When researching information technology at the country level, it is important to understand the ICT usage at the individual level. What is the diffusion of ICT to the individual and how has that affected the culture?
The IDA reported the following statistics in 2003: [16]
• 63% of the total population use computers
• 74% of households owned a desktop or laptop computer
• 65% of households had Internet connectivity
• 40% of households had high-speed Internet connectivity
• 51% of the total population connected to the Internet daily for work, leisure, and learning
Internet applications that have grown most in terms of usage among Singaporean households include online information retrieval, uploading and downloading of documents from the office, online banking, and online job search or application. The following chart highlights some of the popular IT functions used by the residents of Singapore . The public access to the Internet is high, with people having access through their homes, work, telecenters, libraries, and post offices.
Function |
% of Population (2003) |
92% |
|
Chat / IM |
48% |
Video Conferencing |
11% |
Internet SMS |
39% |
Internet Telephone |
13% |
Discussion Groups |
23% |
Online Banking |
33% |
Online Investments |
8% |
Online Insurance Services |
5% |
Online Government Related Transactions |
42% |
Online Shopping |
20% |
Download / Play Online Games |
48% |
Download Music |
37% |
Download Video |
28% |
Online Education |
30% |
*All statistics as of 2003
*Source: IDA: At a Glance:Infocomm Usage in Singapore [17]
Historically, as well as today, the government has been a strong stimulus for ICT growth and development. Many of the government's policies and programs were created to bring ICT to the individual. Through the liberalization of the telecommunications industry, ICT has become easily available to the people. The many educational programs implemented by the government have made Singaporeans sophisticated customers of technology. Singapore is one of the few countries in the world that has such a high rate of broadband penetration. This has facilitated the high rate of IT diffusion which has affected the daily lives of Singaporeans. The fact that so many engage in e-mail, online chatting, online government transactions, and downloading of entertainment proves that Singaporean culture revolves around technology.