PART I
1.1 REVIEW OF SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES DURING THE PAST YEAR (JUN 98 - JUL 99)
a. The IT Leader Awards
The SCS again launched the 3rd IT leader Awards with resounding success. These awards were introduced to honour individuals who have distinguished themselves with their achievements and contributions to the IT profession and development of IT in Singapore. The other objectives are to create an environment which will encourage and sustain the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit in the IT field and to illustrate the depth of talent exist in local IT industry.
The Awards comprises 4 categories :
b. Professional Certification
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the year has been the official launch of the National IT Skills Certification Programme in November 1998. A joint programme of the Singapore Computer Society and the National Computer Board, the programme was established in response to a strong need to provide a widely-accepted vehicle for ensuring quality control, professional recognition and promoting career development in the IT industry.
The National IT Skills Certification Programme comprises 3 branches : (1) Professional (2) Affiliate and (3) General.
Under the Professional Branch, the Certified IT Project Manager (CITPM) Programme was introduced in November 1998, the first of its kind in Singapore and the region. Over 300 candidates had participated in the CITPM since its launch and 181 were awarded the certified title. A further step was taken in February 1999 when the Society signed MOU with the renowned Institute of Systems Science (ISS) in Singapore. The tie-up with the ISS was to launch a preparatory course on IT PM and examination to help those who aspire to become project managers.
Other existing programmes in the Affiliated Branch such as Certified Business Continuity Planner, a programme affiliated with Disaster Recovery Institute International of USA and the Quality Assurance Professional (with the QA Institute) has already been introduced for some years.
On the General Branch, the SCS implemented the National PC Proficiency Programme in November 1998. Endorsed by the National Computer Board, the Programme aims to test the proficiency of candidates in the use of common PC applications. More than 4000 candidates had sat for the PC proficiency since its introduction.
c. The Asia Pacific Regional Internet Conference on Operational Technology APRICOT ‘99
In March 1998, the SCS together with the regional body, Asia Pacific Network Information Center (APNIC) has successfully organised the 4th APRICOT Conference in Singapore.
1.2 Review of TC membership and activities
The Society revisited its representation at the various IFIP TCs and WGs and had re-affirmed that the following SCS representatives have been appointed to the respective IFIP TCs. They are :
TC 3
Mr Lakshmi Narashimhan
Institute of Systems Science
Heng Mui Keng Terrace, Kent Ridge
Singapore 199597
Tel : (65) 775 6666
Email : lakshmi@iss.nus.edu.sg
TC 5
Professor Robert Gay
School of EEE
Nanyang Technological University
Nanyang Avenue
Singapore 639798
Tel : (65) 790 5405
Email : eklgay@ntu.edu.sgTC 7
Mr Ng Kok Chuan
Systems & Computer Organisation
Defence & Technology Tower
Tower A, 10th Floor, Depot Road
Singapore 109676
Email : nkokchua@starnet.gov.sgTC 11
Mr Gerard Tan
PricewaterhouseCoopers
9 Penang Road
#12-00 Park Mall
Singapore 238459
Tel : (65) 3302344
Email : gerard.tan@sg.pwcglobal.com
PART-II INPUT TO IFIP
2.1 Review Of New Initiatives Taken During The Past Twelve Months Within The Society And Of Interest To Other Member Organisations
a. Introduction of SCS IT Youth Award and SCS IT Student Award
The Society will be introducing and incorporating the SCS IT Youth Award and IT Student Award in our prestigious annual IT Leader Awards. The aim of the two new awards are first, to give recognition to students and youths for their achievements in IT and second, to attract the best to take up a course and career in IT.
b. To Expand More Certification Programmes in the Affiliated Branch of the National IT Skills Certification Programme
Following the successful launch of the National IT Skills Certification Programme, the SCS is now set to introduce four affiliated certification programmes in the pipeline. The new certification programmes are :
2.2 Issues for Consideration and Action by IFIP
a. Proposed Accreditation of Professional Certification Programme
IFIP can lend its credibility by accrediting professional certification schemes of national societies in order to accord international recognition to the certification programmes. Already, the Project Management Institute (US) has affirmed its intention to pursue alliance with SCS in regard to the Singapore’s prestigious Certified IT Project Manager certification.
b. IFIP World Computer Congress in Singapore in 2004?
The success of Singapore as a convention city has been recognised by the Union of International Associations, which has ranked Singapore as Asia’s leading convention destination and number six in the world. The SCS would like to sound out our interest to table a bid to host the biennial World Congress in Singapore in the year 2004.