An IDA-led programme which seeks to accelerate the adoption and innovative use of infocomm by SMEs, so that they can exploit infocomm to sharpen their competitiveness.
IDA will embark on three sub-programmes under Infocomm@SME, to put hassle-free, trusted and affordable infocomm services into the hands of SMEs.
- Infocomm_Usage@SME equips SMEs with basic infocomm knowledge and technology such as entry-level PC, laptops, printers, internet connectivity and basic web development. This will provide SMEs with the basic skills and capabilities to begin their infocomm adoption journey.
First and foremost, the first SME Infocomm Resource Centre has been set up at the Singapore Polytechnic. SMEs can go to the centre to seek help on how to leverage commonly used applications such as e-mail, IP-Telephony (Skype), anti-spyware and anti-virus. They can also pilot innovative solutions before embarking on full-scale implementation. For more information, click here.
In today's global economy, it is important for businesses to leverage infocomm to stay competitive. Virtual storefronts are becoming a common place in business operations today and one way to get SMEs started is to encourage them to explore the Web and strengthen their online presence. Since end 2007, businesses that used to pay between S$39 to S$84 to the Registrars to register for their domain name are now able to enjoy discounts of up to S$30 for the first-year registration. For more information, click here.
To accelerate infocomm adoption among SMEs, IDA launched the SME Infocomm Package (SIP) initiative to enable SMEs to purchase infocomm packages at attractive prices and enjoy a one-stop service from any of the three consortia that have been pre-qualified by IDA. These consortia are led by DP Bureau Pte Ltd, iCELL Network Pte Ltd and SingTel. Eligible SMEs are also entitled to a subsidy under this initiative when they develop a web presence for the first time. For more information, click here.
The two other sub-programmes will also weigh in over the next three years. IDA and SPRING have set aside S$5 million from the Technology Innovation Programme (TIP) for initiatives under these two sub-programmes:
- Infocomm_for_Growth@SME encourages SMEs to make use of infocomm to grow their businesses, especially for industry sectors that are lagging behind in the use of infocomm.
- Infocomm_Innovation@SME works with potential SMEs to transform their businesses through innovative infocomm solutions. The intention is to convert them into infocomm-savvy SME role models for others.
Moving forward, IDA will also work in partnership with other government agencies, such as SPRING Singapore, the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and the Singapore Workforce Development Authority, to design initiatives to transform and prepare SMEs to be globally competitive through harnessing infocomm. Chambers and trade associations such as the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Singapore Manufacturing Federation and Association of SMEs will also be leveraged to reach out to the SMEs.
Please email info@ida.gov.sg.
