The Telecommunication Authority of Singapore (TAS) has launched a $100 million development grant scheme to encourage the local telecommunication industry members to upgrade their network infrastructure and enhance their ...
Singapore, 1 April 1997 | For Immediate Release
The Telecommunication Authority of Singapore (TAS) has launched a $100 million development grant scheme to encourage the local telecommunication industry members to upgrade their network infrastructure and enhance their technological capability to compete in the local and global telecommunication market This scheme which will help the telecommunication industry to fund part of the cost of developmental projects was announced by the Minister for Communications, Mr Mah Bow Tan at TAS' 5th anniversary dinner this evening.
Any company can apply for the development grant so long as its project meets one of the two criteria. Firstly, it must foster the strategic development of info-communication and postal infrastructure and services and enhance the competitiveness of Singapore as a global and regional business hub. Secondly, the project must enhance the capability, efficiency and quality of service of public telecommunication licensees and ultimately benefiting consumers.
The TAS development grant will support projects that encourage technology transfers by foreign companies. TAS will promote collaboration between the local info-communication industry and universities/research institutes on strategic technologies which have good potential for commercial applications. The TAS development grant may also be used for non-technical areas which can enhance TAS' and local companies' capabilities in managing or providing info-communication services applied research.
Under the Development Grant Scheme, TAS will generally give a grant of up to 50% of the quantifiable costs of the project. The grant will cover funding for selected capital investment, manpower, equipment, software, consumable and training expenses directly related to the project. TAS will not make any claim on the intellectual property rights nor royalty payment from the recipient. Companies interested in applying for the grant may discuss details of their proposed projects with TAS officers from the Technology Development Department.
TAS will work closely with other government agencies such as National Science and Technology Board, National Computer Board and Economic Development Board to ensure that Singapore's telecommunication infrastructure and services remain world-class to help businesses compete in an increasingly competitive world.
In its five years of operating as a reconstituted statutory body, TAS has been focusing its efforts more on its regulator role - one where it has progressively liberalised the telecommunication industry to bring about even better and more innovative services at more competitive prices for consumers and businesses so as to enhance Singapore's competitiveness. The introduction of this Development Grant Scheme is part of TAS' other equally important role - that of promoter to develop and promote the telecommunication industry to ensure that it grows to be an innovative and vibrant sector of the economy in the 21st century.
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