GovTech and UK’s GDS to deepen collaboration in the development of Digital Government Services

Singapore’s Government Technology Agency (GovTech) and the UK’s Government Digital Service (GDS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday (Jun 13) to strengthen collaboration in the design and delivery of digital government public services.

Under the MoU, GovTech and GDS will mutually share knowledge and best practices in improving the delivery of digital public services, building digital skills and capabilities of Government officials, and adopting open standards for government information, data and software.

The MoU signing took place at No. 11 Downing Street, the official residence of the UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer. Representing the agencies to sign the MoU were Mr Kok Ping Soon, Chief Executive of GovTech Singapore and Mr Kevin Cunnington, Director General of GDS U.K.

Chief Executive of GovTech Singapore, Kok Ping Soon, said: “GovTech is delighted to sign our first MoU with GDS U.K., a leader in the use of digital, technology and data to transform government. The MoU will facilitate greater sharing of experiences and expertise in the development of digital platforms and services to better serve our citizens and businesses. It will also allow mutual exchange of officers to build capabilities and explore opportunities for collaboration to strengthen the digital partnership between the two organisations.”

Head of the UK Government Digital Service, Kevin Cunnington, said: “GDS is delighted to have signed this MoU with our colleagues in Singapore. By sharing knowledge and working together, we can ensure that Government works better for everyone by leading the digital transformation of public services both here in the UK and in Singapore.”

The MoU comes at a time when the two countries are actively engaged in the SG-UK Partnership for the Future. Launched in January 2019 by the UK’s Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, the campaign expands and solidifies existing links while creating new opportunities for collaboration that secure the future bilateral partnership between the two nations.

JOINTLY ISSUED BY BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION SINGAPORE AND GOVTECH

About UK Government Digital Service

The Government Digital Service (GDS) is part of the Cabinet Office. It helps government work better for everyone by leading digital transformation. GDS helps people interact with government more easily and support government to operate more effectively and efficiently.

You can read more about GDS’ work in the Government Transformation Strategy 2017 to 2020.

About Government Technology Agency

The Government Technology Agency (GovTech) is the lead agency driving Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative and public sector digital transformation. As the Centre of Excellence for Infocomm Technology and Smart Systems (ICT & SS), GovTech develops the Singapore Government’s capabilities in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, Application Development, Sensors & IoT, Digital Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity.

GovTech supports public agencies to manage enterprise IT operations and develop new digital products for citizens and businesses. GovTech is the public sector lead for cybersecurity, and oversees key government ICT infrastructure, as well as regulates ICT procurement, data protection and security in the public sector. GovTech is a Statutory Board under the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group (SNDGG) in the Prime Minister’s Office.

For more information, please visit . Follow GovTech on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram @GovTechSG.

About the SG-UK Partnership for the Future

In January 2019, the UK’s Foreign Secretary the Rt. Hon. Jeremy Hunt and Singapore’s Dr Vivian Balakrishnan launched the SG-UK Partnership for the Future. 2019 is a significant year for both Singapore and the United Kingdom. It marks both the Bicentennial of the founding of modern Singapore and the beginning of a new era for the UK. The SG-UK Partnership for the Future builds on our historical links by celebrating all that our nations are already achieving together and looks to the future by launching new collaboration initiatives.

The relationship between Singapore and the United Kingdom is as broad as it is deep. From government to government, business to business, academic to academic, person to person - it reaches every level through the four areas that the Partnership for the Future focuses on:

• Digital economy

• Sustainable business and innovation

• Security and defence

• Education, culture and youth

For media enquiries, please contact:

Joycelyn CHAN (Ms)
Communications & Marketing Group
Government Technology Agency of Singapore
Tel: +65 6211 1151
Email: joycelyn_chan@tech.gov.sg

Amelia AUSTIN (Ms)
British High Commission Singapore
Tel: +65 6424 4275
Email: amelia.austin@fco.gov.uk