In a keynote address at the National IT Industry Summit in November 1997 by Radm(NS) Teo Chee Hean, Chairman NITC and Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence, emphasis was placed on Singapore's aim to be the IT hub for Asia-Pacific. He stressed that much had been done in Singapore to extend IT applications to practically every sphere of economic, educational and social activity, including new ground-breaking applications in areas as diverse as the construction industry, the administration of Justice and national servicemen sectors.

Home ownership of computers has grown steadily and now stands at 41% of households compared to 27% four years ago, according to Government statistics. Furthermore, Teo Chee Hean stated "14% of homes are now connected to the internet and we expect the percentage to rise rapidly. The number of Internet dial-up accounts in Singapore has increased from 17,000 in 1995 to 233,000 as of the end of September 1997".

Looking ahead, Teo claimed that the Singaporean Government will focus the next five years on three particular areas, namely "developing our people, strengthening our connectivity with the world, and establishing Singapore as a centre for IT innovation".

Of interest to both recruitment and career prospects, Teo claimed that developing their people was the most critical of the three goals and the one with the longest lead time in their agenda. The Government aims to focus primarily on Singaporean graduates and the training of IT professionals through improving local training centres and reviewing areas of most need. This holds exciting developments for both the local Singaporean IT professional and also the professional from abroad seeking local employment. Singapore looks set to attract fresh talent into its workforce and also build up a strong local market base of qualified and fully trained employees.

In closing his speech, Teo stressed the importance for the businesses themselves to take the lead in IT development, "The local IT, telecommunications, broadcasting and media industries will have a key role in ensuring Singapore's success in making Singapore the IT Hub of Asia-Pacific. You are the ones who not only venture to the region and beyond but also help to bring businesses to Singapore."

With this emphasis from the local Government on both IT development and support, Singapore looks set to continue as a leading IT centre for professionals seeking long term career prospects.