapore – Major mobile network operators (MNOs) in Singapore has assured the public of their compliance to Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA)’s Shared Responsibility Framework (SRF) for phishing scams. 

MAS and IMDA recently announced the implementation of the SRF, which assigns duties to financial institutions and telecommunication companies to address phishing scams. In a joint response, MNOs M1, Singtel, StarHub and SIMBA emphasises their collective adherence to protect its customers.

“The MNOs have already implemented the telco duties set out in the Shared Responsibility Framework (SRF). On top of these duties, the MNOs have also complied with other scam prevention measures such as stringent SIM card registration requirements and offering the option for subscribers to block international calls and SMS,” the statement read. 

The SRF holds network banks and telco liable for customers suffering from scams, requiring them to perform real-time fraud surveillance. If a customer is scammed, telcos may be expected to bear the losses if the guidelines are not followed.

The MNOs said they will collaborate with authorities to enforce measures and avoid scams. 

“In line with the SRF, the respective MNOs will review the eligibility of claims made, with consideration of fair recourse,” the joint statement read.

Earlier this year, the major MNOs have strengthened their anti-scam efforts by partnering with IMDA to allow their customers to block international mobile numbers.

MAS and IMDA is set to implement the SRF starting Dec. 16, 2024. The SRF was first published on Oct. 25, 2023 for a consultation, gathering responses from the public and business representatives.

Singapore – The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has announced the launch of new Advanced Digital Solution categories for retail and security industries to empower SMEs to scale faster and grow in a digital economy. The new solutions are Omnichannel Retail Management (OCRM) and Integrated Security Management (ISM).

The pilot will run for one year and equip 100 SMEs with sophisticated digital solutions to deepen their digital capabilities, drive digital transformation, and build business resilience for growth in a digital economy.

The OCRM and ISM are sector-specific integrated solutions which help SMEs unify various business functions, enabling seamless information flow across their operations to better facilitate operations and enable data analytics and insights. 

Moreover, the solutions will be assessed for their suitability for SMEs’ adoption before they are scaled up through relevant support such as the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG). This will enable more SMEs to benefit when the successfully piloted solutions are pre-approved by IMDA for mass adoption.

Leong Der Yao, assistant chief executive for sectoral transformation group at IMDA, said, “As SMEs grow their businesses and intensify their adoption of digital solutions, the need for seamless integration becomes an important consideration. The OCRM and ISM solutions, curated with shortlisted solution partners, are integral to the broader DEB strategy to empower SMEs to embrace integrated digital solutions. By leveraging these integrated solutions, SMEs are able to streamline operations, elevate their capabilities, and remain competitive in today’s rapidly evolving market landscapes.”

The OCRM solution category is launched by IMDA in collaboration with Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG). It helps retailers to deliver a unified customer experience across these customer engagement touchpoints, such as physical retail outlets, e-marketplaces and online channels, while at the same time, enables an integrated operations across their back-end functions, such as inventory management and customer relationship management.

Singapore – Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) launched the GenAI Sandbox for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) today. This is a first step in enabling local SMEs greater access to GenAI and builds on both agencies’ ongoing efforts to strengthen AI development and ecosystem in Singapore.

According to the two entities, the ‘GenAI Sandbox’ is expected to benefit some 300 SMEs from sectors including retail, F&B, education, and hospitality, which will be able to tap on a range of GenAI solutions to elevate marketing and sales, and customer engagement efforts.

The first category, marketing and sales, will enable SMEs to generate varied and unique marketing content such as customised emails and social media posts that are tailored to individual campaign strategies. These solutions allow SMEs to shorten their marketing preparation process and harness GenAI capabilities to develop engaging content.

Meanwhile, its second category, customer engagement, will enable SMEs to better engage customers at scale using GenAI-powered chatbots, which allow customers to easily search for information, browse through personalised recommendations, or make reservations. These solutions enable SMEs to free up manpower to optimise operational efficiency, while concurrently improving customers’ experience.

All local SMEs can apply to participate in the Sandbox. Successful and eligible applicants will receive grant support from IMDA to trial one of the GenAI solutions of their choice for three months, to gain hands-on experience and better understand the functions of GenAI and the benefits to their businesses. 

Applications to the sandbox will close by end of May 2024, or if the maximum capacity for the Sandbox has been reached, whichever comes earlier.

