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We all assume that technology exists to offer convenience in our lives.
But for some segments in our society, such as senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), technology could literally transform their lives.
There are mobile apps that make it simple for anyone with a smartphone to make e-payments, book a taxi or use Digital Government services. Or even to watch K-dramas on the MRT!
For the disabled, there are Infocomm and Assistive Technologies (IT/AT) that enable and empower them, as such voice-activated accessibility tools. There are IT/AT tools to empower people with different kinds of physical disabilities to lead normal, enriching lives at home, at work and at play.
While new technologies can appear intimidating at first, it only takes a little learning and some tender coaching to get started!
No one should be left behind, in other words, in the Digital Economy era.
The inaugural Digital Inclusion Festival (DI Fest) will showcase the possibilities of digital technologies that can help everyone in the community.
The three-day community carnival will be held from 26-28 July at the Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI).
The Festival is organised as part of IMDA’s Digital Readiness efforts.
Key highlights
To ensure that no one is left behind by digitalisation, DI Fest aims to encourage everyone to embrace technology and be digitally ready to enjoy the benefits afforded by technology.
These are some of the highlight events that you definitely don’t want to miss!
Cyber Health Hour
We interact with the Internet on a daily basis in one way or another – reading an email, browsing an article, playing a game or shopping online.
Thus, it is important to know how to keep safe from online threats that aim to, among other things, disable your device or steal your personal data.
At the Cyber Health Hour, you can pick up important tips on cybersecurity and understand how to navigate virtual platforms safely.
Held at the main stage at 2pm to 3pm daily, the Cyber Health Hour lets you pick up the key knowledge to enjoy your cyber experience without falling prey to online dangers.
What’s more, you might even be accompanied by celebrities during your learning journey! Yes, you can get up close with Mediacorp DJs from YES 93.3, LOVE 97.2 as well as Getai celebrities Hao Hao and Lee Hui Fen!
Digital Clinics
The smart phone is a powerful device, akin to a supercomputer in our hands! But not everyone understands how to use the key features and functions.
That’s why those who need help can turn to IMDA’s Digital Clinics, where friendly volunteers provide one-on-one coaching to answer all your smartphone-related queries.
Whether it is setting up the Wi-Fi connection or taking better pictures using the camera settings, you can be sure the Digital Clinic volunteers will help you to get it right!
Touch and Play Zone
Calling all soccer fans!
Our Touch and Play Zone features an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experience of Anfield Stadium, the legendary home of recently crowned European champions, Liverpool Football Club.
You can also create your own customised souvenirs using a 3D pen, attempt an exhilarating plank walk experience between skyscrapers or colour a whole new world through a VR tilt brush experience.
You’re virtually guaranteed to have tons of fun at the Touch and Play Zone, no matter whether you are young – or young-at-heart!
Engineering Good
Play is critical in development and education, not to mention, an essential part of growing up!
At the Hack-a-toy workshop conducted by Engineering Good, you can help support children with special needs by building toys for them.
At the session, participants will create effective switches that can be paired with commercially accessible toys, making them better suited for the children to play with.
Switches created at the festival will be donated to the children, so we hope you can do your part to help them!
Different zones promise different experiences
There are five other exhibition zones displaying an array of useful digital tools for you to discover, learn and build confidence.
At the Government zone, there are FREE Hourly Tech Tutorials to help you navigate essential Digital Government services such as MyCPF, SingPass and myTransport.sg.
Do join us at these tutorial sessions, as you will certainty benefit!
There are other training workshops and talks you can sign up for, so do check the website for more details!
And if you are confident about your digital savviness, why not take up the challenge of the Basic Digital Skills quiz at the Training zone?
What’s more, there is a gift for participants who take the first step to embrace technology after the test!
If you are interested in taking up more in-depth digital courses after DI Fest, do chat with the digital training vendors in this zone to explore your options to upskill!
The Lifestyle zone contains a myriad of exciting activities and demos that show you how tech can benefit our daily lives.
Companies such as Agoda, Grab and Findjobs will demonstrate how arranging travel accommodations, planning a travel route or even job hunting can be made easier through apps.
Say goodbye to exasperating and tiresome tasks as you discover all the nifty tips to make your life hassle-free!
Hungry after all these activities?
Visit the E-payment zone and visit the many booths selling tasty carnival snacks. Of course, you will need to hone your e-payment skills – by paying for them digitally!
(Don’t worry, it’s really easy!)
Old is gold - Appreciation for Seniors
As Singapore grows into a digital society, it is important to recognise and appreciate the Merdeka Generation, whose contributions – together with the Pioneer Generation’s efforts – have helped to build our nation into the success story that it is today.
Which is why DI Fest is holding a Smart Breakfast specially for both the Merdeka Generation and Pioneer Generation exclusively.
During this event, the seniors will be able to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast spread while learning about the latest digital applications that can help them stay active and connected.
Enabling Technologies
Embracing technology is vital for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and their caregivers, as it enables them to lead fulfilling lives.
The DI Fest will be an exciting showcase for enabling technologies.
As Singapore continues to build a more inclusive society, marrying cutting-edge technology with good design is a necessary step in helping people with special needs.
Hence, visit the Accessibility zone of the Exhibition to explore what digital tools can do for persons-with-disabilities (PWDs) and others who require assistance in our society today.
The DI Fest will also host the Enable IT Forum, where PWDs, caregivers and industry experts will share transformational stories on how adopting Infocomm and Assistive Technologies (IT/AT) have enabled and empowered them to lead more fulfilling lives.
Do click here to register for the FREE forum if you are keen to discover more about the life-changing potential of these IT/AT tools.
There will also be a series of Apple and Microsoft accessibility workshops for PWDs with different disabilities. Join the workshops to learn how affordable technology can empower individuals with visual, hearing, physical and neurodiversity disabilities to lead a more purposeful life.
Register your seat at these workshops here.
Come join us!
Offering a whole range of fun and meaningful activities in store, the DI Fest is an event you just can’t miss.
The Festival will be held at the Lifelong Learning Institute from 26 – 28 July, from 10am – 6pm every day.
We hope to see you there!
