New resource centre and i-directory for SMEs to get better IT support
By Satish Cheney, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 14 August 2008 1227 hrs

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SINGAPORE: As more Singaporeans start to shop online, SMEs have to better equip themselves with IT innovation in order to get a slice of the market, according to Senior Minister of State for Education and Information, Communications and the Arts, Lui Tuck Yew.

He was speaking at the annual Infocomm Commerce Conference on Thursday.

According to a survey by the Infocomm Development Authority, the proportion of users who shop online has more than doubled from 17 per cent in 2003 to 35 per cent last year.

So to help SMEs, a second infocomm resource centre is being set up to help SMEs learn more about IT and its applications to specific businesses.

Also in the pipeline is an i-directory which will be a one-stop portal housing an extensive list of infocomm products and services offered by SMEs in Singapore.

And with cyberspace, companies must always take into account online safety.

So, in addition to the new initiatives, a Cyber Security Awareness Alliance will help raise awareness and adoption of cyber security measures among businesses and even individuals. - CNA/vm