Forging Ahead: Lawrence Wong and the Next Chapter of Singapore’s Digital Future – Amelia Ayang Sabrina & Ngan Pham Thu

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*This article is originally published in the Asia Pacific Policy Observatory December 2024 Report.

New Face, Old Regime

2024 has become a historical year for Singapore, as it has had its fourth Prime Minister (PM) since independence in 1965. Lee Hsien Loong, the former PM who had served for 20 years, advised the President to appoint former deputy minister and finance minister Lawrence Wong to become the new PM. Wong was then sworn on 15 May, 2024, becoming the first Singaporean head of government born after Singapore’s independence. He is also the first prime minister to have attended non-elite local schools. Due to this, the media highlighted his relatable image as an everyman as he grew up in a public housing estate and attended local schools. Advocating for unity, Mr. Wong has pledged to build a more inclusive Singapore, a vision shaped by a nationwide consultation exercise he initiated.

With a general election required to take place by mid-November 2025, Wong has less than a year to lead the government. However, his party, the People’s Action Party (PAP), has been Singapore’s ruling party since its independence in 1969 and has won every general election, including the most recent in November 2020. Singapore’s prime ministers have had long tenures historically. Lee Kuan Yew, the country’s founding Prime Minister, served for 31 years before continuing in the Cabinet as Senior and Mentor Minister for an additional 21 years. His successors have also held the position for extended periods. Given PAP’s dominant position in Singapore’s unicameral parliamentary system, Wong will likely continue in office for the foreseeable future.

Though it may not seem like a significant power shift, PAP, through its “4G” (4th generation) team, has introduced a distinct style of governance from the beginning. This team was a way for PAP to form its succession over generations. 

Generational Change for a Forward Singapore

From 1G to the current 4G, a group of younger ministers in the long-ruling PAP cabinet were chosen to drive the next-generation leadership succession. In 2022, the 4G team led by Lawrence Wong initiated the Forward Singapore, an open public consultation to review and refresh Singapore’s “social compact” joined by more than 200,000 Singaporeans, which showed an indication of the current political leadership’s desire to adopt a more open and consultative style. While the government has previously engaged in public consultation exercises like Our Singapore Conversation, Forward Singapore places an even greater emphasis on gathering public feedback to shape policies. 

The report Forward Singapore indicates that Singaporeans’ dreams are no longer centered around material success but have shifted toward meaning and inclusiveness. This notion has also shown in Singapore’s overall policy, including its future digital policy. Though Forward Singapore didn’t explicitly discuss Singapore’s digital policy, the report made it more apparent in the way technology is expected to be used in society, mainly how technology is used for career growth, assistance to seniors, and youth aspirations for the government to provide social support through digital means.

Wong also highlighted his approach to leadership as one that emphasizes common ground rather than accentuates differences. With his upbringing making him relatable to everyday Singaporeans, Wong said his leadership style will differ from that of previous generations and emphasize unity. This was evident in Wong’s first national rally, where political observers noted that Lawrence Wong made bold and transformative policy announcements, advancing efforts toward the renewed social compact envisioned in the Forward Singapore initiative. A notable policy that caught observers’ attention was the introduction of the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme, aimed at assisting lower- and middle-income workers who have lost their jobs. Independent political observer Felix Tan, described it as a surprising move, highlighting it as “a shift away from the government’s strict ‘no welfare state’ concept”.

Forward Singapore’s nuance and its new leadership’s approach to policy is also reflected in the Smart Nation 2.0, as one of Singapore’s main future digital policies and initiatives. Smart Nation 2.0 emphasizes not only growth but also trust and community. On October 1, 2024, Lawrence Wong unveiled the refreshed Smart Nation 2.0 plan, emphasizing a sharper focus on what he termed the “three building blocks” for Singapore’s next phase as a technologically advanced nation: growth, community, and trust. These pillars extend beyond digitalization, aiming to create a more holistic approach to ensure that technology is used in ways that strengthen the Singaporean community. 

