Singapore delegation to boost Canberra's global tech profile

A ministerial and business delegation to Singapore will boost the ACT’s profile as a global leader in technology services to government.

The delegation hosted by Optus and led by Assistant Cities and Digital Transformation Minister Angus Taylor, will include Canberra based IT service providers Canberra Data Centres, SME Gateway and Veritec, Optus executives, as well as representatives from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Digital Transformation Agency.

Cloud services and 5G technology will be a focus for discussions with Singaporean telco Singtel.

Greater uptake of cloud technology has the potential to save Australian taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and ensure more robust and secure services are adopted. Introduction of 5G technology will revolutionise data exchange in Australia.

Assistant Minister Taylor said a big window was opening for Canberra IT companies.

"Canberra can really play a role as a hub for IT services to government in Australia," Assistant Minister Taylor said.

"I think we’re starting to see the potential for many of these companies based in the ACT to play global roles. It’s an opportunity opening now, for the region to build this sector."

Canberra Data Centres CEO Greg Boorer said Singapore and Canberra had a lot in common.

"Both are city-states with a high density of Government, Defence, Technology, Academia and the ICT Industry, all co-located in a relatively small city footprint, which presents unique opportunities," Mr Boorer said.

"The Singapore Government is well known for its whole of government approach to ICT strategy and I look forward to learning more about the Singapore journey and applying those learnings locally to continue to support government."

Veritec CEO Keiran Mott also welcomed the opportunity to take part in the delegation.

"Exposure to senior leaders of government, Optus and Singtel is extremely worthwhile to a small Canberra company," Mr Mott said.

"It's great to have people championing initiatives to support and grow businesses like ours, to learn from international leaders, so that we in turn can give back to local communities."

Hosting the delegation, Optus Business Managing Director John Paitaridis said it was essential for Government to collaborate with the private sector and industry to unlock innovation.

"Singapore is an exemplar in building and implementing smart city capabilities, to solve global issues such as cyber security threats, and improve services to citizens and customers with solutions such as analytics, artificial intelligence, smart cities and IOT," Mr Paitaridis said.

"Singtel is playing a key role in leading and shaping innovation in Singapore and we look forward to showcasing some of the region's most exciting and progressive technology and solutions with the Australian government."

The delegation will tour Singtel’s headquarters in Singapore on Monday 18 September, where they will be briefed on the telco’s initiatives in cloud adoption and 5G technology. Singtel subsidiary NCS will showcase smart cities related innovation.

The Australian delegation will also be shown Singtel’s cyber security capabilities, including its Security Operations Centre and Cyber Security Institute.