Citizen Engagement and Co Creation

GovTech harnesses the power of collaboration to drive innovation

Co-creating tech solutions with citizens

At GovTech, we engage with the public as much as we can because we believe that it helps us identify the needs of citizens accurately and effectively enhance government products and services.

We do this through communities like Tech Kaki, which brings together tech enthusiasts who provide user insights that feed into the development of GovTech's products and services.

For instance, the LifeSG app was enhanced in 2020 based on citizen feedback to include personalised services such as those for job hunting, tax management and CPF matters. It was also updated to include benefits for citizens in the form of SkillFuture credits, SingaporeRediscover Vouchers and MINDEF Celebratory Gifts for NSmen.

In addition, an improved user navigation and a citizen profile were added to enhance the user experience. Previously, the app was centred on services for parents and seniors.

How co-creation is catalysing innovations

In times of rapid advancement, public-private collaborations are great initiatives to encourage new ideas and more innovative government offerings.

To facilitate knowledge sharing and exchanges, governments and private companies can share open-source technologies to generate awareness and drive the adoption of products and services domestically and internationally.

Open channels of engagement are also important sources of citizen and industry feedback that governments can use to garner insights and improve solutions.

Open-source tech

Singapore government agencies’ open-source technologies, such as those relating to our National Digital Identity, Infrastructure-as-code and OpenAttestation framework, are accessible to all developers on GitHub and product websites, as well as on the Singapore Government Developer Portal.

For example, Canada has adopted OpenCerts, a platform/product built by GovTech using blockchain technology that allows Singapore’s digital education and training institutions to issue digital certificates to students upon the completion of their course of study.

Learn more about Open Source Technologies.