In maintaining the same spirit of re-thinking technology’s place in society, Wong also refreshed the Ministry of Communication and Information (MCI) as the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) which has been effective since July 2024. Lawrence Wong specifically stated that the change was more than just a renaming exercise, but also a change in mindset orientation. It reflects the ministry’s role in driving a coherent national digital strategy across sectors and agencies, which also incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) and many other technologies. This is very significant for the Smart Nation 2.0 agenda as it strengthens the overall goal and aligns with the previous strategy that Smart Nation and Digital Government Group (SNDGG) were merged into MCI in October 2023 to better position Singapore to respond to digital developments. Furthermore, the MDDI will focus on enhancing Singapore’s digital economy and areas such as digital resilience, readiness, and inclusion, as well as cyber security and regulating digital infrastructure, data protection, and online content. The ministry will also drive the development and applying digital technologies and capabilities, including digitizing government services.

However, other key political and socio-economic challenges may influence and challenge Wong’s policies. In recent years, the ruling party has faced unexpected internal struggles that have compromised its traditionally clean image, including the first-ever indictment on corruption charges of senior minister S. Iswaran, now a former official. Wong and PAP also faced the challenge of the upcoming election in 2025, after PAP suffered its worst-ever election result in the recent 2020 election. The rising cost of living has also become a growing concern for Singaporeans. Additionally, regarding the geopolitical situation, Singapore’s efforts to balance its economic ties with China while maintaining a close security partnership with the United States are proving increasingly difficult. 

SMART Nation 2.0: A Vision of A Thriving Digital Future for All

As the recurring winning party, PAP’s political legitimacy is proven by economic growth. This has shaped Singapore’s trajectory as a nation, making Singapore the only First World country with the highest per capita income in Southeast Asia. Infrastructure has been pivotal to Singapore’s success, with a focus on digital advancements since the 1980s. The establishment of the National Computer Board (NCB) and the launch of the National Computerisation Plan (NCP) marked the start of a deliberate effort to digitalize the nation. This initiative led to the creation of Singapore’s first digital masterplan in 1985, followed by a series of subsequent strategies, the latest being the Smart Nation initiative.

Introduced in 2014, the first master plan of the Smart Nation initiative aimed to improve the lives of Singaporeans by leveraging technology to create meaningful and fulfilling experiences. It spurred the establishment of key infrastructures, including the Government Technology Agency (GovTech) and various other digital transformations. The vision also seeks to support a knowledge-based economy and enhance the quality of life for all individuals through greater interconnectedness enabled by using smart devices and sensors. The initiative has focused on five domains: home and environment, transport, public-sector services, health and enabled aging, and business productivity. 

In addition to Smart Nation, Singapore developed the National AI Strategy (NAIS) in 2019, outlining plans to transform the economy through AI. In its early years, NAIS facilitated the formation of 150 research and development teams and 900 startups to explore new ideas. In 2023, then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Lawrence Wong announced the refresh of NAIS 2.0, which became one of the frameworks and blueprints supporting Singapore’s refreshed Smart Nation 2.0 vision. Other strategic frameworks, including the Digital Readiness Blueprint, Digital Connectivity Blueprint, Digital Government Blueprint, Digital Enterprise Blueprint, and the Singapore Cybersecurity Strategy, complemented Smart Nation. 

The Smart Nation 2.0 comes as the next phase, aiming to propel Singapore in three key pillars: trust, growth, and community by riding the powerful waves of new technology and unity of the nation. One strategic focus of the revised plan is AI technology, as the Wong government strives to harness AI to its full potential to bring Singapore’s people and businesses forward. Wong’s vision for Smart Nation 2.0 is to establish Singapore as “a better home for all” with an inclusive, supportive environment and brimming opportunities. Taking Wong’s open and consultative leadership style and the vision of refreshing Singapore’s “social compact” into account, the following sections will explain how these building blocks are currently being implemented and how Wong’s and Singapore’s vision for the future will manifest in this area.

