Singapore is an example of how countries in Asia should be positioning themselves to become the technology-driven economies of the future. Over the last 10 years or so, Singapore has been building an advanced technology infrastructure and empowering its citizens with the services and skills necessary for an information economy. Its vision is to become an intelligent island and already it is widely regarded as one of the top cities in the world in terms of technology infrastructure and government commitment to IT. 'We cannot go back to a labour-intensive economy,' a government spokesman said. The National Computer Board (NCB), a statutory body whose mandate is to drive the development of the nation's information technology infrastructure, has launched an ambitious plan that will further enhance Singapore's technology hub status over the next 15 years. IT 2000 is a blueprint drawn up by the NCB that is expected to transform Singapore into a knowledge and information economy and a global technology hub. Central to IT 2000 is Singapore One, a high-speed broadband network that will deliver interactive multi- media content to homes, offices and schools. Singapore One will be one of the first broadband networks in the world. The development of the network is driven by organisations including the NCB, the National Science & Technology Board, the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore, the Economic Development Board, and the Singapore Broadcasting Authority. The NCB has also announced a five-point plan for the next few years which includes using information technology to achieve new levels of efficiency in government, launching initiatives to foster an IT culture among its citizens, nurturing and fostering a vibrant IT industry and preparing the nation's children for an information technology-driven future.
