President Tharman Shanmugaratnam graced the festival as Patron for Digital for Life movement, together with Minister Josephine Teo, Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How, Ms Jessica Tan, Ms Tin Pei Ling.

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Digital for Life Festival 2023

21 February 2024
1 min read
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam graced the festival as Patron for Digital for Life movement, together with Minister Josephine Teo, Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How, Ms Jessica Tan, Ms Tin Pei Ling.

An engaging and immersive journey of digital learning and exploration across three weekends.

In 2022, Digital for Life (DfL) movement broadened its community outreach with the inaugural Digital for Life Festival held in various parts of Singapore, to encourage everyone to learn and experience the digital world.

Over 46,000 Singaporeans Gathered to Learn, Explore and Play a Part

The festival in 2023, held from 28 October to 12 November over three weekends, brought us closer to the heartlands at three locations; Kampung Admiralty, Bedok and Toa Payoh. We welcomed over 46,000 visitors who joined us for a fun and immersive experience.

Visitors of all ages had the chance to engage with digital and emerging technology in three activity zones – Learn, Explore, Play a Part. They participated in interactive activities and gained valuable digital skills such as making e-transactions, knowledge on cyber safety and tips to support their children in navigating online spaces safely and responsibly.

Singaporeans from all ages and walks of life dived into the digital world for a fun-filled day of learning.

Singaporeans from all ages and walks of life dived into the digital world for a fun-filled day of learning.

Interactive Showcases and Workshops Hosted by Digital for Life Partners

With the strong backing of over 130 partners, spanning private organisations, the public sector and community, visitors were hosted with interactive showcases and hands-on workshops. Participants of all ages bonded through shared activities, acquired new digital skills for daily living, and explored the vast potential of digital technology. There were also workshops for those who wish to pick up more digital skills, such as introductions to coding and mobile app development, robotics and e-gaming tournaments, digital banking for seniors, and a session on online gaming safety that was conducted by kids.

Key Highlights over Three Weekends at Digital for Life Festival

A 92-year-young grandma, possibly our oldest visitor, was spotted in a fun-filled Augmented Reality speed-boxing match with her friends while discovering how immersive technology can support the health of seniors.

A 92-year-young grandma, possibly our oldest visitor, was spotted in a fun-filled Augmented Reality speed-boxing match with her friends while discovering how immersive technology can support the health of seniors.

Little ones embarked on a learning journey with robotics.

Little ones embarked on a learning journey with robotics.

Participants put their detective skills to the test in the interactive Scam Smash game, where they learnt how to detect and deflect online scams.

Participants put their detective skills to the test in the interactive Scam Smash game, where they learnt how to detect and deflect online scams.

Seniors learned how to bank online safely and effortlessly while getting groovy with a 4-step dance workout to get physically and financially fit.

Seniors learned how to bank online safely and effortlessly while getting groovy with a 4-step dance workout to get physically and financially fit.

Visitors made their pledges to support the Digital for Life movement at the Digital Dream Wall.

Visitors made their pledges to support the Digital for Life movement at the Digital Dream Wall.

Good Progress Shown from Singapore Digital Society Report Findings

We are delighted to have President Tharman Shanmugaratnam grace the event, as Patron for Digital for Life movement, as well as Minister Josephine Teo who launched IMDA’s inaugural Singapore Digital Society Report (SGDS) at Heartbeat@Bedok.

Digital for Life movement is designed to be inclusive, catering to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging everyone to view digital learning as a lifelong endeavour. As President Tharman said, “The movement is not just hardware or software. It is giving people confidence with digital technologies, particularly the elderly, who should not feel like they are having to adapt to a new world but it’s about using digital applications to help them in their everyday lives.”

The SGDS report highlights positive trends, indicating increased digital access and skills particularly among seniors. Almost all households (99%) have internet access. More Singaporeans have also adopted essential digital skills, and there is also an improvement in attitudes towards adopting new digital technologies. Notably, 66% of our seniors have utilised mobile app payments in 2022, a significant rise from 17% in 2018. For more insights, head over to IMDA for the full report.

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam graced the festival as Patron for Digital for Life movement, together with Minister Josephine Teo, Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How, Ms Jessica Tan, Ms Tin Pei Ling.

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam graced the festival as Patron for Digital for Life movement, together with Minister Josephine Teo, Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How, Ms Jessica Tan, Ms Tin Pei Ling.

Find Out How You Can Play A Part

Join the Digital for Life movement in promoting lifelong digital learning and empowering the community to enjoy the benefits of digital technology. Support us by starting a ground-up project for the community, volunteering in our partners’ programmes or donating to the Digital for Life Fund. Together, let’s build a digitally inclusive society. Find out more on Digital for Life on how you can contribute.