Articles
Forward Singapore (Build Pillar): Creating a seamless digital experience for all
13 April 2023
Minister Josephine Teo met with over 50 representatives from various sectors to discuss digital inclusion at a Forward Singapore session in June 2023.
Minister for Communications and Information & Minister-in-charge of Smart Nation and Cybersecurity, Mrs Josephine Teo, joined over 50 representatives from technology companies, social service agencies, banks, institutes of higher learning, and telcos at the Forward Singapore engagement on Approaching Digital Services Inclusively on 16 June 2023.
Participants were split into groups to share insights and ideas on how the Government can work with the private sector to support communities in embracing technology while ensuring private and public digital services remain user-friendly, intuitive, and accessible to everyone.
Participants discussing ways of how the Government and companies can collaborate to improve digital inclusion further.
The focus group discussions centred around essential services for citizens that public-private partnerships could focus on, industry best practices for inclusive service and product designs, as well as payment methods.
A progressive attitude towards Singapore’s digital inclusivity
Minister Teo emphasised that the Government will remain progressive in its attitude towards the delivery of digital services.
To be fully included, you and I not only require internet access and the right device; we also need skills. Without skills, one may still feel excluded from many transactions and activities.— Minister Josephine Teo on the necessity of digital skills to achieve digital inclusion at the Forward Singapore engagement on 16 June 2023.
Minister Teo first acknowledged the limitations of subsidising connectivity and devices. Such provision of digital access, while crucial, does not automatically lead to digital inclusion. She added that the Government will ramp up efforts to help citizens differentiate between the imagined and legitimate risks of digital adoption and provide them with the necessary knowledge to mitigate the real risks.
Minister Teo also shared that The Smart Nation and Digital Government Group (SNDGG) would continue collaborating with other government agencies and the private sector to ensure every citizen can reap the full benefits of digital services and participate meaningfully in today’s digital world.
Minister Teo presenting her closing remarks at the Forward Singapore engagement.
Patience and discipline needed in Singapore’s digital future
Minister Teo recalled that just as it took years for the microwave oven to achieve widespread use, technological adoption cannot be rushed through.
Sometimes, the services are easy to use, not only because of good UI/UX, but also because the system behind it is quite simple— Minister Josephine Teo on the importance of system design in government digital services at the Forward Singapore Engagement on 16 June 2023.
She noted that quality user interfaces and user-experiences (UI/UX) designs, simplified administrative processes, and implementation of digital standards (i.e., Web Contact Accessibility Guidelines) would engender increased trust and confidence in citizens, thereby encouraging more to embrace digitisation.
Minister Teo concluded her remarks by assuring that the Government will remain disciplined in upholding the security and safety of our citizens and will progress further only when it is confident that robust guardrails are in place.
The participants at the Forward Singapore engagement concluded their discussions with a group shot.
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