GI reflects: Birthday edition #GovInsiderTurns10

As GovInsider turns 10 our mission remains the same.

Ten years is considered a long time for a start-up business. For GovInsider, however, the time has absolutely flown since launch.  

The original mission was simple: create a community by a group of passionate journalists, marketers and technologists to inspire public sector individuals who were leading on technology-based projects throughout the Asian region.  

This mission remains the same today. While we experimented with new products and business models, one thing has remained consistent: that the team remains purpose-driven, passionate, resourceful, committed to the community, and wholly customer focused.  

I am deeply proud of the team, both past and present, and look forward to seeing their continued success. I thank the community and all our partners for helping our growth and we look forward to continuing to serve you in the future years to come. 

- Richard Ireland, CEO, Clarion Events Asia

Aggregating stories from governments across the world 

As GovInsider celebrates its 10th anniversary, I’m proud to have been a part of its growth.

I am always inspired by its mission to better the lives of citizens by encouraging transformation and fostering innovation amongst public officers who in their day-to-day work impact the lives of citizens.   

With our digital publication and in-country conferences, we are able to aggregrate not only stories from governments across the world as well as share learnings from private sector use cases, giving us a public sector innovation playbook of sorts!  

I am thankful to public officers who have gamely opened up to us, sharing their challenges and projects so that others can learn from them.  

We have grown our reach significantly in the past few years and my wish for GovInsider is to continue widening its impact across more sectors and geographies so that citizen services get even better! Happy 10th birthday and have a great decade ahead!   

- Tyler Lim, Director, GovInsider 

Happy tears 

I burst into tears. I was in the office on the Saturday evening after we launched GovInsider in 2015 and simply couldn’t believe it.  

The [then] Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, had just shared one of our first stories on Twitter and Facebook.  

Our IT guy called in a panic asking us to upgrade our cloud hosting. The numbers were going mad. Waves of relief and joy washed over me. 

GovInsider was an instant success that was long in the making and supported by a huge cast.  

It met a demand for stories of government innovation across Asia Pacific: this incredible region was increasingly respected and copied for its public administration successes. 

GovInsider provided those stories to a hungry world. 

Many memories followed, from our summit at the UN HQ to the scholarship schemes and partnerships we developed.  

But, for me, what lingers is a sense of pride around the people who worked for GI and the ‘GovInsider Spirit’ that we developed. 

I was so fortunate to work with people who were so kind, hardworking and innovative. I am proud to see where they have gone, and hope that Spirit persists under Amit’s editorial supervision.  

I am glad that GI has made it to 10 years old and am grateful to those who take its work forward.  

Happy Birthday, GovInsider! 

- Joshua Chambers, GI's founder, June 2015 - March 2021

Community, evolve, impact 

Three words came to my mind that summarises my 4-year stint with GovInsider from 2021-2025 as its Director.  

Community. Evolve. Impact.  

GovInsider serves a community of like-minded individuals who work on public sector innovation and drive transformation within the public sector and the way the public sector engages and serve citizens or businesses.  

Across continents and Southeast Asia, I have met many passionate, selfless and resilient individuals who serve with zeal and focus to surmount barriers to change and improve citizens lives and outcomes. They inspire all of us.    

The world we live in evolves at an increasing pace and never before have I been in a company where we constantly innovate and evolve the way we serve our community to drive sharing, learning, conversations and networking outcomes.  

GovInsider has been constantly evolving our products and ways we serve the community. This can be our conference fishbowl engagement sessions, roundtables, special reports, content topics, formats and our Awards programme.  

It is most fulfilling to me that GovInsider continues to achieve its higher purpose and serving great number of countries in the region.   

GovInsider has created a great impact to society when we hear our community share with us the projects and initiatives that had been launched to serve citizens due to a GovInsider article or an introduction meeting we had done at our events.  

A final word. Proud.   

I am proud to have been a part of the team, and I am proud of the impact GovInsider has had in the community we serve.  

Happy 10th Anniversary GovInsider!  

- Adrian Sng, former GI Director, 2021 - 2025 

Having a ringside view of public sector innovation 

The years I spent at GovInsider were heartening ones.  

I had the privilege of seeing up close the innovation taking place, and beyond that, the care in which the public servants take in serving citizens.  

While many consider the public sector slow to innovate, I believe that the more apt descriptor would be the term "careful".  

They are cautious not necessarily out of fear; instead, its oftentimes because there was a need to thoughtfully approach each and every innovation to ensure the services would be inclusive, accessible and approachable.  

