Singapore invests $12 million in Blockchain Technology Research

Enterprise Singapore (ESG), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the National Research Foundation Singapore (NRF), and supported by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) today launched a S$12 million Singapore Blockchain Innovation Programme (SBIP) to strengthen Singapore’s blockchain technology ecosystem further.

Blockchain technology has multiple advantages for enterprises as it enables decentralisation and data immutability, and enhances security and transparency. Blockchain tech allows business entities to conduct speedier and more efficient transactions with one another. It also lowers risk and cost. There is no need for intermediaries.

Funded by NRF, this national effort aims to align blockchain technology research with the needs of the industry. The aim is to facilitate the development, commercialisation and adoption of broader real-world applications of blockchain technology. This industry-driven initiative will engage close to 75 companies including MNCs, large enterprises and ICT companies to conceptualise 17 blockchain-related projects. These concepts will be done within the next three years in sectors, starting with trade and logistics and supply chain. For example, SBIP will engage Dimuto, a trade technology service championing ‘Collaborative Commerce’. Dimuto is to work on using blockchain to track and trace high-valued perishables for improving farmers’ creditworthiness.

Beyond research translation, SBIP will look into blockchain scalability to enable the adoption of blockchain in environments with high transaction rates. SBIP will also support blockchain
interoperability, to enable value exchange across blockchain systems and address the current challenges of siloed blockchain networks. SBIP will also be looking at growing the blockchain tech talent pool in Singapore. The purpose is to facilitate ICT companies to further tap on blockchain technologies.

Building the local Blockchain Technology Talent Pool

“As the architect of Singapore’s digital future, we are constantly pushing the forefront of innovation in areas such as Blockchain. As the first major industry-driven blockchain research programme, we intend to increase blockchain adoption to a much broader set of industries, beyond just finance. This includes levelling up industry workforce and know-how. These efforts allow Singapore to build a strong blockchain ecosystem. And eventually, establish our role as a Trust Hub,” said Mr Lew Chuen Hong, Chief Executive, IMDA.

“COVID-19 emphasised the need for trusted and reliable business systems in the new digital world. Blockchain technology helps to embed trust in applications spanning logistics and supply chains, trade financing to digital identities and credentials. The acceleration of innovative business solutions under the Singapore Blockchain Innovation Programme will help our enterprises be more globally connected and competitive,” said Mr Peter Ong, Chairman, Enterprise Singapore.

Professor Low Teck Seng, Chief Executive Officer, NRF, said, “The Singapore Blockchain Innovation Programme (SBIP) provides exciting growth opportunities for the blockchain innovation landscape. It is a significant milestone in Singapore’s journey towards becoming a trusted, digital economy. Blockchain technology is increasingly playing an important role in 2 technological innovation, industrial transformation, and digital finance. SBIP will help companies accelerate their technology adoption and be ready for the next phase of digital evolution.”

For more news on the SBIP visit the link here.

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