Trust – Digital Safety

With “Trust” as the first building block, Smart Nation 2.0 aims to enhance the security and resilience of the digital infrastructure, strengthen the fight against harmful online activities, and expand trusted digital spaces. In terms of digital infrastructure, in May 2024, the Singapore government updated the Cybersecurity Act to regulate a broader set of regulatory frameworks governing cybersecurity in Singapore and stipulate requirements for critical information infrastructure operators. Cybersecurity Act 2018 secures computer systems that provide essential services like banking, energy, and water supply. Critical information infrastructure owners must implement cybersecurity measures, conduct regular risk assessments and audits, report incidents, and participate in cybersecurity exercises. The Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill No. 15/2024 aims to expand the scope of the Cybersecurity Act 2018 to include entities of special cybersecurity interest (ESCI) and Systems of Temporary Cybersecurity Concern (STCCs), alongside current critical information infrastructure (CII). The bill mandates CII owners to ensure cybersecurity and report incidents, including those in supply chains and allows the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) to designate ESCIs and secure STCCs. It also outlines obligations for foundational digital infrastructure services. 

The Singapore government will also introduce a new Digital Infrastructure Act in 2025 to improve the resilience and security of key digital infrastructure and services that can significantly impact the economy and society if disrupted. The proposed law addresses broader security and resilience concerns facing digital infrastructure and service providers, including technical misconfigurations and physical hazards such as fires and cooling system failures. It complements existing cybersecurity regulations, reducing the likelihood and minimizing the impact of systemic disruptions.

The rising concern over online harms has become a significant issue worldwide and in Singapore, driving governments to urgently explore effective regulatory measures. To start with, Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA) provides for general personal data protection requirements and contains provisions on data subject rights, the appointment of a data protection officer, and the obligations of organizations and data intermediaries. The PDPA positions the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) as responsible for enforcing the PDPA’s provisions. Furthermore, amendments to the PDPA entered into force in 2021, introducing a number of key reforms, including mandatory data breach notification requirements, amendments to the consent obligation, offences for egregious mishandling of personal data, prohibitions relating to the use of dictionary attacks and address-harvesting software, and the PDPC’s power to accept voluntary undertakings as part of its enforcement regime.

In the fight against harmful online activities, Singapore was already among the first countries to introduce a dedicated Cybersecurity Act in 2018 to regulate owners of critical information infrastructure and cybersecurity service providers, and the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act 2019 (POFMA) to counteract online falsehoods. More recently, safeguards against harmful online content, such as advocacy of suicide and self-harm through the Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2022 and against criminal online content or activities through the Online Criminal Harms Act 2023 (OCHA). Under these laws, online services must implement preventive and mitigating measures. They must also comply with government-issued directions to prevent access to egregious content and disrupt criminal activities. A new Singapore government agency will also help victims quickly put a stop to online harms instead of solely depending on the usual court-based process. Victims of such acts – which include cyberbullying and non-consensual sharing of intimate images – will be able to apply to the agency to seek redress.

POFMA and the Evolving Matter of Trust in Elections

Amidst all of these regulatory movements, it is worth zooming in on the more controversial POFMA. During the pandemic, POFMA orders were issued for most topics related to COVID-19, which has been a significant tool for combating misinformation. Following so, a total of 20 correction directions were issued between the issuance of the Writ of Election and Polling Day during the 2020 elections, marking the first instance of POFMA utilized during an electoral process. Henceforth, POFMA has raised some eyebrows over the potential abuse of POFMA by individuals holding political authority.

In the meantime, Smart Nation 2.0 acknowledges that artificial intelligence (AI) tools may present new threats, enhancing the effectiveness and reach of scams and manipulative campaigns. The challenge in enforcing POFMA will, therefore, not only be on the potential abuse of POFMA itself, but also AI-generated information operate out of jurisdiction or be anonymous; holding perpetrators accountable is challenging. 

Against these backdrops, Smart Nation 2.0 involves the public as an active partner in combating online falsehoods. Through initiatives like CATOS, which collaborates with local groups such as Checkmate, technology is leveraged to enhance community efforts in detecting misinformation and scams, fostering a collective approach to online safety.