 My interactions with the healthcare sector were particularly memorable. 

For a primarily human-centric industry, it was inspiring seeing the innovation that is taking place - from robot waiters delivering food to wards to reduce the workload of nurses, to assistive robot technologies to enhance physical therapy.  

With tech's rapid rate of development, it is my hope that while the public service continues to innovate, we will continue to see the human-centred design and approach remain top priority.  

- Liew Ming En, Reporter, 2021 – 2023

A new norm

When I joined GovInsider the world was still in the middle of its response to Covid-19.

It was immediately clear how crucial public sector innovation was in maintaining our health and way of life. I got the opportunity to share the insights of those on the cutting-edge of this innovation, as they helped create a new norm for us all. 
 
While the world has changed, I’m delighted to see that GovInsider’s mission has stayed the same. Its continued coverage of forward-thinking organisations enables the public sector to share best practices and deliver improved citizen services.  
 
I’m extremely grateful to the GovInsider team for their support, patience, and wisdom as I grew into my role as a Reporter. I’d like to wish GovInsider a very special 10th Birthday! Here’s to many more years to come!  

- Sean Nolan, Reporter, 2021 - 2022 

A tale of civil servant rebels 

One story, one event at a time, I am driven by the mission to debunk the myth that the public sector comes in the way of innovation. 

Considering the bureaucracy, departmental silos and legacy systems, I can imagine innovating within the government to be a lone endeavour and oftentimes fragmented. 

We know that these issues are not limited to the public sector, but what intrigues me the most speaking to civil servants is the underlying motivation that drives individuals, departments/agencies, or even entire nations, to break down these barriers, collaborate and innovate for public good.  

One of the privileges of reporting about public sector innovation is also the impact story behind every civil servant’s sharing. I am most intrigued to understand how they work creatively within bureaucracies to drive change beyond checking boxes. 

Here are some memorable – and perhaps rebellious quotes – from the civil servants we have interviewed or invited to our events:  

1. On starting small to show results, then scaling fast: “As a zookeeper, you need to feed the bear. If you don’t feed the bear, they’ll maul you.” 
    

2. “I think it pays to have that flip side of innovation: To be slow, receptive to changes, and be a little more cautious, rather than go full steam.” 
    

3. “If it’s a genuine transformation, you’re not talking a faster caterpillar, but a butterfly. And a butterfly is being grown right now inside the public sector.”  

- Si Ying Thian, Senior Reporter 

Speaks to a higher calling 

GovInsider is unlike any other company I’ve worked in. We have a constant touchpoint with our community, hearing their stories and writing about their wins on a daily basis.

This allows us to craft content for our events that truly connects and informs.  

Working with the public sector means the content for our conferences and panel sessions often speaks to a higher calling – the health of a population, improving working conditions for government workers, mitigating the mental health aspects of increased AI usage in the workforce.  

One of the blessings of conference work is that you are constantly learning new things, and GovInsider’s objectives, topics and community are the perfect example of that. 

- Idris Jonathan Cheetham, Head of Conferences 

What I hear when I’m being yelled at is people caring loudly at me. 

For most of my life, my perception of most things government has been shaped by three main experiences: casual reading of the news, periodic passport renewal trips to the local immigration office, and Parks and Recreation. 

Over seven seasons and 125 episodes, the hit US sitcom from 2009 followed the fictional Parks & Recreation Department in the town of Pawnee, Indiana, as its employees navigated the ins and outs of everyday life as municipal government employees in their small hometown. 

The ensemble cast included characters like Ron Swanson (played by Nick Offerman), the deadpan director of the department whose sole purpose was to impede the democratic process of city council due to his libertarian beliefs; Tom Haverford (played by Aziz Ansari), the unmotivated yet witty comic relief employee, keen to break free from his desk for grander visions of entrepreneurship; and April Ludgate (played by Audrey Plaza), the apathetic college intern passing the first-chapters of her career in blase boredom. 

In my short stint thus far with GovInsider as a reporter, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and speak with the actual characters that the TV series was portraying (albeit for comedic purposes) including a Chief Human Resources Officer, who flipped the script interviewing me almost as much as I was interviewing her as we spoke about career development; an Assistant Secretary General from the UN on his calling to public service; and policy researchers laying a bedrock of scientific literature on empathic policy design. 

