IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

As part of the Government’s continuing efforts to foster a more pro-enterprise environment in Singapore, the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Finance are working with 18 other government agencies to consolidate more than 250 business licenses on a common portal by the end of 2013.

The new integrated system, which is estimated to cost about SG$30 million (US$23 million), is expected to simplify the whole business of applying, updating, renewing, and terminating licenses. First the new one-stop portal will offer more than three times the number of licences available on the current Online Business Licensing Service (OBLS) today to better serve the needs of businesses.

Weiterlesen: Singapore to launch new business licensing system by 2013

By the middle of 2012, consumers will be able to enjoy the convenience of paying for their purchase at more than 20,000 retail points and taxis by using their Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled mobile phones. In a similar note, businesses will be able to provide interactive and targeted contents to consumers through NFC-enabled digital signages located at more than 600 locations throughout Singapore, as part of the Infocomm Development Authority’s (IDA) Next Generation e-Payment Programme.

NFC allows simplified transactions such as data exchange to be done between two devices that are in close proximity to each other. This technology is a widely used system for making electronic payments.

Weiterlesen: Singapore to launch next-gen e-payment in 2012

Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring technologies are necessary, even in a small country like Singapore, to support an aging population and allow patients with chronic diseases to better manage their health.

By 2030, some 30 percent of Singapore's citizens will be part of the aging population, according to Singapore HealthPartners CIO James Woo, who noted that elderly folks are less mobile and face difficulties making regular trips to the polyclinics to receive health care. Telemedicine or remote patient monitoring systems will enable these patients to have tele-consultation with healthcare specialists, eliminating the need to make a trip to the clinic unless necessary, he said.

Weiterlesen: Telemedicine necessary for Singapore's aging population

Singapore's OneInbox, slated for launch in the second half of 2012, needs to be compelling in terms of the range of government interactions, as well as offer a great user experience for sustained interest. These two factors, according to an analyst, were missing in a similar initiative by its neighbor Malaysia.

Frank Levering, research manager at IDC Asia-Pacific's Government Insights department, said in an e-mail interview that a compelling proposition and an experience that meets or exceeds user expectations are critical in any implementation of a dedicated e-mail for governments to communicate--and transact--with citizens and businesses.

Weiterlesen: SG: Govts must add value to citizen e-mail accounts