'Communicasia diary, Singapore, June 2014--A revisit 12 years later, to a block-buster event

II: Changi-Marina Bay-Kallang

Who do you blame for choosing a terribly timed flight? AI342 landed at Singapore’s Changi International Airport at about 7.30 am. I had reported at Sahar at 7 pm. No, the distance between Mumbai and Singapore does not take 12 ½ hours to cover (it takes 5), but then this was not a direct flight. Including the stop at Chennai, it took 10 hours. Add to that the 2 ½ hour time difference between India and Singapore, and you have a flight that takes the whole night, and more, ensuring you land completely drained out. The luggage took 30 minutes to arrive on the conveyor belt, prompting the airport authorities to make announcements twice that this was not their fault but A-Is.

Communicasia’s inaugural function was scheduled at 9 am, and having confirmed my attendance, I did not want to miss it, though I would have much rather headed for the hotel, even at the cost of paying for an extra day, unpacked, freshened-up, treated myself to some decent breakfast and then headed for Marina Bay Sands. (A-I, like millions of other Indians, believes that when a person opts demands a vegetarian meal, he is really asking for paneer/cheese, malai/cream, ghee/butter, chhaas/lassi/curds/yoghurt, etc., all of which are dairy products and not vegetables, by any stretch of imagination). But I had not bargained for a missing strap on my 18.5 kg bag and a broken trolley pulling rod on my 7 kg cabin baggage. In of the most herculean tasks of my life, I carted the bags along through the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train connections, often walking a kilo-metre to reach the entrance/exit/platform, in 28 kg ‘drag’ (allow 2 ½ kg for my shoulder bag). Amazingly, I made it by 9 am, but was on the verge of collapsing. The organisers had told me that there were arrangements to store luggage at the venue, so I was not worried on that count. But the assurance turned out to be a plug for a paid facility, and at Marina Bay Sands, the charge was substantial. I persuaded the Press office to store the items till around 12.30, after which I would take them with me to my hotel.

Getting registered for Communicasia is no cake-walk, even if you are a veteran journalist. One look at their pre-conditions could deter any Johnny-come-lately or a mala fide homo sapiens from venturing forth. I was, however, registered without any hassle. As I settled my luggage, the young men and women at the desk warned me that they assumed no responsibility. This being Singapore, I pushed my luck. It was 9.25 am, and Minister for Communications and Information, Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim had just begun his speech. Highlights:

“*I am happy to join you today at the annual Infocomm Media Business Exchange, or imbX. At the Ministerial Forum on ICT yesterday, we had a fruitful discussion on the opportunities that infocomm technology brings for the development of Smart Cities. Today, I would like to share how Singapore can make use of the latest technological advancements to realise our vision of becoming a Smart Nation.

*Last evening, I announced that we will be introducing the TV White Space regulatory framework to provide for greater capacity and data connectivity. We have also made it easier for devices to connect and tap on telecommunications infrastructure, such as Wireless@SG, the national wireless broadband network. Just last Sunday, we extended the Wireless@SG to allow the registration of foreign phone numbers. I hope you have been able to enjoy the free Wi-Fi service thus far.

*We are in the process of formulating the Infocomm Media Masterplan to guide the development of our infocomm and media sectors in a holistic manner up to 2025.

*There are many “smart cities” around the world, which have already begun wiring up and connecting themselves to drive better efficiency and benefits for citizens. They include Barcelona and Santander in Spain, Amsterdam and many others.

*What would a Smart Nation look like? The upcoming Jurong Lake District, or JLD, would provide us with a glimpse into the future. JLD will be the largest commercial and regional centre outside Singapore’s Central Business District

*Another area where the industry can play an important role would be in Game Sciences and Technology. In this area, the mechanics of Game Science and thinking are adopted in the design and development of applications and services. To promote the technology, we will be launching the IDA Labs on Wheels bus where youth can learn about Game Science.

*The convergence of infocomm and media technology, the prevalence of personalised products and services through insights gained from data analytics and other ICT developments give us added reason to continue to meet at forums such as the imbX. As Asia’s largest ICT and media showcase of technologies and solutions, it provides us with the opportunities to engage in important discussions around ICT and its impact on the future.”

Speech over, it was dance time—spectacular visual effects only to be expected. Later, I was delighted to learn that journalists attending the event would also be provided with snacks, hot beverages and lunch. I gladly partook from all on offer and was partially revived. After a quick tour of part of the sprawling campus, I headed for my hotel at Kallang, less half-way between Marina Bay and . Changi. Teodore (Ted) Meneses at the reception confirmed my booking, and even allowed me to check in at 1.30 pm, instead of the official time of 2.30 or 3 pm. In passing, I asked him, “Why had the hotel rates gone up in Singapore significantly, from 2013 to 2104, month on month? He replied, “There is an international conference at Marina Bay Sands and lot of delegates and media-persons are coming, so we have all decided to hike the rates.” 

Indeed! But who will explain to organisers that many media-persons from countries like India and other third world countries contribute to their media vehicles either free or for a minuscule fee? None of them can expect to earn the thousands of dollars it would require to cover airfare and stay. I would be the exception, since I have lived in Singapore for many years and would have visited the country in any case, at my own cost, this time. I am making a case for reimbursement of actual costs or subsidised travel and hotel expenses, at least. Somebody mentioned the figure of 80 when talking about the PAX count in the media-persons meal room. Against an official total trade attendee figure of about 33,000, this would be infinitesimal. I am told that the figure has touched 50,000 in the past. Again, assuming 40 of these were local and another 20 were sent by rich media-houses with all expenses taken care of, we find only 20 journos needing support. In a good year, let’s assume this figure goes up to 50. It would cost 50/50,000=0.001% of the total registration budget, to help get wider coverage across more countries, which would surely not harm the event.                                                                                                                                                        (continued)