Technology

Citi chooses Singapore as a host for Tech for Integrity event

Citibank Singapore in Asia Square. PHOTO: THE BUSINESS TIMES

Wanted: Anyone with a smart, technology-based solution that fights corruption, cuts red tape or improves information security in government.

Anyone who can meet those challenges should make a beeline for an event organised by banking giant Citi. Citi said yesterday that it has chosen Singapore as one of the cities where it will hold a Demo Day for its Citi Tech for Integrity Challenge (T4I), which is targeting the public sector.

T4I is a global open innovation competition where companies of any type or size can submit tech solutions for specific challenges facing public sector companies, such as government transactions and procurement; culture, ethics and citizen engagement; cutting red tape; and information security and identity.

Selected participants will enrol in a virtual accelerator programme, which will provide mentoring, curriculum and infrastructure support to help them enhance their submissions.

Finalists will then showcase their solutions at one of six Demo Days in locations around the world: Abu Dhabi, Buenos Aires, Hyderabad, Mexico City and Singapore, in May and June.

Award recipients will also have the opportunity to work with any business, organisation or government interested in exploring innovative integrity tools.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has committed to support the initiative for the event here, which will take place on June 9.

Mr Amol Gupte, Citi Singapore's country officer and Asean head, said the bank's decision to host a Demo Day here is aligned with Singapore's growing reputation as an international financial technology hub.

"Through the challenge, Citi will support the development of the most innovative technology solutions to promote integrity, transparency and accountability for the public and private sectors, as well as the growth of stable and sustainable economies worldwide," he said.

MAS chief fintech officer Sopnendu Mohanty added: "This has the potential to spur the development of regulatory tech solutions that fight corruption and improve transparency, which can contribute to Singapore's Smart Financial Centre aspirations - the harnessing of technology to increase efficiency, create new opportunities, manage risks better and improve people's lives."

The application process is now open for companies to submit ideas. T4I will accept applications until March 6.

The accelerator programme will run from next month to April, when finalists will be selected to participate in Demo Days.

Yasmine Yahya

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 28, 2017, with the headline Citi chooses Singapore as a host for Tech for Integrity event. Subscribe