The National Computer Board (NCB) today announced the launch of a registration system for Year 2000 (Y2K) consultants and solution providers on the Internet. The move aims to provide companies who may need to seek ...
Singapore, 29 July 1998 | For Immediate Release
The National Computer Board (NCB) today announced the launch of a registration system for Year 2000 (Y2K) consultants and solution providers on the Internet. The move aims to provide companies who may need to seek help, with a quick reference point of available Y2K expertise in Singapore, and is part of the NCB's ongoing efforts to raise national Y2K awareness and action.
The registration system can be found on the NCB's Y2K website at http://www.ncb.gov.sg/ncb/yr2000, and access to the information is free. Companies can access the system to find out the areas of expertise as well as the various tools and solutions offered by the Y2K consultants and vendors who are registered on the system. For added convenience, a built-in search mechanism has been introduced to speed up the retrieval of information.
Speaking on the launch of the registration system, Mr Tan Chiam Huat, Assistant Chief Executive (Government Systems) said: "The NCB hopes the registration system will make it easier for companies, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), to find help. Companies must know where to get help to solve the Y2K problem. Otherwise, there is a real possibility they cannot avert the potential danger of business failure come year 2000".
Mr Tan added: "Businesses must take control of the Y2K problem. We want them to have a convenient way to access the expertise available to help them tackle the problem. We would like to invite all Y2K consultants and solution providers in Singapore to come forward to register themselves on the website".
The launch of the registration system is one of several ongoing initiatives by the NCB to raise a sense of urgency and to encourage companies to take immediate action. Last week, it sent out letters to more than 100,000 business establishments in Singapore. Signed by the NCB's Chief Executive Mr Stephen Yeo, the letters highlighted the seriousness of the Y2K problem and the need for immediate attention.
To further reinforce the possible threat of Y2K on businesses, the NCB will launch a print advertising campaign tomorrow together with industry partners. Advertisements will be placed in. The Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao to reach out to companies who are still unsure about how the Y2K problem will affect them or how they should deal with it.
Besides the print ad campaign, two television programmes are also in the pipeline. To be broadcast on 25 and 28 August respectively, the Focus (Channel 8, 10.30pm) and the Insight (Channel 5, 11.15pm) current affairs programmes will look at the experiences of organisations as they tackle the Y2K problem, as well as some of the help available. The programmes will later be reproduced onto videos to be distributed selectively to companies and organisations for use at talks, seminars and exhibitions for educational purposes.
Important Note: SMEs who wish to apply for the Local Enterprise Computerisation Programme (LECP) grant to defray up to 70% of Y2K implementation consultancy costs should call tel.8384483. Alternatively, they can visit the NCB Y2K website at http://www.ncb.gov.sg/ncb/yr2000 for more information about the grant or to get a copy of the application form.
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