Distinguished speakers
Ladies and gentlemen
Good Afternoon.
1. I am happy to join you at today’s “Cyber Dangers: Practise Safe Downloading Parents Seminar 2008” organised by the HIP Alliance, a public outreach initiative of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS). It is heartening to see a good turnout today and I am sure you will find the next few hours stimulating as we have assembled a panel of distinguished speakers who will share with you current Internet safety issues and the various risks associated with illegal file sharing activities.
2. The very competitive broadband pricing packages offered by local Internet service providers have resulted in high Internet penetration in Singapore. According to IDA’s 2006 statistics, 71% of the households here have access to the Internet. Out of which, 84% of youths aged 10 – 14 years old accessed Internet the most. In comparison, only 64% of the 15 – 59 accessed the Internet. The figures are hardly surprising.
3. The Internet has become such a pervasive and integral part of our lives that I cannot imagine a world without it. For the youths out there, they grow up in this environment where using the Internet is akin to breathing.
4. The convenience and benefits of the Internet come with a price. Many social and safety issues arise as a result of ignorance and inability to deal with virtual situations such as gaming addiction, spyware and virus attacks, online scam, infringement of intellectual property rights etc. As a mother myself, I am particularly wary of the possible legal repercussions that my child faces if he illegally shares copyrighted material online.
5. This is not because I work with IPOS, but rather he will have to face the consequences of his own actions. I’m glad we have speakers today who will elaborate on these topics and share insights, so that we, as parents, can better guide our children to use the Internet responsibly and safely. I hope you will find this seminar useful, just as how your children will enjoy themselves at the Singapore Science Centre where they will explore and learn about IP in a fun and interactive way .
6. Further tips for parents and educators can also be found online, at this educational website www.b4usurf.org that was put together by the Business Software Alliance (BSA). Supported by IPOS, this website has useful resources including tips for parents to guide their children on responsible Internet use and suggested cyber safety lesson plans for educators to incorporate into their lessons. During the tea-break, you may also want to look at the exhibits outside for more useful links and tips.
7. We have another reason to celebrate today. Every year on the 26th of April, the IP Offices around the world would roll out programmes and activities in celebration of World IP Day. The World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO in short, designated this day eight years ago to pay tribute to inventors and artistes who contributed their works and creations to make this world more colourful. On this day, we as consumers of intellectual property, show our appreciation and support. By being part of this event, you too, have pledged your support and we hope you can help us spread this message so that more people are aware of World IP Day and the importance of protecting IP.
8. Besides this seminar, the HIP Alliance will also be rolling out a series of outreach programmes and activities in 2008, including regular school assembly talks, 3-days IP Camp in June, monthly chat sessions at HabboHotel, monthly HIP-Movie-of-the-Month contests, and others . Do keep a look out for them.
9. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank MOE & MCYS for supporting this seminar and we look forward to more collaborative activities going forward. I would also like to thank our valued partner – Microsoft, for its kind sponsorship. And to you, the participants for making time on a weekend afternoon to learn to be more cyber savvy.
10. I wish you a good session ahead. Thank you.
ANNEX A – Children’s Programme
Key Activities
o The afternoon will be led by Dectective IP, who will share with the children the perils of illegal P2P file sharing in an animated way to make it a fun learning experience.
o There will be some ice breakers games so that participants get to know one another better as there will be some group activities.
o Children will go on a "It's my IP!" HUNT where they will tour the various exhibits in the i-Space gallery and try to find the different IPs in them. The aim of this hunt is to emphasise and reiterate the fact that IP is in fact everywhere around us, even in very simple inventions.
o Grouped into different teams, the children will piece together a mosaic artwork based on a specified theme. The intention is to educate the children that each of their artwork is a unique piece of creation and it is their IP. Copying work from others is wrong and that everyone should respect the IPs of others.