Smart Nation places Singapore in global ‘digital elite'

The country ranks sixth among digital economies around the world.

Singapore is sixth among the list of advanced digital economies around the world, according to the Digital Evolution Index by Mastercard and The Fletcher School.

Overall, Singapore scored 3.69, just five ranks away from the top spot taken by Norway with 3.79 points.

The Digital Evolution Index assesses 60 countries yearly based on 170 indicators in four key drivers of digital economic growth: supply, consumer demand, institutional environment, and innovation.

The study cited the country's Smart Nation project that will create a real-time assessment of its performance in various fields like healthcare and transportation.

Singapore also fell into the index's "Stand Out" development quadrant, whose members are considered as digital elites. New Zealand and Hong Kong joined the country in the quadrant.

According to the index, "they are both highly digitally evolved and advancing quickly."

Digital users from Singapore also exhibit the most patient and engaged online behavior that thrives in a trustworthy environment with a seamless experience, the study said.