Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Singapore, Jean De Dieu Uwihanganye, joined influential diplomatic and global leaders at the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) 2024 opening ceremony, signalling Rwanda’s commitment to the global tech landscape. Held on Monday, October 28, at Marina Bay Sands and hosted by Enterprise Singapore, SWITCH 2024 brings together over 300 technology and innovation companies and over 20,000 delegates.
This global conference facilitates the exchange of transformative ideas and collaborations through interactive workshops and networking sessions. Its focus is on applying technology to advance sustainable development and business growth worldwide.
Photo: Indiplomacy
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat opened the event with a keynote that underscored the power of tech to drive cross-sector collaboration. With a week-long lineup of interactive sessions and workshops, SWITCH encourages the exchange of innovative ideas that may transform industries and propel sustainable development.
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Expanding technology’s sustainable impact
SWITCH 2024 welcomes a diverse mix of stakeholders—startups, SMEs, investors, and researchers—drawn by exhibitions and panel discussions on fields such as healthcare, green tech, and artificial intelligence. The event’s focus is clear: to transform scientific discoveries into applications that have a real-world impact and improve lives globally.
Through dynamic programming, SWITCH aligns with Singapore’s vision of becoming a global innovation hub, fostering technology’s role in sustainable development and economic growth. From October 28 to 30, the event provides a stage for tech-driven partnerships and pioneering solutions that could redefine industry standards across the world.
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Rwanda’s commitment to digital transformation
Rwanda is making significant strides in technological advancement, focusing on fostering innovation and enhancing its digital landscape. In 2020, Rwanda signed an agreement with the World Economic Forum to establish the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) to support the country’s transition to a knowledge-based economy. This centre collaborates with global partners to implement advanced technologies and address societal issues through innovation.
Additionally, the Rwandan government launched in 2023, an ambitious national strategy to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into various sectors, promoting economic growth and improving service delivery. This includes partnerships with international organizations to develop AI frameworks aimed at addressing challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and education.
The nation is also heavily investing in digital infrastructure and skills training to ensure its workforce is equipped for a rapidly changing tech landscape. This will ultimately position Rwanda as a regional hub for tech innovation and sustainable development.