ICT for Productivity and Growth (IPG) Programme Goes Live Today

SMEs can now enjoy broader coverage of technology solutions and a simplified application process through the incorporation of the $500 million IPG programme into “Increase SME Productivity with Infocomm Adoption & Transformation” (iSPRINT). IPG was announced earlier this year by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam in the Singapore Budget 2014 Speech.

The enhanced iSPRINT scheme will boost SMEs’ productivity and growth. There are three new elements in the enhanced iSPRINT: piloting of new sector solutions, scaling up of already proven sector solutions and leveraging access to high-speed connectivity to achieve more with technology.

To encourage SMEs to deploy technology into their businesses, SMEs can also enjoy higher speed connectivity with the support from IDA if they are to adopt selected solutions. These include support for SMEs’ fibre subscription plans of at least 100 Mbps and implementation of Wireless@SG services at their business premises.

At the same time, SMEs will also not need to make any claim submissions for the above enhanced iSPRINT support. The enhanced iSPRINT is expected to support up to 10,000 companies over three years. Whilst all sectors with SMEs will benefit from this scheme, 5 sectors that will benefit significantly for productivity and growth are retail, food & beverage, construction, logistics/transport and tourism & attractions.