MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION

BUDGET DEBATE

2017

Overview

The digital economy is the next phase of growth for Singapore and the infocomm media and design sectors are key engines to support it. We will continue to develop manpower capabilities, prepare our workforce for technological changes, and ensure that Singapore and Singaporeans are ready for the digital future. This year, our key focus will be to help companies build strong digital capabilities.

Building digital-ready companies

To enable the digital transformation of the Singapore economy, it is important to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the bedrock of our economy, embrace digital technologies. Amidst the fast-paced technological changes and increasing sophistication of ICT solutions today, we will provide dedicated assistance to our SMEs to support them on their digital journey. DSC08047

Leveraging data for the digital economy

The Committee on the Future Economy has recommended that the Government look into supporting the deepening of data analytics capabilities and leveraging data as an asset to solve challenging real-world problems. The Government will take lead in transforming our operations digitally and work with our agencies and industry players to conduct research and develop capabilities. We will also continue to create opportunities for businesses and Singaporeans to participate in data science effectively. DSC07974

Strengthening community bonds

Technology has endless possibilities and will bring benefits to the way we work, live and play. In the digital future, technology will connect us to information and new experiences. Technology also strengthens our government communication efforts and aid us in reaching out to all Singaporeans. Through our digital inclusion efforts, we also ensure that no one is left behind in this digital journey. DSC07354

Building a digital-ready workforce

The digital economy brings about fast-paced changes, and new technologies will always require new skillsets. We continue to work with industry partners to develop a capable, future-ready workforce for the digital economy. DSC07889

MCI Budget Debates 2016

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Building digital-ready companies
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Leveraging data for the digital economy
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Strengthening community bonds
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Building a digital-ready workforce
KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS

SMEs Go Digital

SMEs Go Digital is a programme by IMDA to help SMEs to adopt digital technologies to increase their revenues, tap new markets and improve their workers’ productivity. The programme builds on IMDA’s enhanced iSPRINT programme, which has helped SMEs to adopt ICT solutions and increase productivity since 2010.

IMDA will partner sector-lead agencies and industry players, such as Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs), to implement the SMEs Go Digital Programme. For a start, IMDA will focus on SMEs in sectors where digital technology can significantly improve productivity, such as retail, food services, wholesale trade, logistics, cleaning and security.

The SMEs Go Digital programme provides assistance in the following three ways:

Guide SMEs on tech deployment through Industry Digital Plans

The Industry Digital Plans for SMEs form the core of the SMEs Go Digital programme. The Plans will help SMEs understand which digital technologies are relevant to their sectors, as well as guide ICT vendors to meet sector-specific digital technology needs. SMEsGoDigital-pic1

Uplift whole sectors by working with influential partners

To catalyse the use of ICT solutions that can potentially benefit the entire sectors, IMDA will collaborate with ICT vendors and progressive SMEs to pilot solutions with the potential to scale. SMEsGoDigital-pic2

Provide specialist advice via a new SME Digital Tech Hub

IMDA will establish the SME Digital Tech Hub to provide tech advisory to SMEs with more advanced digital needs, such as data analytics, cybersecurity and internet-of-things (IOT). DSC07889
KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Data Innovation Programme Office

Data is a source of competitive advantage for Singapore. Our high digital connectivity and sound and effective governance system will support the successful adoption of data-driven innovation. However, there are challenges. The level of awareness of how data can potentially generate value for businesses is not high across the various sectors. There is a shortage of talent to help businesses tap on data analytics for growth. There is also a lack of trusted platforms for businesses to discover and exchange data.

The Committee on the Future Economy (CFE) has therefore recommended the setting up of a Data Innovation Programme Office (DIPO), within the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA), to address these issues and catalyse the adoption of data-driven innovation in our economy.

