ICT to Singapore
(Last updated: 2 Sep 2013)
Trends and opportunities
The market
The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry is a key driver of the Singapore economy.
Singapore’s ICT industry encompasses hardware, software, IT services, content services, and telecom services. Singapore is also well connected via both fixed and wireless networks. In 2006, the government launched its Intelligent Nation 2015 (iN2015) Masterplan which included the plan for a nationwide all-fibre ultra high speed broadband network known as the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN). Next Gen NBN is capable of delivering speeds of 1Gbps and above, and will provide connectivity around Singapore in both residential and commercial developments. This network is intended to improve access to ultra-high-speed broadband for both large and small businesses.
Singapore is host to more than 80 of the world’s top 100 software and services companies. Multinational companies that have established regional or branch offices in Singapore include Google, Hewlett-Packard (HP), IBM, as well as Australia’s Toll Group and UXC Consulting.
Currently, Singapore government agencies are utilising cloud computing for critical IT resources. In 2012, Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) and HP partnered to jointly implement a private cloud computing infrastructure for the Singapore Government Cloud (G-Cloud), a five-year tender awarded by the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA). The Singapore Government believes adopting the cloud will bring about efficiencies through standardisation and the sharing of computing resources across government agencies. This is underpinned by a robust intellectual property regime in Singapore, enhanced resilience of critical ICT services and infrastructure, and a push towards enhancing productivity, creativity, and innovation in the Singapore ICT sector.
Opportunities
There is scope for Australian developers to explore opportunities in the Singapore market in the following areas:
- Digital content
- Mobile services
- Security and thrust infrastructure
- Cloud computing business analytics
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
IDA’s Infocomm Technology Roadmap for 2013 focuses on the following themes, which could also bring opportunities for Australian firms:
- Big Data
- Cloud Computing Cyber Security
- Internet of Things
- ICT and Sustainability
- Comm of the Future
- Social Media
- New Digital Economy
- User Interface
Competitive environment
As Asia becomes the next driver of ICT demand and innovation, Singapore has positioned itself to work alongside foreign ICT companies to better understand the needs of consumers across and beyond Asia.
To support growth of the ICT industry, IDA is working towards developing an ICT savvy and globally competitive workforce. It also works closely with the industry, with particular emphasis on development roadmaps and providing ICT professionals with the breadth of technological know-how, a good understanding of business requirements and the capability to create intellectual property.
Tariffs, regulations and customs
Singapore has few trade barriers and is one of the most liberal trading regimes in the world.
Regulations
The ICT industry in Singapore is regulated by the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA). IDA acts as the country's ICT industry master-planner, and is also the Singapore Government’s Chief Information Officer (CIO).
Marketing your products and services
Market entry
Work with local partners/distributors and system integrators who are well-connected and have good knowledge of the Singapore business environment.
Australian service providers can apply for the Service-Based Operator (SBO licence directly from IDA.
Distribution channels
The pro-business stance of Singapore’s ICT sector reinforces Singapore’s ongoing interest in partnering and collaborating with global players to jointly identify and leverage on market opportunities. Australian ICT firms will find that the Singapore market is open to bilateral agreements and strategic alliances, research and development, and deployment of services to global markets.
Links and industry contacts
ICT-related resources
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore – www.ida.gov.sg
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore – www.ipos.gov.sg
Singapore infocomm Technology Federation – www.sitf.org.sg
Association of the Telecommunications Industry of Singapore – www.atis.org.sg
Singapore Business Federation – www.sbf.org.sg
Contact details
The Australian Trade Commission – Austrade – is the Australian Government’s trade, investment and education promotion agency.
Through a global network of offices, Austrade assists Australian companies to grow their international business, attracts productive foreign direct investment into Australia and promotes Australia’s education sector internationally.
For more information on how Austrade can assist you, contact us on:
Australia ph: 13 28 78 | Email: info@austrade.gov.au
A list of Austrade offices (in alphabetical order of country) is also available.