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Central Government, Local Government, Technology

Politicians ponder what’s next at FutureGov Forum

By Robin Hicks | 26 January 2010

Elected politicians from Hong Kong and Singapore shared their perspectives on the future of governance and public service delivery at the FutureGov Forum in Singapore today (Tuesday 26, 2010). Zaqy Mohamad, Member of Parliament & Chairman for the Government Parliamentary Committee for Singapore’s Ministry of Information Communication and the Arts, told delegates that while his country has always done well in e-government rankings, there was work to do to connect with citizens through new channels.

“Where we struggle is in reaching citizens on platforms not owned by government. Almost half of our population (44 per cent) is on Facebook. Think about that,” he said. “Like most governments in Asia, we are used to controlling the mainstream media. We have to get used to the idea that government no longer has the final say.”

E-governance is no longer just about applications, technology and faster delivery of services, he added. “It’s about how fast you respond. We have reached an inflection point and need to ask ourselves: where next for e-government. Where does e-government start, and where does it stop?

This calls for a redefinition of the role of the government chief information officer, Mohamad noted. “The GCIOs job is no longer just about driving efficiencies in government. The role is now more about driving innovation. It’s time to ask HR for a pay-rise, because there’s a lot of work to do.”

Dr Samson Tam, Legislative Councillor – Information Technology Functional Constituency, Government of Hong Kong, agreed that the way government is able to influence citizens is changing in the context of the internet.

“How government can connect with citizens on the web, and respond to what citizens are telling it, will determine the future of governance,” said Dr Tam. “The web gives government officials the chance to debate and clearly engage with citizens and explain policy. It is critical that government uses this opportunity to express its ideas and find some good stories to tell.”

Dr Tam added that government needed to find a way to listen to all citizens, not just the most vocal netizens. “Government needs to think carefully about how it moves into social media and how it can manage a more educated, tech-savvy society.”

“We think that whoever can use the internet most effectively will wield more power in the political arena and win the most votes,” he added. “That will be a big trend for the future.”

Learn more about FutureGov Forum Singapore 2010

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