Singapore ranks second worldwide in terms of its readiness to use
information and communications technology (ICT) to improve its
competitiveness and the well-being of its citizens, according to a
recent report.
Singapore scored 5.96, ranking
second in the Networked Readiness Index (NRI) that was at the core of
the Global Information Technology Report 2013 conducted by the World
Economic Forum and leading international business school INSEAD.
This year, the NRI ranked 144 economies around the world based on
their capacity to exploit the opportunities offered by the digital age.
The capacity is measured by the quality of the regulatory, business and
innovation environments; the degree of preparedness; the actual usage of
ICTs; and the societal and economic impact of ICTs.
Singapore retained this spot for a fourth consecutive year in the
NRI. Finland topped the rankings for the first time, taking over from
Sweden.
This year’s report adds that the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations is fairly dynamic. Led by
Singapore, all eight ASEAN members covered by the NRI improve their
overall score and some in the rankings such as Cambodia and the
Philippines.
Vietnam scored 3,74 this year,
ranking 84, one place lower than last year when the World Economic Forum
and INSEAD conducted surveys on 142 countries and territories.-VNA