Hackathon for a Better World 2024 winners devise innovative solutions that strengthen access to justice and fortify community trust
Singapore, 01 Nov 2024 - DBS and the Singapore Courts (SG Courts) today announced the four winning teams of Hackathon for a Better World 2024, themed “Access to Justice”. The winners were recognised in an awards presentation and solutions showcase at DBS Asia X.
Now in its fifth edition, Hackathon for a Better World 2024 saw 28 teams from the legal sector, institutes of higher learning and public agencies, ideate and prototype solutions which leverage technology to enhance social justice for all segments of society. The theme was particularly timely, underscoring the courts' commitment to ensuring access to justice for all court users in Singapore. As the legal system undergoes transformation particularly in generative artificial intelligence, the use of such technological tools can simplify complex processes and improve efficiency. It is also aligned to the nation's Smart Nation roadmap. The courts are mindful of varying levels of digital literacy, technological means, and individual circumstances, and strive to maintain inclusiveness through a mix of high-tech and high-touch solutions.
Said Lam Chee Kin, Group Head of Legal and Compliance at DBS, “We know there are some downsides from an increasingly digitalised world – echo chambers on social media leading to polarisation of views, disinformation leading to erosion of trust in institutions, and a risk of people getting “left behind”.To DBS, it is increasingly important that we continue our commitment to enhancing Singapore’s strong foundations of rule of law and access to justice, and it is our pleasure to once again partner with the SG Courts to inspire new ideas to this common goal.”
Justice Aidan Xu, Judge of the High Court who is in charge of transformation and innovation in the SG Courts, said, “Technological advancements and process improvements help us bridge existing justice gaps and improve access to justice. This year's hackathon challenges offer a unique opportunity to enhance court users' experience in navigating the legal system, through both digital and non-digital means. By harnessing design thinking and problem-solving techniques, the teams crafted solutions that close the justice gap and contribute to the administration of law. In their entries, they have used cutting-edge technology in novel ways, streamlined procedures to improve accessibility, and increased the quality of human interaction. I congratulate the winning teams who have showcased ideas that serve all court users. Their innovative entries reflect our commitment to an accessible, effective and efficient justice system for all.”
Singapore’s first “slow-burn hackathon”
Hackathon for a Better World is Singapore’s first “slow-burn hackathon” featuring a public-private collaboration, that provides an action-oriented platform for the community to foster innovative solutions addressing societal issues. It takes a different approach from the usual hackathons which require participants to come up with solutions within a few hours or days.
This year’s edition kicked off in July 2024, with DBS conducting a design thinking workshop and connecting teams with subject matter experts from DBS who provided mentorship in the design thinking process during the hackathon.
In mid-October 2024, six finalists were selected to present their ideas to a judging panel who assessed the proposals on four criteria: innovativeness, feasibility of implementation, positive impact on society and use of design thinking. Four winning teams were eventually chosen, and the details of the winning projects are provided in
Annex A
.
Tangible outcomes with several solutions implemented
Since the first hackathon in 2020, over 30 ideas to address social issues through the legal system have been contributed, with several winning proposals implemented. One example is a solution from the 2023 hackathon which focuses on intergenerational bonding between parents and child through postcard writing. The solution by a team from DBS was adapted by SHINE Children and Youth Services and integrated into its reading programme for primary school children facing literacy challenges in school. Piloted in August 2024, the solution has been adapted to focus on communication between the children and the reading programme volunteers.
The reading programme is currently halfway into the current semester and preliminary feedback suggests that the solution has been well received by both the children and volunteers. The interactive and low-tech solution allows both the child and their respective volunteer to come together in designing their individual “post-box” and writing the postcards. Children have been observed to be more willing to attempt new words when reading the postcards, maybe because it is more personal to them, and even learning to express themselves better through writing.
Annex A – Winning Projects
Most Innovative:
R&T – Resilient and Thriving, a team from Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, proposed transforming legal clinics into mobile-friendly digital experiences, offering AI-driven consultations and on-the-go assistance. It matches users with advisors and generates transcripts to streamline legal consultations.
Most Feasible:
@ShookLin, a team from Shook Lin & Bok LLP
proposed a roving mobile legal clinic that will bring legal aid to Singapore’s heartlands monthly. Staffed by volunteers, the clinic will provide initial case assessments and connect those needing further assistance with legal professionals.
Most Life-changing:
WongP, a team from WongPartnership LLP, proposed
an online Q&A platform where users can connect with volunteer lawyers for legal advice. This flexible, asynchronous model allows lawyers to assist conveniently, offering users accessible, quality legal guidance.
Most Human-centred:
Team Hack the Law from GovTech/Ministry of Law proposed a seniors-centric solution that leverages technology to simplify official communication by translating it into preferred dialects, fostering independence. It enhances seniors' ability to manage their affairs while potentially improving government communication.
Honorary Mentions:
The Cha-Chings (Temasek Polytechnic) and JKAZ (Nanyang Polytechnic)
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About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “
World’s Best Bank
” by Global Finance, “
World’s Best Bank
” by Euromoney and “
Global Bank of the Year
” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “
World’s Best Digital Bank
” by Euromoney and the world’s “
Most Innovative in Digital Banking
” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “
Safest Bank in Asia
” award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets.
DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting businesses for impact: enterprises with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping underserved communities with future-ready skills and helping them to build food resilience.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit
www.dbs.com
.
About Singapore Courts
The Singapore Courts – comprising the Supreme Court, State Courts and Family Justice Courts – is one of the three constitutional pillars of government in Singapore. Known collectively as SG Courts, we are integrated and coordinated to serve as one judiciary. As an organ of state, the judiciary’s function is to independently administer justice. Headed by the Chief Justice, we are a forward-looking, innovative and trusted judiciary. Built on judicial professionalism and transparency, we maintain the highest standards of integrity in safeguarding our community. We pledge to ensure equal and continuous access to justice, and we are committed to deliver justice that is fair and impartial. For more information, please visit
www.judiciary.gov.sg
.
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