Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
In late 2016, GovTech embarked on a pioneering journey with the inception of Tech Kaki, a vibrant citizen community designed to foster collaboration and gather invaluable user feedback to enhance government digital products and services.
From the inception of LifeSG to the evolution of Singpass and beyond, Tech Kaki has served as a cornerstone in revolutionising the way citizens actively participate in shaping the nation’s digital landscape. This initiative underscores GovTech’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and citizen-centricity in Singapore’s digital transformation journey.
Since its inception, Tech Kaki has burgeoned into a dynamic community comprising over 6,000 members from all walks of life, representing a rich tapestry of backgrounds, ages, professions, and interests. Through various engagement channels, including surveys, focus group discussions, and usability testing sessions, members of Tech Kaki have been empowered to contribute their perspectives, insights, and expertise, thereby playing an instrumental role in co-creating digital solutions that cater to the diverse needs of Singapore’s populace.
Tech Kaki members collectively drive progress, showcasing the power of community-driven initiatives in fostering innovation. One member’s journey from usability testing to active contribution reflects the profound impact of citizen engagement in shaping Singapore’s digital transformation.
Through Tech Kaki, citizens are not mere recipients of digital services but active participants in their co-creation, ensuring that government solutions are not only user-friendly but also resonate deeply with the diverse needs and preferences of the community. From simplifying access to essential services for seniors to enhancing digital literacy across generations, Tech Kaki embodies the spirit of inclusivity and collaboration that lies at the heart of GovTech’s mission.
In Singapore’s digital evolution, GovTech’s initiatives have emerged as an embodiment of citizen engagement, facilitating collaboration and gathering invaluable feedback to enhance government digital products and services. OpenGov Asia reported that, in response to the evolving digital landscape, GoWhere, a prominent platform with gowhere.gov.sg as its distinct URL, emerged as a crucial tool for disseminating essential information and services, particularly amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Serving as a key source of reliable information, GoWhere facilitated crucial tasks such as locating vaccination centres and accessing ART test kits during the pandemic. Beyond crisis management, GoWhere’s initiatives extend to various aspects of Singaporean life, including supporting heartland merchants through the CDC Vouchers scheme, promoting healthy lifestyles with Healthier SG initiatives, and enhancing community resilience with Exercise SG Ready programmes. To streamline operations and further enhance its utility, GoWhere introduced the DIYGoWhere initiative, empowering stakeholders to autonomously manage campaigns, services and information, ensuring accessibility and awareness among citizens.
Singapore is actively fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by engaging all segments of society, nurturing startups, and encouraging a culture of creativity and collaboration. Singapore’s burgeoning tech and innovation landscape is driven by proactive government initiatives, such as the Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) 2025 plan, which allocates substantial funding to support R&D across sectors. The Smart Nation initiative further underscores Singapore’s commitment to leveraging technology for citizen welfare and economic growth, while its thriving startup ecosystem benefits from robust support networks and access to funding.
As Singapore continues to forge ahead on its digital transformation journey, initiatives like Tech Kaki serve as examples of inspiration, fostering a culture of innovation, empowerment, and community-centricity. By breaking down barriers and amplifying citizen voices, GovTech is not only shaping the future of technology in Singapore but also nurturing a more connected, resilient, and inclusive society for generations to come.
With its innovative approach and commitment to public service, GovTech epitomises the convergence of technology and governance, promising to unlock new possibilities and empower agencies and businesses to better serve Singaporeans’ needs in the future.