To promote cooperation in the field of infocomm technology between Singapore and the Philippines, three Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) were signed today. These announcements were witnessed by Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines...
Singapore, 25 August 2001 | For Immediate ReleaseTo promote cooperation in the field of infocomm technology between Singapore and the Philippines, three Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) were signed today. These announcements were witnessed by Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines and Mr Lam Chuan Leong, Chairman of the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) at the MOU Signing Ceremony. This was held in conjunction with President Arroyo's official visit to the IDA.
MOU on Policy and Regulation Cooperation in Info-communication Technology
The first was signed between IDA, the National Telecommunications Commission of the Republic of the Philippines and Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection of the Republic of the Philippines on policy and regulation cooperation in infocomm technology. This MOU expresses both countries' intent to hold regular dialogue on regulatory issues of interest to both parties. This includes managing competition in a liberalised market, Internet and e-commerce issues, such as infocomm security and data protection, and organisational and management structures for infocomm regulators.
In addition, two other industry-driven MOUs were also signed. Details of these agreements are as follows:
Memorandum of Intent (MOI) on Cooperation in Certification of Information Technology Professionals
The Singapore Computer Society (SCS), together with the National Infocomm Competency Centre and the Institute of Systems Science of the National University of Singapore will work with the Information Technology Foundation of the Philippines (ITFP) to introduce Certified IT Project Manager (CITPM)1certification programme to the Philippines. The SCS and ITFP will form a project team to collaborate on the implementation of this agreement.
MOU on Philippines-Singapore-Sun Technology Collaboration
To support the development of Java competency in the Philippines, a MOU was also signed between Mapua Institute of Technology/iPeople, Inc., Nanyang Technological University (ASP Centre), Sun Microsystems and the University of the Philippines. This agreement will assist the Philippines to develop infocomm technology applications and services based on Java and Internet technologies. This strategic alliance serves to build up the infocomm capabilities of the next generation workforce in the Philippines to meet the challenges in the new economy.
With this MOU, Java Business Resource Centers (JBRCs) will be established through the Java Industry Development Program. The centers serve to support the IT industry in the Philippines to adopt Java technology and to nurture local industries to develop innovative Java-based products, applications and services. In addition, Java Education Centers (JECs) will be set-up under the Java Manpower Development Program to incorporate the teaching of JAVA into the curricula of academic and training institutions. This will enable new IT workforce in the Philippines to be competent in JAVA. The Nanyang Technological University (ASP Centre) will provide technical consultancy and training in areas, such as Application Service Provider (ASP) services, audit services for architecture and service level certification via the SunTone Certifications and Branding Program to the JBRCs and JECs. ASP Centre will also provide an avenue for research collaborations and business partnerships on ASP related activities.
Mr Lam Chuan Leong, Chairman of the IDA said, "We are extremely pleased with the various initiatives signed today. This marks the beginning of an exciting and vibrant time ahead for both countries. We hope that these collaborations will allow both countries to tap on each other's capabilities and experiences to further spur infocomm developments and innovations in the region. The Philippines has long been a strategic partner for Singapore in the infocomm technology area and the warm ties we share, at the government, industry and academia levels were evident today. The agreements signed today will help position Asia as a leading infocomm nucleus both in the region and the world."
ISSUED BY CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
Note to Editors:
1 Launched in 1998 by the IDA and SCS, CITPM is the very first IT Project Management Certification to be offered in Singapore and possibly in the world. The CITPM is an accredited standard of professionalism and competence for IT professionals at a national, regional and international level. The CITPM trademark is a hallmark of profession that characterizes the commitment of its certified members to high standards of professional competence. CITPM has been endorsed by the South East Asia Regional Computer Confederation (SEARCC) under the SEARCC IT Certification Endorsement Scheme in 2000. For more information, visit www.scs.org.sg
About National Telecommunications Commission
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is the government agency created under Executive Order No. 546 promulgated on July 23, 1979, and conferred with regulatory and quasi-judicial functions taken over from the Board of Communications and the Telecommunications Control Bureau which were abolished in the same Order. Primarily, the NTC is the sole body that exercises jurisdiction over the supervision, adjudication and control over all telecommunications services throughout the country. For the effective enforcement of this responsibility, it adopts and promulgates such guidelines, rules, and regulations relative to the establishment operation and maintenance of various telecommunications facilities and services nationwide. Although independent, in so far as its regulatory and quasi-judicial functions are concerned, the NTC remains under the administrative supervision of the Department of Transportation and Communication as an attached agency. However, with respect to its quasi-judicial functions, NTC's decisions are appealable only and directly to the Supreme Court. For more information, visit www.ntc.gov.ph.
About Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection
The Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection (BTRCP) is committed to develop an environment where there exists an empowered and responsible consumer sector. Consequently the BTRCP is also committed to create a business environment conducive to sustaining industrial growth and development to generate jobs in a globally competitive market. In the pursuit of these commitments, the bureau adopts a proactive approach in linking consumers, business and other government agencies. Following are the steps followed by the BTRCP in the attainment of the Bureau's mission: establishment of a coordinated education and information program to ensure consumer welfare as the entity join the new world trade order; formulation of sound policies and guidelines to effectively enforce fair trade laws and ensure its compliance; provide clients a timely relevant and expedient support services in the field of consumer complaints, protection of intellectual property rights, business regulation and information.
About the 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, please visit www.imda.gov.sg.
For media clarification, please contact:
Ms Jennifer Toh
Manager, Corporate Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: +65 211-0508
Fax: +65 211-2227
Email: jennifer_toh@imda.gov.sg
Ms Ho Hwei Ling
Senior Manager, Corporate Communication
Tel: (65) 211-1996
Fax: (65) 211-2227
Email: ho_hwei_ling@imda.gov.sg
National Telecommunications Commission
Tel: (63) 2 924-4008 / (63) 2 924-4042
Fax: (63) 2 921-7128
For media clarification on the industry-driven MOUs, please contact:
MOI on Cooperation in Certification of Information Technology Professionals
Singapore Computer Society
Ms Jennifer Ong
Executive Director
Tel: (65) 226-2567, Ext 19
Fax: (65) 226-2569
Email: jennifer.ong@scs.org.sg
Ms Nancy Lee
Manager
Tel: (65) 226-2567, Ext 13
Fax: (65) 226-2569
Email: nancy.lee@scs.org.sg
MOU on Philippines-Singapore-Sun Technology Collaboration
Sun Microsystems Pte Ltd
Ms Kelly Long
PR & Advertising Manager
Tel: (65) 239-7092
Fax: (65) 438-7646
Email: nancy.lee@scs.org.sg
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