Leong Der Yao, assistant chief executive for sectoral transformation group at IMDA, said, “With the potential transformative impact of GenAI, SMEs can benefit from experimenting with the technology, as part of their broader digitalisation journey. The sandbox of curated solutions will provide our SMEs greater accessibility to GenAI before deploying it on a larger scale.”

Meanwhile, Soh Leng Wan, assistant chief executive officer, manufacturing and engineering at Enterprise Singapore, commented, “This latest initiative to make available ready-to-use GenAI solutions to our local SMEs is part of our ongoing efforts to collaborate with public and private sectors to accelerate the growth of the AI ecosystem and developments in Singapore. We strongly encourage SMEs to come onboard the Sandbox to experience how their businesses can benefit from GenAI solutions.”

Singapore – The AI Verify Foundation (AIVF) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in Singapore have developed a draft model AI governance framework for generative AI. This framework expands on the existing model governance framework that covers traditional AI, last updated in 2020.

For both entities, this proposed framework aims to facilitate international conversations among policymakers, industry, and the research community, to enable trusted development globally.

“Generative AI has significant transformative potential – above and beyond what Traditional AI has been able to achieve. This also comes with risks. While it remains a dynamically developing space, there is growing global consensus that consistent principles are needed to create a trusted environment – one that enables end-users to use AI confidently and safely, while allowing space for cutting-edge innovation,” both parties said in a press statement.

The core elements for the framework are based on the principles that decisions made by AI should be explainable, transparent, and fair. Beyond principles, it offers practical suggestions that model developers and policymakers can apply as initial steps.

Lastly, the proposed model governance framework for generative AI takes this one step further by covering the latest developments in generative AI. This in turn will inform Singapore’s next steps, as the country adopt a practical approach to maximise both trust and innovation.

Singapore – Singapore is set to retire its 3G services across its local telcos by July 31, 2024. According to the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), all three local telcos providing 3G–namely Singtel, StarHub and M1–will all retire their 3G services and make way for the rapid growth of 5G connectivity.

All three telcos aforementioned have released their separate statements detailing the 3G shutdown, and also offering users ways and means to properly move towards 5G connectivity.

3G connectivity was first introduced in the country 20 years ago, and was followed with 4G developments in the mid-2010s and 5G in 2022.

“Overall, close to 99% of Singapore’s mobile subscribers are currently on 4G/5G. As of April 2023, the 3G subscriber base makes up approximately 1% of the total mobile subscriptions and it is on the decline,” IMDA stated.

With Singapore retiring its 3G services, IMDA expects that more spectrum can be released for investment in 5G to provide a better experience for users and support enterprises undergoing digital transformation.

In addition, retailers will also no longer be able to sell 3G mobile phones and/or 4G models requiring 3G for voice calls. This will take effect from 1 February 2024.

“This one-year transition period is given to allow mobile network operators (MNOs) to adequately engage and migrate their remaining 3G subscribers before retiring their 3G services. 3G subscribers should reach out to their respective MNOs for more information and assistance,” IMDA concluded.

Singapore – In the bid to further scam-proof all customer communications through SMS, Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Singapore’s watchdog for information and communications, has decided to finally make the registration of Sender IDs for SMS mandatory for organisations. 

A pilot SMS Sender ID Registry was first initiated in August 2021, however, with the surge in scams using SMS, IMDA accelerated the setting up of the Singapore SMS Sender ID Registry or SSIR in March this year, where SMS that spoofed or made use of registered IDs on the SSIR were blocked upfront, reducing the risk of scams.

The IMDA said that while SSIR has had an impact, in particular, SMS scam cases declining threefold, it remains to be a voluntary system, and thus concerning the board that this remains to give way for risks of spoofed SMS towards the public. 

“To build stronger scam prevention capabilities, we intend to make SSIR registration a requirement for organisations that use Sender IDs (i.e., a full registration regime). Therefore, only registered Sender IDs will be allowed. All other non-registered Sender IDs will be blocked as a default. This further safeguards SMS as a communication channel,” said IMDA in its official statement. 

Moving forward with the implementation, merchants and organisations that use SMS Sender IDs must register with the SSIR using their Unique Identity Number (UEN), and aggregators who wish to handle SMS with Sender IDs must participate in the SSIR and verify merchants/organisations sign-ups through their UENs

The IMDA said that the said requirements will provide better assurance that only bonafide merchants are using Sender IDs. As a start, the proposed solutions can detect malicious links within the SMS that lead to scam websites; and telcos can then develop solutions to identify patterns of suspicious scam messages and filter them accordingly.

