Singapore bumps up training handouts

The financing is only applicable for training initiatives--including e-commerce, info-comm business and project management--under the Critical Infocomm Technology Resource Programme (CITREP).

The current budget more than doubled the amount set aside for the year ended June 2001. Last year's budget of S$2 million was aimed at training 1,000 workers.

With the enlarged war chest, even individuals can get half of their training fees reimbursed--capped at S$2,500 per person per year--by the IDA. Previously, only company-sponsored applicants were eligible to apply for the government financing. In addition, the IDA increased the support level for company-sponsored trainees to 70 percent of course and exam fees, from 50 percent last year. The government sponsorship is now capped at S$2,500, up from the previous S$2,000 per trainee per course.

Further information can be obtained from the IDA's Web site, under the Infocomm Training Framework section. --Irene Tham, Special to ZDNet News