Infocomm usage continues to be pervasive in Singapore as more Singaporeans exploit Infocomm for work, learn and play. This was revealed by Minister for Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, Dr Lee Boon Yang ...
Singapore, 26 February 2006 | For Immediate Release
IDA Survey Also Shows Singaporeans are Becoming More Sophisticated in Internet Usage
Infocomm usage continues to be pervasive in Singapore as more Singaporeans exploit Infocomm for work, learn and play. This was revealed by Minister for Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, Dr Lee Boon Yang, at the Singapore Computer Society (SCS) Gala Dinner on 25 February 2006, where he gave out the IT Leaders Awards to outstanding individuals who have made contributions to the Infocomm industry.
This finding is part of the latest 'Annual Survey on Infocomm Usage in Households and By Individuals for 2005' released by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA).
Infocomm as Way of Life
Exploiting Infocomm at home, school and work has become a way of life for Singaporeans.
The 2005 IDA survey highlighted that household internet penetration has remained high, with 2 in 3 households having internet access. Internet users aged 15 years and above, mainly used the Internet to communicate (96%) and enrich their knowledge (86%) in the last 12 months. In addition to being a tool to increase productivity and quality of work, the survey also showed that six in 10 Internet users aged 15 years and above used the Internet for leisure, including playing computer games, downloading or uploading of digital photos, listening to online music, reading publications and watching films over the internet.
The convenience of online transactions has also motivated more Singaporeans to go online for their transactions. Almost six in 10 Internet users made an online transaction with the government in the last 12 months, while four out of 10 Internet users made other online transactions with online banking being the most popular.
Singaporeans are also becoming more savvy Internet users. For instance, the survey revealed that eight in 10 home Internet users aged 15 years and above protect their computers at home with virus checking software.
25 Years of Infocomm Technology (ICT)
2006 marks a momentous milestone for the Infocomm industry. It has been a quarter century since Singapore embarked on national computerisation in 1981. Today, 74% of households in Singapore own personal computers at home. In fact, more households are beginning to own more than one personal computer. In 2005, 28% of the households owned two or more computers at home, double that of the compared to 14% in 2000.
Mr Chan Yeng Kit, CEO of IDA Singapore said, "Singaporeans have come a long way since Singapore embarked on national computerisation in 1981. Today, we can be proud of our achievements in harnessing Infocomm technology for work, learn and play. Infocomm technology will continue to power the digital economy of the future. As long as Singaporeans remain plugged in and savvy about infocomm, I am confident that Singapore will be well-placed to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities in the digital world."
(Refer to Annex A (643.24KB) for executive summary of survey findings).
ISSUED BY CORPORATE & MARKETING COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
Notes to Editors:
Survey Fieldwork
Fieldwork for the survey was carried out from November 2005 till mid January 2006. A total of 2,000 households and 2,000 individuals were interviewed.
IT Leaders Awards
The IT Leader Awards organised by SCS aim to honour individuals who have distinguished themselves through their achievements and contributions to the IT profession and development of IT in 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
Jenny Ng (Ms)
Manager
Corporate and Marketing Communication
Tel: +65 6211 1341
Fax: +65 6211 2227
Email: Jenny_Ng@imda.gov.sg
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