Like South Korea, Singapore is launching itself to the forefront of communication technology, utilising widespread quality broadband and mobile service throughout the country to deliver news.

What’s particularly interesting in Singapore’s case is the government’s dedication to developing itself as Asia’s leading media marketplace, through the Media 21 development program. It is not just businesses that are embracing the potential of media; the government is clearly viewing the industry as a big part of the nation’s future economy.

Singapore Press Holdings runs a successful site dedicated to user generated content, known as STOMP. The description sounds similar to OhMyNews, but it is much less formal and there’s a few interesting differences.

STOMP has evolved as a social network with a STOMP football group, STOMP outings, and STOMP tuition groups. It shows how interaction through the telling and receiving of news can provide a sense of belonging. It holds the audiences interest for longer than traditional papers, which people would read but not feel a part of. Articles on this site have provoked change in concerning public issues, giving contributors a sense of empowerment.

Also it’s affiliation to a string of SPH owned newspapers mean that public contributions can end up in mainstream media: this organization now has a simple way of collecting news from everywhere and anyone. SPH certainly recognises the appeal of interactive news sites, and is making the most of professional and citizen news contributions. Is this the news structure of the future?