As Singapore prepares for its upcoming elections in 2025, new problems arise as deepfakes are used to feature political figures spread across its digital space since late 2023. The MDDI has since highlighted a troubling trend of fake news and AI misinformation in Singapore, emphasizing that these issues could undermine the electoral process’s integrity. In January 2024, the MDDI Minister Josephine Teo announced a S$50 million initiative aimed at developing tools to detect and counter misinformation and deep fakes effectively. Additionally, in October 2024, authorities blocked multiple websites suspected of spreading disinformation using AI-generated content. 

The MDDI took a further step by introducing the Elections (Integrity of Online Advertising) (Amendment) Bill (ELIONA Bill) on September 4, 2024. This legislative measure aims to safeguard voters from AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes during elections. The ELIONA Bill amends existing laws – the Parliamentary Elections Act 1954 and the Presidential Elections Act 1991 — to implement new safeguards against such threats. Following its introduction, the ELIONA Bill was passed on October 15, 2024, ahead of the upcoming general election in 2025.

Key provisions of the ELIONA Bill include a ban on publishing any digitally manipulated content on political candidates, effective from the issuance of the Writ of Election until Polling Day. Candidates are empowered to request reviews of misleading content, and the Returning Officer can issue directives to remove or block access to such content during the election period. Non-compliance can lead to fines up to SGD 1,000 (US $740) or imprisonment for individuals, while social media platforms may face penalties up to SGD 1 million (US $739,750). Citizens are encouraged to report potentially misleading content, fostering community involvement in maintaining electoral integrity.

The ELIONA Bill represents a significant step forward in ensuring electoral integrity amidst rising misinformation challenges while also empowering voters – particularly younger ones who are heavy technology users – to engage more critically with information during elections. However, concerns remain regarding equitable enforcement of these laws among candidates and the potential for misinformation to proliferate through private channels exempted from regulation. As Singapore navigates these complexities leading up to its next general election, it remains committed to fostering a fair electoral environment where voters can make informed choices free from manipulation by advanced technologies.

Singapore today grapples with a range of digital threats that pose risks to its governance and electoral integrity, notably the rise of AI technologies and deepfakes. A recent study indicated that 83% of Singaporeans express concern that AI and deepfakes could influence election outcomes, surpassing the global average of 75%, with 76% reporting increased skepticism towards online content. In response, the government has adopted a proactive and comprehensive approach to digital security, adapting to a rapidly evolving threat landscape. 

Singapore’s response to digital threats to the electoral process and governance has evolved significantly over the years. Past incidents have demonstrated how digital technology can disrupt governance and elections. Between 2016 and 2017, Singapore faced online campaigns aimed at undermining its foreign policy through misleading commentaries targeting its Chinese-speaking population. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these challenges, as misinformation spread rapidly through messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, leading to public panic over false claims about supermarket operations and mask shortages. In response to these crises, Singapore enacted legislation such as the POFMA 2019 and the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act 2021 (FICA), aimed at combating misinformation and foreign interference in domestic politics.

Growth – Digital Economy

The second pillar of Smart Nation 2.0 – ”Growth” focuses on preparing Singaporeans for the future economy through technology and digitalization. Its three key objectives are to power the digital economy, empower enterprises and workers, and prepare the next generations for Singapore’s future. PM Wong, formerly a seasoned minister in civil sectors and finance, is expected to continue Singapore’s focus on economic development and political stability while advancing the mentioned objectives through new policies and revised legal frameworks.

The digital economy contributes 17.7% of Singapore’s GDP, providing substantial momentum driving the national economy forward. The private sector has high digitization rates as not only resourceful corporations but also 90% of SMEs have adopted at least one digital solution to drive business forward by far. The Smart Nation 2.0 recognized two pivotal factors underlying the digital economy growth, which are digital infrastructure and human resource upskilling.

With respect to infrastructure, the new government continues to implement the Digital Connectivity Blueprint, which aims to support the growing demand for digital services and applications, thereby facilitating a more robust digital economy. Detailed goals include doubling submarine cable landings within the next decade, upgrading to 10 Gbps broadband speeds and disseminating the Singapore Digital Utility Stack. The new Digital Infrastructure Act (DIA) is planned for 2025, aims to enhance the security and resilience of essential digital infrastructure across various sectors. The government also plans to scale AI advances across sectors to strengthen and transform digital infrastructure. Key initiatives include establishing AI centers of excellence, and investing in research, supported by over S$500 million under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 plan. Governance initiatives include the forthcoming Workplace Fairness Legislation to address AI-related hiring biases and updated AI guidelines based on earlier frameworks.

