Jointly set up by the IMDA and and National Library Board, the fourth Smart Work Centre will be opened at the revamped Tampines Regional Library in 2017.
SINGAPORE – 20 October, 2016: Minister for Communications and Information, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim today announced the launch of a new Smart Work Centre (SWC) – set to be opened at the revamped Tampines Regional Library in 2017. Minister Yaacob was speaking as the Guest of Honour at the New Ways of Work Conference 2016.Jointly set up by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and National Library Board (NLB), and operated by flexible workspace providers, the new SWC will be the fourth centre to be launched after SWCs located in Toa Payoh Public Library, Jurong Regional Library and Geylang East Public Library. Since May 2014, the existing SWCs have served more than 1,500 individuals, ranging from entrepreneurs, freelancers to full-time employees. The Tampines Regional Library SWC will occupy about 160 square metres. It will include amenities such as secure Wi-Fi, printing, copying and video-conferencing services. NLB will be calling a tender later this year to secure an operator for the new SWC.
Gabriel Lim, Chief Executive, IMDA said, “Advancements in technology have redefined what a workspace means. With pervasive connectivity, mobile solutions and excellent infocomm infrastructure, anyone can work from anywhere, anytime. Businesses must likewise harness technology to better meet the needs of a new workforce and attract talent. IMDA is pleased to facilitate this by establishing this SWC in the Tampines Library, to help workers and businesses take full advantage of infocomm media."
The SWC initiative aims to widen the range of flexible workspace options, enabling people to work closer to home, facilitating work-life balance and productivity. Feedback from current users have been positive, with many citing the SWCs to be beneficial and productive. Employers are also happy that the centres are able to balance their business goals and employees’ work-life needs.
Elaine Ng, Chief Executive Officer of NLB said, “Our libraries are preparing for the future today. We are constantly evolving to meet the needs of our people. A major change is revamping the physical spaces of the libraries and the SWCs are a good example of this change. We want our libraries to not only be spaces for learning, but also for creating and working. We want our libraries to not only welcome families and schools, but also businesses and workers.”
JOINTLY ISSUED BY THE INFO-COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD
For media clarifications, please contact:
Grace CHIANG (Ms)
Manager, Industry and Marketing Communications, IMDA
Tel: +65 6211 3863
Email: grace_chiang@imda.gov.sg
Lavania Krishnamurthy (Ms)
Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications
National Library Board
Tel: +65 6718 3397
Email: Lavania_KRISHNAMURTHY@nlb.gov.sg
About Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA)
The Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) will develop a vibrant, world-class infocomm media sector that drives the economy, connects people, bonds communities and powers Singapore's Smart Nation vision. IMDA does this by developing talent, strengthening business capabilities, and enhancing Singapore's ICT and media infrastructure. IMDA also regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a pro-business environment. IMDA also enhances Singapore’s data protection regime through the Personal Data Protection Commission. For more news and information, visit www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on Facebook IMDAsg and Twitter @IMDAsg.
About National Library Board
The National Library Board (NLB) nurtures Readers for Life, Learning Communities and a Knowledgeable Nation. Through the National Library and its network of 26 public libraries, NLB promotes reading, learning and information literacy. By forging strategic partnerships to cultivate knowledge sharing, the libraries also encourage appreciation and awareness of Singapore’s history through their wide range of programmes and collection on Singapore and regional content. The National Archives of Singapore, an institution of NLB, oversees the collection, preservation and management of public and private archival records, including government files, private memoirs, maps, photographs, oral history interviews and audio-visual materials. NLB also uses innovative technology to provide access to its digital library resources and services, and archival collection. Established on 1 September 1995 as a statutory board, NLB is now under the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI).
For more information on NLB, please visit www.nlb.gov.sg.
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