One year into the implementation of the Digital Government Blueprint (DGB) by the Singapore government – first launched in June 2018 – citizens and businesses have expressed greater satisfaction with government digital services. G2C (Government to Citizens) satisfaction survey score had increased from 73 to 78 per cent, and G2B (Government to Businesses) score had risen from 64 to 69 per cent, in 2018.
Over the past year, the government has rolled out more digital services that are integrated around citizens and businesses’ needs, and built common platforms to enable more seamless delivery of digital government services. Some of the new products launched include Moments of Life, SingPass Mobile and Parents Gateway (for citizens); and Networked Trade Platform and MyInfo Business (for businesses).
In FY2019, the government will focus on developing five platforms that are key to meeting the DGB outcomes. These are: Singapore Government Technology Stack (SGTS); National Digital Identity (NDI); Smart Nation Sensor Platform (SNSP); Moments of Life (MOL); and Adaptive Digital Workplace (ADWP) for public officers.
Over 60 per cent of FY19’s total info-communications and technology (ICT) contract value is geared towards developing digital services on the five platforms. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will be able to participate in over 80 per cent of the contracts in FY19.
An example of a local technology SME is Ufinity Pte Ltd, which worked with the Government Technology Agency (GovTech) on the MOL project. Tung Teck Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Ufinity, said, “We are excited that the Government has continually provided ICT business opportunities to smaller companies like ours, so that we can play a part in Singapore’s Smart Nation drive.”
To make it easier for businesses to work with the Government, GovTech has worked with the Ministry of Finance to streamline and introduce new procurement methods for ICT contracts.
Kok Ping Soon, Chief Executive, GovTech, said, “Citizens and businesses are more satisfied with our government digital services, but there is still room for improvement as we progress towards meeting the DGB targets by 2023. In FY19, with our focus on the five key technology platforms, there are many opportunities for public agencies to collaborate with the industry, especially the SMEs, in using technology to improve the lives of citizens, serve businesses better, and provide effective and convenient public services. We are heartened that there is a growing pool of SMEs that have stepped up and embraced technology, and we will continue to work with them to uplift their capabilities while helping us build a Smart Nation and Digital Government.”
