Singapore and Indonesia today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate in the field of information and communication.

It was signed here by the Singapore's Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, Dr Lee Boon Yang, and his Indonesian counterpart Dr Mohammad Nuh.

The new MOU replaces the MOU on Broadcasting and Communication signed in 1989. The 1989 MOU covered areas such as radio, television and films, government information service, and press and publications.

Under the new MOU, the scope will be expanded to include cooperation in the field of information and communication technology (ICT) and postal service, said a statement from the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (Mica).

"The expanded scope will enable Singapore agencies, such as the Media Development Authority (MDA) and Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) to build closer relations with their counterparts in Indonesia for mutual benefits," said the statement.

"In ICT, areas of cooperation could include e-Government, e-Commerce, e-Business and development of ICT infrastructures."

The MOU will also facilitate and promote media collaborations such as coproduction, marketing and distribution of audio visual and digital media content. In broadcasting, the respective broadcasters could explore co-production, exchanges and sale of media content. The postal service is another new area where more collaborations could be explored.

Speaking at the signing, Dr Lee described the MOU as a "win-win" partnership, adding that it was timely as the media and infocomm technlogy sectors are evolving rapidly and offer many opportunities for both countries.

"Singapore enjoys good relations with Indonesia. Our bilateral ties are underpinned by broad-based collaborations and exchanges in several areas," he said.

"This MOU will enable us to continue to strengthen the good working relations that have been established - both at the government level as well as the private sector and people-to-people level."