25 Nov 2010 - Nineteen constituencies vied for honours in the first of a series of "Most Fibre-Up Constituency Contests" organised by the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) of Singapore to encourage residents to take up free installation of optical fibre for the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN).
Singapore, 25 November 2010 | For Immediate Release
Prizes Awarded for "Most Fibred-Up Constituency Contest" to
promote signups for free fibre installation for the Next Gen NBN
Nineteen constituencies vied for honours in the first of a series of "Most Fibre-Up Constituency Contests" organised by the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) of Singapore to encourage residents to take up free installation of optical fibre for the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN). These constituencies were the first batch to be wired up since the roll out of the network last year. The top two winning constituencies were Chua Chu Kang, followed closely by Pasir Ris, with over 60 per cent of their residents having wired up their homes with the Next Gen NBN.
Announced earlier this year to grassroots leaders, five "Most Fibre-Up Constituency Contests" will be organised by IDA till the end of 2012. Constituencies have been informed of their allocated contest round and the winning constituencies will be awarded prize money totalling $6,000 for use for the purchase of IT hardware, software and/or services for their constituency's IT corner or computer laboratory.
The award ceremony for the first contest round was held at iExperience, the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA)'s Infocomm Experience Centre, on 24 Nov 2010. Mr Sam Tan, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) presented the prizes to the top two constituencies. Grassroots leaders shared on their experience of spreading awareness and encouraging residents to sign up for OpenNet's offer of free fibre installation. These included putting up educational posters, organising house visits, working with IDA on roadshows and others.
Mr Tan Chee Horng, PBM Chua Chu Kang Zone 6 RC Chairman said, "This prize would not have been possible without the help of my fellow Grassroots Leaders who took time to engage residents and explain the benefits of the Next Gen NBN." Ms Lina Chong, Youth Committee Executive Chairperson of Pasir Ris West Constituency agreed, "It was difficult at first, but once they realised that their family, especially how their children will benefit from future applications such as e-learning, they soon agreed."
Guest of Honour, Mr Sam Tan said, "I am heartened to note the efforts of our grassroots leaders, judging from the public's positive and encouraging response in this "Most Fibred-up Constituency Contest". I urge grassroot leaders to continue to encourage residents, in both HDB and private estates, as well as the Management Committees of private apartments and condominiums, to take up the fibre installation."
Grassroots leaders who attended the ceremony later toured the iExperience to learn more about installation of fibre to homes and explored many of the interactive exhibits such as interactive IPTV, remote learning, tele-working, HD tele-presence systems, cloud based computing etc.
Results for the second round of contest are expected to be announced in Q1 2011. A final grand prize will also be awarded after the network achieves nationwide coverage in mid 2012.
Chua Chu Kang and Pasir Ris West Constituency representatives at iExperience after receiving their prizes from Mr Sam Tan.
From left: Mr Khoong Hock Yun, IDA Assistant CEO; Mr Tan Chee Horng, PBM, Chua Chu Kang Zone 6 RC Chairman; Mr Ng Hock Lye, BBM (L), Chua Chu Kang CCC Chairman; Mr Sam Tan, MICA Senior Parliamentary Secretary; Ms Lina Chong, Youth Committee Executive Chairperson Pasir Ris West Constituency; RADM(NS) Ronnie Tay, IDA CEO (For a high resolution image, please contact Elizabeth_Lee@imda.gov.sg)
ISSUED BY CORPORATE AND 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 news and information, visit www.ida.gov.sg
About iExperience
The Infocomm Experience Centre (iExperience) aims to bring about the possibilities and benefits of Next Generation (Next Gen) services and the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN) to the public and businesses. The interactive and engaging exhibits are designed to educate visitors via hands-on experience the possibilities presented by Next Gen NBN, including possible next gen services leveraging next gen technologies that encompass our daily lives.
Located at the heart of the city in Esplanade Xchange along the shortest underground linkway between Raffles City and Suntec City, the centre presents a range of services and applications enabled through the innovative use of infocomm for businesses, consumers, Government and overseas visitors. For more information, visit www.iexperience.sg
For media clarification, please contact:
Mr Marc Ling
Manager, Corporate and Marketing Communication
Tel: +65 6211 1000
Fax : +65 6211 2227
Email: Marc_Ling@imda.gov.sg
Organiser Contact:
Mr Go Seng Bing
Manager, Next Generation Programme Office
Tel: +65 6211 0619
Fax : +65 6211 2213
Email: GO_Seng_Bing@imda.gov.sg
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