The transition period for orgs will start from October 2022, before the full SSIR registration requirement commences in end-2022.

It would be remembered that at the beginning of the year, regulators in Singapore, particularly its financial authorities MAS and ABS, were urged to encourage banks to scrap clickable links in customer emails and SMS. This followed the OCBC catastrophe in Singapore wherein a phishing scam had nearly 500 customers losing their money amounting to at least S$8.5m.

Singapore – ‘Start Digital’, a digital initiative started by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Enterprise Singapore for SME support, is refreshing their existing digital solutions in order to provide newly incorporated SMEs or those that have yet to digitize with foundational and easy-to-deploy digital solutions.

Initially launched in January 2019, the Start Digital program has helped more than 30,000 SMEs to adopt various digital transformation strategies for their businesses, known collectively as the ‘Start Digital Pack’. These solutions are offered across six partners, namely financial institutions DBS, Maybank, OCBC, and UOB, as well as telco Singtel and M1.

Start Digital is offering three new and enhanced categories:

  • Digital Collaboration – These enable employees to work from home or any other convenient locations. Examples include Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
  • Digital Marketing – Tools that provide SMEs with templates to create social media ads and manage their digital ad buys and placements on a single platform. This allows SMEs to easily manage targeted digital marketing campaigns and reach out to consumers on social media.
  • Digital Transactions – InvoiceNow-linked solutions offered by bank partners are integrated with e-payment including PayNow Corporate to enable SMEs to generate/receive e-invoices through InvoiceNow and receive/make e-payments seamlessly. These solutions help SMEs improve transaction accuracy and administrative productivity. Both e-invoicing and e-payments are part of digital utilities which IMDA is putting in place as baseline infrastructure for the digital economy. Similar to their physical counterparts, digital utilities provide common standards and ease of transactions for businesses. 

Start Digital initially included accounting, human resource management system and payroll, digital marketing, digital transactions and cybersecurity solutions. 

“Based on feedback from SMEs and Start Digital partners, IMDA and Enterprise Singapore are enhancing Start Digital to include new solutions that will enable SMEs to collaborate seamlessly with internal and external parties, and gain new customers,” according to a factsheet released by IMDA and Enterprise Singapore.

Both institutions have been proactive in driving support for SMEs and startups based on digital transformation strategies. Earlier this year, Enterprise Singapore supported the launch of the PlanetSpark Innovation Centre to focus on tech startups seeking to deploy artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) to the market. 

Singapore – A new flagship technology event is on its way this year, as integrated research provider Informa Tech, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have entered in a memorandum of intent (MOI) to host the event on July 13 to 16 this year at the Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Expo.

The event, called ‘Asia Tech X Singapore 2021’ or ‘ATxSG’ for short, will convene government, tech, and business leaders for dynamic and open conversations on technology’s pivotal role in tackling some of the region’s biggest challenges, and powering digital innovation for the advancement of Asia. 

“As technology media and event specialists, we are keenly aware of how bringing together the technology ecosystem on a global platform to share their knowledge and talent can be a powerful tool to drive the change we want to see in the world,” said Carolyn Dawson, managing director for Informa Tech

“We are excited to tap into our international networks to bring tech leaders to Asia; facilitate conversations around the use of tech for good and share new insights on innovations that will make an impact in the region,” added Dawson. 

The upcoming event will be hosted in a hybrid format and will feature event segments such as ‘ATxSummit’ – an invite-only conference hosted by IMDA, ‘ConnecTechAsia’ – Informa Tech’s B2B trade show in Asia, and ‘Elevating Founders Asia’ and ‘accelerateHer Asia’ – highlighting the startup ecosystem and diversity in tech respectively. ATxSG will also feature a host of fringe events to be announced in due time. 

“ATxSG is looking at delivering that uniquely Singaporean experience while bringing together government and digital leaders to discuss how the public and private sectors can converge and propel Asia’s digital economy to the top of the list. We look forward to engaging in face-to-face, ground-breaking conversations on creative tech, talent and governance with the vision that ATxSG will shape the outcome of our region’s shared digital future,” said Howie Lau, assistant chief executive of IMDA’s media and innovation group

IMDA has been active in the past to promote digital transformation strategies in the country, which included the promotion of local media talent, and providing training with Shopee’s parent firm Sea for 500 trainees.

