What is the initiative and where is it implemented (city or country)?
The Silver Infocomm Initiative (SII) was developed in 2007 by Infocomm Media Development Authority in Singapore. The initiative targets digital inclusion of senior citizens aged 50 and above. SII promotes IT awareness and literacy among seniors to empower them in a digital society for a more engaged and connected lifestyle. About 200,000 seniors have benefitted from the SII initiative and its activities, such as the Silver IT Fest Plus, mass training and roadshows, classes at Silver Infocomm Junctions (SIJs) and Intergen IT Bootcamps
How was the initiative established? How was it implemented?
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) of Singapore develops and regulates Infocomm and media sectors of the country. In collaboration with private organizations, IMDA developed the holistic approach to media governance and digital information exchange, aiming for economic competitiveness and an informed well-connected society. It works with industry partners and associations to include low-income and senior citizens, as well as people with disabilities, in the digital world, providing assistance to acquire computers and get connected to the Internet
The Silver Infocomm Initiative (SII), launched in 2007 by IMDA, offers a wide range of training programmes for people aged over 50
Which stakeholders are involved in the design and/or implementation of the initiative? Which sectors do they represent?
IMDA is an agency of the Singapore Ministry of Communications and Information and falls under the jurisdiction of Government of Singapore. It is the public provider of training in digital literacy for older citizens and uses various tools developed within the Silver Infocomm Initiative (SII) of 2007.
IMDA collaborates with volunteer and non-governmental organizations to organize SII activities.
What are the impacts of the initiative in terms of facilitating lifelong learning? Who does it benefit and how?
Silver Infocomm Junctions (SIJs) are senior-friendly learning centres established by IMDA. These hubs are operated by volunteer and non-profit organizations and offer accessible and affordable training with personalized curricula for senior citizens. The classes are inclusive, offering tuition in English, Chinese, Malay or Tamil. The participants can master basic digital communication and lifestyle skills through one of three programmes offered by the hubs – iBEGIN, iLIVE and iDISCOVER. Each curriculum offers step-by-step guidance and an individualized approach. Topics cover aspects of cybersecurity and digital awareness.
Silver Infocomm Wellness Ambassadors (SIWAs) are appointed by the IMDA and the People’s Association Active Ageing Council (PAAAC) through online nomination based on recognition of their IT competency. Ambassadors inspire and encourage their peers to participate in Infocomm and promote digitally connected lifestyles.
Friends of Silver Infocomm (FSI) promotes active volunteerism among younger adults to help seniors keep up with IT workshops and trainings.
Silver IT Fest Plus comprises a series of annual events organized by IMDA in partnership with Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), industry partners and the community. The Fest offers workshops, exhibitions and talks to engage and encourage seniors and build their confidence in using technology.
Intergen IT Bootcamps were created by IMDA in collaboration with schools from primary to tertiary levels to foster ties between seniors and their grandchildren. Started in 2010, Intergen IT Bootcamps help seniors cross the digital divide while bonding with the younger generation.
E-Payment Learning Journeys was launched in 2018 with a focus on seniors aged 50 years and above who have not tried e-payments before. Accompanied by youth and corporate volunteers, senior participants are guided through various e-payment options. During three-hour sessions, senior participants learn how to download and operate banking applications and go through useful security tips
References:
Infocomm Media Development Authority. 2019. About IMDA. [online] Available at: https://www.imda.gov.sg/Who-We-Are/about-imda [Accessed 26 August 2020].
Infocomm Media Development Authority. 2018. Fact Sheet: Silver Infocomm Initiative. [online] Available at: https://www.imda.gov.sg/-/media/imda/files/about/media-releases/2018/fact-sheet---silver-infocomm-initiative_28-may-2018.pdf?la=en [Accessed 26 August 2020].
UNESCO. 2018. Managing Tomorrow's Digital Skills: What conclusions can we draw from international comparative indicators?. [online] Available at: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000261853 [Accessed 26 August 2020].