The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) today announced three new alliances with international broadband content and technology companies to develop and provide interactive broadband multimedia applications and services on Singapore ONE. The announcement was made at a...
Singapore, 11 April 2000 | For Immediate ReleaseThe Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) today announced three new alliances with international broadband content and technology companies to develop and provide interactive broadband multimedia applications and services on Singapore ONE. The announcement was made at a Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony, held in conjunction with the FastTrack Seminar at the Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre.
This is part of the three strategies outlined by Mr Yeo Cheow Tong, Minister for Communications and Information Technology last week at Comdex Asia, to develop Singapore into a dynamic and vibrant infocomm hub. One of the strategies is to foster partnerships and alliances overseas. The Minister also indicated that the government has put together a package of S$150 million to stimulate both the demand for and supply of Interactive Broadband Multimedia (IBBMM) content and services.
The new strategic partnerships announced today seek to promote the growth of interactive broadband multimedia in Singapore. The projects that these international players will develop for Singapore ONE include entertainment content development, high quality streaming videos, interactive television and audio services.
The new strategic partners are:
i. innovatv.com will offer 'interactive video magazines' (iMags) on Singapore ONE, offering rich information and web-links wrapped around high-quality video. Through their proprietary technology, innovatv.com will deliver to Singapore ONE users interactive content ranging from finance to sports and lifestyle.
ii. On2.com, Inc. will customise and deliver a massive database of movie and celebrity information on Singapore ONE. The content comprises full-motion, television-quality video, interactive on-screen hot spots and lively original programming. On2 will provide the content using their state-of-the-art VP3 video streaming technology capable of delivering full-screen, full-motion and television quality video.
iii. Online Media Group (OMG) will create interactive television and audio services for Singapore ONE. Under the agreement OMG will supply interactive television and Internet content that will include television style programming, news and lifestyle programming and six interactive radio stations.
Through these partnerships, IDA aims to achieve two key objectives. Firstly, bring in international companies to deploy broadband contents and services on Singapore ONE. This will add to the range and diversity of contents and applications for the Singapore ONE users. Secondly, to create opportunities for local and international online players to share and exchange expertise and experience, and to use Singapore as the launch pad to access the Asian market.
Mr Khoong Hock Yun, Assistant Chief Executive, Infocomm Development, IDA said, "We are excited by the increasing global hive of broadband activities. We see the entry of international broadband players into the Singapore broadband scene affirming Singapore as the ideal platform to gain access to emerging Asia broadband markets."
"As part of the overall broadband strategy, the IDA will continue to attract more broadband players into Singapore and assist them in establishing partnerships with local players. The tie-ups with local partners will help provide localisation of content to address regional multilingual needs. Such strategic partnerships and overseas alliances will help position Singapore as a leading infocomm hub in the Asia-Pacific region," added Mr Khoong.
The signing of today's agreements marks the beginning of an exciting time ahead for Singapore ONE. As international players are continually leveraging on Singapore's strategic position in Asia's broadband market, IDA expects many more entrants and partnerships to be established in the broadband arena in the following months ahead.
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
About Singapore ONE
Singapore ONE was commercially launched in 1998. It comprises a broadband infrastructure that provides high-speed, interactive, and multimedia applications and services for users. Developed by both MNCs and innovative Singaporean companies, Singapore ONE' services are designed to appeal to users of all ages and occupations, as well as businesses.
Singapore ONE has the full support of the Singapore government, and is driven by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, the National Science & Technology Board, the Economic Development Board and the Singapore Broadcasting Authority. More information can be found at http://www.s-one.gov.sg.
About FastTrack
FastTrack is a one-stop service point for local and international Interactive Broadband Multimedia (IBBMM) industry. It was created with the aim of developing Singapore's local IBBMM capability by creating opportunities, partnerships and exchanges with regional and international IBBMM players. FastTrack will facilitate you through your broadband business conceptualisation, implementation and marketing processes.
For more information, go to website http://fasttrack.s-one.net.sg or email fasttrack@imda.gov.sg
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is a dynamic organisation with an integrated perspective to developing, promoting and regulating info-communications in Singapore. In the fast-changing and converging spheres of telecommunications, information and media technologies, IDA will be the catalyst for change and growth in Singapore's evolution into a vibrant global info-communications technology centre. For more information, please visit www.imda.gov.sg.
For media clarification, please contact:
Ms Jennifer Toh
Assistant Manager, Corporate Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: (65) 6211-0508
Fax: (65) 6211-2227
Email: jennifer_toh@imda.gov.sg
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