Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore

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The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (Abbreviation: IDA; Chinese: 新加坡资讯通信发展管理局; Malay: Penguasa Pembangunan Infokom Singapura) is a statutory board of the Singapore Government, under the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA).

1 History
2 General
3 See also
4 External link

[edit] History

IDA was formed in December 1999 as a result of a merger between the Telecommunications Authority of Singapore (TAS) and the National Computer Board (NCB).

[edit] General

Among IDA's main responsibilities are fostering a competitive world-class infocomm industry in Singapore, preparing residents for living and working in the 'New Economy', spearheading the delivery of citizen-centric e-government services, and building and operating the Government's IT infrastructure.

In its efforts to develop and promote Singapore's vibrant infocomm industry, IDA is guided by Connected Singapore, a masterplan that maps out the vision, strategies and goals to entrench Singapore's position as one of the world's premier infocomm capitals. The blueprint outlines opportunities for individuals, organisations and businesses to create new value and enrich lives using infocomm. One of the main themes of Connected Singapore is the creation of partnerships, not only between industry and government, but within the industry, and between Singapore and other markets in Asia, North America and Europe.

IDA formulates clear and transparent policies to ensure a competitive environment in the fully liberalized telecommunications market. As a 'catalyst' for the New Economy, IDA supports IT training programs that encourage adoption of e-lifestyle among Singapore residents as well as infocomm skill development. Singapore welcomes international infocomm talent from abroad, and IDA is building ties with overseas infocomm training centres.

As an industry developer, IDA works closely with the private sector to create a vibrant environment for IT in Singapore. It offers a comprehensive range of sector-specific programs and schemes to both local and international IT companies, and it helps local-based companies expand regionally and internationally.

As a promoter, IDA encourages foreign infocomm companies to locate and partner with in Singapore. Finally, as the government CIO, IDA identifies, conceptualises and manages service-wide initiatives to support the implementation of the Singapore eGovernment.