Digital Technologies Play Key Role in Response to COVID-19
Technology and Digitalised Solutions Are the Way of the Future
Singapore’s Ministry of Communications and Information has highlighted the key role of digital technologies in containment strategies for COVID-19.
At the G-20 Digital Economy Ministers Meeting, the discussion focused on how COVID-19 had resulted in major global economic disruptions. International supply chains and global trade also felt the sting of the pandemic.
Throughout the crisis, digital technologies have proved to be salient in responding to the pandemic. It will continue to play a crucial role during the recovery period too.
Key Areas That Benefit from Digital Technologies
Three key areas were identified that yielded long-term and near benefits. These areas are:
- Improving public health
- Reinforcement economic resilience
- Cultivating an informed nation
The COVID-19 shed light on the need for health solutions to go digital too. Some examples of these include contact tracing, telemedicine, and temperature screening that is automated. Technology has also enabled the Government to better engage with their people and establish trust. Particularly where social cohesion was necessary to curb the spread of the virus. Technology made it possible for Singapore to respond strongly to the pandemic as a nation.
For businesses to become even more resilient, they need digital solutions. The COVID-19 highlighted how important it was to invest in cybersecurity and infrastructure for digital connectivity. 5G proved to be digital economy’s backbone and Singapore has awarded nation-wide 5G licenses.
Singapore will focus on 6 areas which include:
- Ensuring inclusive access
- Communication infrastructure that is both affordable and secure
- Network connectivity
- Ensure data is exchanged in a safe and secure manner
- Encouraging research and utilisation of digital health technology
- Leveraging on tech and solutions to implement and support policies that battle COVID-19
The ministers involved in the G-20 meeting also agreed to support digitalisation efforts in a bid to strengthen the resilience of businesses.