A country's government policies play a vital role in ICT development. Singapore led the rankings of the Networked Readiness Index 2004-2005. Its remarkable performance is a consequence of the government's consistent and continuous efforts in nurturing ICT penetration and usage. Singapore has consistently ranked #1 in government usage of ICT due to its national technology policies. It is the leader in usage and readiness because of the government's leadership role in the development of ICT.
History
The government of Singapore developed the IT 2000 Plan in 1991. The goal of this plan was to transform Singapore from a low-tech manufacturing center into a high-tech hub for commerce, communications, and transportation. By exploiting IT, Singapore hoped to enhance its economic competitiveness. Through IT 2000, the government wanted Singapore to become an advanced country in technology by the turn of the century.
IT 2000 was to transform Singapore into one of the first countries with an advanced nationwide information infrastructure interconnecting computers in every home, school and workplace The computer was to become a multi-purpose information vehicle that integrated the functions of the telephone, television, and computer to deliver data. The government felt that Singaporeans could use computers to improve their businesses, as well as their overall quality of life.
Five broad strategic themes defined IT 2000's vision:
1. Developing a Global Hub - Singapore wanted to become a global hub for businesses, services, and transportation by developing a resourceful information infrastructure. It was hoped that providing high bandwidth communications would induce businesses around the world to shift more knowledge-intensive activities to Singapore . For example, through technology such as videoconferencing, electronic sharing of multimedia documents, and e-mail, a company's engineers, designers, and marketers could collaborate in real-time even though they worked in different countries.[3]
2. Improving Quality of Life - By using technology to simplify chores, Singaporeans could have more discretionary time in their busy lives. Almost all transactions with government departments were to be made through computer and communication networks. Congestion on the roads was to be handled by electronic traffic control. Some Singaporeans could use technology to work from home. The cumulative effect of these changes was for individuals to have more time and energy to engage in leisure activities.[4]
3. Boosting the Economy - Companies in the manufacturing sector could exchange information electronically to coordinate their activities. Suppliers could synchronize production and delivery with their buyers. Manufacturers could customize products according to customer demands without losing economies of scale. In the commerce sector, Singapore wanted to expand its successful TradeNet system into a larger system that allowed shipping agents, freight handlers, airlines, banks, customs departments, and port authorities to process forms electronically. Wholesalers and retailers could set up central distribution centers that use network applications to receive orders, schedule deliveries, plan routes, and issue shipping notices. Within the construction sector, contractors and professionals could make electronic submissions to government departments, and share documents on the new information infrastructure.[5]
4. Linking Communities - IT2000 called for the creation of an electronic network to support civic and social events within local communities. Each community net was to provide access to a wide range of services such as e-mail, bulletin boards, instant chatting, and videoconferencing. Residents could use e-mail to consult experts for medical and legal advice. All public information on education, cultural activities, and special events could be accessed online through the community networks. Residents could communicate with elected representatives and community leaders through e-mail.[6]
5. Education and Culture - The new information infrastructure would allow people to participate in interactive distance education programs. These programs would deliver lectures and classes from the best schools in the world to their computers. A media marketplace would connect media and publishing businesses, cultural institutions, and broadcasting agencies to attract and promote creative talents and services. Digital images and videos from the National Museum , the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation, the National Archives, and the national newspapers would be made available.[7]
Current Policies
IT 2000 paved the way for InfoComm21, the government's plan to guide ICT for the next five years. The overall goal of InfoComm21 is to continue building on the success of IT 2000. The underlying idea of InfoComm21 is to allow ICT to be market-driven, private sector oriented, and global. This explains why Singapore decided to liberalize the entire telecommunications market. (This monumental event is discussed in further detail in the next section: Telecommunication Infrastructure Regulation & Liberalization)
One of the achievements of InfoComm21 was the e-capital market. The goal of e-capital market is to develop e-equities market for fund raising, and an e-bond market for government securities and corporate bonds. This is a joint effort by the Singapore Exchange and the Economic Development Board. Other national ICT policies include the creation of the National Cyber-Threat Monitoring Center . In 2005, the government of Singapore spent $23 million to create this center which would be responsible for constant detection and analysis of computer virus threats.[8]
Finally the government developed the Singapore Cooperation Program. This program is a technical assistance program for other developing countries. Through this program, Singapore aims to share the ICT experience and expertise that it has acquired over the last 30 years with other countries. For example, in 1998, the governments of Singapore and Republic of Korea sponsored a training program on information technology and economic development. Eighteen participants from Nepal , Mongolia , Fiji , Thailand , the Philippines , and China attended the session.[9]
The government of Singapore developed a methodical and well thought out plan for ICT development. It understood that the development of ICT would spur economic growth, and significantly improve business, education, and overall day-to-day life. The information infrastructure that was created transformed Singapore into a high-tech hub for business and communication. The major goals of IT 2000 were achieved by the turn of the century. After a thorough analysis of Singapore 's national ICT policies, it can be stated without a doubt that the Government has played a pivotal role in the successful development of ICT. This is one of the main reasons why Singapore is one of the strongest high-tech manufacturing countries in the world today.
[3] IT2000: Singapore's Vision of an Intelligent Island
[4] IT2000: Singapore's Vision of an Intelligent Island
[5] IT2000: Singapore's Vision of an Intelligent Island
[6] IT2000: Singapore's Vision of an Intelligent Island
[7] IT2000: Singapore's Vision of an Intelligent Island
[8] Government Technology's Public CIO
[9] Center for Telemedia Strategy