PM Lawrence Wong outlines GovTech’s priorities for AI adoption, cybersecurity, legacy systems modernisation and digital public services.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong outlined the Government’s priorities for its next phase of digital transformation during GovTech’s 10th Anniversary Dinner in Singapore, highlighting the need to integrate technology into policymaking, modernise government systems and expand technological capabilities within the Public Service. The event recognised GovTech’s contributions since its establishment in 2016 and provided an opportunity to outline its role in shaping how the Government operates and delivers public services.
In his address, Mr Wong traced Singapore’s digital development to the computerisation of the public service more than 40 years ago. He said the establishment of GovTech in 2016 reflected the Government’s recognition that technology had become mission-critical to policy development, public service delivery and national operations.
He acknowledged GovTech officers and industry partners for their contributions, recalling the development of digital services such as TraceTogether, SafeEntry and the COVID-19 vaccination booking system during the pandemic.
Looking ahead, Mr Wong identified closer integration between technology and policymaking as a priority. He called for policymakers and technologists to work together from the early stages of policy development, enabling technological considerations to inform decisions and simplify implementation. He cited the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), which reduced 33 combinations of late-filing penalties to four, resulting in simpler policies and systems.
He also called for a shift towards iterative software development, allowing teams to release products earlier, gather user feedback and improve services continuously. He highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), encouraging public officers to use AI agents and tools to address operational challenges beyond basic chatbot applications.
Another priority was modernising legacy government systems and improving cybersecurity. Mr Wong cited the Central Provident Fund (CPF), whose systems contained approximately 34 million lines of code by 2020, as an example of the complexities arising from decades of technological development and policy additions.
He also addressed GovTech’s recent restructuring, acknowledging its impact on officers and pledging continued support for those affected as they prepared for new opportunities.
Mr Wong emphasised that technological expertise must extend beyond GovTech to the wider Public Service, while the agency continued to serve as a centre of excellence for complex technological challenges.
He concluded that GovTech’s next decade should focus on transforming how the Government works, with technology integrated into policymaking and public service delivery to achieve better outcomes for Singaporeans.
Source: PMO