Reflecting on these moments, one scene from the show’s pilot episode stood out featuring Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) - arguably the heart and soul of the series - the optimistic and infectious Deputy Director of Pawnee’s Parks & Recreation Department whose drive to become first female President of the United States is matched only by her fervent belief that government should serve the people (and her love for dessert foods).

- James Yau, Reporter 

From adjustment to excitement 

I joined GovInsider two years ago, and let’s just say, adjusting to the culture wasn’t easy.

But thanks to a great team, I managed to blend in and now I actually look forward to going to the office! Coming from the private sector, diving into the public sector felt like stepping into a whole new universe. It took me a while to crack the code on what resonates with this audience.  

But, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that understanding your audience is everything, otherwise, you’re just talking to yourself!  

Life at GI is always busy, sometimes in the best way, and sometimes not.  

Each event feels like a new adventure, a mix of stress, excitement and the occasional “why do I do this to myself” moment. Still, it keeps things fresh, and I’m genuine excited to create even more interesting and timely events for the public sector.  

And of course, working with sponsors has been its own crash course in character management. I've learned how to handle all kinds of personalities, which I guess means I‘m now qualified to moonlight as a part-time diplomat.  

- Marion Paul, Senior Conference Producer

Adrenaline-pumping fun! 

In my short time with GovInsider, the journey has certainly been both challenging and rewarding - many a times anxiety-inducing and stressful, but equally fun and insightful. Being exposed to different roles, formats, and content across various events has given me deeper insights into the public sector and how it continues to evolve. 

Working with sponsors during my tenure here has also sharpened my skills, pushed me to improve in my role, and strengthened my ability to manage stress. The fast pace and numerous events that GovInsider delivers are no small feat, but with the right team and supportive sponsors, we always pull through. 

Here’s to many more events ahead! 

- Ryan Ang, Campaigns Manager

Does public sector innovation really exist?  

That was the question that came to my mind when I first joined GovInsider. 

As the only editorial member from Indonesia, tasked with writing stories of public sector innovation in the country, it took me quite some time to find the answer. 

At the time, my perspective – also shared by many Indonesians – was that the bureaucracy could hardly serve as an enabler of public sector innovation, given its rigid, fragmented nature and its entanglement with regulations that were rarely updated. 

But after many discussions with public sector professionals, that perspective quickly shifted: I discovered that there were, in fact, many innovations already taking place. 

I also updated my own understanding that innovation is not always about digitalisation and advanced technologies, but rather about changes in mindset and ways of working in delivering services. 

I delved into the challenges they face and how they work to find solutions; from policymaking, business (and political) processes, to implementation.   

What’s interesting is that they learn from the best practices of other organisations (and other countries) and are also willing to share their insights, with GovInsider serving as one of the platforms. It is truly rewarding to know that GovInsider has become part of their transformative journey.  

- Mochamad Azhar, Senior Reporter

We win championships, one event at a time! 

Having been with GovInsider for over three years, I’ve come to deeply value and truly love my team.

One of the greatest joys, and yes, one of the biggest challenges as well, has been engaging with delegates from the public sector about our events. In the early days, when hardly anyone had heard of us, those conversations weren’t easy.  

Fast forward to today, with our brand firmly established, it has been a real pleasure nurturing those connections. When most of our delegates not only recognise but also remember GovInsider, that’s when you know you’re doing something right. 

As Michael Jordan once said, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” At GovInsider, I believe we’re that kind of team. Winning championships, one public sector event at a time. 

Happy 10th Anniversary, GovInsider!  

Here’s to the next decade of growth, impact, and collaboration.  

 - Sheila Dorarajoo, Head of Customer Experience

A love affair that keeps getting stronger! 

Being a mainstream newspaper journalist covering technology, economics, business and policy, I was quite intrigued when GovInsider’s editorial team, in 2018, asked me to occasionally contribute think pieces to what then fledgling publication catering to only public sector news. 

What began as an experiment in sharing my thoughts and opinions (some of them quite strong!) during a hiatus from full time work, gradually became a love affair.  

What struck me was that, despite its start-up status and small size, it was not afraid to express opinions, punching above its weight in a very status quoist media industry. 

This earned my respect. 

During the pandemic the publication doubled down on digital, being in many ways a trailblazer in successfully organising webinars and online forums in Singapore. I was pulled in for moderation and outreach work, something which I thoroughly enjoyed, and which resulted in the development of wonderful contacts in the public sector. 

Just as the pandemic fears started to wind down, there was a flurry of new media activity in Singapore and, in 2022, I was roped in to set up a new publication to cater to the Asia Pacific region.  