As of now, Singapore still experiences occasional digital service disruptions, such as the Singtel landline outage in October 2024, which have disrupted 2,300 emergency calls. These cases continue to draw attention on how the Wong government would deliver the promises of digital infrastructure via Smart Nation 2.0. 

With respect to human resources, one critical challenge Singapore faced is the existing skill-gap among workers. In a March 2024 survey, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) found that 59% of businesses cited lack of knowledge and experience as a major challenge in implementing cybersecurity protocols. To address skill gaps, the Digital Enterprise Blueprint 2024 supports over 50,000 SMEs through AI adoption, integrated solutions, cyber resilience, and workforce upskilling. Concurrently, Smart Nation 2.0 promotes AI-specific training for workers, investing S$20 million in student programs and expanding tech job opportunities through industry partnerships and Jobs Transformation Maps.

The Smart Nation 2.0 also proved a well-rounded plan when emphasizing on policies for students and youngsters, aiming to better prepare them for the digital future. The Transforming Education through Technology Masterplan (EdTech Masterplan 2030), launched in 2023, integrates technology studies into curricula and strengthens K-12 students’ digital knowledge. Initiatives like the AI for Fun modules and the Smart Nation Educator Fellowship 2025 aim to prepare students and educators for a digital future, ensuring a tech-ready workforce.

Community – Digital Safety

“Community” as the building blocks, the Smart Nation 2.0 plan outlines strategies to equip citizens with the skills needed to succeed in the digital economy, foster a sense of community through digital inclusion, and enhance online safety and trust. Currently, not all citizens are reaping the benefits of digital services. In 2023, CNA reported on Singapore’s elderly finding it hard to embrace e-payments due to their complexity. Service disruptions in the past year, like the case of Singaporean bank DBS, also alarmed younger users about the risks of e-payment services. 

Therefore, the Wong government plans to intensify outreach efforts to ensure more citizens, including seniors, gain confidence in using digital skills while key services will remain accessible through physical counters. For instance, the government-linked active ageing agency, the Council for Third Age (C3A), will develop over 180 courses designed to help seniors master tasks such as setting up and using smart devices, conducting online transactions and communications, searching for information online, and protecting themselves from digital risks.

In Smart Nation 2.0, the Community building block focuses on fostering an inclusive and empowered digital society. It emphasizes bridging the digital divide by ensuring that all segments of the population, including the elderly, underprivileged, and less tech-savvy, have access to technology and the necessary digital skills. 

Initiatives such as the Digital for Life movement and Silver Digital Ambassadors promote lifelong digital learning and guide seniors in adopting technology. Citizen-centric design plays a vital role, involving the community in co-creating user-friendly and accessible digital solutions, as seen in platforms like LifeSG and Moments of Life, which streamline public services tailored to individuals’ needs. Additionally, Smart Nation 2.0 prioritizes digital literacy through programs like SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace, helping citizens adapt to emerging technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

Enforcing accountability also builds trust in technology and reinforces digital safety across communities. As data security remains a burning problem for Singapore, numerous breach cases have emerged in 2024 from the public to private sector. The MDDI recently reported a 10% rise in the number of data leaks in the public sector in 2023. In August 2024, the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) was fined S$20,000 (US $14,763) by the PDPC for failing to implement adequate security measures to protect personal data, leaking data of more than 35,000 individuals, with some users suffering financial losses. Other companies fined by PDPC in 2024 for data breach and leakage include Carousell, Keppel Telecommunications & Transportation (KTT), Academy of Medicine Singapore. 

