S'pore's goal is to have technologically strong govt, not just strong tech agency: Lawrence Wong at GovTech's 10th anniversary
Technology cannot be an afterthought in policy making.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong addressed GovTech's 10th anniversary dinner, emphasizing the agency's role in Singapore's digital transformation. Wong highlighted the need to extend GovTech's expertise across the public service, stating the goal is not merely to maintain a strong tech agency but to cultivate a technologically robust government.
He acknowledged the challenges faced during a recent restructuring exercise, assuring the continuation of support for affected officers as they acquire new skills and explore opportunities within or outside GovTech.
Wong stressed the importance of integrating technology into policymaking, encouraging GovTech officers to actively participate in solving public policy problems. He urged them to not just implement policy directives but to challenge assumptions and offer alternative solutions, recognizing that sometimes simpler policies might be more effective than technologically advanced ones.
Wong also emphasized the necessity for policymakers to grasp the capabilities and limitations of technology, stressing that the objective is to develop the ability to ask pertinent questions, comprehend possibilities and constraints, and recognize how technology can contribute to better policy choices.
Written by urgent.news from Mothership's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
