Singapore’s mobile penetration rate stood at 138 per cent in March 2010. |
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) has launched a new initiative under which multinational corporations such as Google, Microsoft, Nokia and Research In Motion (RIM) will provide the local mobile applications developer community with advanced technical skills training and hands-on experience in new and emerging wireless niche areas.
Mr Andrew Khaw, Senior Director, Industry Development Group, IDA, announced the initiative AMPlify (Applications-on-Multi-Platforms Simplify) at the Smart Mobility@SG 2010 Forum at Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre on 17 June 2010.
Under AMPlify, the developers will receive training in technical areas relevant to the partners' operating platforms, including cross-platform technologies, web-based technologies, and user interface and experience design. They will also be given the opportunity to leverage the partners' channels to market the solutions they have developed under the training period.
Highlighting the increased interest and usage in consumer and enterprise mobile applications, Mr Khaw said, "Mobility is a key growth driver for our infocomm industry. We look forward to grooming highly skilled local mobile talents under the AMPlify initiative that can position our infocomm local enterprises competitively for
long-term growth.”
Addressing the conference, Mr Khaw pointed out that Singapore’s mobile penetration rate stood at 138 per cent in March 2010. This is above the average of 113 per cent in developed countries, according to figures from the International Telecommunication Union. In the latest Infocomm Industry Survey 2009, telecom services contributed 32 per cent of the infocomm domestic revenue of S$22.3 billion. Overall, the telecom services segment contributed 14 per cent to the combined exports and domestic revenue of S$62.74 billion last year.
“As the lead agency for Singapore’s infocomm industry, IDA will continue to invest in building the necessary infrastructure and partner ecosystem to support our vibrant mobile industry here,” he said.
More than a hundred industry participants attended the Forum, which was jointly organised by the Economic Development Board and IDA. They heard industry players talk about Smart Traffic, where mobile technology is being used to help commuters get to where they need to go to as quickly and efficiently as possible, and to help them find parking once they get there.
The session on Smart Healthcare looked at how the developed world’s rapidly aging population will leave societies no choice but to leverage on mobile technology to lower the cost of healthcare for senior citizens, who will form a larger proportion of society. Speakers looked at the possibility of remote diagnoses and patient monitoring, where patients can be fitted with mobile devices which will track the workings of their hearts, for example, and send the information to medical centres.
Participants also discussed about the Smart Lifestyle, and also the Smart Devices themselves. They touched on the issues involved in giving users what they want, and how they want it, and, most importantly, what makes a desirable mobile device.