Singapore and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Singapore on Monday to promote collaborations in interactive digital media (IDM) technology research and development.

The MoU will also pave the way for both countries to strengthen their IDM technology capabilities through training and information exchanges, said a jointly statement.

The MoU was signed by Chan Yeng Kit, Singapore's Permanent Secretary for Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA), and Cao Jianlin, Vice-Minister from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) of China.

Under the deal, the two sides will match and facilitate efforts by Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), research institutes and companies from both countries to participate in IDM technology research and development projects.

The deal will also seek to facilitate joint marketing of IDM technology products from the collaborations between the IDM industries of Singapore and China.

The two sides will also form a joint working group to facilitate cooperation under this MoU.

Chan Yeng Kit said, "it provides more opportunities for Singapore and China IDM related companies to collaborate on joint projects for mutual benefits. The companies could share their experiences and knowledge in IDM technology R&D in order to promote the growth and progress of the IDM technology sector."

Cao Jianlin said, "through this MoU, especially the development of IDM test-beds, we hope to boost collaborations between China and Singapore companies from the IDM sector to chart IDM developments, promote the development of new media applications and next-generation digital technologies."

Singapore's Media Development Authority also signed a deal with China's Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(STCSM) to develop cross-border on-line digital media test-beds to trial and prototype emerging interactive new media services and technology.

(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2008)