Singapore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Interactive Digital Media Technology (IDM) Research and Development with the People’s Republic of China on 3 March 2008. The MOU was signed by the Permanent Secretary for Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA), Mr Chan Yeng Kit, and Vice- Minister Cao Jianlin, from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of the People’s Republic of China.
2 The MOU will promote bilateral collaborations in IDM R&D and pave the way for both countries to strengthen their IDM technology capabilities through training and information exchanges. Singapore and China will match and facilitate efforts by Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), research institutes and companies from both countries to participate in IDM technology research and development projects. The MOU also seeks to facilitate joint marketing of IDM technology products from the collaborations between the IDM industries of Singapore and China.
3 A joint working group, comprising members from the Media Development Authority (MDA) and the Departments of International Cooperation and High-Tech Development under MOST, will be formed to facilitate cooperation under this MOU.
4 Mr Chan Yeng Kit, Permanent Secretary, MICA said: “In line with our long-term vision of growing Singapore into a global IDM capital, we recognise the importance of research and development of IDM technology and applications. Having a strong partner like MOST would help further strengthen Singapore’s IDM capabilities.”
5 He added that “This MOU is a significant step in enhancing future IDM technology R&D collaborations between Singapore and China. It provides more opportunities for Singapore and China IDM related companies to collaborate on joint projects for mutual benefits. The companies could share their experiences and knowledge in IDM technology R&D in order to promote the growth and progress of the IDM technology sector.”
6 Mr Cao Jianlin, Vice Minister, MOST said: “Through this MOU, especially the development of IDM test-beds, we hope to boost collaborations between China and Singapore companies from the IDM sectors to chart IDM developments, promote the development of new media applications and next-generation digital technologies. The collaboration between the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality and the Media Development Authority signals a good start between the two countries in IDM technology research and development.”
7 In a significant move reflecting the deepening IDM ties between the two countries, Singapore’s MDA and China’s Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (STCSM) will embark on the first project under this MOU. Both agencies inked a separate MOU today to develop cross-border online digital media test-beds to trial and prototype emerging interactive new media services and technology. The test-beds seek to aggregate new media digital service technology developed by both cities to be tested by users in Singapore and Shanghai.
8 Said Mr Michael Yap, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, MDA and Executive Director of the multi-agency IDM R&D Programme Office: “STCSM’s collaboration with MDA on test bedding will enable promising digital media technologies, applications and services to be rapidly piloted with a large population, thus accelerating the commercialization and internationalization of these IDM applications. This will also be a showcase of benefits of the China-Singapore cooperation in the field of IDM technology R&D”
9 Mr Chen Ke Hong of STCSM said: “ Based on the existing tests and demonstration in Shanghai, which was organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China in the past five years, our interaction and collaboration with MDA to establish the test bed in Singapore will promote the development of digital media industries in both countries, and will also lay down the foundation for a digital twin-city relation between Shanghai and Singapore. ”
10 The tie-up with STCSM is MDA’s second collaboration with China in the area of IDM R&D. In October 2007, MDA sealed an agreement with the renowned Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Automation to set up the China-Singapore Institute of Digital Media in Singapore – the first overseas research institute by China Academy of Sciences. To be ready in the next two months , the research institute will involve some 40 researchers from China working on IDM research and development.
11 Singapore enjoys good relations with the People’s Republic of China. Bilateral ties are underpinned by broad-based collaborations and exchanges spanning economic, science, business, media, arts and culture, both at the government-to-government and people-to-people levels areas. This MOU on Interactive Digital Media Technology (IDM) Research and Development further deepens the relations between the two countries.
Jointly Issued by:
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND THE ARTS AND
MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
3 MARCH 2008
For more information, please contact:
Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts
Quek Ai Choo
Assistant Director/Corporate Communications
Tel: +65-6837 9841
Email: quek_ai_choo@mica.gov.sg
Media Development Authority
Jasmine Wong
Assistant Manager/Communications
Tel: +65 6837 9364
Email: jasmine_wong@mda.gov.sg
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