<B>What are the key elements of ‘Connected Singapore’? </B>

Launched in March 2003, it’s the blueprint for ICT development in Singapore over the next three years. It envisions ICT as a key enabler, unleashing the potential of individuals, organisations and businesses to become more productive and efficient, and to create new ideas that enrich lives and produce new value. Four key strategies are:Leverage on existing network readiness and capabilities for wireless pervasiveness, develop content and promote infocomm literacy; Develop Singapore as a leading global digital distribution and trading centre;

Promote new economic activities and create jobs in infocomm through developing innovation capabilities, encouraging technology development and expanding access to overseas markets;

Help businesses and government agencies use infocomm to re-engineer key business clusters and government services.

<B>How have citizens responded to this initiative? </B>

Singaporeans are generally ICT savvy and will use infocomm technology in work, learning and play. The IDA 2003 annual survey on household usage shows that computer ownership and broadband Internet access amongst households continues to be on the upswing. The Connected Singapore blueprint continues to strengthen these efforts through initiatives like the National IT Literacy Programme.

<B>What are the objectives of Government Action Plan II launched in July 2003? </B>

The second eGovernment Action Plan seeks to achieve the following: a) Delighted Customers – by delivering public services at higher levels of convenience, efficiency and effectiveness; b) Connected Citizens – by engaging citizens in policy formulation and review, to strengthen our community bonds; and c) Networked Government – by connecting government agencies internally through a common infrastructure and a shared vision. The goals for 2006 are to have 90 per cent of those who transact with government do so electronically at least once, and have 80 per cent of these users satisfied with the overall quality of e-services. Five new integrated e-services were implemented in end-March 2004.

The end goal is to deliver citizen-centric, integrated services to the public to support our concept of “Many Agencies, One Government”. People must choose to transact online rather than over-the-counter. Some incentives are price differentiation between online and offline submission, shorter processing time, longer (online) deadline given or even conduct promotions like lucky draws.

<B>How do you address the security concerns of citizens who may have apprehensions about online transactions? </B>

Data security is top of the government’s list of concerns. We have a privacy policy statement which is published on the eCitizen portal, the first stop on the web for Singapore government services. If the public chooses to make an application or send us an e-mail containing personally identifiable data, government agencies may share data so as to provide the e-service in a more efficient and effective way.

We do not share a user’s personal data with non-government entities, except where such entities have been authorised to carry out specific government services. To safeguard personal data, all electronic storage and transmission of personal data are protected with appropriate security mechanism.

<B> Singapore had toyed with the idea of e-voting. How successful has it been? </B>

In Singapore, voters’ participation has always been high. There was a plan to implement e-voting in the general election in 2001. However, the e-voting system was not ready and approved for use as the general election was held early. There are currently no further plans to implement e-voting at the next election.

<B> What is your vision of e-governance? </B>

Our work is more related to e-government, i.e., how we can apply technology to transform public administration and also improve the user’s experience in transacting with the government. Online government services offer Singaporeans convenience in their interactions with government, and support Singapore as the preferred choice for business in the region. It also presents good opportunities to further deepen ICT capabilities of our local IT companies and will play a key role in growing the Singapore ICT industry.