2.14 To become a knowledge hub, we must not only
be a place for creating knowledge, but also be
a centre for exchanging knowledge and ideas, and
for people and businesses to network with one
another.
2.15 Singapore is well suited for this role.
As a society, our ethos is open, cosmopolitan
and pragmatic, welcoming towards new ideas, and
quick at adapting to a fast changing world. We
are well wired up, with 52% of homes having broadband
internet access, and nationwide wireless networks
to keep us constantly in touch with one another
and the world. But we must continue to plan ahead
beyond present needs, and keep pace with rapid
technological change.
2.16 Other countries and cities are already implementing
ultra-high speed broadband and wireless networks.
Some are laying fibre to homes, in anticipation
of future demand. In today’s world, a national
broadband network is basic infrastructure and
a source of competitive advantage. We will develop
a new national broadband network that is much
faster than what is available today. It will offer
fast, efficient connectivity to all – in
schools, in offices and homes, and even on the
move. It will help us plug into the global knowledge
grid, and stay competitive with other cities.
The cost is significant, but we can develop it
together with the private sector progressively
over several years, adjusting to demand at each
stage. MICA will announce more details at the
Committee of Supply.
2.17 Singapore must be a place where people,
businesses and non-profit organisations from all
over the world converge and exchange ideas. Several
International Organisations (IOs) and Non-Governmental
Organisations (NGOs) are already here. Last year,
the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)
set up in Singapore its first office outside the
US and Europe. The Singapore office aims to promote
intellectual property development and standards
throughout Asia. WIPO has held conferences and
symposiums here, using us as a platform for knowledge
transfer among intellectual property experts.
We will attract more IOs and NGOs to locate their
headquarters and research work here.
2.18 Hosting international events also creates
opportunities for knowledge networking. In 2005,
we successfully hosted the International Olympic
Committee session, as well as the Global Entrepolis@Singapore
event which brought entrepreneurs, venture capitalists
and industry captains together. Next month, we
will host the first intellectual property diplomatic
conference in Asia, where IP policy makers from
WIPO member states will negotiate an international
treaty concerning trademark laws.
2.19 In September, we will host the largest international
financial meeting – the Board of Governors
Annual Meetings of the IMF/World Bank Group. More
than 16,000 delegates and officials will visit
Singapore; they include finance ministers and
central bank governors from 184 countries, top
financiers, CEOs from the private sector and the
international media.
2.20 I spoke at the last National Day Rally about
the need to improve our service culture. To prepare
for the IMF/World Bank meetings, we will train
28,000 service staff from the tourism industry,
to go the extra mile in providing good service.
We must work together to provide our visitors
and delegates a memorable and outstanding Singapore
Experience, so that they return home with eyes
opened to the possibilities of Singapore and Asia,
and hearts warmed by the graciousness and hospitality
of our people.
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