Infocomm usage is now pervasive in Singapore, as more people are using Infocomm for work, learn and play. This is a clear indication in the latest Annual Survey on Infocomm Usage in Households and By Individuals released by ...
Singapore, 23 March 2005 | For Immediate Release
Organisations Honoured for Helping Singaporeans Go Online
Infocomm usage is now pervasive in Singapore, as more people are using Infocomm for work, learn and play. This is a clear indication in the latest Annual Survey on Infocomm Usage in Households and By Individuals released by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore. The survey results were announced today by Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, Dr Balaji Sadasivan at the e-Society Excellence Awards Ceremony.
The 2004 survey shows that 74% of households in Singapore own personal computers. Internet access in households stands at 65%. The steady rise in computer ownership and Internet access can be attributed in part to the various national infocomm usage education programmes such as National Infocomm Training and Literacy Programme (NITLP), NEU PC programme and e-Celebrations (Refer to Annex A for executive summary of survey findings).
Other Survey Findings
Internet Applications and Services Usage
The results also showed that Singaporeans have gone from basic infocomm usage to more sophisticated usage of Infocomm Technology. 95% of Internet users aged 15 and above use e-mail as a mode of communication, the usage of online information retrieval or search increased from 64% to 82% and download application software increased from 43% to 62%.
A notable finding in this year's survey gathered an increase in online government transactions from 42% to 56%. This result is attributed to more than 1,600 government e-services made readily accessible to the public via the e-Citizen portal.
With greater emphasis of infocomm technology in the schools' curriculum, e-learning and children education content also gained increases in usage patterns at 32% and 21% respectively. In 2004, online shopping also saw the highest growth since 2000, with a three-fold increase. Overall, 30% of Internet users have done online shopping last year.
Speaking to 200 attendees from the private, public and people sectors, Dr Balaji said that the survey results testify to our steady transformation into a well-connected society, where majority of our fellow Singaporeans are becoming more Infocomm-savvy users.
e-Society Excellence Awards 2005
In IDA's effort to creating a well-connected society, the business communities and civic organisations have also played an integral role. Jointly organised by IDA and the Singapore infocomm Technology Federation (SiTF), the inaugural e-Society Excellence Awards is launched today to honour organisations for their initiatives and efforts in helping Singaporeans from all walks of life embrace infocomm technology.
Nominations for the awards started from December 2004, and a total of 61 entries were received from the private, public and people sectors. Nominees for the awards were evaluated based on the innovativeness of their entries, impact of initiatives on society and sustainability. Today, five winners and five merit award recipients received their awards from Dr Balaji (Refer to Annex B for fact sheet on winners and merit award recipients).
The top winners are:
- Fujitsu Asia - Food Trek from Food-from-the-Heart
- Project 180 (Youth Services) - eGen
- SINDA - New PC Programme
- Singapore Prison Service - Internet Home Televisit
- The Society for the Physically Disabled - Specialised Assistive Technology Centre
Merit Award Recipients are:
- Clementi Community Centre Management Committee - Project Clementi Online
- Hewlett Packard - eGarage
- IBM Singapore - KidSmart Early Learning Programme
- Microsoft Singapore - Unlimited Potential
- North East Community Development Council - Financial Assistance Cashless Electronic Card System (FACE System)
Commenting on the efforts made by these organisations to help build a connected e-society, Dr Balaji added that, "A well-connected society cannot be created by the government alone. Businesses, the community and civic organisations play important and integral roles too. Some of these organisations have contributed in one way or another to sponsor worthy causes that help the less privileged to embrace infocomm technology. And there are also those who participated actively in devising programmes to help the community get connected. I am truly heartened by the noble intentions and tireless efforts shown by the 61 entries received for this year's Awards."
ISSUED BY CORPORATE & MARKETING COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is committed to growing Singapore into a dynamic global infocomm hub. IDA uses an integrated approach to developing infocommunications in Singapore. This involves nurturing a competitive telecoms market as well as a conducive business environment with programmes and schemes for both local and international companies. For more information, visit https://www.imda.gov.sg/.
For media clarification, please contact:
Gayle Wong (Ms)
Manager
Corporate and Marketing Communication
Tel: +65 6211 0209
Fax: +65 6211 2227
Email: Gayle_Wong@imda.gov.sg
Jennifer Toh (Ms)
Manager
Corporate and Marketing Communication
Tel: +65 6211 0508
Fax: +65 6211 2227
Email: Jennifer_Toh@imda.gov.sg
| Attachments | |
|---|---|
| Title | Date of Issue |
| Annex A - Executive Summary of Survey Findings (166.36KB) | 23 March 2005 |
| Annex B - About e-Society Excellence Awards and Factsheets on Winners and Merit Awards Recipients (96.82KB) | 23 March 2005 |
| Infographics - Annual Survey on Infocomm Usage in Households and By Individuals For 2004 (436.94KB) | 23 March 2005 |
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