Let’s Change The World

By Joshua Chambers

Our mission as we head into 2017.

Governments must do more than ever to improve their services. As Singapore’s GCIO recently noted: “Digital disruption is shaking up lives.” And with Moore’s Law doubling computing power every few years, how can governments keep up?

Governments must better include their citizens, ensuring that they aren’t left behind by massive social and economic change. Agencies must adapt to changing demographics, supporting ageing populations. Officials must present innovative solutions to the problems caused by globalisation.

We will help with all of this and more. Over the course of 2017, GovInsider will focus on 7 workstreams to make governments the best they can be.

1. Let’s Make Finance Great Again


Procurement. The word is like a dull, dusty door that opens onto a hidden palace. Everything in modern government comes down to it, from apps to weapons systems.

But government officials can assume this vital task belongs just to the finance function. All officials must get this right: saving millions, buying the best systems, designing the best services.

In 2017, GI will make finance accessible to everyone. Working with Finance Ministries across Asia, we’ll share cutting-edge thinking - from agile procurement to innovative tendering. We will run a Massive Open Online Course to build new talent streams. And through our flagship global summit, we’ll open that dusty doorway, displaying the gems inside.

2. Safer Cities


You don’t need me to tell you that the world is increasingly dangerous. But this vital discussion has, in recent years, been dominated by CCTV and hardware debates.

How can cities combine this infrastructure with their data reserves, completely changing their intelligence landscape? How can agencies use technology to its best advantage, and learn from others across the world? Every city wants to make its people safer - we will be running a regional roadshow to help with this challenge.

GI is also interested in rehabilitation. How can prison systems be more effective? This is notably important as the potential workforce shrinks. No talent should be wasted in the next decades - our coverage of this topic will deepen through our fellowship programme with Yale-NUS College.

3. Transforming Cyber Security


Cyber security is just starting to shift from a tech topic to a business priority. Finally, we’re seeing engagement from senior policy makers and politicians.

This year, one particular focus will be the energy and utilities sector - partnering with Asian Utility Week. These vital infrastructure providers have yet to see the importance of cyber, and are leaving big decisions solely to their CIOs. As a recent Boston Consulting Group report noted, the industry is behind on digital transformation. That will start to change this year, and we’ll provide support for the journey to come.

4. Ageing Demographics


We have been working with Ministries in developing countries in South East Asia on this topic, looking at how they provide cost-effective ways to manage societal changes. Not every country can afford hospital robots or smart public housing. What else can they do to improve their services? We will bring leading global figures together at our flagship summit, Innovation Labs World, to discuss this further.

5. Inclusive Government


If there is one thing we can learn from the rise of populism, it’s that segments of our community feel left behind. Governments must alter how they serve parts of society. Partly, this can be done by changing the face of government agencies. For example, our Women in GovTech drive will deepen, looking to head offline as well.

But government communications have never been more important. No longer is a press release and a newspaper article enough. Good content surprises; considers all angles; and creates a conversation. We’re here to help agencies that want to engage their users.

6. Smart Learning


I love this topic. It’s fantastic that many schools and universities are using tech to deliver a better quality education. We are running a dedicated Smart Learning Summit in the first part of the year, with a particular focus on Data, and will continue to work with universities and polytechnics across Asia Pacific throughout 2017.

7. Future Skills


Often, this debate is centered around how to work with those pesky millennials. But there is much more to discuss. For instance, what does a future public service look like? How do people give back as they age? How does government operate in a world where careers are not for life?

We will look to build relevant skills through our site and our events. We will explore whether we can run dedicated workshops with leading global figures. And we will always keep you informed of the most relevant changes in global government.

We hope that you’ll join our movement to effect change. There is much you can do to support our mission.

Please subscribe to our newsletter, share our stories, suggest new features, attend our events, and - if you’re in the private sector - join forces.

We created GovInsider to make a difference in the world. Throughout 2016, we tried to show what is possible - reaching 600,000 readers; building a global community across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania; and creating a summit for Prime Ministers’ Offices worldwide.

But there is much more to be done. To paraphrase Oscar Wilde: Going into 2017, citizens’ needs are very simple: only the best will do.

Email joshua@govinsider.asia to find out more.