SINGAPORE: Digitising one’s physical world and making a virtual reality come to life is the Media Development Authority's (MDA) vision of the next generation of the world wide web.

Called 'Co-Space', it is where the physical and virtual worlds merge. For example, if one cannot make it in person for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games 2010 in Singapore, the atmosphere can always be soaked up through 'Co-Space'.

Michael Yap, Deputy Chief Executive, MDA, said: "We are looking at virtualising and putting sensors as in webcam VOIP inside the stadium so that different views can be captured and shared with the rest of the world."

After launching its call for proposals, 11 government agencies have shown interest in the 'Co-Space' project. They include the Ministry of Defence and the National Library Board.

Industry players are also coming in with their application proposals. MDA expects to award several contracts to get 'Co-Space' off the ground.

However, this project is just one focal point of a larger national aspiration of making interactive digital media (IDM) really pervasive.

Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said: "Singapore is placing priority on the field. Our basic approach is to attract and develop a critical mass of expertise and capabilities in IDM in Singapore, while strengthening our networks with the leading centres of IDM innovation globally."

Mr Tharman, who was speaking at the Computer Games, Multimedia and Allied Technology 08 conference on Monday, added that although Singapore is a new player in this field, the fundamentals are in place. And it starts in the schools with involvement from the primary right up to the tertiary level.

Besides developing future talent in the field, Singapore is also attracting top IDM companies to set up shop here. - CNA/vm