Roles of the Data Innovation Programme Office

The Data Innovation Programme Office (DIPO) will encourage and facilitate data-driven innovation projects and ensure the smooth development of the data ecosystem in Singapore. DIPO1

DIPO initiatives to build up data adoption in Singapore

DIPO will build up data adoption in Singapore by assisting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the SMEs Go Digital programme. DIPO will also develop data science talent and research capabilities, and introduce a Data Sandbox Programme to enhance the collection and supply of data. DIPO2
KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS

API Exchange (APEX) for data sharing in the public sector

The Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech), in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance (MOF), has built APEX (API Exchange) - a centralised data sharing platform – for agencies to share data conveniently and securely through the use of application programming interfaces (APIs).

A centralised data sharing platform to facilitate data-driven decision-making and delivery of digita...

Data is central to Singapore’s Smart Nation vision and the transformation of public sector service delivery. Insights from data can inform policy changes and reviews, enable data-driven decision making, and facilitate the development of citizen-centric digital products and services. API Gateway

Benefits of APEX

APEX can help public agencies in the following ways: APIExchange-Pic2
KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Updates on Data.gov.sg

Data.gov.sg was first launched in 2011 as a free and open data portal where anyone can access datasets on Singapore, ranging from education, environment and health to transport.

Data.gov.sg’s improvements over the years

Data.gov.sg has improved over the years since its launch in 2011, with one of the features being a Developer’s portal introduced in April 2016. DataGov-Pic1

Key usage statistics and features

DataGov-Pic2

National Data Visualisation Video Challenge 2017

The National Data Visualisation Video Challenge was launched in February 2017 to drum up interest in open data among students. DataGov-Pic3
KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Updates on the Home Access Programme

Launched in September 2014, the Home Access (HA) programme aims to make Internet connectivity more accessible and affordable to the low-income group.

Enhancements to the Home Access Programme

Following a review, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) will enhance the HA programme and launch Home Access 2.0 (HA 2.0) in April 2017. HomeAccess-Pic1
KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Updates on the National Reading Movement

Launched in June 2016, the National Reading Movement is a five-year initiative to encourage Singaporeans to Read More by setting aside some time to read regularly, Read Widely by going beyond the usual genres and reading in mother tongue languages, and to Read Together with family and friends.

Targeted initiatives for adults and senior segments

NLB is engaging adults and seniors in a targeted manner to cater to their different reading habits. The following programmes were introduced in 2016: DSC09865

Inaugural study on adults' reading habits

In line with the National Reading Movement, NLB conducted a National Reading Habit study to better understand adults’ reading habits. DSC09749

Promoting reading in Mother Tongue languages

NLB will expand its related programme offerings and collections to encourage both children and adults to read in their Mother Tongue languages. DSC09894

Galvanise community support to create a vibrant reading culture

NLB is collaborating with media partners and various organisations in public, private and people sectors to promote the National Reading Movement with these upcoming initiatives. GalvanisingCommunitySupport-small
KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Designing the next generation public libraries

As Singaporeans’ lifestyles and information needs evolve, the National Library Board (NLB) has been moving away from a cookie-cutter approach when designing libraries and aims to design the next-generation of libraries that better cater to these changing needs. These libraries will serve as hubs for reading and lifelong learning across physical spaces and digital platforms. By providing seamless access to information and meaningful learning experiences, public libraries hope to encourage Singaporeans to engage in lifelong learning to prepare for the digital future.

Four public libraries to re-open in 2017

Following revamps, four public libraries will re-open in 2017. Each library offers new features and larger floor areas. _Q4P3393

Six libraries to visit in 2017

Over the years, NLB has been moving away from a cookie-cutter approach to make sure each library is relevant and provides a unique flavour in catering to the changing needs and expectations of the different communities. Here are 6 libraries in your neighbourhood to checkout in 2017. _Q4P3255
KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS

TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA)

First announced in the 2016 Budget, the TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) is an initiative by the government, industry and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), to build and develop a skilled Information and Communications Technology (ICT) workforce, and to enhance employability outcomes for individuals.

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), which drives TeSA for ICT professional development, takes an integrated approach to ICT skills acquisition and practitioner training - in core ICT skills and in sector-specific ICT skills - and enhance employability outcomes through place and train programmes, and career advisory services. As of mid-February 2017, TeSA has enabled more than 10,000 ICT professionals to up-skill and re-skill themselves.

