To encourage and facilitate collaboration between Singapore and Chinese infocomm companies, the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Shanghai Informatization Office (SIO).
Singapore, 1 November 2002 | For Immediate Release
To encourage and facilitate collaboration between Singapore and Chinese infocomm companies, the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Shanghai Informatization Office (SIO). The MOU seeks to promote closer co-operation and bilateral exchanges of information pertaining to the infocomm sector. Today's signing in Shanghai was witnessed by Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Senior Minister of State for Transport and Information, Communications and the Arts and Ms Yan Junqi, Vice Mayor of Shanghai Municipal Government.
The formalisation of the MOU will see SIO and IDA working jointly to promote city informatization1 in Singapore, Shanghai and the Asia Pacific region. Co-operation and information exchanges between the two cities will include areas of electronic commerce; electronic government and government network systems; information and network security; human resource development, including the cross-certification of infocomm skills standards and e-learning; and infocomm solutions.
At the MOU signing ceremony, Mr. Khaw Boon Wan, Senior Minister of State for Transport and Information, Communications and the Arts of Singapore said: "The MOU is intended to enhance exchanges and collaborations in the infocomm industry between Shanghai and Singapore." He also expressed that the partnership is a win-win relationship and hopes to see a boost in infocomm activities with the MOU.
As part of the MOU signed today, a Shanghai-Singapore Task Force will also be set up to identify and facilitate programmes for:
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Exploring and supporting research needs in the fields of innovation, incubation, venture financing and infrastructural development for infocomm;
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Developing skills through bilateral exchange programmes, joint participation of conferences, training programmes and seminars in the infocomm field;
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Involving entrepreneurs in Singapore and Shanghai to foster incubation of infocomm start-ups;
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Enhancing infocomm and product development; and trade and market development between Singapore and Shanghai;
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Fostering industry joint ventures in the infocomm sector in Singapore and Shanghai;
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Facilitating dialogue between both cities' business and regulatory agencies in the infocomm sector; and
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Facilitating bilateral missions between Singapore and Shanghai.
"IDA is pleased with the MOU signed today. Singapore and Shanghai share common interest in developing a knowledge economy and in bridging the digital divide in the region. We have much to offer and share with each other. The signing of today's MOU between SIO and IDA is a timely one and seeks to formalize such close working relations," said Mr. Leong Keng Thai, Deputy Chief Executive & Director-General (Telecoms) of the IDA.
Today's announcement is the first strategic alliance forged between the two cities since the opening of the IDA's Shanghai office in July 2002. IDA Shanghai office will also promote city informatization cooperation in other parts of China. With strong bilateral relationship between Singapore and China, IDA expects to see more business collaborations being established with Shanghai and China in the infocomm market in the near future.
ISSUED BY CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
Note to Editors:
1 City Informatization is a term used in China, referring to computerization efforts in both the public and private sector. This also includes the promotion of IT adoption among citizens.
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, visit https://www.imda.gov.sg/
About Shanghai Informatization Office
Shanghai Informatization Office (SIO) was established in 2000. SIO is directly under the Shanghai Municipal Government, and is responsible for the city's economy and society informatization. SIO is also the functional body of Shanghai National Economy & Society Informatization Leading Committee.
For media clarifications, please contact:
Ms Jennifer Toh
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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