The Smart Nation 2.0, therefore, places emphasis on addressing data privacy, cybersecurity, and ethical concerns through public awareness campaigns and transparent policies. Technology is further leveraged to strengthen social cohesion, enabling grassroots organizations to engage residents and fostering community bonds through smart estates and smart towns. The initiative also empower citizens to solve societal challenges through open data, hackathons, and citizen science programs. Ultimately, the Community pillar ensures no one is left behind in Singapore’s digital transformation, fostering a skilled, inclusive, and cohesive society that actively contributes to the nation’s digital future.

Looking Beyond the Smart Nation 2.0

Overall, Singapore’s digital policies reflect a strategic balance between innovation, collaboration and ethical governance that sets it apart on the global stage, particularly in AI governance and digital trade. Singapore’s approach to AI is clearly illustrated by the establishment of frameworks such as AI Verify and policies within the National AI Strategy 2.0 on integrating ethical considerations into technological advancements, ensuring that innovation aligns with societal values. The Smart Nation 2.0 further pivots towards AI resilience and inclusivity, which includes a S$120 million fund dedicated to AI adoption and aims to cultivate a new generation of researchers proficient in both AI technologies and various scientific domains. 

Singapore has also actively sought partnership in this respect, having collaborated with the UK on AI safety. Singapore’s AI policies not only serves to enhance its standing as a trusted partner regionally and globally, but also positions it appropriately to influence global norms around AI ethics and governance, while maintaining its competitive edge in the AI global landscape. 

Concerning digital trade, in July 2024, negotiations on the European Union-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) concluded, marking a significant step in enhancing cross-border digital trade and cooperation. This agreement builds upon the earlier Digital Partnership Principles established in 2023 and complements the existing EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement from 2019. The DTA aims to create a predictable and open environment for digital transactions by establishing favorable regulations (i.e. prohibition of unjustified data localization, high standards for personal data protection, and custom duties exemption for e-transactions), while also emphasizing regulatory cooperation to address issues related to cybersecurity and online consumer protection. 

Singapore-initiated DTAs position the city-state as a key player in shaping global digital trade norms while reinforcing its role as a leading digital trade hub in the Asia Pacific region. With a fast-evolving digital landscape, Singapore is poised to play an increasingly influential role in defining the future of global digital policy.

Conclusion 

The transition of power to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in May 2024 marks a new chapter in Singapore’s digital future. While the People’s Action Party (PAP) remains in power, Wong brings a more open and consultative leadership style, emphasizing inclusivity and proposing a refreshed “social compact”. Through the flagship Smart Nation 2.0 plan, this vision manifests in a sharper focus on the “three building blocks” for Singapore’s next phase as a technologically advanced nation: growth, community, and trust. These pillars extend beyond digitalization, aiming to create a more holistic approach to ensure that technology is used to strengthen the Singaporean community.

On trust, Smart Nation aims to enhance the security and resilience of the digital infrastructure, strengthen the fight against harmful online activities, and expand trusted digital spaces. Singapore is enhancing digital resilience through measures like the updated Cybersecurity Act (2024) and the upcoming Digital Infrastructure Act (2025). Initiatives such as CATOS support the POFMA bill and will actively engage the public in combating online falsehoods. Additionally, in 2024, Singapore also introduced the Elections (Integrity of Online Advertising) (Amendment) Bill (ELIONA), which safeguards voters against AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes during elections.

On growth, Smart Nation focuses on preparing Singaporeans for the future economy through technology and digitalization. Smart Nation 2.0 aims to power the digital economy, support enterprises and workers, and prepare future generations for a tech-driven economy. With his background in civil and financial sectors, Wong is expected to sustain economic development while advancing these objectives. Lastly, on community, strategies focus on equipping citizens with digital skills, fostering inclusion, and enhancing online safety. However, gaps remain in ensuring all citizens benefit from digital services.

The transition of power to the new PM, Lawrence Wong, marks the continuation of Singapore’s key digital policies and existing frameworks, with notable shifts in approach and priorities. Instead of prioritizing economic values above all else, the new government emphasizes fostering an inclusive environment and ensuring technology is used to strengthen the Singaporean community. With this approach, Singapore is well-positioned to play an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of global digital policy amid a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Written by Amelia Ayang Sabrina & Ngan Pham Thu (Edited by Sameer Gahlot)

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