Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA)

What We Do

The mission of the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is to develop information technology and telecommunications within Singapore with a view to serve citizens of all ages and companies of all sizes. IDA does this by actively supporting the growth of innovative technology companies and start-ups in Singapore, working with leading global IT companies as well as developing excellent information technology and telecommunications infrastructure, policies and capabilities for Singapore.

Developing a vibrant infocomm ecosystem

IDA aims to develop a vibrant infocomm ecosystem where MNCs and innovative foreign companies work alongside local infocomm enterprises and start-ups to innovate and grow the infocomm industry. It also seeks opportunities to grow local infocomm companies by facilitating their access into the global marketplace.

A pro-business and pro-consumer environment is essential for businesses to thrive and consumers to reap the benefits. To this end, IDA puts in place policies and regulatory frameworks to ensure a competitive telecoms market in Singapore. As for encouraging innovation, IDA builds partnerships that enable Infocomm Local Enterprises (iLEs) to tap on the expertise and networks of MNCs to explore new technologies like cloud computing. This strengthens the competitiveness and capabilities of our iLEs, so that they can develop new or enhanced products and services that are commercialisable.

IDA constantly reviews how infocomm can support the continued growth and future needs of Singapore. In this regard, IDA is developing the Next Generation National Infocomm Infrastructure, a secure and resilient infrastructure that will support Singapore’s development in the coming decades. The wired component of the infrastructure – the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network– will deliver ultra-high speed broadband access of up to 1Gbps and more while the wireless component – Wireless@SG – will offer pervasive connectivity on the move.

In terms of infocomm manpower, IDA works with the industry and educational institutions to prepare the current and future workforce for an economy and society enabled by infocomm. This involves grooming globally competitive infocomm professionals, developing infocomm competencies in key economic sectors, and nurturing infocomm talent from schools to join the industry.

Enabling business innovation and transformation

IDA promotes the adoption of infocomm technology as a key enabler to enhance Singapore’s economic competitiveness. It works with both public and private organisations to spearhead the strategic use of infocomm in the various sectors such as education, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, transport, entertainment and finance.

Strategising and implementing e-Government

As the Chief Information Officer for the Singapore Government, IDA is responsible for masterplanning, project-managing and implementing various infocomm systems and capabilities for the Government. It oversees IT standards, policies, guidelines and procedures for the Government, and manages the infocomm security of critical infocomm infrastructure. IDA also works with other public agencies to increase the reach and richness of e-Government services.

Empowering society to leverage infocomm to enrich lives

IDA seeks to build a digitally inclusive society where lives are enriched by infocomm. IDA works with industry partners and associations to encourage all segments of society to adopt infocomm and use it in a more sophisticated way.