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IT in SingaporeStrengths of IT in Singapore (analysis)

Skilled Labor Force 

The work force of Singapore is rated the best in Asia with Hong Kong and the Philippinesfollowing behind. IT manpower has grown four and one-half times over the last ten years to18,000 professionals in 1993. By the year 2000, this number is expected to reach 35,000.(34) 

The labor force in Singapore is not only literate but is also very skilled in the use of computers.The literacy rate for those ages fifteen and over is 89%. In addition, the 1994 WorldCompetitiveness Report ranked Singapore number one for its computer literacy rate. Computersand information technology are widely used in the workplace and at schools. Currently, in

schools there is one computer for every fifteen to twenty students and by the year 2000, thegovernment hopes to achieve a ratio of one to three. The government is also actively involved inthe use of computers with two out of three government employees using a computer in 1994.

Infrastructure 

Singapore's infrastructure is quite advanced and is continuously being upgraded by thegovernment in order to complete the transformation of Singapore from a low-tech society to ahigh-tech society. Singapore's goal is to connect every home, office and school with informationtechnology. The country's advanced and complex infrastructure developed by the governmentgives advantages to both IT and non-IT firms investing in Singapore.

Proximity to Asian Market 

If a company would like to establish a hub for distribution or manufacturing to the rest of Asia,Singapore would be ideal because of its infrastructure and proximity to the Asian market.

Domestic Market 

Singapore's domestic market can be perceived as both a strength and a weakness. As a strength,computers and information technology are widely used throughout the country. This allowsmanufacturers to receive feedback on what customers are looking for in a product. On the other hand, the domestic market in Singapore is quite small with a population of 2.8 million. Thislimits the size and growth potential of the markets and makes companies in Singapore rely on

exports to sustain growth.

Investment and R&D 

Singapore attracts a substantial number of high-tech companies and manufacturers. This is due in part to the generous government incentives offered to foreign investors. The government iswilling to assist firms by providing incentives such as tax breaks to employee training. Thesuccess of the country's investment policies can be seen through an increase in exports to other 

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markets. The government of Singapore is also working jointly with many companies on R&D projects. As a result, Singapore receives many of the benefits that result from this research.

Deregulation and Liberalization 

Many areas of the telecommunications market are being deregulated or liberalized at the present

time. These areas include the Internet, telecom services, and cellular communications. This willallow for increased competition and force current companies to be more innovative.

Singapore's strengths will allow it to become a more technologically advanced and competitivenation in the years to come. Not only will global companies find Singapore attractive, but small,local companies will benefit as well. For example, a Singapore company currently has most of the world market for sound cards and with the growing popularity of this product and others likeit, local companies producing high-tech items may have the chance to become large exporters of these products to other areas of the world.

Internet Connections 

Internet services were first made available to the public through an access provider in July 1994.

This provider was Singapore Telecom's SingNet and is still the sole provider to this day. TheTelecommunication Authority of Singapore is considering licensing the right to provide Internetaccess to a second provider. Today, there are approximately 60,000 Internet users in Singaporeand that number is expected to continue to grow.(10) By the year 2000 is projected that 250,000will have access to the Internet.

A survey conducted by Asia On Line showed that Singnet's rates are the second cheapest only toHong Kong however they are still a great deal higher than American Internet providers.

These users can be found in all areas of the Singapore community including all 14 junior colleges and 24 secondary schools. By the end of 1995, there were expected to be fifty more primary and secondary schools connected. Not only are Singapore's educational institutionssigning up for the Internet but the teachers, civil servants, and doctors are also attending classes

and seminars on using the Internet.Because of the growing popularity of the Internet, the government of Singapore has becomeconcerned with the public having access to pornography and the openness of political debatewith this electronic connection. Although these are major concerns of the government, it hasdecided that it can do little to regulate either of these issues. Instead, the government has focusedon introducing new government-sponsored services in the Internet which will provide background information on the country. In May of 1995, the government announced that itwould form an inter-ministry committee to deal specifically with Internet-related issues as theyarise.

