10 Key insights from the Singapore digital society report

Almost universal digital access

Did you know that 99% of Singaporean households now have internet access, and 97% of the population owns a smartphone? This widespread connectivity is the foundation of Singapore’s thriving digital society, driving innovation, communication, and accessibility across all demographics.

Bridging the digital divide for low-income households

Through initiatives like DigitalAccess@Home, lower-income families are getting subsidized access to both the internet and devices. This ensures that digital inclusion isn’t just for the wealthy, but a right extended to all Singaporeans, creating a more equitable digital future.

Seniors embracing digital

Seniors are catching up fast! Smartphone ownership among seniors has jumped from 74% in 2017 to 89% in 2022. Also, senior engagement in digital transactions surged from 38% to 78% in just four years. This shows significant progress in ensuring that older generations aren’t left behind in the digital transformation.

Building essential digital skills

The report highlights five essential digital skills—such as communication and online transactions—which align with global standards. These are critical for ensuring that all citizens can actively participate in a digital-first economy.

Cybersecurity remains a concern

Surprisingly, 37% of people don’t keep their devices updated, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats. The government is focusing on increasing cybersecurity awareness, advocating for best practices like two-factor authentication and regular device updates to protect against data breaches and cyberattacks.

Tackling the rise in scams

As digital use increases, so do digital scams, with seniors being a vulnerable group. The report shows that the government is working hard on a whole-of-society approach to educate and protect citizens from online scams, particularly seniors who feel less confident in spotting fraud.

Senior tech literacy gaps

While progress has been made, only 24% of seniors are familiar with emerging technologies like virtual reality. This underlines the importance of continued education efforts to ensure all age groups benefit from new digital advancements.

Digital transactions growing across age groups

Digital transactions have skyrocketed, particularly through the Singpass app—with usage among seniors rising from 41% in 2020 to 67% in 2022. This suggests a growing comfort with digital financial systems across all age groups.

Improving information literacy

Citizens are becoming better at verifying the credibility of online information. There’s been a 21% increase in seniors fact-checking news sources between 2019 and 2022, a key factor in battling misinformation.

Collaboration for digital inclusion

Singapore’s success is largely due to its collaborative approach, bringing together the public, private, and people sectors. This partnership has been vital in closing the digital divide and ensuring no demographic is left behind in the digital revolution.

Singapore’s Digital Society Report 2023 highlights the city-state’s impressive strides in digital inclusion, senior adoption of technology, and cybersecurity, but also underscores areas needing further attention, like scam awareness and emerging tech literacy.