THE SINGAPORE GOVERNMENT ROLE IN NATIONAL COMPUTERIZATION EFFORTS

This paper examines the role of the Singapore Government in Singapore' s computerization efforts. In restructuring Singapore's economy and sh arpening its competitive edge, information technology (IT) is singled out as one of the economic boosting engines whose dynamic, innovative role will change the economic and social fabric of society leading to a better quality of life for Singaporeans. The government and its agen cies have deliberately intervened in the IT diffusion process through proactive IT policies, effective regulations and implementation. The n ational computerization plans, namely, the National IT Plan and the IT 2000 Report, contain a set of IT strategic initiatives. Although the s ocioeconomic conditions and the cultural factors do have a significant influence on the IT diffusion process. an understanding of roles diff erent institutions play and the various institutional policies will pr ovide a better assessment of the impacts of IT on Singapore's informat ion economy.