The Straits Times, 17 Jan 2007
'Points of weakness in Internet cable networks'
By Adam Wolfe

The Taiwan earthquake last December disrupted telecommunications network in Asia, particularly in Singapore where Internet connections were severely laging for almost a week. The key Internet connection between Asia and the United States run through the Luzon Strait between Taiwan and Phillipines. The quakes left few alternative paths for the bandwidth.

Recently, there has been talks about constructing new networks. Perhaps, then, it would be prudent to construct the new lines across different patterns, so as to avoid choke points when another disaster occurs. Singapore would make an efficient central link to the rest of Asia because of its geographical location. Furthermore, Singapore is a well-known IT hub where technological advances are way ahead of many Asian countries.

Internet networks must not be disrupted easily. The Internet is our portal to the world, and almost all businesses rely on it for communication and research purposes. A major disruption will affect efficiency of work, and for certain companies, it could mean a difference between profit and loss.

In the Singapore Armed Forces where I work, the Internet is vital for my unit, which deals with intelligence and secret forces. Most computers have classified information which are top secret in nature, and a loss of such information would be costly and dangerous if leaked out througha virus. Therefore, it is important that Internet connections are always secure and prepared for backup in case of any future disasters.

Are you the next YouTube?

Source: The Straits Times, 29 Jan 07, page 1
"Wanted: S'poreans to develop the next YouTube or Skype" by Neo Hui Min

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minsiter for Community Development, Youth and Sports, says that Singapore needs more individuals with briht ideas who can develop the next YouTube or Skype.

Given the right amount of resources and support, Singapore can develop itself as an IT hub where our own locals are constantly on the move to design innovative products and programs. For example, local brand Creative has successfully positioned itself as a stiff competitor to the most selling mp3 player, Apple's ipod. The company has won many fans over for its originality and simplicity in its products, and despite eventually making huge losses last year, it has managed to portray Singapore as an enterprising IT hub that is capable of competing with foreign companies overseas..

I believe the key to future successes depend a lot on how much funding is available for extensive research and development. In a technologically advanced world, Singapore has many innovative youths who are able to churn out interesting ideas. This year, we see an increasing number of courses in polytechnic catering to information technology disciplines, in an attempt to attract more youths to join the tech-savvy workforce. In addition, we even have local reality programmes like 'I-whiz' where locals win challenges by designing small experiments to attract the judges.

Can Singapore develop the next YouTube or Skype? I think it's a tall order, but it''s certainly a feat within our reach in the coming years.