The widespread use of the Internet has resulted in many pages that are related to the country. For a more information, a complete guide to Internet related information on Singapore has been

 posted on the Internet.

Internet Hosts in Singapore 

Today the three licensed Internet operators in Singapore are Pacific InterNet, SingNet, andCyberway. FTP Servers in Singapore include SingNet FTP Archives, Technet FTP Archives, the National University of Singapore FTP Archives, the Nanyany Technological University FTPArchives, and the National Computer Board FTP Archives.

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Singapore also has a Web Directory which lists all of Singapore's Web Servers. These can be broken down into various categories including academic, R&D, government and quasi-government, commercial and experimental, and miscellaneous. Currently, there are 57 webservers listed at this sight.

Eating in SingaporeSingapore is well loved for

its range of ethnic foodavailable. There are

Chinese, Indian to French,Italian to Malay food. It

may be a small country butthe choices of food availableis always an eye opener forfirst timers to Singapore. In

this page you can find

information and guides onSingapore food, includesbuffets, coffee shop, hawker

centers, restaurants &supper place.

 

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One of the best things about being in Singapore is undoubtedly the food. It is no secret

that Singaporeans eat and drink with a passion. For the newcomer, deciding where andwhat to eat can be an intimidating, yet at the same time, exciting experience.

Some of Singapore delicacies include Satay (Originated by the Malays, but also sold by

Chinese these days), Roti Prata (Indian "pizza"), Fried Kway Tiao (fried black noodles-normally served with cockles), Hokkien Noodles (seafood noodle delight), HainaneseChicken Rice, and some of our local desserts like Ice Kachang (flavoured ice with

ingredients like red bean and jelly), Chendol (coconut based dessert), Grass Jelly (arefreshing black jelly that cools down on a hot day) and Tao Suan (bean in sticky

paste, topped by fried dough).

But if you choose to dine in a fine restaurant, it's definitely more with the comfort and

ambience to go along with. We have a list of the recommended restaurants here inSingapore, if you can't decide where to eat, here's where we're to help.

Cafes

A growing favourite with the young working crowd. Designer coffee places likeStarbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Coffee Club have become the in places to hangout with friends. Most cafes serve Western food like sandwiches, pizzas and pasta.

Coffee Shops

These can be found in most housing estates outside the city and are usually located onthe ground floor of apartment blocks or in 2-storey. Even till today, Singaporeans

gather at coffee shops not just to eat and drink, but also to chat or even play a game

of checkers. Although the older coffeehouses are slowly being phased out, they are stillthe place to go if you want to get cheap and good food served with a slice of true

Singapore life, not forgetting the thick, black local coffee that comes in a porcelain cup.

Fast-food

A favourite with children and teenagers, fast food arrived in Singapore in the late 70sand is today a familiar sight everywhere. There’s McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken

(KFC), Pizza Hut, Burger King, MOS Burger and much much more.

Hawker Centers and Food Courts

Together with hawker centers, food courts are the people’s main eating choice whendining out. You can find hawker food widely available here, a meal averagely costs

about $3 or more. Food courts are usually found in shopping malls, and are air-conditioned and thus more expensive. For example, a plate of noodles that cost $3 in a

hawker center may cost $4 in a food court. The choice of food is also more

cosmopolitan, with some food courts even offering Italian, Korean, Japanese and Greekcuisine all in the same place. Be warned: at the more popular food courts, you couldfind people waiting behind you for your seat; so if you like to take your time, go during

off-peak hours. Unlike hawker centers, you have to carry your own food to your table.

Food courts generally can be found in most shopping centres. There are usually at

least one hawker centers in every HDB housing estates. Like Ang Mo Kio, Ghim Moh,Marine Parade, Old Airport Road, Whampoa. Enjoy your Singapore food discovery! For

hawker centers, refer to some of the popular ones below:

Adam Road Food Center

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