Taking the Lead: Singapore unveils plans for ‘a smart nation’

The idea of smart phones, smart banking famously referred to as ‘internet banking’, among others has been one that could certainly be described as revolutionary.

More so, the ease of work and life in general as associated with it is one that is continually praised in all quarters of humanity despite a few flaws.

But on a larger scale, this idea has been applied to most businesses or organizations today.

For instance: in modern institutions of learning, there have been an increasing reduction in the need for a high number of invigilators in an examination hall as the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras connected to a central motoring system that is manned by competent personnel has made it impossible but for a few exceptions for some students to engage in examination malpractice.

Furthermore, instead of log books which often gives room for some dubious employees to fill-in wrong ‘earlier arrival time’ at their offices, smart organizations use electronic log-in systems that with just a thumb print provides accurate time on when  a worker arrived the office as well as well as when he or she left.

On a sector basis, countries have also made notable strides in creating smart database systems for their citizens, residents and visitors. Hence, with just a click every detail about an individual can be accessed at a US, German or South African Embassy. Not leaving out the fact that Ghana under the present administration is equally putting measures in place to facilitate this system.

Now, quite similar to America’s moon project in the 1960s, Singapore has rolled out an all-encompassing plan known as “the Smart Nation”.

The system is targeted at blending technology into every aspect of the country: from transportation, medical services, buying from a grocery store, and several other areas.

In the new plan, bus stops will have interactive maps and Wi-Fi connectivity plus recreational accessories like swings, books or magazines, etc. All in an effort to make the journeys and lives of the small island’s commuters as well as residents a mix of fun and efficiency.

In a recent interview with the BBC's Asian correspondent - Karishma Vaswani, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said: "We already know that public health services delivered over video and medical consultation via video works well in larger countries with rural areas, but in Singapore we are very urban, and our citizens can get healthcare within a very short period of time.

"So we have to rationalize what it is we are trying to do with this platform. We are moving cautiously with discipline so that patients will benefit from this kind of consultation, with no risks."

It's an ambitious goal - trying to merge technology into every aspect of citizens' lives - but this grand plan may have already run into some speed bumps.

"We really are not going as fast as we ought to".

With its high prospect for success on the project, the country is set to be the first “Smart Nation” on earth and perhaps a stunning example to others. Thanks to the visionary leadership of its government.