Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore

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).

History

The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) was formed on 1 December 1999 when the government merged the National Computer Board (NCB) and Telecommunication Authority of Singapore (TAS), through the passing of the Info-Communications Development Authority Act of Singapore as a result of a growing convergence of information technology and telephony.

National Computer Board

Prior to the merger, NCB, which was formed on 1 September 1981 under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance, one of the board’s most crucial functions was to implement the computerisation of the civil service. NCB also served as the central authority in promoting, implementing and co-ordinating information systems development work in government ministries.

Telecommunication Authority of Singapore

TAS was established on 1 October 1982 under the merger of the former Telecommunication Authority of Singapore and the Postal Services Department to provide and operate a good and sufficient information communication service, which comprised telecommunication and postal services. TAS also acted as the national authority and to advise the Government on matters relating to information communications.

Role

The Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) is responsible for the development and growth of the infocomm sector in the Singapore. IDA functions as the country's infocomm industry champion, the national infocomm master-planner and developer, and the Government Chief Information Officer (CIO).

IDA is in charge of the nation's 10-year masterplan, Intelligent Nation 2015 (iN2015)

Industry Champion

One of IDA's key responsibilities is creating a conducive, innovative, and competitive infocomm environment that is both pro-consumer and pro-business.

As a regulator, the IDA works in tandem with its industry development arms to help infocomm companies roll out new technologies for widespread adoption in Singapore and beyond. It responsible for the enforcement and implementation of the Telecommunications Act, the Postal Act and the Electronic Transaction Act. The IDA also represents Singapore in many global and regional fora to discuss infocomm policies and issues that concern the world community.

The IDA also develops a vibrant infocomm ecosystem comprising local infocomm enterprises, leading multinational corporations (MNCs), innovative infocomm technopreneurs, and start-ups. IDA actively seeks opportunities to grow the infocomm industry in both the domestic and international markets. Through bilateral agreements and partnerships with other governments, and with offices in China, India, the United States and Qatar, the IDA seeks to facilitate the venturing of Singapore infocomm companies into the global market.

To support growth of the infocomm industry, IDA aims to develop an infocomm savvy and globally competitive workforce. Working closely with the industry, IDA looks into development roadmaps that will help to groom infocomm professionals with the breadth of technology know-how, good understanding of business requirements and capability to create intellectual property. In addition, IDA works towards attracting top talent to the infocomm profession through scholarships and active promotion among schools on infocomm as a career choice.

Infocomm Master-Planner and Developer

As the infocomm master-planner and developer for Singapore, IDA provides the necessary infocomm infrastructure and technology standards, and promotes the adoption of infocomm technology as a key enabler to enhance Singapore's economic competitiveness as well as for innovation in key sectors. IDA has an excellent track record for master-planning and implementing the national infocomm infrastructure and other sectoral projects, as well as an international reputation for effective use of infocomm technology in government.

Its most recent initiative is Wireless@SG to provide Singaporeans with free wireless access island-wide through an extensive wireless network.

Government CIO

IDA also functions as the Government CIO for the public sector. In this capacity, it helps in the running of an effective and efficient government. As the Government CIO, the IDA is responsible not just for master-planning, but also for project-managing and implementing various infocomm systems and capabilities for the government. This is done through the deployment of IT personnel throughout the entire Government as well as managing and operating the Singapore Government's infocomm infrastructure.

External links

* [http://www.ida.gov.sg IDA's official web site]
* [http://www.ecitizen.gov.sg eCitizen] , Gateway to all Singapore Government services
* [http://www.igov.gov.sg iGov.sg] , Singapore’s e-Government website
* [http://www.in2015.sg Intelligent Nation 2015 (iN2015)] , Singapore’s 10-year masterplan to realise the potential of infocomm over the next decade.
* [http://www.itma.org.sg IT Management Association] , Information Technology Association in Singapore
* [http://www.nia.org.sg National Infocomm Awards] , National Infocomm Awards website
* [http://www.scs.org.sg Singapore Computer Society] , Society of IT practitioners in Singapore
* [http://www.sitf.org.sg Singapore Infocomm Technology Federation] , Singapore’s premier infocomm industry association
* [http://www.trustsg.com.sg TrustSG] , Portal of trusted e-merchants in Singapore
* [http://wireless.singaporeinfocomm.sg Wireless@SG] , a wireless broadband programme developed by IDA
* [http://www.sp.edu.sg/sirc SME Infocomm Resource Centre ] - Centre to assist SMEs to adopt IT.
* [http://www.ida.gov.sg/General/rss-atom.aspx IDA RSS / XML Feeds]