My regular columns for GovInsider stopped but I did not lose touch. 

Then last year after I finished my contract, I reached out again, and this time joined full time.  

Since then, it has been one of the best periods of my journalism career.  

It is a great place to work at; there is mutual respect among colleagues and, more importantly, folks here are not afraid to speak their mind – something that is essential if a media organisation wishes to succeed.  

I am a firm believer that it is only through dialogue (and some shouting matches!) that we can get to the best possible outcome in a business such as ours. 

Looking forward, I am convinced that GovInsider is destined for great things.  

Happy 10th Birthday! 

- Amit Roy Choudhury, Contributing Editor

GovInsider is officially 10 years old!!! 🎂💜 

Two years ago, I joined the team straight out of university and honestly had no idea what to expect. It was my very first job and everything felt new, from figuring out event planning to seeing how closely we work with the public sector. 

What’s made this journey so rewarding is watching our ideas grow from rough concepts in brainstorm sessions to real experiences that bring people together. Seeing delegates connect, share insights and walk away inspired is such a great feeling. 

I’ve realised our work is not just about putting on conferences. It is about creating spaces where big conversations happen, whether that is improving healthcare, rethinking the future of AI in government or shaping better services for citizens. 

Here’s to a decade of GovInsider and many more years of turning big ideas into moments that matter! 💜 

#GovInsiderTurns10 

- Serene Lim, Marketing Manager

Writing the articles that I would want to read 

Someone once asked me what I think about when writing articles.   

I always start with the mindset of a citizen in a normal day - maybe commuting to work in public transport, or waiting in the queue for their morning coffee - and I wonder: What would they like to read?

In some ways, seeing my stories from that angle is easy, because I am that citizen as well. 

I just happen to be the one whom leaders share their aims and aspirations with.  

And I just happen to be the one who writes about how technology, curiosity, experimentation, and innovation are helping public officers to deliver better services day to day.  

Before I joined GovInsider, I was already reading some of these stories, curious to see how such a fast-paced, economically driven, and digitally mature country has been providing public services so efficiently, so seamlessly.  

I learned not just professionally, but personally in my time at GovInsider, first as an intern in the editorial team, and now as a Reporter. 

There is always something new happening, there is always work to do, but there is always that certainty that you are not alone.  

It’s thanks to a team that is committed to turning ideas into reality that I continue to be curious today – excited to see what next great project we can drive to success, inspired to share with more people the great work that takes place in the public sector every day. 

- Sol Gonzalez, Reporter 

In every connection, a new possibility 

You know that scene in dramas, where two people can be in the very same place, at the very same time, and yet still miss each other. One steps out as the other steps in, completely missing each other. Or the scene where eye contact is made, they smile, but words were never spoken. 

It is a reminder that timing shapes connections as much as intent. 

In my time and capacity in GovInsider, I have been given the privilege of creating a platform to make these connections, start conversations, and create an incubator for change.

It is truly heartening to see our community’s hunger and ownership for innovation and change, and inspirational to hear new and exciting ideas and stories from our industry partners. I’m just glad to contribute in my own little way, one handshake at a time. 

Happy 10th Birthday to GovInsider. I’m proud to be part of a team that works relentlessly to create this area of possibilities. 

- Jeric Wong, Partnerships Manager

Learning the power of impactful dialogue 

As GovInsider celebrates its 10th anniversary, I find myself reflecting on my own journey, spanning over four years, nearly half of GI’s history. 

I joined straight after Covid-19, when physical events were returning.  

The world was still adjusting to hybrid work, yet the appetite for in-person collaboration was strong. Since then, I’ve seen colleagues come and go, but the collaborative spirit of the team and our shared mission to showcase public sector innovation have remained constant. 

Over the past four years, I’ve had privilege to shape and grow GovInsider’s flagship events like the Festival of Innovation, and I have witnessed our community expand across Singapore, ASEAN, and beyond.  

Seeing these events come to life after months of planning, moving from the drawing board to rooms filled with leaders and innovators has been a powerful reminder of the impact meaningful dialogue can create. 

Collaborating with public sector agencies and technology partners has allowed me to see firsthand how innovation can transform services from citizen experiences to healthcare and education. Over these years, GovInsider has been a place of growth, teamwork, and purpose. 

I’m grateful to have been part of nearly half of this journey. 

- Samantha Lim, Senior Marketing Manager