Heute 535

Gestern 897

Insgesamt 39397191

Freitag, 29.03.2024
eGovernment Forschung seit 2001 | eGovernment Research since 2001

In response to the Prime Minister’s 2018 National Day Rally, Singaporeans can share their thoughts using a mix of feedback channels. The digital avenue is the newest addition available for citizen engagement.

There are two parts to a digital revolution: First, the necessary technological infrastructure and programs. The second, a population which embraces a digital economy. The first is easy enough to obtain with sufficient financial backing. The latter however, requires encouraging public communications and a mind shift.

Although the e-government trend is catching on globally, more can be done in terms of inclusion. E-government provides a unique opportunity for citizens to participate and collaborate with political leaders. Inclusion in government affirms citizens of their indispensable stake in a country’s nation-building narrative.

REACHing Out

Backed by a well-developed digital infrastructure and complemented with a mobile-savvy population, the Singapore government is able to harness the benefits accrued to e-government. In a bid to promote social inclusion, the government launched REACH (reaching everyone for active citizenry @ home).

Launched in October 2006, REACH is a public feedback platform. REACH collects public feedback using technology currently available in the market. The platform not only collects public feedback, but also stirs citizen engagement and seeks meaningful public connections. The microsites encourage citizens to discuss hot button issues, vote on an e-poll, and even receive written replies from government officials themselves. Topics which have been discussed include transport subsidies for low-income individuals and the desirability of cashless payments in Singapore.

Chatterbots

In light of the upcoming National Day Rally speech by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 19 August 2018, REACH is updating its method of public engagement. According to the media release, citizens will be able to use interactive chatbots on REACH’s Facebook page and website. The chatbot is dubbed the “virtual Listening Point”. Unlike a discussion thread, the chatbot’s artificial intelligence promises the experience to be an interactive one.

Additionally, members of the public may register to be a part of an instant messaging group. Within the chat, citizens have the opportunity to share their points of view with other participants, as well as engage in meaningful conversations. From a single vantage point, citizens will have a bird’s eye view of the different opinions harboured.

In previous years, REACH engaged radio, on-site booths, a toll-free hotline, SMS, email, and social media sites to stir the discussion. The variety of mediums available grew the level of citizen engagement. ICT platforms provide alternative venues for meaningful conversation. Furthermore, digital media engagement mimics the value of face-to-face engagements with senior government officials. Officials hope that the plurality of engagement methods will encourage more citizens to be actively engaged in Singapore’s affairs and future.

All A Buzz

The annual National Day Rally gives Singaporeans a keen sense of where the government’s priorities lie and its upcoming plans. Unsurprisingly, citizens have their own ideas and feedback on the contents of the speech. However, there might not have been a comfortable or convenient avenue for citizens to share their views in the past.

Over the years however, Singaporeans have become more vocal in issues of government. In response, the government has utilised current state of the art technology to efficiently gauge ground sentiments. Consequently, the government is better able to anticipate and respond to the needs and demands of the public. The result is a citizen-centric government.

These would not have been possible without the current state of information and communications technology, as well as the infrastructural capabilities developed by the government. Singapore ranks among the top ten in the world for providing government services and information through the Internet (Source: 2018 E-Government Development Index).

The national conversation regarding the Prime Minister’s speech will be held between 19 August to 8 September 2018. So, Singapore, get ready to start chatting!

---

Autor(en)/Author(s): Grethel Kho

Quelle/Source: OpenGov Asia, 13.08.2018

Bitte besuchen Sie/Please visit:

Zum Seitenanfang