IDA recently hosted the 39th meeting of the APEC Telecommunications & Information Working Group (APECTEL 39) in Singapore. More than 250 officials and telecom regulators from 21 APEC Member Economies gathered to discuss and exchange views on issues such as broadband deployment, development of new technologies, mutual recognition arrangement and resiliency of the cyberspace.
Singapore, 20 April 2009
The 39th meeting of the APEC Telecommunications & Information Working Group (APECTEL 39) successfully concluded in Singapore last week. More than 250 officials and telecom regulators from the 21 APEC Member Economies gathered to discuss and exchange views on issues related to ICT.
Hosted by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) from 13 to 18 April, the meeting covered issues such as broadband deployment, development of new technologies, mutual recognition arrangement and resiliency of the cyberspace.
"Addressing the current global economic crisis is one of APEC's key priorities in 2009. Given that ICT is a key enabler of economic and social growth, APECTEL is well-placed to develop strategies and initiatives that will enable APEC economies to leverage opportunities that the current economic crisis presents. Hence, it is timely that the TEL working group reviews its work and Agenda and align them to the objectives and policy directions of APEC Leaders and Ministers," said Mr Leong Keng Thai, Deputy Chief Executive and Director-General (Telecoms & Post) of IDA.
Having recently crossed major milestones in the development of Singapore's telecommunications policy and regulatory formulation, IDA shared its experience in addressing the challenges in building and regulating the Next Generation National Broadband Network. In so doing, IDA hopes to seed further exchanges on the pertinent topic of Next Gen Network development and regulation.
In addition to the workshops and meetings, the visiting officials and regulators had the opportunity to learn about developments of Singapore's National Grid as part of a Grid Showcase.
In conjunction with APECTEL 39, and to further facilitate economies to move towards APEC Bogor goals of "free and open trade and investment in the region" and supporting APEC's broader goals of regional economic integration, IDA has also organised a Workshop on Telecommunications Trade Rules and Regulatory Disciplines to provide capacity building and a platform for economies to discuss and exchange views to facilitate the adoption of WTO telecommunication disciplines and telecoms elements in Plurilateral/Bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTA).
About APECTEL
The APEC Telecommunications and Information Working Group (TEL) aims to improve telecommunications and information infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region by developing and implementing appropriate telecommunications and information policies, including relevant human resource and development cooperation strategies. Established in 1990, TEL has currently consisted of Plenary Meeting and three steering groups on Liberalization (LSG), ICT Development (DSG), and Security and Prosperity (SPSG), and finally a Mutual Recognition Arrangement Task Force (MRATF), all of which are committed to proposing, implementing and monitoring projects and activities.
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 www.imda.gov.sg.
For clarifications or queries, please contact:
GOH Yang Chuang (Mr)
Manager, International
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: +65 6211 1851
Email: goh_yang_chuang@imda.gov.sg
Melanie KOH (Miss)
Assistant Manager, Corporate & Marketing Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: +65 6211 0297
Email: melanie_koh@imda.gov.sg
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