Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee, Senior Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs
Mr Barney Lau, Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore
Mr Anton Ravindran, Chairman, Internet Industry Association of Singapore
Distinguished speakers
Ladies and gentlemen
Good Afternoon.
- I am happy to be here this afternoon for the “Be a Cyber Savvy Parent Seminar”. It is indeed encouraging to see so many parents and educators here. I can see also that some parents even brought their children along for this seminar.
- We are very fortunate here in Singapore as we have one of the highest Internet penetration rate as compared to our neighbouring counterparts. Nevertheless, being empowered to use the technology does not mean that one should abuse it. Having Internet access does not give anyone the right to illegally share or distribute copyrighted material. Often, no one pauses to consider whether such action is right or permissible. Just because there are no physical walls to stop you does not make it right to download songs or movies without permission from the content owners. We see it happening in schools – students exchanging the latest pop songs via their mobile phones or MP3 players.
- It is harder sometimes for us to see such act as a crime because unlike theft or murder, you do not see the victim brutalised or deprived. Neither is detection of the perpetrator so clear cut. Nonetheless, this does not make IP infringement any less a crime and its impact any less devastating to a budding creator or business.
- Let me put this in layman terms. You know of a talented budding song writer. He or she could be your secondary school mate or even colleague. But the next minute, his lyrics are found on the Internet and the person getting the credit is not him. Not only that, he is also not duly rewarded, be it in terms of recognition or monetary. Ask yourself: is this fair?
- This is why earlier this year, the HIP Alliance, IPOS’ flagship public awareness initiative started its annual public campaign with a focus on the perils of online piracy. We aimed to encourage members of the public to be responsible ‘net citizens’ and avoid copyright infringement.
- This seminar is an extension of the campaign where we strongly believe parents and educators can play an active role in protecting their children from the risks online. Today, the organisers have lined up a panel of experienced industry players to share with you. Similarly, I hope you will walk away with a clearer understanding on how to protect your child both online and offline.
- Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank IIAS for co-organising this seminar with us. We look forward to more collaborative activities going forward. I would also like to thank Microsoft for sponsoring the venue. And to you, the participants for making time on a weekend afternoon to sit through and listen to our talk.
- Have a good session ahead.