Dr Suhazimah Dzazali, GCIO, MAMPU, Malaysia
By Marlis Herni Afridah
Women in GovTech Special Report 2017
MAMPU’s is the central agency for the modernization and transformation of Public Service Administration, and carries out the major roles as the leader in developing ICT for the public service sector. My roles as Malaysian Government Chief Information Officer (GCIO) in MAMPU are to act as a change agent; strengthen ICT policy, standards and practice; encourage ICT acculturation in the Public Sector; and to innovate in electronic government applications, infrastructure and ICT security.
How do you use technology to improve citizens' lives?
MAMPU used tech in various areas to improve citizen lives. The advent of cloud computing, Internet and web services together with mobile technologies has enabled MAMPU to provide key public service deliveries through multiple channels from a single gateway (www.malaysia.gov.my). Big data analytics has also been leveraged to provide better insights on which area of public service deliveries can be further improved from the citizen’s perspective. Data analytics has gained traction with top stakeholders as a mean to gain insights towards better decision making and policy formulation to improve citizen’s lives.
What has been the most exciting thing that you worked on in 2017?
Firstly, I was privileged to be part of the team that develop the plan for consolidation and optimisation of ICT services for the whole Federal Government Public Sector mainly through centralising all ICT personnel under MAMPU. Secondly the development of the Government Service Delivery Digitalisation Plan. The Government Service Delivery Digitalization Plan.
It covers six strategic thrusts mainly:
a) Implementing an integrated, inclusive and secure Digital Service;
b) Data Driven Digital Service Delivery;
c) Whole of Government Rebranding, Publicity and Promotion of Digital Service;
d) Strengthening of Governance and Legislation;
e) Strengthening Capability and Capacity; and
f) Optimising Key Digital Service Delivery System.
If you were to share one piece of advice that you learned in 2017, what would it be?
I guess one advise I would like to give myself and others facing the wave of the so called 4th Industrial Revolution is the never lose sight of the fact that technology should be leveraged for the good of humankind.
What was the greatest challenge that you overcame in 2017?
The major challenges for the government are in understanding citizens’ changing needs. Typical government institutions are very likely to do the thinking on-behalf of the citizens, yet aligning it with their static vision, missions and client charters. As a result, what is being delivered, is not what is expected by the citizens. Hence, investments made will not be bringing value for money.
The advent of new technologies like Cloud Computing, Big Data, 3D Printing, cognitive computing and Internet of Things has challenged us to rethink our approach on digital transformation. This transformation is taking place with such rapidity that the increasingly fantastic ideas promoted from these new technologies and trends are plausible, if not a reality already.
What book did you read in 2017 that most interested or inspired you?
One book that I find interesting and inspiring is titled Digital Vortex: How Today’s Market Leaders Can Beat Disruptive Competitors at Their Own Game. Authored by Jeff Loucks, James Macaulay, Andy Norohna and Michael Wade. The content resonates with what my organisation need to be aware of.
Who inspired you in 2017, and why?
As always, I am inspired by the teaching of Prophet Muhamad (Peace be Upon Him). His visionary and humble leadership as well as many exemplary conducts continued to inspire and guide me in my personal and professional life.