Singapore launching Government Technology Organisation

Singapore is launching a new agency to oversee all aspects of government technology and digital public services.

The new Government Technology Organisation (GTO) will help implement the country’s Smart Nation initiative, working with agencies to use robotics, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and Big Data in public services.

"It will focus on providing a citizen-centric user experience and encourage the participation of citizens in the co-creation of public digital services," said Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim today. GTO will be headed by Jacqueline Poh, currently Managing Director of the Infocomm Development Authority(IDA).

The IDA's Government Chief Information Office, headed by Chan Cheow Hoe, will move to GTO. The agency will also take over responsibility for the Government Digital Services unit. The IDA's remaining functions are merging with the Media Development Authority of Singapore to create a new Info-Communications Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA).

This agency will be responsible for promoting and regulating ICT and media businesses. It will also take over responsibility for personal data protection. Steve Leonard, Executive Deputy Chairman of IDA, will move to IMDA as Deputy Chairman.

The agency will be headed by Gabriel Lim, currently CEO of the Media Development Authority. IDA will split into the two agencies on 1 April 2016. They will be formally established in the second half of the year following changes to legislation.

Read also: Interview with Jacqueline Poh, Managing Director, IDA.