ISO (International Organization for Standardization) was born on  14 October 1947 and World Standards Day is celebrated worldwide each year on 14 October by the three international standards organisations namely, ISO, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and several National Standards Bodies. ISO develops international standards for all technical fields except electrical and electronic engineering, which is the responsibility of IEC; the ITU is an international organisation responsible for the co-ordination, development, regulation and standardisation of telecommunications standards.

The national theme adopted for this year is "Enhancing Confidence, Connectivity and Competitiveness". The theme was chosen to reflect the benefits of standards. Standards provide the technical basis for defining quality and for establishing safety in products, processes and services, which gives confidence to both firms and customers. Connectivity through standards to its supply chain partners both locally and overseas allows a company to improve its productivity and competitiveness. Standards also help to improve productive efficiency through minimised resource wastage and cost, hence leading to enhanced competitiveness. Furthermore, standards also make it easier to enter overseas market as they are often used as a basis for regulations on safety, health and the environment.

The aim of World Standards Day is to raise awareness of the importance of global standardisation to the world economy and to promote its role in helping meet the needs of business, industry, government and consumers worldwide. In Singapore, PSB uses this occasion to pay tribute and show appreciation to all the standards partners who have contributed to the national and international standardisation activities. PSB also uses this opportunity to increase awareness of the importance of standardisation amongst the stakeholders.

A series of events have been planned to celebrate World Standards Day 2001 to highlight the benefits of standards in increasing Singapore's productivity and competitiveness as well as the importance of international standards for exports.

You can view the 2001 World Standards Day Press Supplement (pdf format) by clicking here.

The Singapore Productivity and Standards Board will be hosting a cocktail reception at Hotel Inter-Continental on 11 October 2001 for our standards partners who have contributed significantly to the development of National Standardisation Programme. Standards Council awards will be presented to forty-three individuals and five organisations in Singapore for their contributions to the National Standardisation Programme.