Most popular stories, January 2025

By Si Ying Thian

Jan 31, 2025

This month’s top reads at GovInsider spotlighted some key (and some may say, disruptive) trends in public sector innovation – from DOGE absorbing US’ longstanding govtech agency, to libraries trying to rid of the “boring” label.

Most popular stories, January 2025. Image: Canva

Starting 2025 with a bang!

1. US DOGE: Can spending cuts and software modernisation go together?

*President Trump’s executive order focuses on government technology modernisation, among other areas. Click image to access article >>>*

US' Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will no longer be just an advisory body. Instead, it will absorb the existing United States Digital Service. According to the White House announcement, the service would now be renamed the United States DOGE Service (USDS).

2. What’s next for digital government?

The aftermath of 2024, dubbed the year of elections, will see major changes in digital government directions, but we are likely to see continued momentum for digital public infrastructure (DPI) and artificial intelligence (AI). Click image to access article >>>

To avoid public pushback and win over sceptics, governments will have to bear in mind not to lose sight of key principles such as user-centricity, sustainability, interoperability, cyber security and data protection.

3. Digital IDs anarchy?

*Decentralising national digital IDs may be the key to tackling the rise in identity theft and fraud cases. Click image to access article >>>*

Right here in Asia, the small Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan rolled out the world’s first decentralised, self-sovereign digital ID, and is looking to export its model to other countries including Papua New Guinea and Rwanda.

4. Who said libraries are boring?

From mobile libraries in Indonesia to environmentally conscious libraries in China, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions’ Chair of the Regional Division Committee for Asia-Oceania, Soh Lin Li, shares how Asia is leaving its mark on library innovation. Click image to access article >>>

Today, Asian libraries have excelled at driving innovation when it comes to digital transformation, sustainability, and the provision of novel community-centric services, says International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)’s Lin Li Soh.

5. Data governance to unlock effective citizen service delivery

*Robust data governance solutions enable the public sector to strengthen security, ensure regulatory compliance and improve efficiency in citizen service delivery. Click image to access article >>>*

As Singapore continues its journey towards a more intelligent and resilient nation, data governance and compliance will remain critical priorities.