Microsoft Singapore works with different departments of the Singapore Government to create technological solutions, develop IT policy and address issues of mutual concern. We understand that productive technology partnerships are extremely important because the work we do together touches so many parts of the community. This includes investing in the Singaporean economy, education system and IT industry, plus a commitment to local research and development.
Partners in Learning
Partners in Learning is a global initiative designed to actively increase access to technology and improve its use in learning. Our goal is to help schools gain better access to technology, foster innovative approaches to pedagogy and teacher professional development and provide education leaders with the tools to envision, implement and manage change.
Together with our partners around the world, we are focusing on three key areas that have the greatest potential to empower students and teachers and transform education.
In Singapore, Partners in Learning programme include:
BackPackLIVE! (2009-2013)
Ministry of Education (MOE), the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and Microsoft Singapore, signed the MOU on the next phase of Partners in Learning program on 13 May 2009. The BackPackLIVE! initiative is officially launched on 16 July 2009. This initiative is an expansion of the previous five year IDA-Microsoft BackPack.NET initiative launched in 2003. The new $5.5million collaboration will focus on inspiring, exploring and scaling ICT practices among teachers to develop students’ self-directed and collaborative learning capability.
BackPackLive! comprises of four pillars: Professional Learning Communities; Developers Community, Cyber Wellness; and Recognition & Promotion. It aims to transform the learning environment for students in Singapore by facilitating greater engagement with students, and promote learning in an interactive environment using multiple senses. This initiative is also part of Microsoft’s global Partners in Learning programme.
BackPack.NET (2003-2008)
In 2003, Microsoft Singapore and the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) launched a joint 5-year initiative called BackPack.NET. It is an education programme designed to facilitate the research, development, testing and showcasing of innovative Infocomm technologies in Singapore schools.
For example, BackPack.NET aims to enhance students' learning experience through the use of tablet PCs, 'digital in' and other emerging infocomm technologies.
Up to $20 million will be invested by IDA, Microsoft and other industry partners and schools. BackPack.NET is also part of Microsoft's global Partners in Learning programme, which addresses education priorities in various countries.
For detailed progress of BackPack.NET, please refer to:
MOE-Microsoft Professional Development Award (MMPDA)
Launched in July 2004, the MMPDA recognises educators who make outstanding, effective and innovative use of ICT* to support engaged learning. It recognises educators who use ICT for the benefit of the school community and inspire others in the use of ICT for learning and teaching.
MMPDA has attracted over 326 entries from 218 schools with 25 teachers selected as award winners. The award winners did Singapore proud when they represented the nation at worldwide and regional ICT Forums, winning a total of 8 awards.
NEU PC
Since 1999, Microsoft Singapore has participated in the Infocomm Development Authority's (IDA) NEU PC scheme, working in association with local grassroots organisations to make free and discounted PCs and software available to low income households in Singapore.
Contributing over $5 million in software since 1999, Microsoft has received the IDA's eClasp Ambassador award in March 2004. The award recognises our sponsorship efforts in helping to create an 'e-inclusive' society and popularising an e-lifestyle among Singaporeans. We are also a key sponsor of the IDA's National Infocomm Scholarship, which aims to create industry infocomm experts as part of Singapore's goal to build the nation into an IT hub.
