Understanding GovTech

GovTech Summary: Singapore agency enabling digital governance, fostering innovation, and digitising services.

The Government Technology Agency, also known as GovTech, is a department under the Singapore government officially overseen by the Prime Minister’s Office. The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) restructured this agency in 2016, and it received formal parliamentary approval on August 18 of that same year.

GovTech is essential in providing public access to the Singaporean government’s digital services. This agency is the backbone of the country’s Smart Nation initiative, facilitating the use of networks, big data, and Infocomm technologies to create tech-enabled solutions.

Within GovTech, you will also find the Government Chief Information Office (GCIO).

Previously under the umbrella of Singapore’s Prime Minister’s Office, GovTech was moved to the Ministry of Communications and Information effective from May 1, 2017. Currently, it operates as the implementing agency for the Prime Minister’s Office’s “Smart Nation and Digital Government Office” (SNDGO).

Regarding its purpose and goals, GovTech aims to unlock endless possibilities for Singapore through Infocomm technology and related engineering. Their mission carries a human-oriented touch, which is “Engineering Digital Government, Making Lives Better.”

 

So, What Exactly Does Govtech Do in Singapore?

As the leading entity for information and communication technology and associated engineering, GovTech helps enhance the Singapore government’s capabilities in several sectors. These include application development, cloud and infrastructure, cybersecurity, data science and artificial intelligence, sensors and the Internet of Things, and more.

GovTech also partners with government bodies to create and deliver secure digital services and applied technology to Singaporeans. Besides developing critical platforms and solutions to facilitate Singapore’s transition to a Smart Nation, they are leading the charge to digitally transform the public sector.