Singapore’s Transport Minister Says Smart Systems Must Be Wise Too
When Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan opened the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) World Congress in Singapore on October 21, he set out a simple truth: technology is great, but it’s only as good as the wisdom that guides it.
Fast, Safe, Reliable—and Most Importantly, Affordable
- “You want an ITS that moves people quickly, keeps them safe, works reliably, and, above all, is affordable for everyone,” Khaw reminded the crowd.
- “It should lift people’s quality of life. That’s what commuters care about most.”
The Human Side of Smart Transport
Khaw warned that a system’s smartest technology can actually create new divides. “Over‑tech‑ing can leave the everyday commuter – the ones who aren’t as tech‑savvy – looking like they’re left behind,” he said, citing how ride‑hailing apps like Uber and Grab raise service standards while unsettling traditional taxi drivers.
He noted that older commuters, too, worried that street‑hail taxis might disappear entirely if we rush into autonomous vehicles without caution.
Cyber Risks: The New Frontier
Khaw highlighted that the very sensors and cloud connections meant to make transportation more efficient can also open doors for cyber‑attacks. “If you’re not careful, a hacker could hijack a clever rail system and set it on a path to chaos,” he warned.
He explained that the long‑time “walled garden” of rail operations is slowly being opened, requiring constant vigilance, costly security upgrades, and staff retraining to stay ahead of potential threats.
Singapore’s Up‑to‑Date Yet Cautious Approach
Unlike some fast‑moving tech hubs, Singapore loves to “plug in” the newest developments but doesn’t jump headfirst into every innovation. “We’re not racing to be first‑in‑the‑world adopters, but we’re absolutely keeping up,” Khaw said.
Autonomous‑vehicle pilots are underway, and 2022 will see driverless buses and shuttles roll out in Punggol, Tengah, and the Jurong Innovation District. “It’s going to be a few years before we really unleash autonomous vehicles on a larger scale,” he added, noting that dedicated lanes and vehicle‑to‑infrastructure tech are crucial first steps.
5G: The Game‑Changer
Despite the cautious stance, Singapore is set on pioneering 5G connectivity for the entire transport network. Khaw sees great potential for the ultra‑fast network, especially in enabling autonomous ride‑hailing and powering a next‑generation Tuas seaport that embraces digital automation.
Big Event, Big Ideas
With over 10,000 delegates, the five‑day ITS congress is packed: 200 sessions, 30 technical tours, 600 exhibitors from 80 countries and a brand‑new Autonomous Mobility Summit by the Land Transport Authority.
As Minister Khaw reminds us, smart transport will only be truly successful if built on wisdom, safety, affordability, and a dash of human empathy.