Provide Skills Framework for ICT

The Skills Framework for ICT can be used by hirers to develop career maps and articulate job requirements; by individuals to guide their skills identification and development to stay relevant; and by training providers to devise ICT courses. TeSa-pic1

Skills acquisition and validation

Taking a broad-based approach to skills development through modular and certifiable courses, and a targeted approach with companies, coding schools, Continuing Education and Training (CET) and other partners to provide various pathways to up-skill and re-skill. TeSA-pic2

Integrated career services

This is a coordinated career support ecosystem for job matching, group mentoring, and leadership programmes by tripartite partners that include NTUC, e2i, Singapore Computer Society (SCS), IMDA and Workforce Singapore (WSG) It provides dedicated and focused career advisory, facilitation and support services for individuals who are looking to join or develop their careers in ICT. TeSA-pic3
KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Media Manpower Plan

The Media Manpower Plan has been developed by IMDA to address the manpower challenges in the media sector and develop a future-ready workforce. Endorsed by the Council of Skills, Innovation and Productivity (CSIP) chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the plan aims to deepen core skills of media professionals, enhance the attractiveness of the media profession, strengthen the support system of freelancers and partnerships with our key media industry players.

Deepening core skills, enhancing attractiveness of the media workforce

To enable our media workforce to deepen their core skills, IMDA has reviewed the courses eligible for support under the IMDA Talent Assistance (T-Assist) scheme. IMDA and SkillsFuture Singapore will also jointly develop a skills framework for the media sector to provide an integrated and common reference on education, training and career progression. MediaManpowerPlan-Pic1

Strengthening support for system for freelancers

Media freelancers form a sizeable component of the media workforce, like in many creative industries. IMDA has introduced a number of measures to support freelancers and also offers assistance for media freelancers to deepen their expertise in business and emerging skillsets. MediaManpowerPlan-Pic2

To further strengthen the support system for freelancers

To further strengthen the support system for freelancers, IMDA will be developing a tripartite standard for the procurement of services from media freelancers and providing subsidised mediation services for media freelancers. MediaManpowerPlan-pic3
KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Cybersecurity Professional Scheme of Service

Demand for skilled cyber security professionals (CSPs) in Singapore will increase with the growing sophistication and pervasiveness of cyber-attacks. The Government will introduce a Cybersecurity Professional Scheme of Service for the public sector.

Develop the critical cybersecurity capabilities across the Government

Centrally managed by the Cyber Security Agency, the scheme aims to develop the critical cybersecurity capabilities across the Government and build a central core of CSPs to be deployed across agencies to strengthen Singapore’s cyber defences. CyberSecurity-Pic1

What CSPs in the public sector can expect

The Government must ensure that it has the necessary cybersecurity talent to defend our Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) and respond decisively to cyber threats. CyberSecurity-Pic2a

Speeches

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information, speaking at the COS debate in Parliament on the need for businesses to transform digitally, to better face a changing economy on 6 Mar 2017.
Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information, speaking at the COS debate in Parliament on the digital transformation of the public sector on 6 Mar 2017.

MCI's digital economy strategy for jobs and growth opportunities

Response by Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information, at the Committee of Supply Debate on 6 Mar 2017

Connecting people, engaging communities

Second response by Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information, at the Committee of Supply Debate on 6 Mar 2017
Dr Janil Puthucheary, Minister of State for Communications and Information, speaking at the COS debate in Parliament on helping businesses and Singaporeans seize opportunities in the digital economy on 6 Mar 2017.

Enabling Singapore and Singaporeans for the digital age

Dr Janil Puthucheary, Minister of State for Communications and Information, at the Committee of Supply Debate on 6 Mar 2017
Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister of State for Communications and Information, speaking at the COS debate at Parliament on producing quality local content through PSB programmes on 6 Mar 2017.

Innovation in media and communications

Response by Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister of State for Communications and Information, at the Committee of Supply Debate on 6 Mar 2017