Soon, SingPass Will Let You Buy Alcohol from Vending Machines

What’s Brewing With SingPass?

Imagine pulling out your phone, slapping a QR code on a vending machine, and—boom!—getting a drink while the system checks you’re old enough without rummaging through a paper NRIC. That’s the new plan from fintech firm Ascan, slated to hit the market in the next few months.

How It Works (And Why You’ll Love It)

1⃣ Open the SingPass app on your phone.
2⃣ Scan the QR code on the machine.
3⃣ Confirm your identity by punching in the six‑digit passcode, or tap your fingerprint or face (because who wants to keep a touch‑screen password in the back pocket?).
4⃣ Let the app share your birthdate and age with the machine—no more paper checks.

Once you’re green‑lit, pick your favorite beer, wine, or cocktail. It’s as simple as ordering coffee with a tap‑and‑go.

GovTech’s Rebrand Story

At the third‑party launch, GovTech rolled out a fresh new logo for SingPass, the very first revamp in 18 years. The agency says this rebranding isn’t just about looking good; it’s intended to make signing in to government services feel smoother than a fresh glass of water.

Last year, over 170 million feeds via SingPass doubled, reflecting how digital transactions surged during the pandemic. Today, more than 1,400 services—ranging from public housing to private banking—can be accessed with it.

Did You Know?

The app’s user base tripled last year, now at 2.5 million active users.
Over 90% of them check in at least once a month.
SingPass plays a role in Covid‑19 contact tracing through SafeEntry check‑ins.

Beyond the Vending Machine

SingPass isn’t just a digital ID—it’s almost a digital equivalent of the old NRIC. For instance:

DBS Bank introduced an instant‑approval credit card application using the app.
Ray of Hope (a charity crowdfunding platform) uses it to cut paperwork by up to 50%. “We want to feel connected, not just another pile of forms,” says GM Tan En.
Real‑estate, healthcare, finance, auto and training sectors are eyeing it to streamline sign‑ups.

Face‑to‑Face: 2‑Factor Fun

JustLogin, a cloud HR platform, is testing SingPass’s face‑verification feature. Employees can log into their portal by simply waving their face at a camera—no password needed.

“It’s a secure and convenient way for users to log in without remembering yet another password,” says CEO Kwa Kim Chiong.

So whether you’re buying a nightcap from a vending machine or signing into a corporate portal, SingPass is aiming to keep Singapore’s digital identity as fresh and handy as a chilled drink.

SingPass Takes a Big Leap: You Can Now Sign Anything From Your Couch

Imagine never having to hop into a bank office or a real‑estate office just to sign a document. That’s the new vibe with SingPass’s latest addition, called Sign. Launched last November, it lets you legally endorse contracts online—no paper, no travel, no extra hassle.

Why ERA Singapore Loves It

Real‑estate agency ERA Singapore hopped on board in November just in time for their busy rental season. Now they can sign tenancy agreements digitally, cutting days of paperwork and freeing up agents to actually look at houses rather than stare at stacks of signatures.

Other Cool Ways You Might Use Sign

Bank loan applications—fast‑track your loan by signing online.
Real‑estate contracts for your next family home.
Any legal document that needs a bit of ink—though you’re actually just munching on a tasty snack.

What’s cool about it? Every click is encrypted and your identity is automatically cross‑checked with the government database right there, so you never get a “who are you?” glitch. It’s like a secure handshake over the internet.

GovTech’s Take on the Future

GovTech called it a win: “digitising everyday transactions saves time for both residents and businesses,” because you’re no longer blowing your time:

No more paper piles.
No more queue‑lines.
Quicker approvals.

And the big boss, Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, hinted that, with all these features, SingPass might one day become a global identity card—think of it as your passport to digital citizenship across borders.

Bottom Line

Got a document that needs your signature? Hit up SingPass Sign, tap your fingerprint, and voilà. It’s modern, secure, and—let’s be honest—makes your life a lot less paper‑heavy.

Singapore’s Digital Passport Plans—A Smart City by Blockchain

GovTech is already elbow‑greasing the gears for Singapore’s next big tech leap: a digital passport. Mr. Kwok Quek Sin, the senior director for national digital identity, says the idea is still a few years away from hitting the launch pad, but the groundwork is well underway.

What’s the High‑Tech Brainchild?

Blockchain – Decentralised databases spread across the globe that allow everyone in the chain to see transaction data.
It’s also the engine behind GovTech’s HealthCerts, the open‑source system that lets airlines around the world accept digital Covid‑19 test results.
From March 10, clinics will stop printing paper certificates and start issuing digital pre‑departure test results instead.

Singapore’s Multi‑Lingual, Multi‑Functional SingPass

To keep the SingPass portal user‑friendly, GovTech will publish key service pages in all four official national languages—English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil—by the end of this year.

What’s Next on the SingPass Roadmap?

Mr. Kwok is optimistic: “The new SingPass branding gives us a sneak peek at the exciting possibilities for our Smart Nation. It’s a trustworthy foundation that we can lean on for every transaction we make.”

In short: Singapore is pairing its rigorous digital identity system with cutting‑edge blockchain tech, all while keeping it multilingual, accessible, and a little bit zesty. Keep your eyes peeled—this digital passport dream will be arriving on your travel plans sooner than you think. *

Soon, SingPass Will Let You Buy Alcohol from Vending Machines