Singapore, 9 January 2002 - Green Dot Internet Services (GDIS) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) today sealed an R&D partnership that will improve the communication channels between the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and national servicemen (NSmen).

Until recently, NSmen could make regular transactions like overseas notification and IPPT bookings only through the telephone and the Internet. Now with SNAP (SMS Natural-Language Application Programme), NSmen will be able to perform the tasks with the convenience of SMS (Short Message Service).

Developed by the School of Computing at NUS, the SNAP short message system has the ability to decipher SMS text sent in any format, sentence-construct and even in typical SMS abbreviations.

SNAP will initially be made available only for overseas notification application.

2. send his request to: 9-7MINDEF or 9-7646333 If the required information is provided correctly, the sender will receive an SMS reply shortly acknowledging his notification of overseas travel to MINDEF. (Refer to Annex 1)

Mr Chan Yeng Kit, Director of Manpower for MINDEF said, "We are pleased to see GDIS and NUS launch this first in Singapore SNAP service for NSmen. It is in line with MINDEF's aim to be innovative in how we communicate and facilitate transactions with a new generation of tech-savvy NSmen."

To translate SNAP into a practical service application, GDIS has entered into an MOU with the School of Computing, NUS.

Speaking at today's signing ceremony, Dr. Francis Yeoh, CEO of GDIS said, "The NSmen of today are highly tech-savvy. To make MIW a one-stop shop for them, we need to leverage on and integrate the different means of technology with our services and content for better delivery. Today, we introduce the SNAP service, and in the coming months, we will be launching other innovative services. We hope that this partnership with NUS will also open new doors of commercialization opportunities for new technologies developed locally."

A/Prof Chua Tat Seng of the School of Computing, NUS, who heads the research team that developed the technology, commented, "The unique feature of this SNAP service is that it allows the NSmen to key in their messages in the way they normally speak without having to worry about the format or the spelling. The system is intelligent enough to seek more information if desired. This flexibility differentiates it from existing systems which require users to key in pre-defined codes or fixed format messages."

On this GDIS-NUS partnership, Prof Joxan Jaffar, Dean of the School of Computing, NUS, said, "This collaboration allows our staff and students to exchange ideas and develop in-depth understanding of the issues and needs of the industry. Such exchange of information reinforces NUS role as a multi-disciplinary centre for learning and research in IT industry, promoting the development of industry-relevant technologies. We look forward to making a difference through more industry partnerships."

For more information, please visit www.miw.com.sg.

About MIW.COM.SG
MIW (miw.com.sg) is a lifestyle portal designed and built specially for Singapore's National Servicemen. It provides in one place all the information about National Service, MINDEF-specific applications and transactions. Catering to a population of increasingly tech-savvy users, MIW also provides leading edge messaging tools, attractive commercial offerings and content for the community of NSmen. Launched on 1 Apr 2001 by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Dr Tony Tan, the portal reaches 360,000 NSmen on-line and currently receives 30,000 unique visitors per month. It is accessible anytime, anywhere, through WAP and SMS messaging as well as through the Mindef eServices Centre at 1-800 eMINDEF or 1-800-364-6333.

About Green Dot Internet Services
Green Dot Internet Services (GDIS) is an e-business enabler and Internet services and solutions provider, helping enterprises harness the infinite potential of the Internet. GDIS's core competency is in portal operation & management and call center services. Incorporated in October 2000, GDIS is a subsidiary of Green Dot Capital (GDC) and part of the Singapore Technologies group. GDIS was awarded a 5-year contract by MINDEF to build and operate MIW (miw.com.sg), an internet portal serving the MINDEF community of NSmen, pre-enlistees into national service and MINDEF employees.

About NUS School of Computing
Established in 1998, the School of Computing at NUS aims to be an international center of excellence for multi-disciplinary learning and research in information technology. The School academic structure rests on the pillars of the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Information Systems. The former focuses on theoretical, technical and fundamental aspects of computer science and technology, while the latter centres on combining the academic disciplines of computer science and its practical applications to management. The School boasts a range of high quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs by course work and research in a variety of areas. The School hosts many research laboratories and centres that pursue a wide variety of leading edge research.

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