| “We Innovate
Together” was the theme of this year’s
MITA WITS Convention. Fun, games, music and
an opportunity to learn together were the
order of the day, or rather, days. Held on 12 and 13 August, the convention
saw 24 teams from the Ministry of Information,
Communications and the Arts (MITA), Media
Development Authority (MDA), Infocomm
Development Authority (IDA), National
Heritage Board (NHB),
National Library Board (NLB) and the National Arts Council (NAC) taking part
in the event held at MITA Building.
MDA, the organiser, and MITA and its sister organisations wanted to rejuvenate
WITS by organising the convention along the lines of a workshop that allowed
all participants and supporters to share ideas and learn together.
There were three half-day sessions. The participating teams in each session
were encouraged to sit through the entire session to learn from the projects
of other teams and exchange ideas instead of leaving the venue after their
presentations. Ice-breakers and team games focusing on innovation and WITS
were introduced to inject fun into all the sessions.
To raise the excitement level, the results were announced at the end of each
session. The CEOs of NLB, NHB and MDA gave out the letters of participation
to the teams. This showed the senior management’s strong support of
WITS.
A total of 5 gold, 11 silver and 8 bronze awards were given out at the convention.
The MITA WITS Convention ended with pomp on 22 August to coincide with the
launch of the MITA Innovation Fiesta.
The fiesta had a carnival-like setting. There were jugglers, fun and thought-provoking
innovative games, balloon sculpting, a live band and more that generated
an atmosphere of creative learning.
To top it off, an in-house team produced a video clip which artistically
showcased the fun, anxiety, excitement and humour experienced at the convention.
As the organisers were mindful of the Economy Drive, in-house talents and
resources were fully utilised.
At the closing ceremony, Permanent Secretary (MITA) Dr Tan Chin Nam gave
his thoughts on the need for a new context for WITS. He said that WITS should
be about value innovation, which is about pursuing differentiation while
keeping costs low. This is especially crucial since we are facing formidable
low-cost competitors from countries like China, India and Malaysia. As a
result, the competitive gap is narrowing.
“The next phase of Singapore’s success may depend on how well we
value innovate,” said Dr Tan.
While the convention may have come to an end, the spirit of WITS should live
on. Mr Joseph Leong, Chairman of the Organising Committee, said, “WITS
should continue to be promoted as it is a very good vehicle for continuous
improvements and continuous learning, and it provides a platform for innovation.
It is often through many small improvements that we eventually get a breakthrough.
“Instead of just focusing on problem-solving, which is still necessary
for improving efficiency and productivity, WITS should shift to the next gear
of looking at work improvements and creating new value. And one must not
forget that WITS brings people together, which in turn enhances teamwork,
camaraderie and improves group dynamics.”
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