Skip to content
Telecom

Singapore Strengthens Role as 5G Regional Innovation Hub

By Rajiv MenonSingapore
2 min read
Singapore
Singapore
In this article (5)

5G enables technologies such as AI, Digital Twin, and augmented and extended realities to seamlessly work together, a key need for businesses at the forefront of digital transformation, providing consumers with a better-quality experience. In advancing Singapore’s 5G ecosystem, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) is working with the industry to unlock the real value of 5G by shaping new business use-cases and enabling enterprises to commercialize locally and globally.

Lew Chuen Hong, Chief Executive, IMDA, said, “Singapore will continue to push the boundaries of innovation through frontier technologies such as 5G. We are excited to work with our industry partners to unlock the real impact of 5G. We look forward to seeing new and exciting ways 5G will benefit our businesses and consumers.”

Three new 5G projects have been introduced to boost Singapore’s 5G ecosystem. Under IMDA’s 5G Innovation Programme, S$30 million has been set aside to accelerate the adoption and commercialization of 5G solutions.

IMDA has announced the awarding of projects for Asia Pacific’s first 5G mobile edge computing for Mixed Reality and Holomedicine capabilities in health tech; the region’s first outdoor mass 5G-enabled cinematic quality AR experience; and Southeast Asia’s first maritime 5G augmented reality/virtual reality smart glasses solution.

PSA continues to make waves, as the world’s first 5G mmWave port operations trial sees progress. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) achieved a reduction in latency by 50% compared to the current 4G network. This will enable PSA to scale AGV operations at Tuas Mega Port beyond 2000 vehicles. Automated rubber tire gantry cranes (aRTG) have also seen significant stability in terms of throughput and low latency. 5G will enable PSA to completely automate its RTG operations and empower its staff for higher-value job roles and upskilling in new areas of work.

IMDA’s partnership with Razer has also seen significant results. This first-ever mmWave trial for Razer was conducted at Ngee Ann City and Singtel’s Comcentre, and findings from this trial enabled a re-imagining of the mobile gaming experience with 5G-enabled gaming controllers.  Based on learnings from this trial, Razer has launched the Razer Kishi V2, a universal mobile gaming controller that promises a “console-class gameplay experience” for smartphones. It also launched the Razer Arctech, a heat-dissipating mobile phone cover that supports the heavy processing load required for a seamless gaming experience.

Questions & Answers

Q.

What is IMDA's financial commitment to accelerating 5G adoption and commercialisation?

A.

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has allocated S$30 million under its 5G Innovation Programme. This funding aims to speed up the uptake and commercialisation of 5G solutions across various industries.

Q.

Which specific sectors are seeing new 5G projects awarded by IMDA?

A.

IMDA has awarded projects in health tech for 5G mobile edge computing for Mixed Reality and Holomedicine. Other areas include an outdoor mass 5G-enabled cinematic quality AR experience and a maritime 5G augmented reality/virtual reality smart glasses solution.

Q.

How has 5G technology improved operations for PSA at Tuas Mega Port?

A.

A 5G mmWave port operations trial at PSA saw automated guided vehicles (AGVs) achieve a 50% latency reduction compared to 4G. This improvement will allow PSA to scale AGV operations beyond 2000 vehicles and automate rubber tyre gantry crane operations fully.

Q.

What commercial product resulted from IMDA's 5G trial partnership with Razer?

A.

Learnings from the 5G mmWave trial enabled Razer to launch the Razer Kishi V2, a universal mobile gaming controller offering a 'console-class gameplay experience'. They also released the Razer Arctech, a heat-dissipating mobile phone cover.

Reader pulse

Is Singapore's 5G strategy a major shift?

18,836 votes so far

Weekly Briefing

Asia's retail intelligence, in your inbox

Tuesday, Thursday and a Saturday Weekly Wrap: the retail stories, numbers and moves that mattered across Asia. Nothing else, and you can unsubscribe in one click.

  • Top industry moves and market shifts
  • Weekly data-driven analysis from across Asia
  • Tuesday, Thursday and the Saturday Weekly Wrap

Read by retail operators, investors and brand teams across Asia.

Protected by a quick human check. No spam, ever. Unsubscribe in one click.

SecureGDPR ready