In your own opinion why is it important for MOE to develop the three masterplans for ICT in education?

In summary, the first ICT masterplan focused on introducing ICT into the education system and focused on equipping teachers and students with the competency to use the tools. In effect, it was a way for MOE, teachers and students to test the waters and giving everyone a taste of what was to come. The second ICT masterplan focused on establishing a baseline - a standardization process that ensured everyone not only had a basic level of competency but had access to ICT and integrated these tools into part of everyday life. The last ICT masterplan built on the fact that ICT was no longer near and focused on using ICT tools in a more sophisticated manner; such as for teachers to use ICT as a way to streamline and enhance the lesson planning process and the way teaching is carried in the classroom or for students to use it not merely as a word processor but as a tool that hones their higher order thinking skills.

Evidently, the three masterplans were conceived of as a forward-thinking continuum. Given that back in 1997, commercial trials for a home internet connection were only beginning (ref. Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_in_Singapore), introducing the use of ICT to students for the next five years made sure students and teachers at that time didn't feel like fish out of water and could at least approach the technology as novelty and wonderment instead of an unfamiliar monster. Giving teachers the next 5-12 years to integrate ICT into their teaching methods and to hone their skills in the use of ICT was also a realistic expectation.

In short, introducing ICT in three phases ensured that the process was smooth for everyone and also allowed everyone to see clearly as an entire ministry in what direction education in Singapore and where society in general was headed.