Meanwhile, Yap Chin Siang, deputy chief executive for STB commented, “We are delighted to partner IMDA and Informa Tech to launch ATxSG in Singapore, an event which takes full advantage of our position as a trusted Global-Asia hub. In a time of great disruption, Singapore’s vibrant knowledge economy and focus on innovation make us an ideal platform for like-minded people to exchange ideas and spark new possibilities in the digital space.”

Yap added, “We will continue to work closely with our industry partners to reimagine the future of Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions & Exhibitions (MICE) and set Singapore apart as the world’s leading destination for safe, trusted and innovative business events.”

STB has also been proactive in many marketing partnerships that utilize technological practices in promoting tourism, such as their partnership with American game company Niantic to use the game ‘Pokemon Go’ to promote local tourism, and their partnership with travel booking platform Klook to promote ‘staycation’ bundles for tourists.

Singapore – The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has announced two new key partnerships: audiobook platform Audible and global multimedia company KC Global Media (Singapore), in upbringing the local talent of the country by digital transformation strategies.

The recent partnership is in part with IMDA’s larger plans of expanding the country’s media ecosystem that envisions a rise of innovative content and new opportunities for international collaboration.

Audible will be responsible for providing audio development and production training through its program “Audible Accelerator”. Furthermore, they will be responsible for finding and identifying local original stories that will be tested on Audible’s services globally.

“We are thrilled to work with IMDA and to tap into Singapore’s rich talent pool. We want nothing less than to find unique individuals to tell groundbreaking stories that could only be expressed through the power of human voice and create the next great audio series,” said Karen Appathurai Wiggins, vice president for content at Audible Inc. APAC.

She added, “It is a nation ripe with artistic talent but the audio and spoken-word category is still emerging. We hope to develop the capabilities of the artistic talent who have faced challenges as a result of the pandemic, and lay a foundation to new creative pathways and opportunities in the audio content field.”

On the other hand, KC Global Media Singapore will be responsible for collaborating with local media companies to conceptualize original scripts that have a regional appeal to countries such as Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, and Taiwan. 

“Technology advancement evolves the way consumers digest content and sets new market trends. Despite the challenging times amidst the recent climate, our brand thrives on pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation. We are thrilled to partner with IMDA in rolling out initiatives targeting local talents to develop new formats, produce original content and make it available on all platforms,” said George Chien, president & CEO of KC Global Media Asia.

The new partnerships are launched under the umbrella of Capability Partnership Programme (CPP), which is expected to benefit 90 local media companies and over 700 media professionals in 2021 through job creation and opportunities for upskilling.

Singapore – Shopee’s parent company Sea recently inked a deal with Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to train and hire 500 Singaporeans on eCommerce-related skills of software engineering, product management, and user experience design.

The program is part of IMDA’s ongoing initiative TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) which aims to enhance training and placement opportunities for information and communications technology (ICT) jobs across the economy.  

According to IMDA, the program, when implemented, will be the largest TeSA Company-Led Training (CLT) program ever by a Singapore-based company. 

The program will include 400 entry-level and 100 mid-career Singaporean job seekers who will go through 6 months of training to be provided by Shopee.

Minister for Communications and Information S Iswaran believes that strategic partnerships with industry players are key in growing a strong pipeline of local tech talent.

“In these challenging times, the Government’s priority is to create good jobs for Singaporeans. In particular, we want to ensure that we have a strong pipeline of local tech talent equipped with the skills to secure new opportunities in the Digital Economy. Partnerships with the industry players are key,” Iswaran said.

“This collaboration with Sea Limited (Sea) is timely as it will help some 500 Singaporeans acquire the requisite skills to further their career in the ICT sector, which remains a bright spot in our economy. It also signals the scale and ambition of our ongoing national effort to create jobs and training opportunities for all Singaporeans in our economic recovery from COVID-19. I urge more companies to come forward and join us in this concerted effort,” added Iswaran.

Meanwhile, Sea’s Chairman and CEO Forest Li explained the benefits of the partnership. 

“As a global consumer internet company born and bred in Singapore, we are honored to partner with IMDA on this important initiative. This program not only creates 500 highly-skilled, technical roles at Sea and Shopee for Singaporeans at all stages of their careers but also ensures that these talents can access training and development opportunities to build thriving long-term careers in the ICT sector,” said Li.

“In line with our mission to better the lives of consumers and small businesses through technology, we are committed to empowering our local communities to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the growth of the digital economy,” he added.