Budget season is over, and what did we take away other than the one-off bonus from it?

Technological disruption was identified, alongside ageing and a shift in global economic weight towards Asia, as key shifts that will affect Singapore in the coming decade.

It’s not hard to see why we have to be prepared for it.

The most recent addition to the “cold palace” of things threatened by technological changes? Taxi companies. Cash, television, and jobs like cleaners and cashiers -- the list goes on -- could be next.

But humans are naturally prickly about change. Not to mention companies (which are basically made up of many humans. More inertia).

So how does the government plan to help us overcome this incoming digital wave?

Most importantly: what the heck is Industry 4.0?

Industry 4.0

No, it's not another government buzzword.

Industry 4.0 is actually a term signifying the global shift towards an era where computers, automation and robotics come together to revolutionise manufacturing, potentially changing the way we work and live.

Long story short: Robots and cyber systems are here to help factory lines operate faster. Transform factories into, well, smart factories.

Why 4.0? Because it’s the 4th industrial revolution in the rather short industrial history of humankind.

So we’re on the cusp of change.

Change that might be less obvious than when fellow humans discovered the power of the water wheel and steam engines.

One way to understand what technological shifts we’re facing? By understanding what challenges the recently announced budget measures aim to overcome.

Budget measure: Productivity Solutions Grant

What is it: A grant (yes, haha) to help companies purchase new equipment and technological solutions to, basically, keep up with the times.

What challenges it helps us overcome: The fast changing times. Imagine computer systems that can provide solutions instead of just troubleshooting. Reorder supplies when needed. Robots that “man” production lines.

Here’s when it’s time to be kiasu. You lose out in efficiency if you don’t adopt these technologies. And then you lose out on business and customers. Then how?

How the budget measure helps: These off-the-shelf technologies and equipment can come with a hefty price tag. The grant funds up to 70% of qualifying costs.

Budget measure: Open Innovation Platform

What is it: A crowd-sourcing platform to match problem owners (likely you) with solution providers (could be you) across sectors.

Almost like Tinder, but for our economy.

What challenges it helps us overcome: The constant need to innovate and for different parts of the economy to work together like a well-oiled machine.

How the budget measure helps: Matches firms with problems to firms with solutions and vice-versa, creating additional support for the shift towards new technologies.

Got friends feel safer right. Everyone works together.

Budget measure: ATP and MTP

What is it: R&D programmes for the aviation and maritime industries.

What challenges it helps us overcome: Our national competitive edge that needs to be constantly sharpened. How can we only have companies innovate and adopt new technologies? Naturally, Singapore Inc. has to follow suit in order to keep up with the rest of the world.

How the budget measure helps: Initiates research to invent solutions aimed at improving our airport and seaport’s operations.

Meaning make better lah. And cooler. So we can keep having best airport and also best seaport. Best everything yay.

Budget measure: expansion of the National Robotics Programme

What is it: Set up in 2015 to develop and deploy new robotics technology to address labour force constraints, the programme will now also encourage more usage of robotics in construction and related sectors.

What challenges it helps us overcome: Access to robotics technologies, which lowers the barrier of entry for companies who have not used robots before.

Also, the dreaded need to return our food trays, because more tray-return robots.

How the budget measure helps: The expanded area of focus will help translate the public sector research (mainly A*STAR) into actual, commercially viable, machines/ technologies that Singaporean companies can adopt.

Budget measure: Tech Skills Accelerator (TeSA)

What is it: A training programme for information and communications technology (ICT) professionals and people who aspire to join the ICT industry.

What challenges it helps us overcome: The need for you and I to have digital skills in our existing skill-sets, such as data analytics, software development and cybersecurity.

As robotics systems streamline manufacturing and business processes, human roles will change — we need to learn to work alongside new technologies.

How to use new things if you don’t learn?

How the budget measure helps: Keeps us fresh and updated with digital skills, through courses conducted by industry practitioners. It's like school, but ensures immediate application.

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So yes. Soon we’ll be living in a city markedly different from what we’re used to now, and if we all don’t keep up, we’ll be left behind. Thankfully, the government wants to help get us there -- all we gotta do is hop on, and head off together.

This sponsored article by Ministry of Finance reminds us that change is coming. Not winter.