22 October 2012 - Singapore and Bhutan today strengthened their collaboration in infocomm technology (ICT). For the first time, both countries have inked a Memorandum of Understanding in ICT. Mr Ronnie Tay, Chief Executive Officer of the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) of Singapore and Dasho Kinley Dorji, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) signed the MOU in Thimphu, the Bhutan capital.
Thimphu, 22 October 2012 | For Immediate Release
IDA International and Temasek Foundation roll out first leadership training programme for senior Bhutan officials
Singapore and Bhutan today strengthened their collaboration in infocomm technology (ICT). For the first time, both countries have inked a Memorandum of Understanding in ICT. Mr Ronnie Tay, Chief Executive Officer of the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) of Singapore and Dasho Kinley Dorji, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) signed the MOU in Thimphu, the Bhutan capital. It was witnessed by the Minister in charge of Bhutan, His Excellency Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba and Bhutan Minister of Information and Communications, Lyonpo Nandalal Rai, along with representatives from IDA International and Temasek Foundation (TF), Singapore.
The MOU will pave the way for developing ICT manpower and expertise in Bhutan through a series of projects and build on existing ICT collaborations. As a start, IDA International, a subsidiary of IDA, and TF have joined hands with the MoIC on a leadership capability building programme within the ambit of Bhutan's ICT Masterplan which will train key officials from Bhutan in e-Government policies. The Ministry of Information and Communications is leading the Kingdom of Bhutan's mandate to tap the potential of rapid development in ICT as an enabler of national development and the transformation of the nation to an information society.
Temasek Foundation has committed a grant of about S$500,000 towards a 18 months programme for about 400 government leaders and officials from Bhutan to develop and implement a National ICT Master Plan. Since June 2012, some 220 senior Bhutan officials have been engaged to develop the e-Government Master Plan. In particular, the programme aims to develop three key areas which are: to develop the strategy and implementation plan for centralisation of the government ICT professionals that will enable the effective execution of IT Programmes; develop standards and data services that will facilitate government agencies to interoperate and share information more efficiently and develop an e-Government Master Plan, including an industry development roadmap that will drive the e-Government programme in the Royal Government of Bhutan under the 11th Five Year Plan and beyond.
"Today's signing of the MOU between the MoIC and IDA marks a milestone in the very warm relationship between our two agencies. We look forward to continuing our exchanges and co-operation in the area of ICT, as we grow together in our respective journeys to leveraging on ICT for success for our economy and society," said Mr. Ronnie Tay, Chief Executive Officer, IDA.
"Today we are signing a government-to-government MOU that will tie up these projects and open the way for future cooperation that will strengthen the ties between the two countries. We thank IDA and Temasek Foundation for this support. I have no doubt that the technological expertise from Singapore, of the highest standard available anywhere in the world, will be a powerful tool to help us achieve the noble goals of Gross National Happiness." said Hon'ble Lyonpo Nandalal Rai, Ministry of Information and Communications of Bhutan.
"Singapore's computerisation efforts have contributed to the country's economic development and Temasek Foundation is pleased to enable the sharing of Singapore's ICT knowledge and experience with Bhutan. Through this training programme, we hope a network of leaders who will be formed to help bring about positive changes to Bhutan's e-Government Masterplan. We are confident that this cross-country exchange will be a valuable experience for both Singapore and Bhutan," said Mr. Benedict Cheong, Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Foundation.
Following the MOU signing, Bhutan officials involved in the centralised government ICT plan provided an update on the priority areas set out, namely Parenting (Government Chief Information Officer Structuring), Electronic Government Interoperability Framework, and Electronic Government Masterplan. Progress is well on track, and both IDA International and MoIC are in a good position to move forward with greater engagement and more projects.
JOINTLY ISSUED BY MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS OF BHUTAN,
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE, IDA INTERNATIONAL AND TEMASEK FOUNDATION, SINGAPORE
About Ministry of Information and Communications, Bhutan
Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) is the lead Government agency in Bhutan for formulation and implementation of policies, drafting of legislation and acting on behalf of the Royal Government on the matters related to ICT and Media, Surface Transport and Civil Aviation. The Ministry would be responsible for development of an efficient, reliable information and communication systems to help transform Bhutan to an information society and promotion of ICT in the country as an enabler of national development. For more news and information, visit www.moic.gov.bt.
For media clarification, please contact:
Dawa Penjor (Mr)
Sr. Media Officer, Department of Information & Media
Email: dpenjor@doim.gov.bt
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.
For media clarification, please contact:
CHIA Wan Fen (Ms)
Manager, Corporate and Marketing Communication
Email: chia_wan_fen@imda.gov.sg
About IDA International
IDA international is a subsidiary of the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and serves as the execution arm for collaborations on public service infocomm between Singapore and countries around the world. IDA International helps public agencies in other countries deliver better socio-economic outcomes through infocomm by providing services such as eGovernment consultancy, national masterplanning, industry and cluster development, and management of public service infocomm programmes. It also assists its foreign government counterparts to better understand and benefit from Singapore's unique experience and know-how through knowledge transfer - enabling them to implement their programmes successfully.
Note to Editor: Please use the name IDA International in full.
For media enquiries and interviews, please contact:
Christine TAN (Ms)
Corporate Marketing and Communication
Email: christine.tan@idainternational.sg
Telephone: +65 6211 0473
About Temasek Foundation
Temasek Foundation is a non-profit philanthropic organisation anchored in Singapore that seeks to contribute to sustainable growth and a bright future of hope and opportunities for people in Asia. The foundation works with partners to support programmes that develop people through health care, education and research, programmes that build bridges between peoples, programmes that build institutions of excellence through governance and ethics, and programmes that rebuild lives and livelihoods affected by natural disasters.
For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg.
For media clarification, please contact:
Diana LEE (Ms) / Caroline TAN (Ms)
Communications
Email: dianalee@temasekfoundation.org.sg / carolinetan@temasekfoundation.org.sg
DID: +65 6828 6737 / +65 6828 6739
Mobile: +65 9652 0569 / +65 9768 4628
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