In the area of information and communication technology (ICT), Singapore has been in the top three positions in the World Economic Forum's Global IT Report for the past five consecutive years. It came up top in the latest Accenture's e-Government Leadership Ranking.
The ICT industry in particular has registered healthy results in 2006; it witnessed an all-time high in revenue growth. Total revenue reached S$45.4 billion (US$29.8 billion) to represent a 20 percent growth from 2005. Out of this total revenue, export accounted for over 64% at S$28.98 billion (US$19.00 billion). The ICT manpower talent pool grew 7.5 percent to reach 119,700 in 2006. The ICT industry undoubtedly serves as an engine of growth for Singapore.
This is no mean feat, considering that the adoption of ICT capabilities started only slightly more than 25 years ago. Alongside the liberalization of the telecommunications industry, there are a few other significant milestones. Singapore is one of the most connected cities in the world – 28Tbps of submarine cable capacity and international and regional connectivity to more than 100 countries. Also, over 1,600 public services such as application for employment passes, booking of sports facilities and even registration for marriage can now be done online. Consultations on government policies are also accessible online, enabling citizens, both at home and overseas to contribute their thoughts to policy-making. Additionally, broadband penetration currently stands at 70.6% percent amongst households. This figure is expected to reach 75% and by 2015, is projected to rise to 90%. Another significant milestone is that mobile penetration is 111.2 percent – which means that there is more than one mobile phone subscription per Singaporean.
Singapore not only offers global companies and investors a pro-business, cost competitive environment and excellent infrastructure it also actively promotes local capabilities, particularly in the area of ICT, to overseas buyers.
Intelligent nation 2015
Such growth and potential in the ICT industry has prompted the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore [IDA] to launch the Intelligent Nation 2015 or iN2015 master plan, with the vision of transforming Singapore into an intelligent nation, leveraging on ICT capabilities that revolutionizes the way people work, live, play and learn.
The iN2015 master plan encompasses several objectives. The first objective is to be #1 in the world in harnessing ICT to add value to the economy and society. The second is to realize a twofold increase in the value-add of the ICT industry to SGD26 billion. The third is to realize a threefold increase in ICT export revenue to SGD60 billion. The last three objectives are to create 80,000 additional jobs, achieve 90% home broadband usage, and to achieve 100% computer ownership for all homes with school-going children.
The iN2015 master plan aims to transform both public and private sectors through various action plans.
The first action plan involves building the next generation national ICT infrastructure. As a major telecommunications hub in the global community, businesses enjoy a reliable and advanced ICT infrastructure. In order to remain at the competitive edge of the global market, the ICT sector will be further augmented by the deployment of a seamless and trusted ICT infrastructure.
Singapore is in the midst of building the Next Generation National ICT Infrastructure (Next Gen NII). This will be a wired broadband network that will deliver ultra-high speeds and a wireless broadband network that offers pervasive connectivity around the island.
This is complemented by Wireless@SG. Launched in December 2006, Wireless@SG is a wireless broadband program that allows free internet access at public areas. By September 2007, there will be 5,000 such public hotspots deployed around the island state.
Today, users can enjoy free indoor and outdoor seamless wireless broadband access with speeds of up to 512kbps at most public areas by signing up with these three local operators.
The second major action plan is a conducive and competitive ICT environment. As the ICT industry champion, IDA develops policies, standards, and codes of practice to ensure that the environment is pro-business and pro-consumer. A key objective is to encourage effective competition in the telecommunications market in Singapore.
It also monitors local and global ICT market trends, developments and regulatory measures while remaining technology neutral; to ensure that ICT policies and regulatory frameworks remain effective and relevant in a dynamic and rapidly changing world. The third major action plan is a vibrant ICT industry. Singapore is an ICT hub that attracts many multi-national technology companies [MNCs]. Today, more than 90% of Fortune 1000 technology firms including many Korean IT companies have made Singapore a key node in their global network.
In addition to the MNCs, Singapore is also witnessing the burgeoning of local ICT companies [iLEs] expanding their capabilities and implementing large-scale projects overseas. These iLEs are behind some of Singapore's successes in areas such as e-Government and ICT in healthcare and education. With good technical knowledge and expertise, these iLEs are potential partners for Korean companies.
Made-by-Singapore ICT products and solutions are marketed under a single unified brand ICT Singapore. A portal at www.ICTsingapore.sg was setup as the virtual storefront in which these iLEs profile their products and services. It is a one-stop directory listing and has a matchmaking engine for companies to source for partnerships and business opportunities.
The fourth action plan looks at ICT in Singapore and beyond. In the age of globalization, the ICT landscape of Singapore is continually morphing and changing to remain at the forefront of technology. Not just in the healthcare, e-government, education and learning sectors, but also in sectors like tourism, manufacturing and logistics as well as financial services and digital media and entertainment.
With over a quarter century of experience in developing and implementing innovative e-government solutions, we are in good stead to share experience and exchange insights with other governments. The Singapore e-Government Leadership Centre was set up for this purpose, to provide dynamic executive management programmers with the aim to inspire government leaders to learn and transform public administration and everyday life with ICT technologies.
Singapore also plays host to Asia's largest ICT and media event – ICT Media Business Exchange (imbX). This business platform brings together business leaders, companies and industry professionals to showcase their latest innovations, network, exchange ideas and tap new markets. Many of the major Korean ICT companies make imbX a key event in their corporate calendar.
