Singapore Outlines Telecom, IT Plan

["Irfan Khan" <KhanIA@super.net.pk>]

[as Singapore is not a South Asian country the following may be 
considered *slightly* off-topic. there is a lot that can be learned 
from Singapore -- the stress is on learning, not following.]



Singapore Outlines Telecom, IT Plan 

by David Legard, IDG News Service\Singapore Bureau 
June 30, 1999 


SINGAPORE (06/30/99) - Singapore's government is drawing up a master 
plan for development of the country's information and communication 
technologies (ICT) which it hopes will drive the country to become 
the world's second most information-driven economy after the U.S. 
within three years.

The plan combines traditional IT with telecommunications, largely in 
response to the rise of importance of the Internet.

The 10-year ICT21 master plan will map out strategies for Singapore 
to become a leader in the use of ICT, as well as a gateway to the 
Asia-Pacific region and a key node in the global information 
infrastructure, according to minister for communications and 
information technology Yeo Cheow Tong.

"Our vision is to transform Singapore into a dynamic and vibrant 
global ICT capital with a thriving and prosperous 'Net economy by the 
year 2010," said Yeo, at the CommunicAsia trade show here last week.

The plan covers five broad sectors -- technological capability, 
innovation, mass customization, manpower and infrastructure 
development, and entrepreneurship. Details of the plan will build on 
existing initiatives such as the SingaporeONE nationwide broadband 
network and the IT2000 computerization plan.

"We aim to complete the first cut ICT21 master plan and key action 
agenda by the end of the year, and have it ready for public release 
in the first quarter of the year 2000," Yeo said.

Development of this converging sector will be achieved through 
government support and encouragement for local and global 
enterprises, education about the use of ICT in other industries and 
increasing user demand by delivering public services online, Yeo said.

A recent study from market analyst International Data Corp. (IDC) 
ranked Singapore as the world's fourth most information-driven 
economy and society after the U.S., Sweden and Finland. With extended 
use of e-commerce, IT-based education, and all public services going 
online, Singapore can achieve second spot behind the U.S. by 2002, 
IDC projected.

To help drive the initiative, Singapore this month merged two 
government-owned bodies -- the Telecommunications Authority of 
Singapore and the National Computer Board -- to form the Information 
Technology and Telecommunications Authority.


Copyright (c) 1999 International Data Group.
 
http://www.idg.net/idgns/1999/06/30/SingaporeOutlinesTelecomITPlan.sht
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