Digital for Life Festival 2023: Tech giants bring online safety, digital trends to the heartlands
The IMDA's annual festival promises interactive learning, emerging tech exploration, and a chance to shape an inclusive digital society
SINGAPORE — With the continuing rise of security challenges online as Singapore and the world get increasingly connected, it can sometimes feel like there's an overload of information. While some segments of society might take to technology at an easier pace, some may need more support to get on the digital wave.
The annual Digital for Life Festival 2023, organised by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), will offer various activities aimed at helping make such helpful information more digestible. These include insights on online safety, security, and technology demonstrations by major digital players like Amazon.
Those of all ages interested in brushing up their digital skills and exploring emerging technologies can do so over the course of three weekends, starting on 28 and 29 October.
In their media release on Friday (20 October), the IMDA said that the festival, divided into three primary zones, will take place in various heartland locations.
In collaboration with over 120 partners hailing from the private, public, and people sectors, each zone offers different experiences.
The festival will be held at the following three locations from 9.30am to 6.30pm:
Kampung Admiralty Community Plaza on 28 and 29 October
Heartbeat@Bedok on 4 and 5 November
Toa Payoh Hub on 11 and 12 November
Admission to the festival is free.
Learning everyday digital skills
In the "Learn" zone, attendees can dive deep into the world of digital skills that are essential for everyday life. Topics include online safety, security, and the responsible use of digital tools and platforms.
Parents, in particular, can look forward to receiving guidance on ensuring their children's safe navigation through the digital realm.
Government agencies such as the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore and the National Library Board will provide insights into "becoming a digital citizen in a smart neighbourhood", said the IMDA.
Companies such as DBS Bank, Microsoft, Google, and Singtel will also be present to share their insights across a range of digital domains.
Exploring emerging technologies
The "Explore" zone, according to IMDA, "serves as an interactive playground" where visitors can immerse themselves in the latest emerging technologies.
From AI to immersive media like Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Mixed Reality, festival-goers will have the opportunity to experience these innovations first-hand.
Demonstrations from industry giants like Amazon, Smobler, and Buzz AR will offer a hands-on glimpse into how these technologies can enhance our daily lives.
Playing a part in shaping an inclusive digital society
In the "Play a Part" zone, festival attendees can actively contribute to shaping an inclusive digital society in Singapore. Here, they can pledge their support for the Digital for Life (DfL) movement and network with volunteers from different DfL projects.
The DfL national movement, launched in 2021, encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to embrace lifelong digital learning.
Doreen Tan, Assistant Chief Executive of Strategic Planning and Digital Readiness at the IMDA, encouraged Singaporeans to join in the festival, saying, "It has something digital that is useful and relevant for everyone, whether youths, families with young children and seniors."
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